Seemor
Dublin › Temple Bar › BIGFAN
BIGFANB+?Proceed Cautiously
16 Aungier St, Dublin, D02 X044, Ireland
· Chinese restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (1346 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative Chinese fusion with standout small plates and buzzy energy; book ahead, expect higher prices, bold flavors, and some noise and service variability.
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. BIGFAN delivers exceptional food quality with inventive small plates and strong staff guidance that elevates the dining experience. However, moderate uncertainty due to review authenticity concerns—unusual review patterns with staff name shout-outs and intense language reduce confidence in reported metrics. Tight seating and loud ambiance further prevent grade A territory, though destination appeal and loyal following confirm solid neighborhood standing.
Restaurant Summary
BIGFAN brings a buzzy, high-energy small-plates vibe to Aungier Street, with servers who often guide you through the menu and keep plates moving. One guest said it felt like a "highlight meal" with clever pairings and a room that is stylish but relaxed, though several note the music can be loud. However, there are some review authenticity concerns - some review patterns are consistent with solicited or influenced feedback. The cooking leans modern Chinese with fusion flourishes—think wagyu cheeseburger jiaozi, squid-ink langoustine soup dumplings, and sourdough prawn toast. Dishes arrive as they are ready, inviting sharing and discovery. It suits diners who enjoy creative, flavor-forward plates over traditional set courses; prices reflect a chef-driven approach more than a casual takeaway. Families should weigh the realities: the menu skews adventurous, seating can be tight, and the room gets quite loud. There are vegetarian choices and milder options, but a reported lack of high chair and the small-plates format make it better for older kids or flexible eaters than toddlers and picky palates.
At a Glance
- Inventive dumplings and small plates with standout duck wings and prawn toast
- Engaged staff often guide ordering and pacing
- Loud music and tight seating can reduce comfort
- Portions are small; costs mount with sharing format
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- inventive_dumplings_program
- chef_driven_chinese_fusion
- energetic_buzzy_room
What People Love
- Playful fusion twists that still taste balanced
- Quick kitchen pace that keeps the table excited
- Attentive servers who tailor recommendations
- Consistent highlights like duck wings and She’s Spicy
Points of Concern
- Music can be very loud; requests to lower are not always accommodated
- Portions are small; plan 3-4 dishes per person to feel satisfied
- Some reports of pushy tipping experiences and rigid seating policies
- Review patterns are consistent with potential coordination (staff name repetition, marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€42-58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Balance rich plates (duck wings, She’s Spicy) with greens or enoki to avoid palate fatigue
- Vegetarians: Beyond Meat Snowflake and Enoki Fan are solid anchors alongside steamed greens
Perfect For
- Date night with food-loving partner
- Celebratory dinners with friends
- Visiting foodies seeking modern Chinese
- Adventurous diners who enjoy sharing plates
Location Insights
Area: Central city street near Camden/Georges Street cluster; youthful, nightlife-friendly, busy evenings.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; standard big-city vigilance late at night.
Nearby: Near bars, cafes, vintage shops, and other modern eateries; short walk to St Stephen’s Green.
Dublin 2Dublin 2 is a lively and diverse area encompassing parts of the city centre with a mix of commercial, residential, and cultural spaces. It offers a broad range of dining experiences from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, attracting a dynamic crowd interested in contemporary and international cuisine.
Aungier StreetAungier Street is known for its proximity to educational institutions and a growing number of trendy bars and eateries, making it popular with a youthful and cosmopolitan crowd seeking casual and innovative dining options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–21:30
Tuesday17:00–21:30
Wednesday17:00–22:00
Thursday17:00–22:00
Friday14:00–22:00
Saturday14:00–22:00
Sunday14:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →