Ireland has 3,170 km of Atlantic and Irish Sea coastline, and Dublin sits at the centre of a remarkable maritime food culture. The city’s seafood restaurants serve oysters lifted from Galway Bay that morning, lobster from Dingle delivered by the Tuesday-Friday fish train, smoked salmon from Connemara, and Dublin Bay langoustines pulled fresh from local trawlers. This guide ranks the 15 best seafood restaurants in Dublin for 2026 — from Michelin-tier fine dining to genuinely-excellent €8 oyster bars to the suburban harbour restaurants worth the DART ride south or north.

Pair with our pillar on Dublin restaurants & food, our traditional Irish food guide, and our day trips from Dublin for the coastal seafood towns reachable from the city.

Why Irish Seafood Is World-Class

Ireland’s cold Atlantic waters produce some of Europe’s most-prized seafood — particularly cold-water species like brown crab, langoustine, native oyster, mackerel, hake and pollock. The country’s native oyster industry — concentrated in Galway Bay, Carlingford Lough and West Cork — produces oysters that are widely considered among the finest in the world. The annual Galway International Oyster Festival in late September draws visitors from across Europe.

Dublin’s seafood is served at three rough quality tiers in 2026:

• Premium/Michelin-tier: Patrick Guilbaud, Chapter One, the Cliff Townhouse, SOLE Seafood & Grill. Tasting menu-style service with chef-prepared whole fish, dressed crab, langoustine.
• Casual seafood bars and bistros: Klaw, Caviston’s, Aqua Seafood Restaurant. €15-35 per plate; the everyday Dublin seafood experience.
• Specialist chippers and harbour restaurants: Beshoff Bros, Leo Burdock, Tigerman’s, the Howth harbour restaurants. From €10 for fish and chips.

The 15 Best Seafood Restaurants in Dublin

1. SOLE Seafood & Grill

Chef Richie Wilson’s seafood restaurant on Exchequer Street. Winner of “Best Luxury Seafood Restaurant” at the World Luxury Restaurant Awards for six consecutive years. Strong wine list; the Carlingford oysters with elderflower granita and the Dublin Bay langoustine flambé are signature dishes. Recent kitchen expansion has added an open seafood counter.

• Address: 18 South William Street, Dublin 2.
• Style: Premium modern seafood.
• Mains: €32-45.
• Best for: Couples on a special seafood night.

2. The Cliff Townhouse

Stylish Georgian townhouse on St Stephen’s Green specialising in modern Irish seafood. Famous for its Sunday seafood platter, Dublin Bay langoustines and Carlingford oysters. The kitchen is led by Sean Smith, one of Ireland’s most-respected seafood chefs.

• Address: 22 St Stephen’s Green North, Dublin 2.
• Style: Modern Irish, seafood-led.
• Mains: €28-42.
• Best for: Date night, Sunday seafood lunch.

3. Klaw

Tiny stand-up seafood bar in Temple Bar. Cult Dublin favourite for ultra-fresh oysters, brown-crab claws, smoked salmon. The 17:00-18:00 happy hour offers €1.50 oysters — the best deal in central Dublin. Strict no-reservations policy.

• Address: 5a Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
• Style: Casual oyster & seafood bar.
• Avg per person: €25-40.
• Best for: Pre-dinner oysters, solo seafood lovers, walk-in dining.

4. The Seafood Café by Niall Sabongi

Sister venue to Klaw, on Fade Street. More laid-back, table-service format with the same quality seafood. The lobster roll, brown-crab club sandwich and seafood pasta are standouts.

• Address: 4 Fade Street, Dublin 2.
• Style: Casual modern seafood.
• Mains: €18-32.
• Best for: Light seafood lunch; couples wanting casual seafood.

5. Cavistons Restaurant

Beloved suburban seafood institution in Sandycove, 25 minutes south by DART. Family-run since 1985. Restaurant plus daily fish counter and prepared-foods deli. The seafood chowder, daily-fish-of-the-day and Sunday roast lobster are legendary.

• Address: 59 Glasthule Road, Sandycove, Co Dublin.
• Style: Family-run modern Irish seafood.
• Mains: €22-38.
• Best for: A coastal seafood day trip; foodies seeking the most-loved local spot.

