Iconic Dublin restaurant above a bookshop overlooking the Ha'penny Bridge. Serving traditional Irish fare with modern touches using local, organic ingredients in a charming literary atmosphere with river views.
The Winding Stair occupies an upper floor above its sister bookshop on Lower Ormond Quay, looking straight across the Liffey to the Ha'penny Bridge, one of the most photographed dining views in Dublin. The kitchen serves modern Irish comfort food built on producers named on the menu: Irish beef and Guinness stew, Dingle Bay crab, and wild Irish salmon are the dishes regulars return for. The room keeps the literary, slightly worn character of the building, with mismatched furniture, wooden floors, and shelves of secondhand books lending a relaxed, bookshop-cafe warmth rather than formal fine dining. Wine leans Irish-import friendly and food-matched rather than showy, with a short, well-chosen list by the glass. Reservations are recommended, especially for window tables at dinner, though the restaurant can often accommodate walk-ins for lunch.
Signature dishes
- Irish beef and Guinness stew — $24
- Dingle Bay crab — $28
- Wild Irish salmon — $26
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 12:00-3:30 PM, 5:30-10:00 PM
- Reservations
- Recommended
Location
40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1, D01 F593
53.3467, -6.2653 View on map
Highlights
- Riverside dining room overlooking the Ha'penny Bridge
- Irish beef and Guinness stew, a long-standing menu fixture
- Located above the Winding Stair bookshop
- Wild Irish salmon and Dingle Bay crab sourced from named producers
Tips for visiting
- Request a window table for Ha'penny Bridge views
- Book ahead for dinner, especially weekends
- Lunch is generally easier to walk into than dinner
- Pair the stew with a glass from the short Irish-focused wine list
Accessibility
The dining room is upstairs above the bookshop; visitors with mobility concerns should contact the restaurant in advance to check stair access.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
What is The Winding Stair known for?
It is known for its river view of the Ha'penny Bridge and modern Irish dishes such as beef and Guinness stew.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended, particularly for dinner and window tables, though lunch walk-ins are often possible.
Is the restaurant connected to a bookshop?
Yes, it sits above the Winding Stair bookshop on Lower Ormond Quay.