07/07/2026: We had an incredible dinner at The Saddle Room! After spending 2 weeks traveling in Ireland, we had lots of great food. This meal was definitely the best! Our server Ellen was so sweet and attentive. She gave great recommendations and was very kind to our 1 year old daughter. Highly recommended this place for a fancy dinner.
30/06/2026: The Saddle Room | The Shelbourne Hotel | 27 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2
If you are searching for the best restaurant in Dublin for a truly special dining experience, The Saddle Room at The Shelbourne Hotel is the answer. We dined here during our stay in Dublin in late June 2026, and this iconic Irish institution delivered a flawless evening from start to finish.
Setting & Atmosphere: The Saddle Room is one of Dublin's most storied and beautiful dining rooms — a masterclass in grand Irish hospitality that balances old-world elegance with warmth and ease. The private golden booths are among the most comfortable and distinctive seating in any restaurant in Ireland, and the open kitchen adds a wonderful theatrical energy to the room. This is fine dining that never feels stiff or pretentious.
The Food: The menu is a celebration of Ireland's finest ingredients, with an expertly curated focus on premium steaks and fresh Irish seafood. The Chateaubriand is extraordinary — melt-in-your-mouth perfection, presented and carved tableside with genuine theatrical flair. The oyster bar features the freshest Irish oysters, and the seafood tower is an absolute showstopper. For lovers of classic preparations, the Beef Wellington carved tableside and the lavish cheese trolley are experiences unto themselves.
Service: The Saddle Room's staff are among the best trained in Dublin — warm on arrival, knowledgeable, gracious, and utterly attentive throughout. The kind of service that reminds you why great hospitality is an art form. Our server guided us through every menu option with genuine expertise and care.
Location: Steps from St. Stephen's Green in the heart of Dublin city centre, The Saddle Room is perfectly positioned for pre-theatre dining, a celebratory dinner, or the best Dublin lunch. Iconic Grafton Street, the National Museum, and Dublin's most celebrated landmarks are all within walking distance.
For the best steakhouse in Dublin, the best seafood restaurant in Dublin, and one of the finest overall dining experiences in Ireland — The Saddle Room at The Shelbourne is the definitive destination.