With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I've rounded up some of the best options for where to celebrate in Dublin. Whether you fancy dinner and drinks* with a date, comedy and cocktails with a mate, or an art-inspired afternoon, we've got you covered.
Dinner and a movie: Sprezzatura and Tony Cantwell's Moulin Rouge
Sprezzatura in Rathmines is a perfect spot to kick off date night, with the Stella Cinema next door and the Omniplex Cinema in the nearby Swan Centre. The restaurant combines Italian ideas with Irish produce resulting in a delicious array of pasta dishes.
On a recent trip, I had the arancini pappa al pomodoro followed by a classic carbonara while my date had the fettuccine with drummond house aglio E Wicklow olio.
After some fine Italian fare, head across the road to Tony Cantwell's live commentary of Moulin Rouge in the Omniplex. He'll be joined by two of Ireland's best comics, Justine Stafford and Kevin McGahern. This is one not to miss. Tickets here.
Queer Speed Dating and Cocktails: Token
While this one isn't technically on Valentine's Day, it is planned for the days leading up to it so that you can nab a Valentine just in time. Hosted by Dublin Drag Queen Maura Darragh this will run over three nights from 7th - 9th February. There'll be a night each dedicated to Lesbian, Gay, and Q+ daters, and is naturally open to single people only.
Dates are randomised, icebreakers and prompts will be given to get you started and there'll be love-inspired cocktails on offer behind the bar. Expect music, comedy, and even a special performance or two. Tickets here.
Dinner and a show: Scene and Heard and Chez Max
Scene + Heard: The Festival Of New Work takes place in Smock Alley Theatre from 9 – 26 February. There are loads of great shows to choose from and plenty of restaurants and bars nearby to grab a bite before.
French bistro Chez Max is a great spot for a pre-show dinner and you might even recognise it from a scene in Conversations with Friends. Expect classics like Steak frites, beef bourguignon, duck confit and my fave, creme brulee. Not too much to choose from if your date is vegetarian but there are options for pescatarians.
Wine bar and a gig: Note and Doyle's Ruby Sessions
Note is a bistro and wine bar and one of the most exciting new additions to the Dublin food scene. It's low key vibes with high quality food. Expect great cocktails, natural wines, and dishes like a crab crumpet with sea urchin espuma, and salt aged duck breast with shiitake, kohlrabi and apple.
Afterwards head to the iconic Ruby Sessions in Doyles. The Tuesday night session has been running for 23 years and many of Ireland's greats have graced its doors.
Further into town Dry Cleaning play Vicar Street and the aptly named Anie Valentine and friends take over upstairs in Whelan's for the "broken-hearted, single or simply bored".
Pho and comedy: Aobaba and the Craic Den
Aobaba on Capel St is my favourite spot in the city for Vietnamese food. With a reasonably priced menu, great food and limited seating you'll likely have to join a queue but it's worth the wait. If it's dry you can try nab one of the tables outside. I always go for the veggie pho and some summer rolls but the Báhn Mì look equally delicious.
A short stroll across the Liffey will bring you to Mulligan and Haines. This is where you'll find Damo Clark and Eddie Mullarkey hosting the Craic Den Valentine's Special. Having seen both comics live before I can vouch that it's sure to be a fun night.
Art and Afternoon Tea: Merrion Hotel and Hugh Lane Gallery
For a daytime date, why not head to a gallery and treat yourself to a lavish afternoon tea at the Merrion hotel? The 'Art Tea' features cakes inspired by 19th and 20th-century creations from figures such as J.B Yeats, William Scott, and Louis le Brocquy.
It’s a two-course, two-hour affair with treats served on fine china and a glass of champagne can be added as an additional extra. The newest offering is a vegan afternoon tea, available for the same price.
Following your meal, you could go to one of the many exhibits in the nearby National Gallery, or check out The Museum of Natural History (or as it’s more commonly known, The Dead Zoo). The Hugh Lane Gallery are offering a Valentine’s Day Highlights of the Collection Tour, tickets for which are free and can be reserved here.
*If you have been affected by issues raised in this story, please visit: www.rte.ie/helplines.