6. Aqua Seafood Restaurant

Howth Harbour restaurant set in a former boathouse. Wraparound views of the harbour; daily catch from local trawlers. The chargrilled mackerel, lobster ravioli and the €39 seafood platter for two are excellent.

• Address: 1 West Pier, Howth, Co Dublin.
• Style: Coastal seafood with views.
• Mains: €24-40.
• Best for: A Sunday lunch outing with sea views.

7. King Sitric

The most-storied seafood restaurant in Howth, in a Victorian harbour-master’s house. Family-run since 1971. The Howth-landed John Dory, native oysters and brown crab cake are the standouts. Recently refurbished with rooftop dining added.

• Address: East Pier, Howth, Co Dublin.
• Style: Heritage seafood restaurant.
• Mains: €28-44.
• Best for: Couples wanting traditional Irish coastal seafood.

8. The Winding Stair

Above the famous bookshop on Ormond Quay. Modern Irish menu with strong seafood; the smoked Atlantic salmon, the Carrickmacross cheese plate and the seasonal-fish-of-the-day are excellent.

• Address: 40 Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin 1.
• Style: Modern Irish, seafood-leaning.
• Mains: €28-38.
• Best for: A combined book browse and seafood dinner.

9. Octopussy’s Seafood Tapas

Howth Harbour seafood tapas bar. Sister venue to Aqua. Small-plate format with Atlantic prawns in chilli butter, crab claws, smoked-mackerel paté and the legendary Dublin Bay prawn sandwich. Family-run since 2003.

• Address: West Pier, Howth, Co Dublin.
• Style: Casual seafood tapas.
• Tapas plates: €8-16 each; share 3-4 per person.
• Best for: Sharing seafood plates on a casual Howth day trip.

10. Yamamori Sushi

The largest Japanese sushi specialist in Dublin. Three central locations. Strong sushi and seafood-based izakaya. Excellent value lunch deals with sushi sets from €15.

• Address: Ormond Quay; South Great George’s Street; Sandyford.
• Style: Japanese seafood.
• Avg dinner: €28-45.
• Best for: Sushi lovers; vegetarians (strong tofu and vegetable options).

11. Roly’s Bistro

Ballsbridge institution since 1992. Modern Irish-French menu with strong seafood section. The smoked Lough Neagh salmon, dressed crab and Donegal lobster are reliably excellent.

• Address: 7 Ballsbridge Terrace, Dublin 4.
• Style: Modern Irish bistro.
• Mains: €26-42.
• Best for: A traditional Dublin restaurant experience with strong seafood.

12. The Pigeon House

Modern Irish coastal restaurant in Sandymount, walking distance from the DART. Strong seasonal seafood — the Howth-landed mackerel, Dublin Bay langoustine and lobster gnocchi are standouts.

• Address: 11B Pigeon House Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4.
• Style: Modern Irish coastal.
• Mains: €26-42.
• Best for: Returning visitors who want a quieter neighbourhood seafood experience.

Best Fish & Chips in Dublin

13. Beshoff Bros / Beshoffs The Market

The legendary Dublin fish-and-chip dynasty. The flagship is in Howth Harbour, with city-centre branches in Westmoreland Street and Mespil Road. Cod, hake, plaice or whiting, with the choice of standard chips or thick-cut “tatties”. Add a bowl of seafood chowder for €6 to make it a meal.

• Address (flagship): 14 West Pier, Howth.
• Cod and chips: €14-16.
• Best for: The connoisseur’s fish and chips choice; the Howth harbour location is particularly special.

14. Leo Burdock

The Dublin institution since 1913. Christchurch flagship plus multiple branches. The standard cod and chips, with curry sauce or mushy peas. Takeaway only at most branches. Cash-only at the Christchurch flagship.

• Address (flagship): 2 Werburgh Street, Christchurch, Dublin 8.
• Cod and chips: €11-14.
• Best for: Old-school Dublin takeaway fish and chips.

15. Tigerman’s Fish & Chips

Howth harbour competitor to Beshoff. Strong cod, hake and Dublin Bay prawns — the prawn cocktail roll is a Howth lunch staple. Open until late on summer weekends.

• Address: West Pier, Howth.
• Best for: Howth fish and chips when Beshoff is queuing.

