9 Awesome Places To Eat On A First Date In Dublin

The first thing you need for a date is a member of the opposite sex which is where most of us stumble. The second essential ingredient is a friend to call you during the date in case you need a swift exit. We’ve all been there. The third element in the search of true love is a venue and that will often involve food. If you can’t get along over a bit of dinner the chances of you ripping each others clothes off are pretty slim. Even though there are thousands of restaurants in the capital I wanted to pick 9 that ticked all the boxes in terms of a first date. There needs to be plenty going on in case he / she turns out to be a total tool. Awkward silences are the nightmare scenario. Being Irish a bit of booze thrown in helps oil the old conversation and worst case scenario you can always drink him / her pretty. So go grab yourself a partner or 2 and try out some of these great spots…

La Cave

This is a Dublin institution that is part wine bar / part classy French bistro and park club that keeps unusual hours. The tables are all crammed together and you get lost in another world down in this basement.

Bang

I’m not going to lie this one is only on the list for the comic value. It’s a great restaurant and has been for years but I’d really love to know if anybody has ever taken somebody on a date to a place called….Bang. Good conversation starter at the very least!

L Mulligan Grocer

One of the coolest gastro pubs in Dublin. Going to a pub on a date is pretty unromantic but throw in some amazing wholesome food and a ton of craft beers and there is plenty to keep you entertained here in an informal setting.

Chai Yo Tepanyaki

This is the place to take somebody you are really not sure you are going to get on with. You all sit around watching the chef doing tricks like a circus monkey and guests all talk to each other. So much going on that even if the date is a complete plank you’ll have a laugh.

Jamie’s Dundrum

Perfect spot to take somebody before the cinema. The fact that lots of the food comes on large sharing platters and the nice informal atmosphere make it the perfect spot. You’ll be in and out in no time as well and I’m talking about the fast service here!! 

Crackbird

Started as a pop up but really found it’s home down on Dame Street. A great spot because of all the cool young people and the buzzy atmosphere. Nothing too pretentious and plenty of bars nearby to head on to after food if it has been a success or loads of cabs driving by if not.

Las Tapas de Lola

New on he scene and always absolutely buzzing. The tables are all wedged in together and because it is so noisy you’ll have no awkward moments. Loads of food choices and a large menu will help you to have something to talk about for the first 15 minutes.

Fallon And Byrne / Merrion Square Picnic

This is reliant on the weather but why not go shopping together in Fallon and Byrne and pick out loads of nice nibbles and bits and pieces for a picnic. Grab a bottle of wine and ignore our stupid drinking laws and wander up to Merrion Square for a picnic in the sun. Serious brownie points if you are a lad and you pull this one off.

Vintage Cocktail Club

Lets be honest and say that booze is going to make this a hell of a lot easier for both parties. This place not only serves some awesome food but some of the best cocktails in town in a quirky setting.

The View From You Guys

I threw it out on Twitter because me alone writing about first dates is like Tiger woods doing a post on 9 tips for a happy marriage. Here are some of the pearls of wisdom from Twitter land…