If you haven’t yet tried a restaurant with a “BYOB” policy, definitely give it a go. It will save you a lot of cash, and ensure a good time. Some places charge corkage, but others are sound enough to not charge any fee at all. Here are our top five to get you going and give you a taste of what you’re missing.
Vintage Kitchen
Specialising in local ingredients, this eatery regularly changes its menu depending on the ingredients the team have lovingly handpicked at local food markets. They have a bring your own wine policy, and don’t charge corkage so long as you order two courses from the dinner menu. Not only do they let you bring your own wine, but you can also bring your own LP and the team will more than happily play it as long as it keeps with their chill vibes. Vintage Kitchen have a really enticing menu, serving dishes such as Wicklow duck liver creme, goats cheese parfait, Thomas town loin of beef, and organic salmon wrapped in parma ham.
The Dog House Blues Tea Rooms
The Dog House is an entirely unique restaurant in the seaside town of Howth. Don’t be put off by the distance as it’s more than worth the trek out on the dart. The ambiance there is different to any regular restaurant – the outdoor seating with fairy lights, an open fire, and candles everywhere create a cosy atmosphere. There are also plenty of comfy couches and even actual beds heaped with blankets and cushions. The Dog House will only charge a small fee for corkage, which will leave you with more cash for the food. They are perhaps most famous for their pizzas, which are made in their wood-fired oven. A favourite of mine is the wings served with either hot sauce or cajun spice and a side of blue cheese dip.
Musashi Dublin
Often heralded as the best sushi restaurant in Dublin, Musashi have not only one but three restaurants in Dublin – Capel street, IFSC and Sandyford. Musashi make all their sushi fresh to order. You will find none of the pre-made malarky you can pick up in Marks and Spencers. Their lunch special is available from 12pm up until 5pm, and the prices are more than reasonable even without the special. They also serve dishes such as katsu curry, ramen, gyoza and wok-fried rice. So, if raw fish isn’t your speed, you won’t feel left out. Musashi allow you to bring your own booze, but charge €6 for corkage per bottle of wine.
Cafe Bliss
This hidden little restaurant is located between Harcourt and Camden street. Although it might not be particularly well known yet, it has so much to offer. One of the best parts about Cafe Bliss is the early bird menu which is only €9.95 for a three-course menu with no charge for corkage. If you don’t make the early bird, the á-la-carte menu is also great value and has something for everyone. They also have an all-day breakfast, which proves to be super convenient when brunch just won’t do.
Rotana Cafe
Rotana Cafe is based in Portobello, and has become one of the most popular places in Ireland for Lebanese cuisine. In 2013 and 2014 it was voted one of the best restaurants in Ireland by McKennas’ Irish Food Guide. They have a set menu for lunch, early bird and dinner starting at only €11.90 for two courses for lunch, and, as an added bonus, they don’t charge corkage. Enjoy traditional Lebanese cuisine and smoke a shisha in the outside terrace to get a taste of Lebanese culture. They have Shisha for €11 with a meal and €13 on its own. Falafel, baba ganouj and tagine are some of the dishes made here, and you can also enjoy traditional Baklava for dessert.
