2025 has been a year of new beginnings.
A new president, new reality TV shows, and even new tunes to play after a victorious GAA match.
Located in Clonskeagh
Down by the river in Clonskeagh, Ashton's has quietly become one of the city’s most inviting new dining spots - and a great shout for Christmas get-togethers. The space is huge, with room for 120 diners in the main restaurant, a riverside terrace for crisp winter afternoons, and a 150-seater Arts Club ideal for larger group bookings or festive parties. There’s also a cosy snug and a proper old-school pub attached, so you can make a night of it without ever leaving the building.
Located on Exchequer Street
Dublin’s first Peruvian restaurant has officially arrived inside The Hoxton Hotel, and it’s already one of the most exciting openings of the year.
From tuna ceviche to tres leches, it's simply a must-try!
Peruvian food in Dublin…at long last.
Located on Dame Street
One of the most highly anticipated openings of the year due to the spectacular views the venue boasts, Díon has finally opened its doors, and it's definitely somewhere you need to get down to.
The menu consists quality Irish ingredient fusions from your usual suspects to some more unique offerings.
Located in Dún Laoghaire
Having recently relocated just off the seafront in Dún Laoghaire, Fabel Bakery has brought its much-loved pastries further south after moving from its original Dublin city centre spot.
From delicious cinnamon buns to crumbly cookies, there is so much to choose from.
Known for their slow-fermented buns, this bright, welcoming bakery pairs every bake with a perfectly poured Imbibe coffee.
Located on Clarendon Street
Run by Nastya Kharytonova, Omma is Dublin's answer to Matcha Mommy.
Expect the highest quality green tea leaves paired with unique flavour combinations - yuzu matcha tonic anyone?
Located in Clontarf
Comfort food at its finest - Chubbys in Clontarf is serving up some delicious grub.
From burgers and tacos to cocktails and corn ribs - there is something for everyone.
Located on Joshua Lane
This modern bistro is dishing up some of the best food Dublin has to offer.
The food is inspired by modern French and European culinary traditions, made up of high-quality produce and carefully sourced both locally and from afar.
Located on Stephen's Green
Tucked just off Grafton Street, Kaldero is lovingly run by Richie and Alex – the duo behind Bahay, the Filipino food truck you definitely queued for at a festival.
They’ve gone brick-and-mortar this year, and it’s paying off in a big way: think banana ketchup chicken skewers, crispy okoy, pork sisig crowned with a glossy egg yolk, and a kare kare oxtail stew that’s pure comfort. Pair it all with a funky chilled red and a heap of garlic rice – perfection.
Located in Rathmines
Sister restaurant to the beloved Hang Dai, this Chinese takeaway offers stellar flavours.
Situated in Rathmines, the menu is inspired by the Hawkers of Hong Kong and Chinese takeaways worldwide.
You can find street food classics, dumplings, skewers and more.
Located on Dorset Street
Hera’s approach to the gastropub is all torched Carlingford oysters and succulent meatballs in chipotle sauce.
Yeast-butter fried potatoes and a roll call of smaller plates show they aren’t afraid to colour outside the lines.
It was even added to the sophisticated Michelin Guide for 2025, standing out for as “a pub-cooking base but is given some enticing international twists.”
Located in Phibsborough
A quirky Italian serving up all the classics and as well as some unique offerings, Borgo is a fantastic addition to the North side's food scene.
Ran by the same exquisite team at Hera, Borgo was also added to the 2025 Michelin Guide with their "generous, well-priced plates" gaining recognition for their "honest simplicity" and "recognisable dishes cooked with skill and packing in plenty of flavour."
Located in Monkstown
China Tang in Monkstown offers a refined take on traditional Chinese cuisine, with their Peking duck the absolute star of the show.
The dumplings are also exceptional, including delicate xiao long bao (a.k.a a soup dumpling) filled with savoury broth and a signature dim sum platter which gives you a taste of the best dumplings on the menu.
We tried this place a few months back, and we're still talking about it - it's that good.
Located on Windsor Terrace
Lena occupies the same waterside spot that’s hosted decades of fine food.
Named for a beloved family matriarch, Lena feels homely but with a kind of elegance that magazine homes would covet.
The space is light-filled with views over the canal and an atmosphere that leans more toward ease than effort.
There’s a certain assurance in the menu. It's smart, and deeply seasonal, with ingredients that speak for themselves.
Located on Sackville Place
This new late night cocktail spot is very very good.
The Sackville Lounge comes from the exceptional team behind 1661 Bar, and located just off O'Connell Street.
The cocktail menu leans heavily into classics and as you'd expect from these guys, the quality of the drinks is off the charts.
The bar is open Tuesday to Sunday from 5 'til late, and you'll probably see us in there again soon.
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18th December 2025
10:41am GMT
