Screw Those Cheap-Ass Canapes – Here Are Dublin’s Best Restaurants For A Cool Wedding Reception

Lots of modern couples are eschewing the traditional wedding reception hoo-ha these days.

None of this massive ballroom and top table stuff for them, thanks very much – they simply want fantastic grub and a great choice of booze in an intimate, cool space.

So, if you're in that have you considered a restaurant?

Some of the best restaurants in Dublin city are getting in on the wedding action, offering private rooms or the option to book out the whole venue – and more importantly, a heck of lot more choice than vol au vents, beef and salmon. Here's a selection of the very best.

1. Locks

In a previous piece we told you exactly why you need to get your arse down to Locks on Windsor Terrace prontissimo. Aside from top-notch food, this charming little fecker of a restaurant sits prettily on the banks of the Grand Canal in Portobello, one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Dublin.

Tip: Bride and groom, take a second away from the madness and sit on the bench outside – it’s one of the best places in the city to watch the sun set.

2. Suesey Street

A restaurant, bar and gorgeous outdoor terrace makes Suesey Street on Fitzwilliam Place a venue triple threat. With its private dining room with terrace access catering for up to 35 people, this one’s for a chic, intimate sort of do, we reckon.

And Christ we love bloody terraces. We know it’s far from ‘em we were reared, but suddenly all we want to do with our lives is sit outside holding rare spirits aloft and saying stuff like: “Des Moines old chap, did you know this was Winston Churchill’s favourite tipple?”

3. Trocadero

Couples can now book out the whole of Trocadero on St. Andrew’s Street for their wedding meal. Going since 1957, it’s a real iconic Dublin establishment (if the walls could talk, sez you).

Decorated in rich velvets and atmospheric low lighting, we could see the venue work a treat for a glam winter wedding. We’re thinking black tie, Great Gatsby – and sure feck it, for the day that’s in it, cummerbunds.

4. The Cliff Townhouse

Overlooking St Stephen’s Green, The Cliff Townhouse is sitting in one of the best locations in the city. Two wedding options are available: a sumptuous dining room with private balcony seating up to 60 people, or exclusive use of entire ground-floor restaurant which seats up to 80.

Not the cheapest option, but if fine foods and a luxurious setting are your bag and you've a few bob to spare, you can’t go wrong with this Georgian gem.

5. L’Ecrivain

Sitting under the category 'swanky', Michelin-starred L'Ecrivain on Lower Baggot Street has always been synonymous with the finest gourmet dining Dublin has to offer. The main dining room can seat 90, while if you want something really intimate (read: exclusive) they have two other private rooms seating 12 and 20 people respectively.

There’s a terrace too (be still our beating hearts) and a piano bar for pre / after dinner drinks.

One to impress the pants off your guests, especially Cousin Imelda who always thought she was better than you. Well you’ll show her, the sour-arse.

6. Bang Restaurant

Go out with a… oh never mind.

Bang on Baggot Street is right up your street if you’re after a chic, cool venue at a reasonable price. According to the guys at Bang, weddings don’t need to break the bank, and we’re inclined to agree.

Bang can create bespoke wedding receptions based on your budget and numbers (with no fee for room hire) and can cater from 20 to 110 guests. As well as that, you’ll have some brilliant Baggot Street pubs to knock into for a pint.