Best Restaurants Near The Aviva Stadium Dublin

Whether you’re on your way to international rugby or soccer, checking out a massive open-air concert, or simply staying in one of the classiest parts of Dublin, there’s plenty to enjoy about Ballsbridge and the other areas immediately adjacent to Aviva Stadium, as well as some excellent restaurants that fall within comfortable walking distance.

From Michelin stars to popular chilled-out eateries, you won’t want for somewhere that fires the imagination as you look to make the most of a stay. Here are our favourite places to dip into for a quick bite, or indulge in a meal you’ll never forget.

Patrick Guilbaud Restaurant

Hotel Restaurant, Irish, Contemporary, French, European

Widely regarded as Ireland’s best restaurant, this spot in the Merrion Hotel is effortlessly high-end, the only Irish holder of two Michelin stars (with prices to match) that’s certain to wow even the pickiest of foodies. If you want a (relatively) affordable way to drop in, head for their lunchtime offering, but it’s the spectacular a la carte and tasting menus that built the reputation here. Think delicately presented local ingredients, ranging from smoked eel to lobster ravioli and Wicklow lamb fillet. It’s worth breaking the bank for.

Queen of Tarts

Bakery, Cafe, Restaurant, Coffee, Dessert, Irish, European

A small chain of pattisseries best known for their outstanding cakes, the Queen of Tarts also does a great lunch, brunch or breakfast, and is one of those essential spots you can experience without obliterating your budget. It’s a half-hour walk from the stadium, but well worth the effort as one of the top spots in Temple Bar, a district you’ll inevitably be stopping off in anyway for a pint or three. Think big creamy cakes, luxuriously playful coffees, lots of chocolate, and fancy looking soup and salads.

Gallagher's Boxty House

Bar, Restaurant, Pub, Bistro, Irish, European

Arguably Ireland’s most famous traditional restaurant, Gallagher’s Boxty House is the place to try local staples like coddle (sausage stew), oysters, Irish steak, bacon and cabbage, and the dish that gives the spot its name, boxty (a traditional potato pancake). This place is popular with tourists, but that’s no reason to avoid it. You’ll be getting an authentic glance at the kind of soulful food that’s big in Ireland, drawn very much from the land. It’s hearty, and perfect prep for a big night on the tiles.

Mulligan's of Sandymount

Bar, Gastropub, Irish, Pub Grub, Beer, European

Heading out of the city centre rather than towards it from the Aviva, Mulligan’s is set in the charming, village-like hub of Sandymount, and it’s one classy, pretention-free place to eat. Their party trick is a simple one: bread made with Guinness, which has a wonderfully subtle aroma to it. The main menu is more sophisticated, a kind of high-end pub grub that features beautifully presented steak, fish and chips, prawns, cheeses and luxurious desserts. In short, it’s a nice mix of foodie-satisfying cuisine and pre-match pints.

FX Buckley

Restaurant, Irish, Steakhouse, European

The famous Dublin butcher’s (FX Buckley is a seriously popular purveyor of all things meaty on Moore Street) has expanded in recent years to take in restaurants that, naturally, showcase the best of their meat. The bold eateries (there are several – the Pembroke Street spot is best placed for the Aviva) are best known for their steak, and servers have been known to bring out plates of beautiful chops to explain their cuts and display their wares. Not one for vegetarians, then, but for carnivores, they serve sublime meat-laden plates of food.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.