Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Dublin

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Dublin? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Lord Mayor's Lounge at The Shelbourne Hotel

4.8

4.8 (1731)

€51 and over

Afternoon Tea

South City Centre

About the restaurant

Ireland's most iconic drawing room looks out on the only garden grand enough to match: the glorious St. Stephen's Green. The Lord Mayor's Lounge is the perfect back drop for a special day in Dublin. A room sparkling with light; it is a welcoming setting for our celebratory theatre of that most civilised ritual: the art of Afternoon Tea.
The elements have remained unchanged over the centuries: a fragrant pot of tea, a succession of sweets and delicate sandwiches, fine china, fresh flowers and delighted laughter. This time is all about enjoying the lovely things in life, an experience designed to be shared and savoured. Time slows down and the art of conversation is revived.

From December 1st, our wonderful Lounge will convert to a casual dining venue from 7.30pm daily, allowing our guests to experience an exquisite food offering in our iconic setting.

Top review

Tessa

Dined 4 days ago

Lovely ambiance in the Shelbourne Lord Mayors tea room. Food delicate & light. Tea perfect .

Glas

4.8

4.8 (2040)

€51 and over

Vegetarian / Vegan

South City Centre

About the restaurant

Ireland inspires us at Glas. We source the best local produce to produce an innovative and delicious menu with vegetables as the star. Glas is about exciting, eclectic flavours, complemented by a carefully curated menu of wines and cocktails.
Children are welcome for lunch, but children under 10 are not catered for after 5.00 pm.

Winner of Best Vegetarian Restaurant at RAI Awards 2023.

Opening times:
Dinner
From 5pm: 7 nights a week

Lunch
Friday 12.00–2.45pm

Brunch
Saturday - Sunday 12.00-2.30pm

Early Bird
Sunday-Thursday: 5-5.45pm

Top review

Martina

Dined 2 days ago

I like the restaurant, the atmosphere is pleasant, the service is pleasant, we like to go there often, it's great for celebrating birthdays or anything, the food is definitely indescribably delicious, Thank you Glas so much, see you again Kind regards ,Martina

Bobby's Wine Bar

4.8

4.8 (156)

€30 and under

Modern European

Baggot Street Upper

About the restaurant

BOBBY'S is a chic and contemporary eatery/bar with a knockout interior. The vibe of our dinner menu is Mediterranean, with delicious small plates , sharing boards , flat breads & burgers. The lunch and brunch menus are carefully curated main plates. All served along side our perfect wine , cocktail and beer offering.

Lunch Tuesday to Friday from 12.30pm

Dinner & Drinks from 5PM - Late, every Wednesday - Saturday.

Brunch 1pm - 4pm Sat and Bank Holiday Sunday (Bottomless Available)

Cancellation policy for all brunch bookings is one week prior to booking. We also require one full week prior to booking for large parties of 8 or more. Cancellations for all other bookings within 48 hrs please. We may require a deposit on various bookings and on brunches.

Top review

Sarah

Dined on Dec 20, 2024

We had an amazing evening at Bobby’s. The food was gorgeous and the service was fantastic. We were so well looked after. I would definitely recommend Bobby’s and I am already looking forward to my next visit.

Marco Pierre White Courtyard Bar & Grill

4.7

4.7 (277)

€31 to €50

Steakhouse

Donnybrook

About the restaurant

Tucked in behind a vine gate on Donnybrook's Belmont Avenue, Courtyard Bar & Grill is close to Aviva Stadium, The RDS as well as The Intercontinental Hotel, Herbert Park Hotel and The Clayton.
Whether it's Marco Pierre White Courtyard Bar & Grill in Donnybrook or Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Dawson St the alliance of the family-run Irish restaurant dynasty Fitzers with chef restaurateur Marco Pierre White raised the bar for stylish dining-out in Dublin. You can depend on Marco and Fitzers to deliver a standard that is anything but standard. Expect your expectations to be exceeded. Also come and join us on Saturday nights for Live Music with our in-house piano man to add to your dining experience. We also host Corkage Thursdays when you can bring your own bottle of wine for just €15 per bottle.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 6 days ago

Beautiful venue and great service. Food was gorgeous

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Popular dish

Steak Frites

Elle's Bar & Bistro at The Iveagh Garden Hotel

4.6

4.6 (468)

€31 to €50

Irish

South City Centre

About the restaurant

Valentine's Day 2025- A La Carte Valentine's Menu (see below), Rose Petals, Complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival.

Elle’s kitchen utilises the freshest local ingredients, blending a traditional bistro menu with seasonal Irish produce. The library is a cosy space, perfect for a cocktail or a quick bite, while the main room is perfect for more formal dining.

