Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Dublin 2

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Dublin 2? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Vintage Cocktail Club

4.7

4.7 (2981)

€30 and under

Modern European

Temple Bar

About the restaurant

VCC is a unique, multi award winning, exclusive dining and cocktail experience in the heart of Dublin's Temple Bar. Walk through the cobbled stone streets of one of Ireland's most famous multi cultural vintage quarters in search of our secret door, on finding you will be rewarded with being transported back in time, engulfed in crushed velvet and candle light all whilst enjoying some of Ireland's best cocktails & small plates.

Top review

SiddharthVIP

Dined 3 days ago

I last visited VCC 6 years ago, and it remains as fabulous as the last time! From the extremely interesting menu, to absolutely delicious cocktails, this remains my favourite spot in Dublin. I would highly recommend 'The Dirty Wizard' and 'The Cobblestone', but all their cocktails are amazing.

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VCC Vegan Sharing Platter

The Little Pig Speakeasy

4.7

4.7 (109)

€30 and under

Italian

Grafton Street

About the restaurant

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The Little Pig Speakeasy is for over 23s only. Please make certain to read your confirmation email carefully as it contains all the information on how to find us.

The Little Pig, under the genius of Patrick Thomas, is a truly sophisticated and opulent 1920s speakeasy. With a cocktail menu to die for, it is covered in opulent, rich red velvet upholstered walls with a rustic copper ceiling. Reminiscent of old school glamour, The Little Pig is plush and sexy, offering intimate seating for groups both large and small. Boasting some of the finest cocktails you’ll find in the city, you may find yourself transported back to 1920s high society. If you find yourself hungry while sipping on our Great Gatsby-inspired tipples, why not try some of our delicious New York-Italian dishes, all of which have been created to match our drinks.

Top review

AlysonVIP

Dined on 4 Apr 2025

Great experience overall, good cocktails, good food. Could have more options as starter or sharing plates, though

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Yamamori Izakaya Japas & Sake

4.5

4.5 (334)

€31 to €50

Japanese

South City Centre

About the restaurant

- About Izakaya Japas & Sake -

The laidback ambience of Izakaya Japas & Sake combines the merriment of a pub with Japas (tapas-style small plates) and freshly handmade sushi. The vibrant Victorian-style building is located at the heart of George’s Street. It offers a cultural escape through authentic oriental wall décor, an extensive choice of sake, Japanese liquor and banging cocktails. Seasonal and all-time delicious favourites, such as tempuras, duck pancakes, and Omakase, are bursting with flavours and leave your mouth watering for more. Funky tunes during evenings, a fun atmosphere and charismatic staff will make your visit memorable.

- About Lunch -
Izakaya Japas & Sake bar also offers 'Lunch' on weekends. We are thrilled to launch our exciting new lunch menu, available exclusively on weekends from 1 to 5 p.m.

・Indulge in any 5 Japa’s of your choice for just €45 for 2 people( €22.50 per person)
・Each pitcher serves 4 and is price

Top review

Eibhleann

Dined on 8 May 2025

Had a great experience at Yamamori Izakaya. The atmosphere was lively but still cozy, perfect for a relaxed dinner. The hot stone beef and the ebi dragon roll were the stars of the night—both packed with flavour and really well presented. Our waiter, Greg, was fantastic—super attentive without hovering, and he had great recommendations for both food and drinks that really paid off. He made us feel really looked after, and it definitely added to the whole experience. We’ll definitely be back soon!

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Experience

Weekends Lunch Set Menu ( just €45 for 2 people)

Experience

Set Menu €50 per person

House Dublin

4.5

4.5 (677)

€30 and under

Contemporary European

Leeson Street (D2)

About the restaurant

Welcome, to the award-winning House Dublin!
House Dublin occupies two Georgian Townhouses on Leeson Street, between The Grand Canal and St Stephen’s Green. With so many great rooms to choose from including the Pink Room, Oscar & Percy’s, Conservatory or the fantastic outdoor garden restaurant, there is certainly a room for every occasion! You can drop by and enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner in the restaurant, or drinks in one of their many amazing spaces!

Top review

Anne-MarieVIP

Dined on 27 Apr 2025

Excellent venue that caters for all. Staff working hard v accommodating. Food and drink great value 5 🌟

9 Below

4.5

4.5 (173)

€30 and under

Cocktail Bar

South City Centre

About the restaurant

A COSY LITTLE SPEAKEASY IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
9 Below bar is Dublin’s hideaway for seductive cocktails and stimulating conversation. Nestled in the former basement of historical Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club, we have taken great pleasure in refurbishing our own piece of this prestigious building, originally built in 1756. Our beautifully designed space offers 4 intimate rooms in which to drink and be merry (and a little mischievous).

