We recently brought you a list of our favourite small wedding venues, but here, we're turning our focus to private dining restaurants in Dublin. Although not strictly wedding venues, each of these restaurants have discreet and stylish spaces that would make a great choice for a small wedding reception, post-registry meal or pre-wedding celebration for a group of up to approximately 30 guests. Whether you're planning a two-part wedding, a sophisticated hen 'do, or a luxe rehearsal dinner, there should be a restaurant on this page to suit you. Without further ado, let's show you around our favourite 18 private dining restaurants in Dublin!
Our favourite private dining restaurants in Dublin:
The Constitution Suite at The Shelbourne
When it comes to luxury, few places can rival the iconic Shelbourne Hotel and its stunningly gorgeous private dining suites, The Constitution Suite is the perfect spot in which to share a bespoke dinner with your nearest and dearest.
Location: St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 20 | Website: shelbournedining.ie
Delahunt
The glass-panelled snug in the back of this Dublin hotspot is a hidden gem, and has a few influential fans (Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, to name but two!) Housed in a historic Victorian restaurant, the homey eaterie specialises in stylish, comtemporary interpretations of classic Irish fare.
Location: Camden St., Dublin 2 | Capacity: 8 | Website: delahunt.ie
No. 25 Fitzwilliam Place
Hidden away in an imposing Georgian building, which has been everything from a doctor's surgery to a private residence in its 200-year history, is one of Dublin's most unique private dining spaces, decorated in rich shades of grey with luxe, soft furnishings. The food is stylish and comforting, and uses only the best Irish produce.
Location: Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 25 to 30+ | Website: 25fitzwilliamplace.ie
Bresson
A fine dining restaurant with oodles of character in a quiet, village setting, Bresson recreates classic French dishes using Irish produce, (sometimes with a twist) and is the brainchild of chef Temple Garner. The extensive wine and cocktail lists are the cherry on top, as is the slick service. The private dining room upstairs is imbued with a refined yet cosy ambience thanks to then dark wood, low lighting and candlelight, and boasts its own stylish bar.
Location: Monkstown, Co Dublin | Capacity: 35 (approx.) | Website: bresson.ie
Chapter One
As one of the go-to spots for a fine-dining meal in Dublin, two Michelin-starred Chapter One is ideal for when you really want to treat your guests. The menu is creative and stylish, with lots of vegetarian dishes, and there are three options for a private party: two semi-private dining spaces in the cellar (the Demi-Salle, which seats 6, and the Vault Room, which seats 16), as well as the newly-refurbished fully private dining room which has its own bar and cloakroom, and is bedecked in Italian marble, brass accents and antique mirrors.
Location: Parnell Square North, Dublin 1 | Capacity: 6, 16, or 50 | Website: chapteronerestaurant.com
The Pig's Ear
This chic and laid-back restaurant appeared on our list of the best restaurant wedding venues in Dublin, but it caters for smaller parties too - the smallest of its three private hire rooms is The Library on the third floor, which seats just 10. Guests can expect satisfying, award-winning cuisine with a focus on Irish flavours.
Location: Nassau St., Dublin 2 | Capacity: 10 | Website: thepigsear.ie
Patrick Guilbaud
A two-star Michelin restaurant that specialises in French-style cuisine using top-quality Irish ingredients - you'll find dishes like Wicklow Hills Lamb and Annagassan Blue Lobster on the menu. The private dining room makes the most of the restaurant's Georgian surroundings nestled in the Merrion Hotel, boasting sash windows and a period fireplace.
Location: Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 25 | Website: restaurantpatrickguilbaud.ie
One Pico
Ideally located just off St Stephen's green, One Pico is a Michelin Guide fine dining restaurant, you'll find contemporary French cuisine and exceptional service. The Polo Room is a beautiful private dining room with a bar located on the first floor of the restaurant with separate private entrance.
