With the waves crashing against the marina and the sound of the wind whistling along the pier, Dún Laoghaire is quite an atmospheric place for a romantic date for two.
Only a stone’s throw from Dublin city and easily accessible by car, train or bus, this sleepy seaside town has a lot to offer twosomes looking for a little romance.
Here are our top 5 picks of places to go for a romantic dinner in this Southside suburb.
5. 8a Brasserie
Located a short walk from Dún Laoghaire in the sister suburb of Monkstown is 8a Brasserie.
This quaint and charming restaurant offers eager patrons an inspired menu of international and European dishes with a strong emphasis on catering for speciality diets (including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free).
With cosy, contemporary décor of leather seats, wooden floors and atmospheric lighting couples will feel the romance soar in this setting. Bonus marks go for the outside dining area, which is available when the weather permits.
Presentation is key at 8a Brasserie, so expect exciting dishes to be wonderfully plated. A fantastic offering of wine and cocktails make this spot a solid all-rounder.
Address: 8A Monkstown Cres, Monkstown, Co. Dublin, Ireland
4. Lobstar
If in search of a truly decadent dinner date for two in Dún Laoghaire, look no further than Lobstar, a divine seafood restaurant and steakhouse offering some of the finest food south of the city.
Laid back, contemporary and chic in equal measure, this is the perfect place to talk late into the evening over plates of the freshest catch or finest cuts of meat. The menu, which is seasonally inspired, is sourced locally with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients.
Closed Mondays, but open most days (including bank holiday Mondays) Lobstar has steadily become a big name about town for its sterling service and gourmet dishes.
Only moments walk from Dún Laoghaire in Monkstown, this is the perfect place to spend an evening over a romantic dinner.
Top tip: although you may have guessed from its name, the lobster here is some of the finest you will find in Dublin.
Address: Monkstown Road Monkstown Rd, Monkstown, Co. Dublin, A94 E3F9, Ireland
3. Hartley’s
Set in a classy townhouse in Dún Laoghaire, Hartley’s is an upmarket bistro serving an artistic menu of European dishes.
With a stunning seafront location and terrace with views over the harbour, Hartley’s makes for a fantastic dinner date spot. Grab a cocktail and watch the sunset before slipping inside for some of the tastiest food on offer in Dún Laoghaire.
Although they specialise in seafood and steak, Hartley’s staff are above standard and are always on hand to cater for diets, where possible, with their ever-evolving seasonal menu. The prime focus of its offering is to ensure a fresh and dynamic selection of dishes, that is equally varied and un-fussy.
Address: 1 Harbour Rd, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland
2. Rasam Restaurant
Rasam Restaurant has to be one of the best places for a date night in Dún Laoghaire. Cool and charming with a laid-back ambience worth checking out, Rasam never seems to fail.
With low, atmospheric lighting and fragrances filling the air, couples will be transported to India over freshly cooked dishes utilising spices created daily in-house by the top-class chefs of Rasam.
Each member of staff at Rasam holds a level five hospitality qualification and/or catering qualification in India, adhering to the proper standards of authentic Indian dining, ensuring this will be a date to remember.
Address: 18-19 Glasthule Rd, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, A96 H2N1, Ireland
1. Oliveto at Haddington House
Oliverto at Haddington House is arguably the finest place for a romantic dinner date for two when in Dún Laoghaire. Offering guests an authentic slice of Italian home cooking, with a contemporary and creative twist, is what this joint is all about.
Classic and cool with wooden floors and exposed brick walls, this charming bistro is situated seaside, giving it that extra oomph.
An impressive bar with top-notch mixologists are on hand too, offering a divine selection of creative concoctions, perfect to accompany a charcuterie board or traditional Italian pizza.
The outdoor terrace is a popular spot to snag before the crowds arrive. Our top tip: Oliverto is regularly booked out, so don’t be disappointed – book a table in advance!
Address: 9-12 Haddington Terrace, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, A96 F2R9, Ireland
