Dublin is a destination to see, feel… and taste! Although better known for staples like Guinness and the full Irish breakfast, the amount of options for delicious seafood in Dublin is mind-blowing. From cod and lobster to mackerel and mussels and more, Ireland’s sea produces ample amounts of delicious seafood. It’s no coincidence that the lyrics to Molly Malone talked about cockles and mussels…
If you’re in the Irish capital and looking to try some of the best seafood dishes—whether traditional or with an international twist— follow us on an amazing journey to find the best seafood in Dublin. Prepare your palate for an unmatched dining experience that will leave you craving more.
The vast seafood on offer in Ireland
While many think raw oysters are typically French, the Irish do love them, especially paired with a pint of Guinness! It must be the contrast between their lemony, acid tang and the creamy aftertaste of stout. Ireland loves shucking oysters, and keep reading because we will tell you where you can enjoy this art.
From a fresh oyster appetizer to a soothing main course. Since the island’s rough weather calls for desperate measures, the Irish know that a hearty seafood-based soup is the perfect way to warm up the body and the soul.
Seafood chowder is one of the most typical comfort foods in the nation. The soup’s mixture of salmon, prawns, white fish, and haddock is like bringing the sea to your mouth with every spoonful, while ingredients like milk, cream, and vegetables such as onions, potatoes, and carrots help enhance the flavor.
Those who appreciate shellfish in its original form will definitely fall for mussels in cream, another household recipe. The secret of this popular dish is the sauce, which is beautifully made with a mild combination of butter, heavy cream, flour, salt, and pepper.
Other typical sea delicacies closer to our capital include Dublin Bay prawns (typically dipped in mayonnaise), crab, and lobster. Read on to find out the best restaurants that serve the best seafood in Dublin and local markets where visitors and locals enjoy the taste of the sea.
Where to find the best seafood in Dublin
A trip to Ireland deserves to be rounded off with the perfect meal. These restaurants have the best fish and seafood in town and will contribute to making the culinary part of your adventure an unforgettable one.
SOLE Seafood and Grill
Located in the heart of Dublin, just minutes from the always buzzing Temple Bar, this is arguably the best place to find seafood in Dublin.
Its à la carte options include platters with the tastiest delicacies from all corners of the country, such as crab claws, Connemara oysters, Dublin Bay prawns, shrimp, and Howth smoked salmon.
Among their options, guests can enjoy a surf and turf menu, an impressive oyster selection, seafood towers to share, and even caviar. A genuine sensorial experience you will never forget!
Matt the Thresher
How about some Dublin Georgian architecture and a unique dining experience? Multi-awarded Matt the Thresher boasts in a fine, bright setting in the middle of Dublin’s green lung: St. Stephen’s Green.
Don’t want to miss a thing? Order one of their platters to share, and relish a unique oyster, brown Irish crab claw, undressed crabmeat, and Dublin Bay prawn fest.
If you want it all to yourself, we recommend their steaming shellfish pot, with clams, mussels, prawns, and langoustine, served in a chermoula and shellfish broth.
Thinking of taking your tasting adventure out for a day trip from Dublin? The coastal town of Howth grants scenic views of Dublin Bay and packs a few must-try seafood eateries in the area.
Aqua
Dinner with a view? Aqua delights guests with fresh catches like smoked salmon and mackerel, while their own tempura prawns with Sriracha mayo are a true feast for the senses.
KLAW The Seafood Cafe
Can’t get enough of Irish fish, but looking for a more economical alternative? Get ready to shuck your oysters at KLAW’s happy hour (from 5 to 6 pm), on Fownes Street Upper, or check out our Dublin restaurant guide for inspiration when looking for that rewarding crispy, salty taste of fish and chips you’re craving.
Irish seafood with a twist
Seafood’s versatility means it can work on its own or paired with other ingredients that tone down or nuance its strong character. Here is where world cuisines come into play. Bringing their finesse and creative spin, these international flavors and techniques reinforce the best of our own. Bon appétit!
Rosa Madre
Hungry visitors do not need to go far to find a life-changing culinary experience. Placed right in Temple Bar’s hustle and bustle, Rosa Madre is the Irish-Italian crossover you didn’t know you needed.
Its slick appearance will catch your eye from the get-go, and its sea fare game is equally as enticing. Their sea bream tartare or lobster tonnarelli will take your palate to uncharted territories.
Octopussy
As far as sea fare reinventions go, tapas is always a win. At Octopussy, they’re proud of their bite-sized portions. Packing flavor and Mediterranean freshness, their fish is sourced from Doran’s on the Pier’s next-door fish market, and highlights include the pil pil prawns, the sherry monkfish, and Carlingford oysters.
Lobstar
Lobster lovers, hear your call. As the name suggests, Monkstown’s Lobstar puts this crustacean at the center of its menu, although not without a twist.
Go Maine style with a lobster roll, or travel to Asia without leaving Dublin with their grilled lobster tail red curry, accompanied with mussels, spring onion, kefir lime leaves, and pak choi.
Fresh seafood markets in Dublin
Few things can beat the thrill of getting the day’s freshest catch. If you want to buy where Dubliners and fishermen go for their sea fare, taste some of the best local (and exotic) produce, and learn a few cooking tips along the way, here’s a list of the best fish markets that sell the best seafood in Dublin.
- Our first market is right in the heart of Dublin. Wrights of Marino is a family-owned business spanning nearly 100 years of history. Their daily-sourced fish and seafood boast the finest Irish smoked salmon, herring, plaice, and prawns. They also have a deli counter where you can taste their sea produce on the spot.
- The Fish Market (Unit K Roselawn Shopping Centre Blanchardstown, Dublin 15). If cod, mackerel, or salmon tickle your fancy and you don’t mind getting a bit out of downtown, this market is quite the place. Here you can buy and try some delicious fish and chips with savvy staff that will advise you to their best knowledge.
- And we’re back in Howth! This time the fishmongers at Kish Fish will welcome you with open arms… and the best selection of sea harvest, including hake, crab claws, sardines, anchovies, and mussels. Their kitchen offers delicious handmade meals like seafood chowder, or fish cakes, to name a few. Never has a field trip been so productive!
Local tip: Most local markets close on Sundays and Mondays, so take that into account when planning your trip.
Headed to Dublin and looking for the best refreshment to pair your seafood with? Our drink-tasting tours are the perfect way to round off your tour of Dublin’s best seafood spots. With the best local knowledge on historical and delicious beverages, our experts will help you make the most of your journey to the Irish capital.
Pablo Montero works as a freelance translator and content writer. Based in Madrid, his work has taken him to places like the U.S. and Ireland. A staunch lover of travelling and all things Irish, he is always on the hunt for flight deals and trending destinations. He’s translated and curated city guides for companies such as KAYAK, Marriott Hotels or Booking.com.