Location: Molesworth Place, Dublin 2| Capacity: 15 minimum | Website: onepico.com
The Woollen Mills
For a laid-back, intimate space that's bursting with charm, look no further than the private dining rooms at the Woollen Mills. The Riverrun room seats 28 and overlooks the Ha'penny bridge and the Joyce room seats 20 and boasts elegant Georgian features, while the Yarn pizza restaurant and cocktail bar on the second floor is ideal for casual parties of up to 30 people. The menu is eclectic, including everything from American-style diner fare to sophisticated seafood and retro favourites.
Location: Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin 1 | Capacity: Up to 30 guests | Website: thewoollenmills.com
La Maison
Some of the best French food in Ireland is found at this charming bistro in the heart of the buzzing South William St. area, which is conveniently located next door to legendary Dublin pub, Grogan's. The côte de boeuf is so good we've heard many stories of patrons ordering it all to themselves (it serves 2!), but there are solid veggie options too. The upstairs space is perfect for private dining.
Location: Castle Market, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 25 (approx.) | Website: lamaisondublin.com
PJ's Restaurant at Fitzpatrick Castle
If your event calls for period glamour and a menu filled with hearty crowd-pleasers, the private dining room at PJ's Restaurant in Fitzpatrick Castle is a great option. Plus, if you're planning a full-day affair with photo ops, Killiney beach is just a few minutes down the road.
Location: Killiney, Co. Dublin | Capacity: 30 | Website: fitzpatrickcastle.com
Brookwood
An almighty chandelier and a period fireplace graces the private dining room at Brookwood, known as The Club Room. A classic steakhouse with a few tantalising fish options gracing the menu in for good measure, it's a lovely spot for a special meal.
Location: Baggot St. Lower, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 14 | Website: brookwooddublin.com
Locks
A secluded spot overlooking the canal, Locks is a firm favourite among Dublin foodies, thanks to its aesthetically-pleasing and hearty take on contemporary cuisine, and its cosy, welcoming atmosphere. Two rooms upstairs are perfect for small parties - the Bewick Room seats 25 people, while the Gold Room seats 12.
Location: Windsor Terrace, Portobello | Capacity: 12 or 25 | Website: locksrestaurant.ie
The Green Hen
Impressively decorated in an eclectic, French bistro style, this beloved restaurant in the heart of the city can tailor special menus to suit your guests, including vegetarian and vegan options. The first-floor dining room even has its own bar!
Location: Exchequer St., Dublin 2 | Capacity: 30 | Website: thegreenhen.ie
Roberta's
A glasshouse restaurant and industrial chic bar in the heart of Temple Bar, there are two semi-private dining areas with great views over the River Liffey. The Long Room features a lengthy marble table with electric pink seating and seats up to 14, while the Gratton Room takes up to 30.
Location: Temple Bar, Dublin 2| Capacity: up to 14 or 30 | Website: robertas.ie
The Tower Suite at Clontarf Castle
The original tower of this unique 12th century castle houses one of the most beautiful private dining rooms in the city, the stained glass-adorned Tower Suite. Seating up to 20, it's perfect for a really special dinner with your favourite people.
Location: Castle Avenue, Clontarf | Capacity: 20 | Website: clontarfcastle.ie
El Bahia
Serving up delicious and authentic Moroccan cuisine, including killer tagines, El Bahia has been a firm favourite with Dublin diners for almost two decades. Best of all, small groups can be served in their own private tent!
Location: Wicklow St., Dublin 2 | Capacity: 16 (approx.) | Website: elbahia.com
La Bodega
For a sunny summer celebration, the outdoor dining space at Ranelagh's favourite tapas bar is a uniquely cool option. Along with traditional Spanish small plates, your guests can feast on platters of carefully-selected meats and cheeses, and the desserts are just as exciting.
Location: Ranelagh | Capacity: 12 (approx.) | Website: labodega.ie
Need a little more space? We've got a handy list of Dublin restaurants with larger private dining capacities right here or we have a list of Incredible Michelin Star Restaurants here!