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The Winding Stair, Dublin, Co. Dublin

The Winding Stair

4.7 (2575)
€31 to €50
Irish
40 Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin, Co. Dublin D01 R9Y5

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 47 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for fine wines
The Winding Stair Bookshop & Café became a famous Dublin landmark in the 1970s and 1980s. Named after the Yeats poem and in honour of its winding staircase, it is overlooking the river Liffey, with an iconic view of the Ha'penny bridge. As a popular meeting place for writers, musicians and artists, it was a well known hub for debate and creativity with many poems written, novels penned and movies shot within its walls. In 2006, Elaine Murphy brought this much-loved spot back to life as a restaurant, championing seasonal, Irish produce. The bookshop, located on the ground floor, was retained, as were many of the old bookshelves, photos and memories. The room retains its timeless charm with stripped wood tables and floors, and Bentwood café chairs.The view remains as quintessentially Dublin as ever.
The food is good, old-fashioned home cooking, with produce sourced from artisans within the island. Drink sare local and international craft beers & wines from stellar producers.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    €31 to €50
  • Cuisines
    Irish, Seafood, Vegetarian
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Wed–Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Mon, Tue, Sun 5:30 pm–9:00 pm Wed–Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress

What 2,575 people are saying

The Winding Stair reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Dublin

    Irish

  • Dublin 1

    Best Overall

  • Dublin 1

    Best Food

  • Dublin 1

    Best Service

  • Dublin 1

    Best Ambiance

  • Dublin 1

    Best Value

  • Dublin 1

    Good for business meals

  • Dublin 1

    Neighborhood gem

  • Dublin 1

    Great for fine wines

  • Dublin 1

    Good for special occasions

  • Dublin 1

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Winding Stair offers a "wonderful dining experience" with "excellent food" and "friendly service." The restaurant boasts a charming atmosphere with views of the River Liffey. Known for its "innovative menu," it features standout dishes like smoked haddock and pork belly. Ideal for both intimate dinners and group gatherings.
2,575 Reviews
  1. Colleen

    Austin4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent! We had the fish plate, scotch egg, and ox tongue for starters and Haddock and Lamb for dinner. Bread pudding and crème brûlée for dessert. Everything was phenomenal!

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  2. Steven

    Dublin1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food, atmosphere and customer service. Ideal for entertaining clients.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Tari VIP

    Nashville7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We enjoyed dining above the Hapenny Bridge. The food was delicious and the bookish atmosphere added to the experience.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Denese

    Atlanta2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service, attitude and helpfulness of the staff was top-notch and the food was excellent! Highly recommend for a Dublin classic restaurant. Bon apetite!

    Is this helpful?

  5. KRISTI

    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful views, attentive service from Alex, our waiter. We had the Bream fish and the lamb rump. Both delicious and good size portions. Highly recommend.

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  6. Manfred

    New York City1 review

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Nice people, good food, helpful, relaxed, very good

    Is this helpful?

  7. katie

    Atlanta3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We loved our meal and the location was perfect. .

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  8. Nadia

    Dublin2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really Enjoyed our dinner exoerience. Delicious homy food and very friendly service. Thank you so much.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Jo

    Dublin1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A beautiful place. Great Irish food, lovely, relaxed atmosphere and a wonderful view - one of the best anywhere in Dublin.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Sharon

    London5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent meal. I had the smoked haddock and my friend had the pork chop. We were both very happy. Pretty large portions. We loved our server! It is small but we didn’t feel crowded in and were able to talk easily.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Winding Stair is rated 4.7 stars by 2575 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. Ireland, Republic of
  3. Dublin
  4. Dublin 1
  5. North City Centre

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 47 times today
Google Map for The Winding Stair

40 Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin, Co. Dublin D01 R9Y5

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    North City Centre
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Wed–Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Mon, Tue, Sun 5:30 pm–9:00 pm Wed–Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    €31 to €50
  • Cuisines
    Irish, Seafood, Vegetarian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, View, Wine
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