We've gathered up a list of our favourite spots to grab a drink, some (more food) and perhaps a boogie after Taste of Dublin 2022.
Back at full capacity, Dublin's foremost food festival has returned with a bang. First launched way back in 2005, the festival held in the centre of Dublin city, has drawn crowds of thousands through the years through the entrance of Iveagh Gardens. Through the years the festival has placed the biggest names in Irish and international hospitality on centre stage and served up some truly special dishes and drinks for attendees. With its theme of celebrating the ‘Best of Irish’, this year is no anomaly, well-known chefs like Rory O’Connell, Jordan Bailey, JP McMahon, Erica Drum and Derry Clarke will all in attendance. Alongside some of the countries up-and-coming restaurants serving up some diverse fare, from The Salt Project, Julia’s Lobster Truck, Bia Rebel and Dublin-based Hakkahan.
Conveniently located in the very beating heart of Dublin at Iveagh Gardens, the choices for after Taste are pretty endless. To help with the choice we've teamed up with
FREE NOW to prepare a list of our favourite spots to hit up after the foodie
festival of the season - and FREE NOW's mobility super app will be going the extra mile to ensure festival goers get to wherever they need to be. The app will help users get a taxi hassle free - just a simple tap of the app, and you'll be on the road.
Drinks
House
Leeson Street Lower, 4-minute taxi
A great shout if you want to go for a few drinks after Taste, with the potential for staying out all night bopping. This is an upmarket spot so make sure you've got at least some glad-rags /semi-respectable looking clothes on. They've got some nice small bites, a great cocktail menu (which includes one of the city's best spicy margaritas imo).
J. O'Connell
Richmond Street, 4-minute taxi
One of the best Dublin boozers, J. O'Connell is to use a hackneyed term of late a true Hidden Gem, that hides in plain sight. The front is slick with layer after layer of red paint, while the inside is welcoming and cozy. The barman are extremely nice and chatty, and most importantly they pull a mighty fine pint.
Swan Bar
York Street, 7-minute taxi
One of the more over-looked of Dublin-boozers, Swan Bar is another great one. It's a beautiful high-ceilinged spot with carved Victorian woodwork throughout. It caters for whatever the weather may bring, lighting the fire up in the cold or throwing the wide doors open in the heat. A quiet spot despite it's central location, it's a great place for a post-Taste debrief.
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Neary's
Chatham Street, 7-minute taxi
A spot knee-deep in history, Neary's truly is a special pub. There's an olde worlde quality to this spot on Chatham Street, which is one of the few pubs that don't have screens or speakers. The staff are some of the best in the business who help to create a relaxed atmosphere, that's perfect for a good chat or a long over due catch up.
Food
If you haven't gotten enough food into your system here's a list of some great spots to grab your dinner in after the foodie festival.
Mister S
Camden Street Lower, 3-minute taxi
Always top of our lists when it comes to dinner recommendations around town, Mister S is one of the best dining spots around. Known for their time-consuming preparations, the team use the best of Irish ingredients giving them the time and attention they deserve to create complex and layered dishes. Known for their expert treatment of meat, the team have recently started turning their hand to fish with impeccable results. Set off the crush of Camden Street, the darkly lit spot is an oasis of calm.
Pickle
Camden Street, 3-minute taxi
The restaurant run by Sunil Ghai, was recently added to the Michelin Guide causing anyone who has ever eaten there to ask "what took so long?". No one cooks Indian cuisine quite like Ghai, as attested by the success of his many restaurants dotted around the city and the burbs. Pickle will be appearing at Taste, which will no doubt whet everyone's appetites up for an incredibly complex North Indian feast.
Nomo Ramen
Charlotte Way, 4-minute taxi
One the city's newest openers that's been welcomed with open arms into the Dublin food scene, is Nomo Ramen. This ramen bar across(ish) from The Bleeding Horse has been celebrated by foodies and fans alike. Nicely shaped bowls (imported directly from Japan) are filled up with some of the best tasting chicken noodle broth available in Dublin right now: creamy, earthy and unctuous. The toppings aren't overwrought either, fried pork, a handful of veg, not packed to bursting point but nicely distributed throughout. The perfect spot to go for a warming bowl that is capable of settling a dickie stomach that's been packed to the rafters with random food samples at the festival.
Winedown
Montague Street, 7-minute taxi
The perfect place to kick off a night out, Winedown, a fun colourful spot which even has an artistic representation of Moira Rose from Schitt's Creek fandom. The Spanish-tinged menu has loads of great small plates for those that aren't feeling too hungry but are thirsting after a glass or two of natty wine.
Before you head off on your post-festival adventures, don't forget to enjoy a cocktail in FREE NOW'S ‘EXTRA MILE LOUNGE’ while taking a virtual trip through the streets of Europe on one of their multi-mobility vehicles. The perfect way to get a glimpse of what the future of mobility looks like across Europe.
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