Where to Eat Native Irish Oysters in Dublin

Galway Bay and Carlingford Lough oysters are widely considered among Europe’s finest. The best Dublin venues:

• Klaw: Best for casual oyster eating; €1.50 happy-hour oysters 17:00-18:00 daily.
• The Cliff Townhouse: Premium oyster service with paired Muscadet.
• SOLE Seafood & Grill: Carlingford oysters with elderflower granita.
• Mr Fox (Parnell Square): Strong oyster list with classic Champagne pairings.
• The Seafood Café: Excellent casual oyster service.
• Caviston’s (Sandycove): The Sunday oyster brunch is a coastal tradition.
• King Sitric (Howth): Native oyster service from local stocks.
• Mulligan’s Pub (Poolbeg Street): Old-school pub-style oyster service with Guinness pairing.

Native oysters are at their peak September-April (months with an “R”); rock oysters available year-round. The annual Galway International Oyster Festival in late September draws professional shuckers from across the world.

Where to Eat Dublin Bay Lobster

• SOLE Seafood & Grill: Lobster thermidor with cognac and gruyère; lobster Bloody Mary cocktail.
• The Cliff Townhouse: Native lobster à la carte from €48.
• Cavistons (Sandycove): The Sunday lobster lunch — one of the city’s most-loved seafood experiences.
• King Sitric (Howth): Native lobster served whole or in tarts.
• Aqua (Howth): Lobster ravioli and lobster mac and cheese.
• The Seafood Café: Lobster roll on brioche — an excellent quick-lunch option.

Lobster season runs May-October. Whole lobsters typically €48-78. Lobster rolls €18-26.

Where to Eat Seafood Chowder

• Cavistons: The most-recommended Dublin seafood chowder.
• The Winding Stair: A modern version with smoked haddock and salmon.
• Klaw: A €9 lunch chowder — great value.
• Beshoff’s: Available at all branches; a great cheap supplementary dish at €6-8.
• Hatch & Sons: Modern light version with smoked-trout twist.
• The Pigeon House: A premium version with langoustine.

Mussels and Other Seasonal Seafood

Other Irish seafood worth seeking out:

• Mussels: Best September-March from Donegal and West Cork. Try the moules marinières at the Brazen Head, Aqua and the Cliff Townhouse.
• Atlantic salmon: Wild salmon season is short (June-July); farmed Irish salmon year-round. Best smoked at Sheridan’s Cheesemongers or the Burren Smokehouse.
• Brown crab: Dressed crab is the Dublin staple; available at most modern Irish restaurants and oyster bars year-round.
• Dublin Bay prawns / langoustine: Peak May-September; the headline shellfish at SOLE, Patrick Guilbaud and the Pigeon House.
• Hake and pollock: Year-round Irish white fish; the modern replacement for the older cod-dominant menus.
• Mackerel: Best August-September. The Pigeon House and Aqua serve outstanding chargrilled mackerel.
• Plaice and turbot: Premium flatfish, often whole-roasted at Michelin-tier restaurants.

Coastal Seafood Day Trips From Dublin

If you want a fuller seafood experience, take a day trip to one of Dublin’s coastal villages:

• Howth (25-minute DART from Connolly): Multiple seafood restaurants including Aqua, King Sitric, Octopussy’s and Beshoff Bros flagship. Lunch + cliff walk = perfect Dublin day.
• Sandycove / Dún Laoghaire (25-minute DART): Caviston’s, The Forty Foot swim, and the East Pier ice-cream walk.
• Skerries (45-minute DART): Northern fishing village with traditional seafood restaurants; quieter than Howth.
• Malahide (25-minute DART): Cape Greko on the harbour; Malahide Castle and gardens nearby.
• Greystones (45-minute DART): Pebble beach, the new harbour, and the Beach House restaurant.
• Bray (35-minute DART): Beach esplanade and several seafood restaurants; the Bray Head walk afterwards.

For more, see our day trips from Dublin guide.

