You can thank us later. We’re here to save your relationship with five of the best walk-in restaurants in Dublin that are perfect for your last-minute Valentine’s plans.
Valentine’s Day happens on the same date every year, but somehow, you never learn to book a table at least two weeks in advance. These spots book up fast! PSA: Set your alarm for mid-January 2025 to get that early reservation in.
With only a few days to go until the most romantic day of the year, you might be stressing about everything you need to do to show your loved one just how much they matter (and save yourself from the dreaded lecture about how you forgot… again).
There’s not much we can do about the cards, chocolate, and flowers, but we can give you some advice on where to get a last-minute table. Here are five epic walk-in restaurants in Dublin for your last-minute Valentine’s plans.
5. Loose Canon – is there anything more romantic than cheese and wine?
Kicking off our list of epic walk-in restaurants in Dublin for your last-minute Valentine’s plans is the oh-so-romantic Loose Canon on Drury Street. It doesn’t get much more romantic than some tasty cheese and wine. That’s how the French do it, after all.
This quaint and cosy spot is open seven days a week, with just six tables, making for the ultimate intimate dining experience. The menu is simple but packs a punch, gaining Loose Canon a mention in Condé Nast’s 2021 ranking of Best Bars in the World.
You can expect a great range of natural wines, delicious Irish cheeses, and perfectly cooked toasties filled with a variety of meat and vegetarian fillings. Your date will be so impressed that they’ll completely forget you didn’t book a table this year.
Address: 29 Drury St, Dublin, D02 RX95, Ireland
4. Bar Pez – the perfect spot for seafood lovers
The younger sister of the ever-popular Fish Shop on Benburb Street, Bar Pez is a great place to treat your partner to a last-minute Valentine’s Day meal this 14 February.
With a seafood-focused menu and a huge selection of wines that are arranged on the menu by their heritage, whether that be from the hills, plains, oceans, rivers, or mountains, you and your lover are sure to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience here.
Offering an intimate and romantic atmosphere, you’re sure to be feeling the love at Bar Pez, especially after sipping on a couple of glasses of wine. And we all know what they say about oysters.
A third of the tables are always reserved for walk-ins, saving you from the awkwardness of having to admit you forgot to book this year.
Address: Unit 3, College Court, Kevin Street Lower, Portobello, Dublin, D08 TY47, Ireland
3. Chimac – for unforgettable Korean fried chicken
If casual dining, hearty portions, and epic flavours are your vibe, then we’ve got just the spot for you. There’s no doubt that Chimac on Aungier Street and Terenure Road is one of the best walk-in restaurants in Dublin for your last-minute Valentine’s plans.
Serving up some of the crispiest, juiciest Korean fried chicken you’ve ever tasted, this spot will keep you coming back time and time again.
We just can’t promise it’ll be the most flattering dining experience, as you might end up with some spicy Korean BBQ sauce all over your face. But hey, love is blind.
Accompanying their delicious menu is a fantastic selection of local craft beers. Plus, vegetarians can even indulge in the delicious flavours offered here, with the option to swap out the chicken for some tasty crispy panko-coated fried tofu. Yum!
Address: 76 Aungier St, Dublin 2, D02 XR70, Ireland
2. Masa – for some of the best tacos in the city
Taco-lovers, this is the one for you. Masa has quickly made a name for itself as one of Dublin’s top Mexican food joints, and we must admit, this is one spot you don’t want to miss.
Located in the heart of the city, this small eatery takes walk-ins. However, you might have to wait for a table.
It’s no issue, though, because the team will take your number and give you a call when a table comes free, meaning you can go and enjoy a drink or two in one of the city’s nearby bars.
The tasty tacos come with various fillings with something to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. You’ll have your choice of fried chicken thigh with peanut and salsa, vegan soyrizo and cauliflower, or various pork, fish, and steak options.
They also serve some delicious quesadillas and small plates with options such as tortilla chips with freshly-prepped guac, elotes (corn on the cob), and Mexican bravas. Oh, and the margaritas are some of the best in Dublin.
Address: 2–3 Drury St, Dublin 2, D02 H520, Ireland
1. Frank’s – a swish wine bar in the city centre
Topping our list of walk-in restaurants in Dublin for your last-minute Valentine’s plans is the fabulous Frank’s on Camden Street Lower in the city centre.
Set up inside a former butcher shop, Frank’s was one of the first to enter the scene in the latest craze of wine bars that are popping up across the city. And there’s no doubt they know what they’re doing.
Offering an ever-changing à la carte menu and a huge variety of wines sourced from all over the world, you can dine at their long communal table and enjoy a relaxed yet intimate atmosphere and an incredible all-round dining experience.
Operating on a walk-in basis only, this spot is perfect for treating your significant other this Valentine’s Day.
Address: Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, Ireland
