The Winding Stair

History and Setting

Originally a famed bookshop and café in the 1970s and 1980s, The Winding Stair earned its name from Yeats' poem and became a creative hub for writers, musicians, and artists overlooking the River Liffey and Ha'penny Bridge. Revived as a restaurant in 2006 by Elaine Murphy, it retains the ground-floor bookshop, old bookshelves, photos, and timeless charm with stripped wood tables, floors, and Bentwood chairs. The upstairs dining room glows with bridge lights reflecting on hanging wine glasses, creating a romantic, quintessentially Dublin backdrop.[7][6]

Modern Irish Cuisine

The menu celebrates Ireland's finest seasonal produce from artisans across the island, focusing on good, old-fashioned home cooking without pretension. Starters feature Irish seafood chowder with chorizo and treacle bread, potted Dingle Bay crab, Burren smokery fish plates, and Kilkenny Black Angus beef carpaccio. Mains highlight char-grilled dry-aged Irish beef striploin, hand-smoked haddock with Cheddar mash, whole John Dory, Silverhill duck breast, and vegetarian options like potato dumplings or goat cheese-stuffed squash. Sides include homemade chips, mash, and local vegetables; desserts range from bread and butter pudding with whiskey sauce to Irish cheese boards.[1][3][7]

Wine and Beer Selection

An enormous wine list, arranged by character rather than region, showcases boutique makers from new and old worlds, with recommendations like Macon Villages for crab or Malbec for beef. The beer list emphasizes local and international microbreweries, paired thoughtfully with food. Fixed-price lunch (€22–€27) and pre-theater menus (€27–€31) offer value, while à la carte mains average €24–€42.[6][4]

Atmosphere and Service

The snug, quirky space buzzes with warmth, quirky decor, and Liffey views, ideal for intimate dinners or lively gatherings. Staff are professional, enthusiastic, and flexible, often recommending wines and accommodating special needs. Open for lunch and dinner with varying hours, it's a go-to for inventive Irish fare in a historic setting.[2][5]

Location and Accessibility

At 40 Ormond Quay Lower, steps from Ha'penny Bridge in Dublin's North City, it's perfectly positioned for pre- or post-theater meals or riverside strolls. Reservations recommended, especially for window seats.