Practical Tips for Eating Seafood in Dublin

• Eat fish on Fridays: Many Dublin pubs and Catholic-tradition restaurants run special Friday fish menus (a remnant of Catholic dietary tradition). Beshoffs and Leo Burdock are particularly busy.
• Native oyster season is months with R: September-April. Rock oysters are available year-round.
• Lobster season runs May-October. Frozen lobster is available year-round but native fresh peaks in summer.
• Tap water is fine; Dublin water is excellent.
• Family-friendly seafood: Cavistons, Aqua, Octopussy’s and Beshoff’s all welcome children with appropriate menu options.
• Vegetarian seafood swap: Most modern Irish restaurants offer strong vegetarian alternatives; Yamamori’s vegetable sushi is particularly good.
• Wine pairings: Irish white wines from Yew Tree (Wicklow) pair well; otherwise Muscadet, Sancerre and German Riesling are the classic seafood pairings.
• Tipping: 10-12.5% on top of the bill; round up at casual oyster bars.
• Booking: SOLE, the Cliff Townhouse, Caviston’s and King Sitric book 2-4 weeks ahead in summer. Klaw and Beshoff’s are walk-in only.
• Late lunch is excellent: Most seafood restaurants run an “Early Evening” pre-theatre menu 17:00-19:00 with 30-40% off the dinner price.

Where Dublin’s Best Restaurants Source Their Seafood

The quality of Dublin seafood is driven by a tight network of Irish suppliers. Knowing which suppliers your restaurant uses is a strong signal of quality:

• Kish Fish: Dublin’s premier fishmonger; supplies most of the city’s premium restaurants. Branches at the Fish Market on Smithfield Square and at Howth Harbour.
• Caviston Fishmongers: Sandycove-based supplier; sells direct at their Glasthule Road shop alongside their restaurant.
• Burren Smokehouse (Clare): Supplies smoked Atlantic salmon to top Dublin restaurants.
• Connemara Smokehouse (Galway): Premium smoked salmon supplier.
• Mossy Robert’s (Donegal): Salmon and shellfish to fine-dining venues.
• BIM (Bord Iascaigh Mhara): The Irish Sea Fisheries Board sustainability programme; most credible restaurants use BIM-certified suppliers.

Most reputable Dublin seafood restaurants will tell you their suppliers if asked. It’s a quality signal you can use to filter.

Dublin Seafood Festivals & Events

The Irish seafood calendar runs through the year:

• Dublin Bay Prawn Festival (April, Howth): Festival weekend with restaurant offers, fishing demonstrations and seafood markets in Howth.
• Sea Salt Festival (May, Skerries): A growing northside Dublin festival around seafood and Irish coastal life.
• Galway International Oyster Festival (late September, Galway): Travel 2.5 hours from Dublin for the world’s most-famous oyster festival.
• Howth Peninsula Food Festival (June): Howth-wide food event with strong seafood focus.
• Catch & Cook Sandycove (summer dates): Fishing demonstration and cooking masterclass at the Forty Foot.
• Dingle Food Festival (October, Kerry): 4-hour drive west; the country’s biggest seafood-focused festival.
• Christmas Eve Fish Markets (Howth, Skerries): A continued Irish tradition where fishmongers stay open late on Christmas Eve.

Bringing Irish Seafood Home

Several Dublin shops sell vacuum-sealed Irish seafood for travel:

• Caviston Fishmongers (Glasthule): Vacuum-sealed smoked salmon, smoked mackerel, dressed crab and salmon belly.
• Kish Fish (Smithfield and Howth): Same range of vacuum-sealed Irish seafood.
• Burren Smokehouse (sold at Sheridan’s Cheesemongers): Vacuum-sealed smoked salmon and trout.
• Dublin Airport Departures: Smoked salmon retail packs and Carrick gin chowder paste sold at the airport food shop.
• The Howth Sunday Market: Smoked fish from local producers; vacuum-seal on request.

Most countries permit vacuum-sealed cured fish in checked baggage; confirm your destination’s rules first. Customs in the US and Canada are particularly strict on fresh seafood; cured and smoked products are usually fine.

Five Money-Saving Tips for Seafood Eating in Dublin

• Klaw happy hour: 17:00-18:00 daily. €1.50 oysters — the cheapest premium oyster service in the city.
• Caviston’s lunch deal: Two-course seafood lunch €28 Tuesday-Friday; vs €55 for evening dining.
• SOLE pre-theatre menu: Two-course seafood menu €42 Tue-Thu 17:00-19:00; vs €80+ à la carte.
• Beshoff Bros chowder + chips combo: €15 for a substantial meal including chowder, fish and chips, and a drink.
• Howth DART day: €7 DART round trip; lunch at Aqua or King Sitric; bring leftover lobster home from Beshoff Bros for dinner at the hotel.

