5 places to get oysters in Dublin 

A type of mollusc that are typically served raw, either on the half shell or grilled, oysters are a delicacy known for their salty, briny flavour. Most often served as an appetiser, they can be eaten as is or with a variety of accompaniments and sauces from lemon to chilli and tabasco. 

Admittedly, they’re not for everyone… the writer Jonathan Swift famously wrote, “He was a bold man that first ate an oyster,” and he wasn’t wrong. Neither their hard exterior nor their slimy interior make them the most aesthetic, but as the brave of stomach know, they really are a delicious treat. 

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite places to get oysters in Dublin below. 

Hawksmoor

Relatively new to the Dublin food scene, Hawksmoor has already created quite a buzz. This month, they’re serving up an impressive selection of Irish oysters – from Flaggy Shore to Kelly’s renowned smooth and buttery native oysters – with a choice of dressings on the side (highly recommend the sparky Scotch Bonnet) and a crisp vodka or gin martini. 

Two potent little drinks showcase the bespoke gin created in collaboration with Boatyard Distillery in Fermanagh. The Boatyard x Hawksmoor botanical blend has been created exclusively for Hawksmoor Dublin and is available both in the Ultimate Martini; a drink served very cold with dry vermouth and lemon oil, and in the Billion Oyster Martini, crafted with Oyster Shell vermouth and nori. The third oyster-paired cocktail in Hawksmoor’s bar is the Pink Gibson, made with Boatyard Vodka, dry vermouth and a pink onion pickle.

From the drinks to the interiors, it’s all very James Bond. hawksmoor.ie/martini-oyster-hours/ 

Amy Austin 

If you haven’t been to Amy Austin yet, bump it straight to the top of your list. The perfect spot for a catch-up with friends or a romantic date night, you’ll find it hidden by the entrance of the Drury Buildings car park – the “I love you so much” mural outside should tip you off that you’re in the right place. 

Small but uber cosy, inside you’ll find one large table in the middle of the room along with an extended bar and high stools bordering the walls. Their wine menu includes a mix of a dozen different wines on tap as well as a selection of bottled wines and a few select cocktails. As for the food? Small plates are their speciality with options ranging from beef tataki to scallop crudo and giga oysters served with nouc cham dressing, red chillies, furikake and yuzu gel. amyaustin.ie

The Shelbourne

The Shelbourne celebrates the Irish oyster every September when the season officially begins and this year is no exception. Throughout the month, No. 27, The Shelbourne Bar, will have daily specials featuring Dungarvan oysters, Flaggy Shore oysters, Carlingford oysters and Galway oysters. Dressings include classic mignonette and lemon, chilli and spring onion or even pearl imperial caviar if you’re feeling particularly fancy. 

The hotel’s award-winning sommelier, Nisea Doddy has also created some perfect drink pairings to complement the oyster menu with options ranging from creamy Guinness, to crisp Sancerre and celebratory Champagne so there’s something for all palettes. 

Nothing says luxury quite like The Shelbourne. theshelbourne.com

Sole 

With a dedicated oyster bar, Sole is the place to be for seafood lovers. Provenance is paramount to how the team create their menus and they work with four different oyster farms – all from the west of Ireland – who produce the very best oysters in Ireland. 

If you’re hanging about town after work, be sure to call in to take full advantage of their early bird offer which includes four rock oysters of your choice served with raspberry and shallot vinaigrette, lemon and tabasco. Their A La Carte menu includes oyster Rockefeller which comprises six grilled rock oysters served with wilted spinach and hollandaise sauce.

Any place that gets Harry Styles’ seal of approval, is obviously a winner with us. sole.ie/oysters-dublin

Big Mike’s

A fully enclosed cocktail terrace, bar and restaurant tucked away in Blackrock, Big Mike’s is – as owner and chef Gaz says – sexy, cool, with a very New York vibe. 

Open as of September 2022, it’s the third branch to the Michael’s family (OG Michael’s can be found in Mount Merrion with Little Mike’s just three doors down). Establishing themselves as one of the best in the biz, they’ve come to be known for their beef and seafood offerings and patrons return time and again to sample their delicious menu… which of course includes oysters. Carlingford oysters with kombu vinegar are the house special and always go down a treat. michaels.ie/big-mikes

Photography by The Shelbourne.