ONE Ballsbridge Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in Dublin

The review

After frequently passing by One Ballsbridge on lively Friday evenings and game days, I finally decided to visit on a random Tuesday night. Despite being a weeknight, the restaurant was vibing without being overcrowded, making it an ideal time to assess the service and menu.

Upon arrival, I found the host stand unattended. After a brief wait, a waiter acknowledged me just as the host returned. When I inquired about seating options, she directed me to a nearby table rather than escorting me and mentioned she’d bring a menu.

The table was next to a column, which would be perfect for a date, and just adjacent to the table was a beautifully decorated tree that enhanced the ambiance. However, I regretted not sitting at the super inviting bar I noticed upon entering. After receiving the menu, I waited 17 minutes before any of the multiple servers that passed by my table acknowledged me. When a waiter finally approached, there was no greeting but a curt “What do you want to drink?” This abruptness caught me off guard, but I overlooked it. Unfortunately, the service lagged further; my Diet Coke took an additional 10 minutes to arrive, and no water was provided throughout the meal.

The menu offered a variety of options, yet I struggled to find something I thought was tasty, and I didn’t see any salads on the menu; maybe I just missed it. I decided on the sirloin but was served a ribeye instead. I took a bite, and it was delicious, but I requested the correct order. After the mix-up, an individual who I presume to be the manager(there was no introduction) offered his “sincere apologies” for the mix-up and assured me it would be promptly rectified. That was a missed opportunity to show how sincere his apology was and to win me over with a glass of bubbles or maybe even a house cocktail.

In addition to the sirloin, I ordered the charred broccoli, which arrived disgustingly cold. I asked for it to be substituted for fries. When the sirloin was finally brought out, it was accompanied by broccoli again. I’m almost certain it was the same broccoli reheated, as it lacked freshness. A waiter assured me that fries would be brought out shortly. The clearly forgot.

Upon tasting the sirloin, I found it quite fatty, which was unexpected for this as it’s typically a lean cut. But the taste was spot on; the excessive fat did detract from the experience., because I wanted a lean piece of meat. The fries, when they arrived, were overly salty and served in a really small bowl. Can’t tell you if they were fresh or frozen but they weren’t tasty.

To add to the discomfort, the server attempted to clear my plate while I was still eating. I dislike this practice so much; it feels like I’m being rushed. After finishing the meal, I was asked if the sirloin was to my liking. Although it wasn’t due to the fattiness, I said yes because it had a good taste.

Shortly after the table was cleared, a dessert menu was presented. I didn’t request dessert and didn’t feel adventurous enough to take the risk, so I opted out. I asked for the bill, and sure enough, I was charged for the ribeye. The bill was brought back, and there now was an additional “donation” charge. As soon as the bill was right, I paid and left. What a horrible experience, honestly.

Overall, the atmosphere could be fun, and I can see it being enjoyable. The music played at a comfortable volume, creating a fun and playful ambiance, which can be perfect for deeper conversations. And as mentioned, the bar area is very inviting; again, I regret not choosing to sit there.

Given my experience, I would NOT recommend One Ballsbridge for dinner, given the limited menu options that appealed to me and the service inconsistencies. However, the inviting bar ambiance might warrant a return visit for only drinks.

In total, I spent €70 and left hungry and annoyed. It’s disheartening to spend that kind of money and be dissatisfied in...

If you’re looking for a dining experience that perfectly balances style, comfort, and exceptional food, ONE Ballsbridge Bar & Restaurant is an absolute must-visit in Dublin. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a beautifully designed interior that exudes a warm, contemporary charm. The tasteful décor effortlessly combines modern elegance with cozy touches, making it the ideal spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. The service here is nothing short of outstanding. The staff are attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming, ensuring every guest feels well cared for without ever being intrusive. It's clear that customer satisfaction is a top priority, and their recommendations are always spot on. For starters, I highly recommend the goat’s cheese dish — a perfect blend of creamy richness and fresh flavors, elegantly presented to tease your palate. When it comes to the main course, the Wagyu beef sirloin is simply sensational. Cooked to perfection, tender, juicy, and bursting with deep, savory flavor, it’s truly a highlight that showcases the restaurant’s commitment to quality and taste. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a delectable meal in a sophisticated setting, ONE Ballsbridge Bar & Restaurant will exceed your expectations every time. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at One Ballsbridge, the newest restaurant in the neighbourhood and I was so impressed after my first visit that I returned for brunch the very next day. I even brought a larger group for dinner a week later – this place has definitely won me over.

The 48 hour duck wings are absolutely to die for - they just fall off the bone. The Wagyu beef menu is scintillating– a must-try for any meat lover and the Wicklow lamb main was incredibly tender and bursting with flavor, making it another highlight of the menu. On top of the delicious food, the drinks were tasty, and the overall ambiance of the restaurant was relaxing and inviting.

A special shoutout to Anu for her warm, welcoming energy and impeccable service! Her drink recommendations were spot-on and really elevated the experience.

What’s even more impressive is that despite the high-quality food, the place is also quite affordable, making it a fantastic value for the experience given its in Ballsbridge. They are also open for Christmas Party bookings and would easily fit large gatherings.

I’m really looking forward to trying their bar area upstairs for the weekend sports matches – if they introduce live music, it will be an absolute game-changer for Ballsbridge.

10/10 – highly recommend One Ballsbridge for a great meal, great vibes, and...