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  5. North City Centre
The Winding Stair, Dublin, Co. Dublin

The Winding Stair

4.6
4.6
1900 reviews
€31 to €50
Irish
Top tags:
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.

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2 people
19:00
Booked 42 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • 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
    (01) 872 7320
  • Website
    http://winding-stair.com/
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress

What 1,900 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Dublin 1

    Best Overall

  • Dublin 1

    Best Food

  • Dublin 1

    Best Service

  • Dublin 1

    Best Value

  • Dublin 1

    Good for business meals

  • Dublin 1

    Good for business meals

  • Dublin 1

    Innovative

  • Dublin 1

    Healthy

  • Dublin 1

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Dublin 1

    Good for special occasions

  • Dublin 1

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • Dublin 1

    Most Booked

1,900 Reviews

  1. KathleenM

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our dinner was excellent. It was a delicious change from pub food in a relaxed atmosphere with a lovely view from upstairs.

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  2. MaryO

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was the best I’ve had on this trip. Everything was perfect and a great selection of wine to accompany it

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  3. alwaysdelicious

    Greater Boston

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding in all respects..food, service, uniqueness of setting. Great choice for any occasion

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  4. DSP5019

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and great service. Fabulous last night in Dublin. Would absolutely return

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  5. Jamie

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A lovely restaurant with a great view over the river. The scotch egg was perfect!

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  6. IanC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great tastes from locally sourced produce. The Winding Stair is a must for me on every trip to Dublin.

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  7. MikeM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Booked a Table for 7 persons at 2pm on a Saturday afternoon. The service was efficient, friendly and food arrived promptly. Extensive wine menu and their lunch menu had some very good fish plates. 6 persons ordered haddock/cod which smelled so good and was very fresh. I ordered a medium steak which was cooked to perfection. Very nice desert - affogato with a Spanish sherry to round it off. Would come back again. Enjoyed the meal.

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  8. BrianH

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 21 September 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    This is our go-to restaurant for bringing guests to, as well as work dinners. The perfect balance of great Irish food, without being a pub; as well as being nice, without being too fancy. Great location, service, and food.

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  9. stephenc

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 September 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience3
    We were on top floor beside the window and it was a bit chilly. I think that they had the air-conditioning on, despite not being especially warm outside, since the kitchen is on the floor below. So maybe it would have been too hot without AC. But still, could have been turned down a tad. This didn't distract from a really enjoyable meal. Staff were excellent and very welcoming/accommodating.

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  10. clairen

    Kent

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 September 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    The aubergine was just warm and not as well cooked as ideally should hav ebeen . The presentation and sauces were good. Smoked fish dish was good

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  11. Dominick

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 September 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    The food was creative and delicious. The ambiance and view was incredible. We were seated at a window and loved watching the people go by. Overall a pleasant experience.

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Cleveland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 17 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful dinner! Server was incredibly knowledgeable and helped me pick a great type of wine I’d never had before. The fish platter was delicious, included the best soda bread I’ve had in Ireland. The cod and lentil aubergine were fantastic. I’ve gone to dinner here each of the three times I’ve been to Ireland because the menu is always outstanding!

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  13. Daisey

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 16 September 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Shared a cold fish appetizer plate and smoked haddock for entree. Needed vegetables with meal Desert very good

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  14. CynthiaO

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 16 September 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    Lovely food and indifferent service. As others have noted, the noise levels in the restaurant are shouting level.

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  15. ColleenL

    Cleveland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 16 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very delicious food. Awesome wine selection. Great service

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  16. MikeM

    Worcestershire

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 14 September 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience5
    Limited menu meant poor choices were made. Starters of crab and cold meats were fine. The gnocchi were the poor decision a small portion of flowery potato coated in minimal sauce whereas two of us in the group of four had the pork which was tasty and fulfilling. Wines and beers made the final bill past €50 a head, so tolerable but it was not somewhere I would return to with other restaurants having wider menus and offering real choices that enhance the visit so cost becomes less of a concern. The waiter was very strange with an offhand attitude almost at times quite annoying. We could not make out his accent and understand him often asking him to repeat his questions. Overall a three star meal.