Our menu features an enticing selection of champagnes, spirits and cocktails, all dispensed by a couple of fun-loving bartenders who really know their craft. Swing by for after-work libations and you might just find yourself staying all evening!

Top review

Sara

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent cocktails with attentive service in a lovely atmosphere. The menu is very imaginative. The only odd thing was that we were going to be put right next to another party of two in an empty room. We asked for a different table and were accommodated with no problem. It was our third time at 9 Below and we will be back.

El Silencio

4.5

4.5 (337)

€31 to €50

Contemporary Mexican

South City Centre

About the restaurant

Shhhhh El Silencio doesn't exist - we don't have a website or phone number but you can message us on instagram: @el_silencio_fff
Our address is; Find the SECRET DOOR [inside] Pablo Picante Burrito Bar, 4 Clarendon Market, Dublin 2 xx

At El Silencio we specialise in Tacos & Margaritas with a dive-bar ambience. The music is loud and the drinks are strong ¡Andale!

Our tacos use gf corn tortillas from Balam - a Mexican food business set up by Eduardo and his team in Dublin. We have an excellent array of plant-based options too including the Vegan Prison Tray.

Our margaritas (11 different combinations and counting) use only the best 100% agave tequila and mezcal.

We don't mess around with wine/whiskey/vodka/dessert/coffee - just margaritas & tacos cabrones!

Top review

Pamela

Dined on 8 May 2025

Everything was amazing—the tacos were delicious, the margaritas were fantastic, and the vibe was just right. But the best part was definitely the service. Everyone was so kind, attentive, and full of positive energy—it really made the experience extra special. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Drury Buildings

4.3

4.3 (1435)

€30 and under

Contemporary European

South City Centre

About the restaurant

Drury Buildings is an owner operated award winning Cocktail Bar, Restaurant and Venue in the heart of Dublin city centre.

Above the bar is our lounge and dining room. This cosy and relaxing space set over two floors of the building is perfect if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of town and relax with a great bottle of wine, a cocktail and graze on our small plates and boards.

Our menu is specially crafted to suit the taste buds of all guests while also ensuring that there is enough variety to cater to different dietary requirements.
Our kitchen is a tapas-style cuisine that adds an element of fun and also encourages socializing, with a sharing-style menu.

‘We never stop creating, we never stop evolving’

Top review

SineadVIP

Dined on 4 May 2025

Excellent service and delicious food as always, the drury buildings is our go to spot for tapas in town!

777

4.3

4.3 (194)

€30 and under

Contemporary Mexican

South City Centre

About the restaurant

777 is based just a 4 minute walk away from Dublin's famous Temple bar. Serving Mexican food and tequila cocktails this restaurant also offers late bites to diners who are enjoying the Mexican tequila until late. The menu offers dishes such as the traditional Taquitos as well as dishes from their wood burning grill. 777 are said to house premium Tequila, which can be enjoyed by diners throughout the week, especially on evenings when Margarita Mondays is running.

We have two areas – ‘Main Dining’ indoors & ‘Afuera’ outdoors. Both operate a walk-in policy for parties up to 5 people. We only accept bookings for groups of 6+

Top review

Stefan

Dined on 28 Apr 2025

Great buzz. Great vibe. Food and drink was ok, but you can’t beat a great atmosphere.!

Fade Street Social - The Cocktail Bar & Rooftop Terrace

4.2

4.2 (957)

€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 on 16 Apr 2025

Such a great vibe on the rooftop! Cocktails were spot on, the music was amazing, and the whole space felt lively and fun.

Peruke & Periwig

3.8

3.8 (462)

€31 to €50

Cocktail Bar

Dawson Street

About the restaurant

Please note that we are a Drinks-Only venue.
Peruke & Periwig is a unique and memorable cocktail lounge experience on Dublin’s thriving Dawson Street, number 31 to be exact. The ground floor bar offers guests a draught pint, and an extensive selection of the finest cocktails, whiskeys, spirits, liqueurs and wines.

On our first and second floor lounge areas you can try our expertly mixed cocktails with some unique yet appetising adjustments that allow us to express our creativity and serve delectable drinks. Our current cocktail menu in Peruke & Periwig, is inspired by wigs from around the world to bring back the history of our beautiful building.
We look forward to welcoming you for cocktails, great vibes, and good times!
*Please note:
-A discretionary service charge of 12.5% it's added to tables of 6+.
- Reservations are drinks only.
- Strictly over 21
- €10 per person fee applies for no-shows and cancellations with -24hrs notice

Top review

lizVIP

Dined on 28 Mar 2025

Food - n/a Excellent venue for pre dinner drinks! Highly recommend!

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