The best restaurants for international dining in Dublin

Dublin’s a multicultural destination. For decades the seafaring city has attracted travellers from around the world. Many of which have stayed, set up shop and introduced their flavours to the capital.

From Brazilian restaurants to exceptional French food, there’s plenty of new and established eateries in the city. And we love that as residents of Dublin’s best aparthotels, we get to try them all.

Whether you’re here for Irish culture, business or studying, here’s the best places to eat in Dublin.

Our favourite French restaurants

French doesn’t have to be fancy. But it’s always classically stylish. Get a taste for tartare and escargot at Dublin’s top French restaurants.

Chez Max, Palace Street

Best for: Moules-Frites enjoyed alfresco in a courtyard worthy of a French film.

From the staff to the soundtrack, everything at Chez Max is authentically French. The long standing bistro first opened when owner, Gonzague ‘Max’ de Laloubie, moved to Ireland in 2000 to improve his English. Starting as a small juice bar, the restaurant now sits on the corner of Dublin Castle.

Classic dishes of beef bourguignon and onion soup are cooked impeccably, best for tucking into in a cosy leathered booth with a warming glass of Shiraz. You might also be lucky enough to grab a precious outdoor table on sunny days. Sit, close your eyes and pretend you’re in Paris as you slurp steamed mussels.

l'Gueuleton, Fade Street

Best for: expected French classics with unexpected twists.

If you know Dublin, you know l’Gueuleton. The French bistro is an old favourite for many, having served top notch food since 2004. And its Fade Street location means you can pop in for lunch after Dublin Castle sightseeing, or dinner before a night in Temple Bar.

The menu’s got most of what you’d expect from a French institution. But with an added bit of international flair. There’s beef tartare with wasabi pearls and smoked egg emulsion. Venison loin with cherry gel. And Crème Brûlée with biscotti and Ferrero Rocher gelato.

La Ruelle Wine Bar, Joshua Lane

Best for: showing off your wine selection skills to your hot new date.

Combine French food with French wine at La Ruelle Wine Bar. This intimate bar and restaurant is set in the charming street of Joshua Lane, a few steps from Dawson Street and our very own Zanzibar Locke aparthotel - so you can easily roll back to bed after a few glasses of Sauvignon.

Whether you sit indoors or out in the tiny cobbled street, you’ll be immersed in the best of French delicacies. The wine menu has a bottle from every region and you’ll discover a delicious list of small and big plates to tuck into including the likes of ratatouille, duck leg confit, and apple tarte tatin.

Where to go for Greek

Get the best Greek eats in Dublin at these top restaurants. For Mediterranean mezedes and generously sized Greek street food.

Mykonos Taverna, Dame Street

Best for: sharing small plates with big Greek flavours.

It’s not always sunny in Dublin. But at Mykonos Taverna, you can escape to the Greek island all year round. Upbeat music and blue Aegean murals whisk diners away to warmer climates. But it’s the food that really takes you on a trip.

The menu mostly features mezedes, a selection of small dishes made for sharing. There’s meat, seafood and vegetarian picks, as well as wraps and traditional main courses. Almost all of which come dripping in Greek feta and herbs.

Yeeros, Prospect Road

Best for: a super sized lunch that’ll see you through an afternoon of sightseeing.

If a day in Dublin has you hungry, make sure to stop off at Yeeros to get stuffed on Souvlaki. This street food bar is a popular haunt with weekday workers and tourists in the know, with three locations in the city centre.

Flame-grilled kebabs and fluffy pita breads come in the form of wraps, gyros and plated lunch deals. Plus an extra menu for all the Greek dips you could ever need. And if you’re feeling something sweet, don’t miss the Loukoumades, a traditional dessert of fried donut rings drizzled with honey or nutella.

Corfu, Parliament Street

Best for: filling up on Greek-style pasta before heading to Temple Bar.

From Mykonos to Corfu. Next on our tour of Greece is an authentic local spot that brings the islands’ warm hospitality to Dublin. It’s easy, laid-back and reminiscent of a rustic taverna hidden among the olive trees.

There’s plenty of Greek style meats (meatballs, skewered chicken and Irish lamb chops), breads and fresh dips from tzatziki to creamy hummus. Plus a pasta menu that takes inspiration from Greece and neighbouring Italy.

The best of Brazilian in Dublin

There’s plenty of traditionally nice restaurants in Dublin. But if you want something out of the ordinary, then head to Brazil. A new wave of South American eateries have come to the city, and we’re big fans.

Brazil House, Mary Street

Best for: eating takeout sushi and Brazilian pasteis in bed.

Aside from a more traditional meaty diet, Brazilian’s love sushi. Which probably explains why you can order a sashimi platter alongside your pasteis at Dublin’s Brazil House. Open for lunch and dinner, this takeaway is a Brazilian-Japanese fusion - perfect for when you can’t decide on what to eat.

Savoury pastries are the main South American delicacy on offer, stuffed with mozzarella, meat and tomato. There’s also tapioca (tortilla-like crepes) and päo na chapa (toasted buttery bread). Plus all the sushi you could crave from salmon uramaki to dragon rolls.

La Rocha, Ormond Quay Upper

Best for: treating a mate to 2-4-1 Brazilian stew.

For an authentic Brazilian meal you can sit down and enjoy, head to La Rocha. This all-day restaurant and café serves tasty food morning till night. And the service is equally good. Inside you’ll find smart interiors set against an open brick wall bar. But if the weather holds up, make sure to shotgun an outdoor table for an alfresco lunch looking out on the River Liffey.

When it comes to the menu, it’s short and sweet. Which makes ordering much easier for those new to Brazilian cuisine. Try feijoada - a black bean and pork stew - or tuck in to South America’s version of Shepherd’s Pie with cassava and grilled halloumi. There’s meal deals too for when you want what your friend’s having.

Recanto Brazil, Talbot Street

Best for: a sweet ‘n’ savoury Brazilian breakfast that’s simply delicious.

The newest addition to Dublin’s Brazilian foodie scene has quickly become a hit with the local neighbourhood. The café known as Recanto might not have been around for long, but is already filling hungry eaters with savoury sandwiches and Brazilian bakes.

Open from the early hours, you can grab a quick coffee and croissant. Or try a coxinha (savoury fried dough) or pão de queijo (small cheese buns). You’ll probably be back again for lunch, with Brazilian hot dogs and chicken tarts for under €6. As well as an irresistible line up of cakes and pies.

Enjoy your stay in Dublin

Once you’re full on Brazilian bean stew and hummus stuffed pitas, our Dublin aparthotels are the perfect place to come back to. Spacious, stylish and centrally located, our accommodation offers much more than your average hotel.

Be moments from Temple Bar’s lively streets at Zanzibar Locke, our Scandi-style retreat, minutes from the city’s best nightlife. Or pop down to the Docklands to stay at Beckett Locke where business, tech and modern living come together. There’s space to sleep, places to eat and room to work or workout.

No matter your style of travel, Locke aparthotels are your home away from home.