ADOOR’s Valentine’s Weekend Guide: Dinner & a Movie
February rain calls for candle-lit dinners and a classic dinner and a movie — the perfect way to ease into Valentine’s Day. These are our favourite cozy and laid-back restaurant picks, all perfectly paired with an evening at the cinema.
If you’re going for fancy: Host
Host (Ranelagh)– Host is refined, elegant, and ideal for a special occasion. Known for its thoughtful tasting menus and polished service, it’s the kind of place where the experience feels intentional from start to finish. A great choice if you’re leaning toward a more elevated Valentine’s dinner with beautifully executed plates and a quiet, romantic atmosphere.
Understated and refined: Uno Mas Dublin
Uno Mas Dublin
Uno Mas balances sophistication with a relaxed, modern energy. The menu is bold and contemporary, the wine list is excellent, and the room always feels lively without being overwhelming. It’s perfect for couples who want something stylish and memorable, but still fun and unfussy.
Our personal favourite: Butchers Grill
Butchers Grill is warm, intimate, and reliably excellent — the kind of restaurant you return to again and again. Known for top-quality meats, generous portions, and a cozy dining room, it’s a classic choice for a Valentine’s dinner that feels indulgent but comfortable. Ideal for lingering over a great meal before heading to a film.
Butcher’s Grill
A laid-back option: Ashton’s
Ashton’s offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with a creative edge. The space often features work by local artists, giving the restaurant a personal, neighbourhood feel. It’s a great option if you want a more casual Valentine’s dinner that still feels thoughtful and intimate, without the formality of a fine-dining setting.
The art featured here at Ashton’s is from Joan Miró who was born in 1893 in Barcelona and is world renowned for many iconic surrealist and abstract artworks he created throughout his life.
Finish the night at Stella Cinema, Rathmines
No Valentine’s weekend is complete without a visit to Stella Cinema in Rathmines. With its plush seating, vintage glamour, and carefully curated programme, it’s one of Dublin’s most iconic places to watch a film. This February, Stella is featuring classic romantic favourites — including Wuthering Heights, Dirty Dancing, and Pretty Woman.
