Al fresco is an Italian phrase that first surfaced in English literature in the 18th century, before making its way into everyday speech to mean “outdoors” or, more accurately, “in the fresh air”. In Italian however, the phrase is used figuratively to mean “in jail”. This feels appropriate now that the spectre of lockdown remains ever nearby, while public health restrictions in restaurants nationwide are forcing al fresco eating back in vogue. Pop-up restaurants and gourmet mobile trucks are also moving in for a slice of the pie, while Dublin’s restaurant scene is adapting to the new normal with Mediterranean style terraces open throughout autumn. These are five of the best restaurants for al fresco dining in Dublin:
Bonobo
A beer garden in trendy Smithfield alongside top-notch offerings from the Dublin Pizza Company, what more could you ask for? Galway-based students have long enjoyed Caribou in Wood Quay with its great food and endless craft beer selection, and with Bonobo in Smithfield operated by the same team, you’re guaranteed a good night. With 12-inch wood fired pizzas from €12, Bonobo’s partnership with Dublin Pizza Company promises good value. Try the DPC – with coolea shavings, mozzarella and the (not so) secret ingredient – a dollop of Dingle whiskey cured salami (€15).
Queen of Tarts
Queen of Tart’s location, in the heart of the capital’s medieval quarter with Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral nearby, inevitably attracts a good passing trade – even in these strange times. Slip down cobbled Cow Lane for a sweet distraction of decadence overload with Queen of Chocolate Fudge Cake or New York Raspberry Cheesecake, as you watch visitors mill by. Savoury is just as prominent as the sweet stuff on the menu, with ham and smoked applewood cheese tart with a sprig of thyme and served with roast potato (€13) a crowd favourite.
Saba Secret Garden
Baggot Street’s Saba restaurant serves up Thai and Vietnamese food in a secret garden setting. Cool and vibrantly decorated with splashes of graffiti and overhead lighting to stave off the longer evenings, it offers up a menu that reflects its bold décor. This menu varies in intensity from a mild King Prawn Phad Thai (€14.50) with bean sprouts and lime, to a sizzling Chicken “Boom” (€14.95) – a fiery combination of peppercorn, red curry, bird’s eye chillies and galangal root. You can then wash this down with a soothing cocktail or Phuket Passion (€10.95) – a fruity charged Prosecco with a dash of Chambord. An overhead canopy also allows diners to linger on beyond the summer season as the dark nights approach.
Baste BBQ
Missed the festival season over the summer? Baste BBQ won’t have Stormzy or Ed Sheeran on the menu, but the vibe is full-on festival with big barbeque benches in a south-facing garden that will capture the early autumn sunshine. It’s a pricey €40 for the full menu but your money goes a long way – and without the need for the painful festival bus ride home. Tzatziki, Thai Style Grilled Chicken Wings and Cured Shorthorn Beef Ribs are cooked fresh to order and grilled in a stove over natural lump wood charcoal (in case you were wondering!) It’s BYOD, so whatever your poison: beer, soda or wine, be sure to bring that along too.
The Unicorn
It’s only appropriate that we give a nod to an Italian restaurant in this shortlist, given that Italy is the central hub of al fresco dining after all. This landmark restaurant has served Dublin folk since before World War II and, to this day, continues to offer up some of the finest Italian fare in the city. The Unicorn is tucked into a laneway off Merrion Row and, boasting a legendary status, has a great selection of pasta mains on offer. Lunch time offerings include Farfalle al Salmone Affumicato (€16), a pasta mixed through with salmon, rocket and cherry tomatoes, as well as a Risotto Asparagi (€14), an Arborio rice with asparagus and a twist of lemon. Sit outside twirling pasta on a fork and even with an overcast Irish sky, you could convince yourself you’re eating al fresco in Italy.
