The Port House

You'll walk past this place a dozen times before spotting the modest entrance tucked between the shops on South William Street. Inside, it's all exposed brick, candlelit tables, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you're in Dublin city centre. The Spanish owners have created something properly authentic here – no fake flamenco nonsense, just excellent jamón ibérico, perfectly charred padron peppers, and a wine list that leans heavily into natural and orange wines. The portions are proper tapas-sized, so come hungry and order loads. The tortilla española is spot-on, and their selection of Spanish cheeses will sort you right out. Staff know their stuff when it comes to wine pairings, and you'll find yourself staying much longer than planned. Fair warning: it gets jammers at weekends, so book ahead or be prepared to wait.