This New Addition To Dublin’s Restaurant Scene Is Well Worth A Look

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Located in the basement of Cliff Townhouse on Stephen’s Green, you’re not likely to stumble upon Dublin’s most exciting new bar and restaurant without being pointed in the right direction.

Ladies and gents, this is Urchin. It officially opened its doors in the last few weeks and you can expect to be hearing a lot about it.

What’ll strike you first upon entry is the decor of the place, you’re surrounded by colourful wavy patterns everywhere, it reminds you of being at the beach – without being cheesy.

But you won’t be coming here for the charming layout, oh no, you’ll be coming here for the cocktails and the grub. Because they are phenomenal.

Manager and head mixologist Ryan Pedlar worked tirelessly with head chef Sean Smith to create two menus for drinks and food that complemented each other perfectly. Not only that, but the menus were designed to equal each other in the quality department; so Urchin is just as good a restaurant as it is cocktail joint.

This was demonstrated for Lovin Dublin when we given a taste of their Dundalk Razor Clams (with seaweed salad, pomegranate and lemon emulsion) paired with a Posh Pink (Ketel One vodka, vanilla tincture, raspberries, pomegranate and lemon topped with Duval-Leroy Champagne).

It was pure decadence. If you’re planning on giving yourself a treat in the near future, this is kinda thing you get.

Now you’re thinking about paying a visit, so there are a few things you need to know. First off, it’s a little on the small side: it seats 40 people (excluding the bar) and you can’t book a table.

The ordering system’s a little different here too. When you enter Urchin you purchase tokens for €6 each. Then you’ll be given a paper menu complete with boxes that you tick in order to select your items, which you then hand in to make your order. When your food is ready, you collect your dishes from the counter yourself.

While you wait, of course, you can get the cocktails in.

But what does the place look like, I hear you ask. A bit like this.

Not pictured is the beer garden that will be out front, which was still under construction at the time, where you’ll find a smoothie dock on sunny summer days.

But the real draw of this place is in its quality, which can only be experienced to be believed. When asked why Urchin should excite Dubliners, manager Ryan Pedlar said,

“None of this has been done before. Sure, drinks with food isn’t a new idea – but it’s never been done like this before… The results are going to be huge”.

We’re inclined to agree.

You’ll find Urchin at Cliff Townhouse at 22 St Stephen’s Green.