Where to eat on Monday night in Dublin

Lisa Cope
2 hours ago
8 min read

We've all been there. Your special birthday or anniversary eve is coming up, or you have to book something good for that foodie friend who's back in town for one night only, and you suddenly realise - oh no! it's a Monday! Well the start of the week is no longer a dining desert. Some of the city's best restaurant have taken to opening on Mondays, and here's 34 options for special occasions, drinks and small plates, and neighbourhood hideaways...

Special Occasions

Etto, Merrion Row

Versus the breathless buzz around more recent openers Uno Mas and Lena, the same owners’ original baby Etto has a quiet esteem among the industry, and a real sense of respect that it’s still every bit as good thirteen years on from opening. With a lot of chefs and wait staff off on Monday and relatively few seats, you’d be very wise to book ahead, especially with new chef Ben Fehily (ex-Perilla and Lyle's in London) now running things in the kitchen.

Host, Ranelagh

One of the most interesting openings on this list is the (almost mythical at this stage) Host in Ranelagh. Their Monday (and Tuesday) night tables are probably the easiest to get your hands on, which is a very good reason to venture outside early in the week. On our order sheet would be the Cantabrian anchovies with tomato; organic pork chop with girolles; and that iconic pumpkin cappellacci, obvs.

Mamó, Howth

Whenever one of our readers messages with the pressing dilemma of "where do I go for my special occasion that very annoyingly falls on a Monday!?" we instantly shout back "get the train to Howth and go to Mamó!!" It's hard to imagine a more cosseted experience that being looked after by owner Jess D'Arcy and her team, popping buffalo ray wings and cheese beignets into your mouth, and drinking whatever Jess tells you to (she's always right). Monday is a real industry day out here, so you never know who might be at the next table.

Bang, Merrion Row

Eric Matthews and Richie Barrett have reinvented the latter's family restaurant into Bang 2.0 - a very of the moment opening detailing the food and drinks of the Iberian penninsula. The grills are firing in here every day except Sunday, and there's much more chance of getting an early week table for gambas al ajillo and that tortilla 'Cal Pep'.

China Hunan, Ranelagh

What better way to celebrate than with a whole roast duck that you thoughtfully pre-ordered in advance? If that's not your thing you can feast on any number of dim sum, roast meats and ultra-luxe main courses in a room that screams occasion at China Hunan in Ranelagh.