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Old Mill RestaurantB?Proceed Cautiously

Name: Old Mill Restaurant
Address: 14, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 V970, Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
Rating: 4.5

14, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 V970, Ireland · Irish restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (6362 reviews)

Reservations · Takeout

Lively Temple Bar staple for classic Irish comfort dishes with generous portions; great for stews and lamb shank, but expect crowds, tight seating, waits, and occasional service friction.

Why it gets a B? for overall quality

⚠️ Review concerns: This assessment reflects moderate uncertainty due to questionable review patterns. See details in Authenticity Assessment. Old Mill delivers reliable quality Irish comfort food with generous portions and a lively Temple Bar location that captures authentic Dublin energy. However, inconsistent execution—cold plates and over-salting during rushes—and tight seating that strains the experience prevent grade A-grade performance. Solid neighborhood favorite rather than destination dining.

Restaurant Summary

Set in the thick of Temple Bar, Old Mill hums with warm, bustling energy and the cozy feel many want on a first night in Dublin. Servers are often friendly and quick, though peak times bring lines, tight tables, and the occasional push to turn tables. One guest summed it up: "Stew came hearty and hot, the room packed and lively." The cooking leans classic: Guinness stew, lamb shank, and cottage pie headline, with seafood chowder, fish and chips, and a full Irish for traditional comfort. Portions are generous and prices land fair for the area, though a few diners report over-salted dishes or a cold plate during rush. Expect well-executed staples over culinary fireworks. Families do well here thanks to familiar, crowd-pleasing options like burgers, pasta, and fish and chips. Teens and less adventurous eaters will find plenty, while those seeking niche diets should ask about the flour-free options some reviewers mentioned. Space is snug, so prams and high chairs may be tricky at peak times.

At a Glance

Hearty Irish classics with generous portions
Cozy, lively atmosphere in central Temple Bar
Crowding, queues, and tight seating during peaks
Mixed reports of tipping pressure and upselling
Occasional service delays and reservation hiccups

What Sets It Apart

generous_traditional_portions
central_temple_bar_location
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What People Love

Meltingly tender lamb shank
Deep, comforting Guinness stew
Characterful, cozy room
Surprisingly fair pricing for Temple Bar
Staff warmth when not overwhelmed

Points of Concern

Expect lines and tight seating; reservations help but do not guarantee zero wait
Some diners reported pressure to tip or upselling, especially at busy times
Isolated hygiene complaint about bathrooms and fruit flies during peak crowding
A few dishes inconsistent (cold breakfast items, tough fish in chowder)

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost€28-42 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with seafood chowder, share a lamb shank and a stew, finish with apple crumble and custard; add a pint if desired.

Perfect For

First-night comfort-food dinner in Dublin
Casual family meal with varied tastes
Warm, traditional vibes before/after pub hopping
Groups seeking classic Irish staples

Location Insights

Area: Historic, tourist-heavy nightlife district with pubs, music, and bustling foot traffic; caters to visitors and groups.

Safety: Generally busy and well-patrolled; pickpocket risk in crowds; vigilance needed in cramped spaces.

Nearby: Near River Liffey, pubs, live music venues, and major city-center sights; heavy evening crowds.

Temple BarTemple Bar is characterized by its bustling atmosphere with numerous pubs, restaurants, and cultural venues. The dining scene is casual and diverse, often catering to visitors looking for traditional Irish food and lively social settings.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday09:00–22:30 Tuesday09:00–22:30 Wednesday09:00–22:30 Thursday09:00–22:30 Friday09:00–22:30 Saturday09:00–22:30 Sunday09:00–22:30

Available: Reservations, Takeout

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