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Dublin › Temple Bar › Etto
EttoAMust Try
18 Merrion Row, Dublin, D02 A316, Ireland
· Modern European restaurant, Family restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (894 reviews)
Reservations
A small, creative Modern European spot with standout sauces, attentive service, and a serious wine list; excellent food in a tight, lively room with required 3-course policy and premium pricing.
Why it gets an A for overall quality
Etto exemplifies grade A standards through exceptional food quality marked by precise cooking and standout sauces, paired with outstanding service attentiveness and strong wine guidance. Consistent execution across repeat visits and authentic, detailed reviews reinforce its standing as one of Dublin's finest dining destinations. Tight quarters and a mandatory three-course format limit broader appeal, but creative modern European cooking and engaged hospitality position it among the region's most celebrated restaurants.
Restaurant Summary
The tiny room on Merrion Row feels warm and bustling, with bar seats overlooking a team that moves quickly but kindly. Guests call out polished service and a sauce-forward kitchen, one saying the meal was the best in Dublin. Space is tight and can get loud, but the vibe is upbeat rather than stiff. Cooking leans contemporary and seasonal, with playful touches like nduja cream with mussels, ajo blanco on crudo, and prunes with mascarpone that regulars treat as a ritual. Portions are right-sized, pricing is premium, and the wine list is serious. Expect confident, modern plates over comfort classics. Families are welcomed by staff, but the compact, lively room and creative adult-leaning menu mean it suits adventurous teens more than picky kids. Practical kid options are limited to simple sides (bread, potatoes, lettuce), so plan accordingly.
At a Glance
- Creative Modern European cooking with standout sauces and desserts
- Engaged, knowledgeable service and strong wine guidance
- Tight space and lively noise; tables close together
- Mandatory three-course dinner policy frustrates some diners
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- chef-driven sauces
- compact seasonal menu
- serious wine program
What People Love
- Sauces and seasoning depth that elevate dishes
- Red wine prunes dessert ritual
- Attentive staff who guide the menu and wine
- Compact menu that changes with the seasons
Points of Concern
- Mandatory three-course policy at dinner; phone and in-room reminders noted by multiple guests
- Room can be very loud and cramped at peak times; some felt squished
- Premium pricing; a few call set menus poor value compared to a la carte
- Isolated hygiene and one illness report contrasted by many clean experiences
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€51-66 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with seabream crudo or mussels for bright flavors, then lamb or gnocchi, and finish with the prunes dessert.
- Vegetarians can build a full meal from filo tart, gnocchi, and sides; pescatarians have strong starter coverage.
Perfect For
- Date night with wine lovers
- Food-focused travelers near St. Stephen's Green
- Celebratory dinners in an intimate room
- Solo bar-seat dining
Location Insights
Area: Central, near St. Stephen's Green and offices; popular with after-work diners and visitors seeking quality spots.
Safety: Well-lit, busy central area with steady foot traffic; generally safe by Dublin city-center standards.
Nearby: Close to St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street shopping, hotels, and bars; high dining density nearby.
Merrion SquareMerrion Square is a prestigious and historic neighborhood featuring Georgian architecture and a popular public park. The dining scene here includes a mix of upscale restaurants, casual eateries, and wine bars catering to both locals and visitors seeking quality modern European cuisine in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–21:30
Tuesday17:00–21:30
Wednesday17:00–21:30
Thursday12:30–14:45, 17:30–21:30
Friday12:00–15:00, 17:30–21:30
Saturday12:00–15:00, 17:30–21:30
Sunday
Available: Reservations
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