The Church Café Bar

You walk into what feels like a cathedral and realise you're about to have your dinner where people once said their prayers. The soaring ceilings and original stained glass windows create one of Dublin's most dramatic dining rooms, but thankfully the kitchen doesn't rely on the architecture to do all the work. The menu covers all bases from brunch through to dinner, with proper Irish dishes sitting alongside international favourites. It's touristy, sure, but locals know to come here when they want to impress out-of-town visitors or celebrate something special. The cocktails are decent, the service is generally sound, and you'll struggle to find a more photogenic spot north of the Liffey. Just don't expect cutting-edge cuisine – this is about the whole experience.