Seafood Picks by Group Type

Solo seafood lovers

Klaw bar (stand-up service is perfect for solo), The Seafood Café (table seating with single-diner welcomes), Mulligan’s pub for oysters + Guinness pairing.

Couples on a special night

SOLE Seafood & Grill, the Cliff Townhouse, King Sitric (Howth). All three offer intimate dining rooms and strong celebration service.

Families

Cavistons (Sandycove), Beshoff Bros (Howth Harbour or city), Aqua and Octopussy’s (Howth), Roly’s Bistro (Ballsbridge). All have kids’ menus and welcome children.

Groups of friends

The Seafood Café, Octopussy’s tapas, Aqua’s seafood platter for two-four, the Winding Stair shared menu.

Sustainable seafood enthusiasts

Cavistons (BIM-certified), Pearl Brasserie, the Pigeon House. All publish sourcing information; all source from BIM-certified Irish suppliers.

Honourable Mentions Worth Knowing

Several Dublin restaurants didn’t make the headline 15 but consistently deliver excellent seafood:

• Pearl Brasserie (Merrion Street): Stylish French-Irish brasserie with strong seafood section. Worth visiting on the night you have Patrick Guilbaud the day after — pairs well as a counter-experience.
• The Schoolhouse Hotel Restaurant (Ballsbridge): Local-favourite hotel restaurant with reliable seafood.
• Coppinger Row: Mediterranean-influenced; the seafood-leaning options are excellent.
• Boodles by Etto: Etto’s sister venue on Merrion Row; strong shared seafood plates.
• Beshoff The Bull Wall: The Bull Wall branch of the Beshoff chain; right by the Bull Wall sea swim and a stunning location.

Seafood Restaurants Dublin: FAQ

What is the best seafood restaurant in Dublin?

For premium/special-occasion seafood: SOLE Seafood & Grill. For casual oysters: Klaw. For a coastal trip: Cavistons in Sandycove or King Sitric in Howth. For value fish and chips: Beshoff Bros (Howth flagship).

Where is the best fish and chips in Dublin?

Beshoff Bros (Howth Harbour and city centre branches) and Leo Burdock (Christchurch flagship) are the two Dublin institutions. Beshoff has the better sit-down option and more variety; Leo Burdock is the most-authentic takeaway experience.

Where do locals eat seafood in Dublin?

Cavistons (Sandycove), Klaw (Temple Bar happy hour), Mulligan’s pub (oyster-and-Guinness service), The Winding Stair, the Pigeon House (Sandymount). Most Dubliners head to Howth or Sandycove for a longer seafood lunch.

Can I see lobsters being landed in Dublin?

Yes — Howth Harbour has a daily morning catch landing typically 09:00-11:00, depending on weather. Walk the West Pier to see fishing boats unloading. The catch is often sold direct to Aqua, Beshoff Bros and King Sitric on the same day.

How much does a seafood meal in Dublin cost?

Casual seafood bar (Klaw, Seafood Café): €25-40 per person. Mid-range bistro (Aqua, Roly’s, Cavistons): €40-60 per person. Premium fine dining (SOLE, Cliff Townhouse, King Sitric): €60-120 per person.

Is the seafood in Dublin sustainable?

Most Dublin restaurants source from Irish fisheries which follow EU sustainability standards (BIM-certified). Premium restaurants typically list their suppliers; Caviston’s, SOLE and the Cliff Townhouse all run sustainable-seafood policies.

What’s a Dublin Bay prawn?

The Dublin Bay prawn is actually a langoustine (Nephrops norvegicus), not a true prawn. Found in the Atlantic and the Irish Sea; particularly prized in fine dining. The peak season is May-September.

Plan the Rest of Your Dublin Food Trip

Seafood is one of Dublin’s strongest food categories. Combine a city-centre seafood night with a coastal day trip for the full experience. Pair with our pillar on Dublin restaurants & food, our day trips from Dublin guide, our traditional Irish food article and our Michelin star restaurants guide for the premium seafood tier.