One of the nicest things about summer is being able to extend the day after work or play with a little shopping and dinner with a pal or pals. Dundrum Town Centre is perfectly placed to offer both – a shopping destination with a terrific choice of stores, and varied, top quality dining experiences, many of them with outdoor options. In fact, it now has such a range of excellent restaurants that it has become a dining destination in its own right. So while it’s warm enough to relax with a glass of wine or cup of coffee on a terrace, to enjoy a leisurely lunch or a lively dinner, let’s make the most of al fresco dining.

Outdoor dining at Dundrum Town Centre is centred around the Millpond with its pretty dancing fountains and Pembroke Square. Dine by the Millpond with a view of the water at L’officina by Dunne & Crescenzi and Milano. Dine at atmospheric Pembroke Square and you can enjoy Donnybrook Fair’s Loft with its smart outdoor terrace and balcony, Jamie’s Italian and The Porthouse.

This summer, make the most of precious sun on Milano’s picturesque outdoor terrace, complete with a gorgeous fountain view. Everyone has their Milano favourites – from salads to pizza to pasta – and there’s always such a warm welcome for children as well as a nice kids’ menu, so parents feel comfortable and relaxed enough to enjoy their own meal. An exciting new summer menu will launch on July 5 with new dishes, desserts and drinks. Bag a spot on the terrace, or score dinner with a view on the balcony. www.milano.ie.

The Port House Dundrum has a spacious and gorgeous outdoor terrace and authentic Spanish tapas and pintxos will transport you to sun-baked Seville. There’s an extensive wine list, and fresh, fruity sangria – try the special Cava Sangria – as well as port and cocktails. It is the perfect spot to sit back this summer and enjoy the sunshine. On colder evenings, the retractable roof and heaters create a cosy outdoor atmosphere. An extensive a la carte menu is available till late every evening and a €10 mix and match lunch deal is available Monday-Friday from 12-4. www.porthouse.ie.

Treat yourself to brunch, lunch, dinner or cocktails at Loft above the smart Donnybrook Fair food store. Dundrum’s newest restaurant is led by executive head chef Chris Allen, who has worked at some of London’s most exclusive restaurants including The Ivy, Le Caprice and Harrods.

Loft offers fresh, locally sourced food and an extensive drinks and cocktail menu in a relaxed setting, a very cool, calm place to unwind. Signature cocktails include favourites like Queen of Heaven (coconut-infused Malfy gin, Lillet rose, fino cherry and fig), Vecchio Style (DF olive-infused Powers whiskey, strawberry aged balsamic vinegar, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth) and Forbidden Fruit (grapefruit-infused carazon blanco tequila, Lillet rouge, DF pamplemousse soda) and lots more. 

There are fantastic options for brunch al fresco – including Crispy Confit Duck and Waffle, Eggs Florentine and Chorizo and Potato Hash. A Charcuterie Saturday offer runs all summer long, where you can share a charcuterie platter with wine for just €29.95 and a charcuterie platter with prosecco for just €24.95. www.donnybrookfair.ie.

Jamie’s Italian is transporting you to the Amalfi Coast this summer. It’s no secret that Jamie loves Italy and, over the years, has travelled extensively across the country with his best mate and business partner Gennaro Contaldo, who was born in Minori on the Amalfi Coast. The pair have collaborated closely on Jamie’s Italian Amalfi menu, honouring their favourite dishes from the sun-drenched coast and adding a touch of their own magic. The result is exceptional food in an environment with a neighbourhood feel inspired by the “Italian table” where people relax, share, and enjoy each other’s company – accessible and affordable, with an award-winning kids’ menus and warm, welcoming staff, all channelling Jamie’s passion for good food. Jamie’s Italian family are happy to take walk-ins. www.jamiesitalian.ie.

With a top-notch view overlooking the Millpond in Dundrum Town Centre, Siam Thai feels wonderfully positioned in the centre of everything; the ideal place to sit back, enjoy a delicious meal and a glass of wine, and watch the world go by. A stalwart on the Dundrum food scene, the Siam philosophy is to deliver mouthwatering Thai food that is at once traditional, fresh and creative. The Siam crew welcomes customers seven days a week, so there’s always a perfect time to meet a pal for dinner and a catch-up, or plan a memorable family lunch. On the menu for summer is an exciting array of new and signature dishes we all love, including Thai Green Curry, Pad Thai noodles and Duck with Tamarind Sauce. Make a night of it and visit the award-winning Candlelight Bar, which has live music every Friday and Saturday.

Book your next dining experience at Dundrum Town Centre – see all the options at www.dundrum.ie.