From waterfront coffee breaks to artisan Italian bakeries, Thai treats to the best in fine dining, just about every gastronomic whim is catered for across Grand Canal Dock and Spencer Dock.
Here are just a few cafes, restaurants and bars to make your mouth water.
Osteria Lucio
Tucked away on Clanwilliam Terrace just off Grand Canal Quay, you’ll discover Irish hospitality and Italian spirit combined at Osteria Lucio. The brainchild of Michelin-starred chefs Ross Lewis and Luciano Tona, only the best of both countries’ slow-grown produce will reach your plate. Think pastry-wrapped caramelised onion with Irish lamb ragù and red peppers; spaghetti with Irish cockles, baby squid and zucchini; or traditional wood-fired pizza topped with Gubbeen chorizo, roast peppers, red onions and mozzarella.
Intent on uncomplicated yet delicious dishes that do both the chef and the grower proud, treat yourself to a leisurely lunch here after a day exploring Grand Canal Dock’s sights.
Osteria Lucio, The Malting Tower, Clanwilliam Terrace, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2
The Art of Coffee
If you like your coffee with waterfront vistas and award-winning architecture, then you’re in luck. Nestled at the base of the striking Alto Vetro building, The Art of Coffee is the place for a tasty sandwich and a great cup of the strong stuff.
Here, you’re well-placed for a refuel between visits to the likes of Escape Boat or the watersports wonders of Surfdock and Wakedock, a seven-minute stroll away. Enjoy a little break and absorb the hustle and bustle of life along the quay.
The Art of Coffee, Alto Vetro, Grand Canal Dock, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2
il Valentino Bakery & Cafe
Overlooking the waters of Grand Canal Dock, get an authentic taste of Italy without even leaving the capital at il Valentino.
With its seasonal tarts, cakes and desserts, freshly-baked morning pastries, sandwiches boasting the best of Italian breads, not to mention its strong coffees and stiff aperitifs; this is a perfect place to people-watch or rest between activities around the dock. Magnifico!
il Valentino Bakery & Cafe, 5 Gallery Quay, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2
Charlotte Quay
A modern restaurant with unbeatable views over Grand Canal Dock, Charlotte Quay is a go-to for indulgent weekend brunches, cheeky cocktails, lazy lunches and decadent dinners.
Choose from menus laden with sautéed gnocchi with smoked aubergine, baby artichoke and cherry tomatoes; roasted chicken breast, parmesan polenta, girolle mushrooms, broad beans and Madeira truffle sauce; or how about a dark chocolate brownie with crème fraîche sorbet? The choices are endless, but the outcome is always satisfaction guaranteed.
Charlotte Quay, Charlotte Quay Dock, Millennium Tower, Ringsend Road, Dublin 4
The Brasserie, The Marker Hotel
Just a skip from the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, The Brasserie at Grand Canal Square’s striking Marker Hotel is a great spot for a pre-theatre meal or tipple.
A relaxed environment with a cosy atmosphere and intriguing, modern interiors to admire; its menu boasts smoked mackerel mousse, venison croquettes, chargrilled trout fillet, caramel-drenched sticky toffee pudding and oodles more.
The Brasserie, The Marker Hotel, Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2
Nutbutter
With its menu as beautifully designed as its welcoming, rustic interiors, Nutbutter is one of the city’s most popular health food restaurants. Located around the corner from Grand Canal Square, the dishes are largely plant-based (meats can be added) and sing with the best in Irish and international flavours.
Revel in protein-packed breakfasts or warm grain bowls brimming with black rice, burnt broccoli, charred sugar snaps and kale, pickled carrots, red chilli and hoisin sauce. For dinner, how about tacos loaded with zingy spiced chicken, cashew cream, pickled red cabbage, avocado and coriander? Never has ‘delicious and nutritious’ rung so true, there’s something for everyone at this deli-style delight.
Nutbutter, Forbes Street, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2
Herbstreet
Sustainable from its food provenance right down to its choice of light bulbs and re-used furniture, Herbstreet is a unique spot along the dock. Treat yourself to a breakfast of short stack pancakes with orange honey butter, or for lunch some pan-roasted cod with baby potato, tenderstem broccoli, vine tomato and salsa verde.
A dinner of scallop ceviche, marinated in lime and chilli with cucumber vinaigrette packs quite the punch. And be sure to top it off with carrot and walnut cake, trimmed with vanilla cream cheese frosting.
With local suppliers and an admirable low-carbon footprint ethos, conscientious minds and tummies can rest assured.
Herbstreet, 9 Hanover Quay, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2
The Ferryman
As you make your way from Grand Canal Dock towards Spencer Dock, at the southern side of the Samuel Beckett Bridge you’ll find The Ferryman. A traditional pub full of charm and curiosities, its intimate Cellar Bar below stairs is ideal for cosy conversation at the end of a day’s sightseeing.
Take your pick of hearty pub dishes like classic beef and Guinness pie, turkey crown in lemon, lime and thyme marinade, and of course, pork belly with crispy crackling and all the trimmings. Just be sure to leave room for dessert...
The Ferryman, 35 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2
MV Cill Airne - Boat Bar & Bistro
A skip across the Samuel Beckett Bridge if you’re coming from Grand Canal Dock, or moored right by the Convention Centre Dublin if you’re already on the Spencer Dock side; all aboard the MV Cill Airne for dinner afloat.
Known as The Boat, this floating bar and restaurant places you right between the two sides of Dublin’s docklands. Treat yourself to a cocktail out on deck before indulging in the mouthwatering menu. From baked Cooleeney camembert to Irish lamb rump on sautéed baby leeks with caramelised pearl onions and minted port jus; the views alone are a spectacular way to round off the evening.
MV Cill Airne, Quay 16, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1
Il Fornaio
Just a four-minute stroll from Spencer Dock, enjoy a pick-me-up espresso between the sights or sit down to a full three courses at Il Fornaio. An Italian gem in the heart of the Irish Financial Services Centre (IFSC), its comprehensive menu is loaded with continental favourites. With platters of cured meats and aged cheeses, comforting beef-stuffed ravioli served in butter, sage and parmesan sauce, and of course your choice of classic pizzas; prepare for a fabulous feast.
Il Fornaio, 1B Valentia House, Custom House Square, Dublin 1
East Restaurant, The Spencer Hotel
Just a nine-minute stroll from Spencer Dock, East Restaurant at The Spencer Hotel boasts the very best of Pan Asian cuisine. Enjoy the aromatic flavours of Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Japan, all in the heart of Dublin City.
Revel in authentic bento boxes, teriyaki salmon salad, Singapore noodles and tasty Thai curries. Conveniently located between Spencer Dock and attractions like EPIC The Irish Immigration Museum and replica tall ship The Jeanie Johnston, make time for this delicious pit stop.
The Spencer Hotel, Excise Walk, IFSC, Dublin 1
The CHQ Building
Very handy if you’re visiting Europe’s leading tourist attraction, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, as it and a number of shops and eateries are all under one roof at The CHQ Building. Once a vast 19th-century storage warehouse for cargos of tobacco, tea and spirits, today it’s a bustling cultural and events centre.
The CHQ Building, 1 Custom House Quay, North Dock, Dublin 1
Rocket’s
Only a brisk nine-minute walk from Spencer Dock, treat yourself to delectable hamburgers, buttermilk breaded chicken, moreish fries and superb shakes at Rocket’s. Ideal for families, particularly while you’re exploring the area’s many fascinating attractions, happy tummies are a given.
Rocket’s, Unit B, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1
Discover more ways to explore Dublin Canals, check out our Highlights section.