As the heart of Dublin 7 awakens from its winter slumber, Smithfield, a pulsating hub of culinary creativity, emerges as a haven for romantic revelry. This vibrant district, steeped in history and brimming with character, promises an unforgettable Valentine’s Day dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds and ignite the flames of passion. We’re rounding up the best places for dinner on valentine’s day.
Whether you want a night in a romantic restaurant serving heart-shaped pizzas or your idea of romantic dinner is a night in with a take away, Smithfield offers the perfect spot for a bite to eat in Dublin city.
Fish shop: for the foodie couple
For a Valentine’s Day dinner that is decadent, sophisticated, but comforting, Fish Shop is an ideal choice. Step into a world of fresh, locally sourced seafood, where every dish is prepared with meticulous attention to detail. Their impressive menu is packed with signature dishes and bottles of champagne!
Indulge in the signature Fillet O’FishShop Burger or savour the succulent cockles with chorizo and sherry. Wash it all down with a cheeky glass of champagne to make the evening even more special.
You may not think of Fish and Chips as a romantic meal. However, Fish Shop is a small, intimate spot with counter dining only so be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment. To see the full menu and to book, head to their website.
Source: Instagram @fishshopbenburb
Bonobo: for the painfully cool couple
If you seek a luxe but effortlessly laidback nook to nestle away in on Valentine’s Day, Bonobo is your spot. Grab a cosy nook and sip something cool like a Valencian Orange Pale Ale or a Toffee Nut Stout while you choose one (or two) of their impeccably cooked woodfired pizzas for a romantic evening. Their name was made for their incredible cocktail bar offering, check out their house creations list, it shows the late night spot Bonobo is!
Bonobo is walk in only with plenty of different spaces to choose from so getting a spot is usually not hard. So embrace the effortless “je ne sais quoi” and just rock up when you feel like it, it’s always the perfect time. Check out their Instagram to see what this gorgeous spot has to offer.
Source: Instagram @bonobo_smithfield
Grano: for the bougie couple
For a Valentine’s Day dinner that exudes romance and warmth, Grano, an authentic Calabrian trattoria, is the epitome of culinary artistry. They pride themselves on using “natural ingredients using organic and biodynamic techniques” and that is apparent from the menu.
Let your taste buds embark on a journey through Calabria, as each dish unveils a new chapter of culinary passion. Indulge in the Spaghettoni al Granchio, a rich pasta dish with white crab meat, crustaceans bisque, bottarga and lemon, or savour the decadent Supplí Cacio e Pepe, a simple yet comforting dish of creamy Cacio e Pepe rice balls delicately fried. All of their Italian dishes, paired with a glass of bubbly, it spells bougie!
Wash it all down with some organic wine and make google eyes at your lover while you split the tiramisu. This place will fill up fast, so get your booking in now on their site. Grano is a popular choice for the big day, the perfect setting for a delicious meal.
Source: Instagram @granodublin
Tokyo kitchen: for the laid back couple
If you’re looking for something so lowkey, understated, but incredibly tasty this Valentine’s Day then Tokyo Kitchen is the absolute go to in Smithfield! This tiny hole in the wall is delivering some of the best Japanese street food in the city.
It has all the usual fare from gyoza, to ramen, to sushi rolls and all of the fish is supplied from Fish Kish just next door. So you can grab a takeaway from Tokyo Kitchen and go nest mode in your living room or if you fancy a pint then head over to the Barbers bar where they have just set up a pop up for anyone who wants to eat in. Make your own romantic setting, and step out of the ordinary.Check out their menu and order online.
Source: instagram @dublintokyokitchen
Want to make a proper night out of it? Check out our Valentine’s Day Package where you can stay in The Hendrick Smithfield with breakfast, free late checkout, and a bottle of prosecco from just €160 midweek or €210 at the weekends. Book this offer in January for stays between 1 Feb to 8 Mar 2024. Book your stay now here
We’ve found the best places for dinner on valentine’s day , it’s up to you to decide if it’s for a three course meal or just a pizza and pint! What we can say is that you will want to book soon for some of these places!
If you’ve not planned what you’re doing during the day, we’ve got 6 romantic spots to take your valentine this year. If you’d rather keep it more chilled, you could check out the things we recommend to do in Smithfield.