Keeping the romance alive amid so many obnoxious distractions can be tricky. The siren song of doomscrolling is harder to ignore than we care to admit, and there’s always something new worth watching on the streamers. There’s also always the tried and tested heavy petting on the couch before bed to fall back on without ruining your hard-won night-time routine.
But every once and a while it’s nice to dig out the aul glad rags, remind each other that yiz also scrub up pretty well and go flirt over some food in a dark corner while quaffing some juice. Promise yizzerselves you won’t mention the dishwasher war until you’ve at least finished your mains and hit up any of these spots for a good clean fun date night with the love of your life.
If you’re specifically looking for somewhere for First Date Drinks, we have a guide for that in the works.
Be it your weekly date night or a big occasion date, this guide has got you covered.
Franks is here to school you in the art of seduction. Tucked away in a chic corner of Dublin, by which I mean Camden Street, this joint is all about intimate vibes and tantalizing small plates. Think soft lighting, marble accents, and the buzz of flirtation in the air. It’s like stepping into a European love affair, complete with top-notch wine to set the mood just right. Plus, it’s not too expensive and always has a sherry on the list.
Are you or your lover a Dumling Devotee? Would you go out of your way to get one of every dumpling you could possibly imagine? Then Bullet Duck & Dumplings has got your date night covered. Nestled in on Mary Street, this gem serves up authentic flavours with a side of laid-back charm. No reservations? No problem. Just queue up and prepare for a culinary journey that’ll leave your taste buds begging for more. The soup dumplings alone are a feast fit for royalty.
Do you have a bae that needs to unleash their inner chef in a controlled environment? Maybe you have a grill dad in-training who lives in an apartment and just needs to take his grilling shoes out for a spin? Then Dalang Korean Restaurant will make your date night supremely special. This no-frills joint is all about the experience, serving up sizzling meats and endless sides in a casual setting. Grab a slab of beef, load it up with your favourite fixings, and get ready to grill up a night of laughter, love, and deliciousness. This place pissed off an ex of mine so much that I used to bring dates here just to make sure they were nothing like him. So it’s a great one to measure the quality of your paramour.
Step into a slice of Sicilian paradise at Amuri, where the ambience is as vibrant as the Mediterranean itself. Tucked away on Chatham Street, this hidden gem is a tribute to Sicilian cuisine, with every dish crafted with care and passion. From fresh seafood to homemade pasta, each bite is a journey through the sun-drenched streets of Italy. Soak in the vibes, sip on a glass of wine, and let the romance bloom.
When it comes to classic date night vibes, Bar Pez knows how to deliver. Taking pride of place next to Dash Burger on Kevin Street, this Spanish-inspired joint is all about good wine, good food, and good company. It’s all rustic floors, wooden tables, flickering candlelight, clinking glasses, and plates piled high with irresistible tapas from the same team who brought you Fish Shop. Whether you’re sharing stories over a bottle of Rioja or diving into a plate of patatas bravas, Bar Pez is the perfect spot to ignite the flames of passion.
So there you have it, five date night destinations that’ll have you falling in love with each other (and Dublin) herself all over again.