FLORITZ

THE HOUR Floritz really gets into its groove after 9pm when the restaurant, which overlooks St Stephen’s Green, glows softly and pulsing music is turned on. The energy shifts as the night descends, encouraging longer stays. Floritz is perfect for unrushed celebrations, with bookings available until around 10pm and cocktails and music carrying the evening onward.

ON THE PLATE The Asian-inspired menu lends itself to group sharing with dumplings, bao, yakitori and excellent rice chips with dragon sauce. Flavours are confident and showy in the best possible way, making the food a natural partner to the strong cocktail list. Floritz is glitzy and devilishly glamorous with the food to back it up – perfect for a celebratory group meal. @floritzdublin

HAWKSMOOR DUBLIN

THE HOUR Hawksmoor in Dublin 2 is one of the few big dining rooms in the city that still genuinely welcomes later bookings. After 9pm, the mood mellows, the bar comes into its own and the night stretches out in a way well-suited to unhurried dinners, whether you’re having dinner à deux or with a group keen to green-light “just one more bottle”.

ON THE PLATE Steak remains the anchor with large cuts designed for sharing, served with proper sauces and sides that are not just for show. Starters such as smoked salmon, pork ribs or a Caesar salad set the tone, while desserts reward those who leave space for them. Some of the best cocktails in the city and an extensive wine list do their part in encouraging the table to stay put – in one of the most elegant restaurant premises in the country. @hawksmoordublin

ROW WINES

THE HOUR At Row Wines in Dublin 2, the focus is on music, wine and shared plates, which make it ideal for nights when sitting back and discovering a bottle with friends are the central pleasures. Post-9pm here feels relaxed yet upbeat rather than frenetic, with outdoor tables also available. There’s a laidback energy to the excellent service.

ON THE PLATE The food at Row Wines is designed to complement what’s in the glass. Think well-judged small plates and snacks that change regularly, using fresh Irish ingredients in a creative way that works beautifully alongside the bar’s adventurous wine list. The style suits evenings where the meal and the wine evolve together, encouraging a pace that isn’t dictated by courses, but by conversation and pouring. Wine-led small plates are available into the later evening, while bar service continues comfortably past dining hours.

LA CAVE WINE BAR

THE HOUR La Cave in Dublin 2 comes into its own after 9pm, when the low hum of conversation takes over in the cosy red-painted rooms. La Cave is beloved by hospitality workers for post-shift supper – the kitchen is open until 10.30pm, (early for La Cave of old), with bar service continuing until 1am at weekends. There’s an unpretentious, almost Parisian rhythm to late bookings here, with tables close together, casual chatter, and time to enjoy each plate without watching the clock.

ON THE PLATE Generous, comforting French classics. Steak frites, onion soup, mussels, and escargot are all ideal for pretending you are on Paris’ Right Bank. The food isn’t really the point at La Cave but, with a glass of wine from the extensive list, it does exactly what you need it to. It’s indulgent without being heavy, exactly right for late evening appetites. @lacavewinebar

CHUBBYS

THE HOUR Chubbys in Clontarf brings easy late-evening energy to the northside. Bookings run until 9.30pm, while occasional walk-in only “Late Night Lovers” nights extend service with tacos, tunes, and drinks, and perhaps even dancing. It’s a relaxed, social space where you can linger later than expected.

ON THE PLATE While the menu changes daily, there are some staple dishes – tacos are the main draw, with crisp tortillas, vibrant fillings, and balanced salsas. Sharing plates like Indian spiced mountain lamb flatbread and slow-cooked meats from the smoker are perfect for a large group. It’s informal, satisfying food that suits the hour perfectly. Cocktail-making keeps the mood upbeat and, and on latenight event evenings, it’s almost festive.

SEE MORE: 5 Dublin Restaurants Where Sharing Is Caring (Or Optional)