French Restaurants - The Heart of Dublin City

1. PEPLOE'S

WHERE: 16 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02KF34 | 17 minutes walk from the apartment | WHAT: French | €€€ | TIMES: Lunch: 12pm-3.30pm, Monday to Sunday; Dinner: 6pm-10pm, Sunday to Wednesday; 6pm-11pm Thursday to Saturday | WEBSITE: peploes.com | RESERVATIONS: Email to reception@peploes.com or call on +353 1 6763144

Quite formal, veering towards 'fine dining' - with prices to match - so not the best option if you want something casual. But if you're looking for a vibrant, stylish French bistro with a sophisticated ambience, this is a great choice. A 2-course lunch menu is €42 per person (or 3-courses for €48), while for dinner you can expect choices such as pan fried halibut or a pacheri of milk fed veal ragu. Dinner mains are priced €35-€45. There is an exceptional wine list here, too. Overall, you're guaranteed quality food and service in a ambient, stylish setting.

2. TROCADERO

WHERE: 4 St. Andrew Street, Dublin 2, D02ET32 | 8 minutes walk from the apartment | WHAT: French | €€ | TIMES: Tuesday to Friday, 5pm to 10.30pm; Saturday, 4pm to 10.30pm; Sunday, 3pm to 8pm. CLOSED on Mondays | WEBSITE: trocadero.ie | RESERVATIONS: Email trocaderoireland@gmail.com or call +353 1 6775545

A true Dublin institution that Dubliners have real affection for, Trocadero has been a feature of the Dublin restaurant scene for almost 70 years. The menu is simple, unpretentious but always high quality and high standards. It's formal but relaxed and fun at the same time, and especially good for groups (but you most likely will need a reservation). You can expect a wide choice of dishes from fish, lamb, pastas, steaks but also excellent vegetarian options, all using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. And, as you would expect, the wine list is superb.

3. LA MAISON

WHERE: 15 Castle Market, Dublin 2, D02C656 | 9 minutes walk from the apartment | WHAT: French | €€ | TIMES: Lunch: 12.30pm-3.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday; Dinner: 5pm-10pm, Monday to Saturday; 3.30pm-8pm, Sundays | WEBSITE: lamaisondublin.com | RESERVATIONS: Email info@lamaisondublin.com, call +353 1 6727258 or online here

Located in the heart of Dublin's Creative Quarter, there is always a buzz around Castle Market - definitely one of the best people-watching streets in the city. And La Maison is at the centre of it, being an established part of this neighborhood. Excellent food, really good service and a relaxed, casual atmosphere make this a sure-fire bet for a good experience. The menu ranges from classic French staples to more inventive choices.

4. CHEZ MAX

An intimate and cosy little restaurant just around the corner from the apartment, Chez Max is a great option for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. The breakfast and early bird menus, especially, are really good value. It's also a nice place to just pop in and share a bottle of wine. There are tables out front but also a private outdoor dining area at the back - be sure to book a table out here during summer evenings. The menu has a host of French classics but with a low-key, relaxed take. It's right next to the pedestrian entrance to Dublin Castle.

5. PICHET

An elegant French bistro in the very centre of Dublin, Pichet has a big reputation for the quality of its food - earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2024. It's an undeniably French restaurant but with a definite nod to its Irish character - so some classic Irish dishes with a French twist (such as Irish mussels in butter broth). Opt for either the main dining room, which is elegant and buzzy, or the cosier lounge. Pichet is better for couples than larger groups.