Top 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Dublin

The Old Storehouse in Temple Bar's Crown Alley is better known for its nightly live Irish music, but their seafood offerings deserve equal billing. The seafood chowder—thick, creamy, and loaded with generous chunks of fish—is a Dublin classic that's perfect before or after exploring Temple Bar's cultural quarter. With over 9,000 reviews, this is clearly a crowd-pleaser that manages to balance tourist appeal with genuine quality, and the traditional Irish bar atmosphere with wooden beams and cozy nooks creates that authentic Dublin pub experience. Come for the music, stay for the seafood, and don't be surprised if you end up tapping your feet between courses.

Fish Shop in Smithfield has cultivated a cult following for its nose-to-tail (or rather, fin-to-tail) approach to seafood in a stripped-back, industrial-cool setting. The beer-battered cod sandwich is legendary—crispy, generous, and messy in all the right ways—while their raw bar showcases Irish oysters and crab with minimal fuss and maximum flavour. The bar vibe means you can pop in for just oysters and a pint or settle in for a full meal, and the casual atmosphere suits groups of friends or solo diners bellying up to the bar. The commitment to using the whole fish and supporting sustainable fisheries makes it a favourite among conscious eaters.

Octopussy's brings a playful, tapas-style approach to Howth's seafood scene, letting you graze through multiple dishes while soaking up the harbour atmosphere. Their seafood tapas selection—think calamari, garlic prawns, crab croquettes, and mussels—is designed for sharing and pairs perfectly with a crisp white wine on their outdoor terrace. The casual, buzzy vibe attracts everyone from families with kids to groups of friends doing the Howth cliff walk, and the value for money is exceptional given the prime location. Go on a sunny day, grab an outdoor table, and prepare to linger over multiple rounds of small plates.

Perched on Howth's West Pier with panoramic views of Dublin Bay, Aqua Restaurant offers the rare combination of stunning seaside vistas and seriously good seafood. The grilled Irish lobster is the signature dish, served simply to let the sweet meat shine, while their seafood gratin has locals making the journey from city centre. The bright, airy dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows makes every seat feel like a waterfront table, and watching the fishing boats come in while you dine adds an authentic touch. It's perfect for leisurely weekend lunches or sunset dinners when you want to escape the city buzz.

The Vintage Kitchen near Grand Canal Dock is a gem that punches well above its weight, earning a remarkable 4.7 rating for its intimate, market-driven approach to seafood. Chef Gary O'Hanlon's daily menu might feature anything from pan-fried sea bass to Dublin Bay prawns, all depending on the morning's catch and what's in season. The tiny dining room creates an almost supper-club atmosphere—book ahead or you'll be disappointed—and the personalized service makes every guest feel like a regular. This is where you go when you want to impress a date or celebrate something special without the stuffiness of formal fine dining.

The Old Mill Restaurant has been serving Temple Bar for years, earning its stellar reputation through consistently excellent seafood and warm Irish hospitality. Their fish and chips—using fresh haddock in a perfectly crispy beer batter—is arguably the best traditional version in central Dublin, while their seafood linguine attracts a devoted following. The cozy, traditional pub-restaurant atmosphere with exposed brick and warm lighting makes it welcoming for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. With over 6,500 reviews maintaining a 4.5 rating, this place clearly knows how to keep both tourists and locals happy.

Niall Sabongi's seafood café tucked away in Temple Bar's Sprangers Yard is where sustainable Irish seafood meets creative, unpretentious cooking. The crab claws in garlic butter are a must-order, served with crusty bread perfect for mopping up every last drop of that addictive sauce. The intimate, café-style setting feels more neighbourhood bistro than tourist trap, despite its Temple Bar location, making it a favourite among locals who know good seafood. Sabongi's commitment to working directly with Irish fishermen means you're getting traceable, sustainable catches at reasonable prices.

SOLE Seafood & Grill brings sophisticated dining to Drury Street with its elegant interior and impeccably sourced seafood from Irish waters. Their wood-grilled monkfish is legendary among Dublin foodies, but the real showstopper is the seafood platter—a towering display of oysters, crab, prawns, and lobster that's as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious. The upscale ambiance with its statement lighting and plush seating makes it ideal for special occasions and business dinners. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through their extensive wine list, perfectly curated to complement the ocean-fresh menu.

Matt The Thresher has become Dublin 2's go-to for unfussy, quality seafood served in a relaxed neighbourhood setting. The real draw here is the daily changing menu that depends entirely on what's been landed that morning—think whole grilled turbot, butter-poached lobster, and their famous seafood chowder that locals swear by. The casual yet refined atmosphere makes it perfect for everything from a romantic dinner to catching up with friends over a bottle of natural wine. Don't miss their oyster selection, which features the best from Ireland's coastal waters.