Enjoy private dining in our event spaces Elle's Suite or The Iveagh Suite for larger gatherings of up to 200 people!

Instagram: ellesbarandbistro

Top review

SandraVIP

Dined on Dec 20, 2024

We had a fabulous time last night - food was amazing and the staff were so kind and helpful - we’ll definitely be back here!! Sandra

Stella Cocktail Club

4.4

4.4 (1377)

€31 to €50

Cocktail Bar

Rathmines

About the restaurant

A beautiful art deco Cocktail bar located on the mezzanine level of Stella Rathmines. Once a bustling ballroom in the 1920s, it’s kept all of its old-world charms. The bar serves a full drinks menu that includes delectable, expertly made cocktails and a food menu of delicious lite bites and cinema favourites 7 days a week.

The cocktail menu plays off the classics, but with a modern twist. On occasion, taking inspiration from the blockbuster movies shown in our auditorium.

Whether you want to sip a cocktail and enjoy a bite-to-eat before or after the movie or visit the Stella Cocktail Club as your sole destination, we have all the ingredients for a truly special experience.

Please note the Stella Cocktail Club exercises an over 21's policy.

Top review

Colleen

Dined 6 days ago

We had a lovely pre-film drink at the Stella Cocktail Club. Great ambiance and service.

Jean-Georges at The Leinster

4.4

4.4 (129)

€51 and over

French

Merrion Square

About the restaurant

Though Jean-Georges Vongerichten is one of the world’s most famous chefs, his skills extend far beyond the kitchen. A savvy businessman and restaurateur, Jean-Georges is responsible for the operation and success of over 60 restaurants worldwide. Following in his footsteps of his restaurants in London, New York, Paris and Kyoto, Jean-Georges at The Leinster will mark his first foray into Ireland.

Jean-Georges’ culinary vision has redefined industry standards and revolutionized the way we eat. Jean-Georges is involved in every aspect of his restaurants – concept, menu, architectural design, staff selection and trainings – in an ongoing effort to create restaurants that are both timely and enduring. Inspired by his travels, Jean-Georges is constantly developing fresh concepts and evolving as a chef and restaurateur, both adapting to and impacting the global culinary landscape.

Top review

Meg

Dined on Jan 16, 2025

Had an absolutely lovely evening at Jean-Georges. It’s great value for money, a great spot for a cozy and intimate dinner. Special mention to Stephen who was looking after us throughout the evening. He is doing an impeccable job!! Would definitely recommend and would definitely go back.

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Experience

Chinese New Year

Fade Street Social - The Cocktail Bar & Rooftop Terrace

4.1

4.1 (948)

€30 and under

Cocktail Bar

South City Centre

About the restaurant

Our Cocktail bar & Heated Rooftop terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy exciting cocktails and take in the fantastic views. It's an ideal place to have pre or post-dinner drinks or enjoy late-night drinks with funky tunes.

The outdoor rooftop terrace is a heated area that complements both restaurant downstairs, providing a place for pre or post-dinner drinks, smoking, and late-night drinks with funky tunes. It's a valuable addition to Dublin's outdoor lounging spaces, offering outstanding cocktails and stunning views.

This unique, picturesque, stylish rooftop garden is also perfect for corporate events, launches and private functions.

Top review

OpenTableDinerVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Fantastic day! Thank you team for making our occasion so special ✨

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Experience

Six Nations Special

The Unicorn

4.0

4 (30)

€31 to €50

Italian

St Stephen's Green

About the restaurant

The Unicorn is an old popular Italian restaurant in Dublin. After closing a few years ago it has recently re-opened in 2024 under new management. It is located on Merrion Square, just a 10 minute walk from St. Stephen's Green. The Unicorn has been a cornerstone of Dublin's dining scene for decades, and under Kristan Burness's leadership, It will once again shine. The much loved Terrace, famous for long leisurely lunches will bring Merrion Court back to life with vibrant al fresco dining offering guests an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the city.

Top review

Edwina

Dined 7 days ago

Was great to Be Back in the Unicorn - a Business lunch !!!Lovely staff and great food.

Beef & Lobster - Temple Bar

4.0

4 (330)

€30 and under

Steak

Temple Bar

About the restaurant

What you see is what you get with Beef and Lobster and that’s why people choose it time and time again. We serve exceptional grass-fed Irish beef and wild Irish lobster and shellfish; cooked the way you like it! Beef and Lobster goes the extra mile to create a laid back atmosphere where you can be yourself, with the ones you love. Love what you eat, eat where you love!

Top review

JaineVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Great meal, best peppercorn sauce I have had in a long while .. steak cooked perfectly

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Experience

Restaurant Week

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