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  17. feeceetee

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 September 2023

    overall3food4service5ambience2
    Our waitress was lovely, the food was very good - and imaginative- and we had a great view of the Liffey. Unfortunately though, it was so noisy we couldn’t really enjoy our meal. The two of us were sitting next to two tables of around 10 people each and although they were perfectly well behaved, the acoustics (and close proximity) meant we had to shout at each other throughout. My husband suffers from anxiety and found the whole experience very stressful. I’m normally a pretty relaxed person but even I found it uncomfortable. Not sure what the answer is, but if don’t like a noisy restaurant, it might be wise to check ahead if they have any quieter tables before booking.

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  18. JOHNM

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 13 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Trendy spot overlooking the River Liffey and Ha'Penny Bridge with an eclectic menu, excellent service and a vibrant atmosphere.

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  19. Jacky

    London

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 13 September 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    As first time visitors to Dublin it was recommended to us by an Irish friend. Great to see a restaurant filled with locals and not tourists . Loved the buzzy atmosphere .

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  20. ZofiaF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and attentive, quick service! Definitely recommend.

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  21. Farrah

    Dublin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely staff with high quality of food. The location is phenomenal with excellent views of the hapenny bridge. It’s an intimate and romantic location perfect for any occasion.

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  22. StuR

    Calgary

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 9 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious and the service was great. If you are looking for a nice evening out, this is a must.

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  23. EamonM

    Dublin

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on 9 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food here is always excellent, and the staff are very friendly and always on the ball. Will keep coming back....

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 8 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food with lovely views over the river. Staff are attentive and friendly. Will definitely return!

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  25. JillJ

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 8 September 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Very lively restaurant overlooking the water. Book a second floor table by the window. Charming staff. Get a scotch egg! Note- you do have to climb some stairs! ;)

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  26. SueO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was superb! Atmosphere great. Would definitely recommend 😋

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  27. NezN

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 7 September 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Excellent appetizers and desserts with a great wine selection. Lovely dinning room with a lovely casual ambience.

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  28. mreddington

    Munich

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 7 September 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Excellent food. The smoked haddock was outstanding. Lousy acoustics. Got very loud.

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  29. talkaboutgood

    Houston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 7 September 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Enjoyed the food. Nice view of the river. I would recommend eating here.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 6 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Favorite restaurant in Dublin, never disappoints! Went to 2 other Michelin star restaurants when in Dublin and Winding Stair was the best! Highly recommend

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  31. MichaelG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 September 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Excellent restaurant with a limited but very good menu!

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  32. DebW

    Mississippi

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 6 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was such a quaint experience. It’s like a little book store, with fantastic foods. The service people were nice, and the food exceptional. I’d go again.

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  33. AnnetteK

    Dublin

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 6 September 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Just love this restraunt. The only drawback on 6th September entered the hallway and stairs in pitch darkness. Mentioned it to the manage and it was rectified although the route to the toilets was very badly lit . With steps involved not a safe idea. The food was innovative and delicious. The heritage tomato tartlet superb as was the rhubarb syllabub

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  34. NicolaH

    Northampton

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 September 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    An excellent meal with great service in a busy atmosphere with an open kitchen. A great evening.

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 5 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    An overall enjoyable experience. Attentive wait staff, fabulous food selections, and among six of us, we can attest to the delicious meals. Look forward to returning!

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food. If your looking for quite this is not the spot. We loved it!

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 4 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every bite delicious, views of the River Liffey. Terrific wine selection. And get the affogato with sherry!

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and great service. Highly recommend visiting this restaurant while in Dublin!

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food, wine and service. The pork, cod and lobster was delicious

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  40. SarahM

    Dublin

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 3 September 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Lovely place, friendly and accommodating staff. A lot of the choices on the menu were quite heavy and my gnudi was difficult to eat, being very dense and quite flavourless. There are so many good restaurants that I probably won’t rush back but if I had chosen different options maybe I would recommend more highly

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FAQs

The Winding Stair is rated 4.6 stars by 1900 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 42 times today
Google Map for The Winding Stair

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

Additional information

  • Area
    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
  • Cuisines
    Irish, Seafood, Vegetarian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    Public Lot
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, View, Wine
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