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The Unicorn, Dublin, Co. Dublin

The Unicorn

3.9
3.9
24 Reviews
€31 to €50
Italian

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2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 3 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for business meals
  • Lively
The Unicorn is an old popular Italian restaurant in Dublin. After closing a few years ago it has recently re-opened in 2024 under new management. It is located on Merrion Square, just a 10 minute walk from St. Stephen's Green. The Unicorn has been a cornerstone of Dublin's dining scene for decades, and under Kristan Burness's leadership, It will once again shine. The much loved Terrace, famous for long leisurely lunches will bring Merrion Court back to life with vibrant al fresco dining offering guests an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the city.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    €31 to €50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Comfort Food, Beer Garden
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (01) 963 6002
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Kristan Burness

What 24 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.9
3.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4Service
  • 3.7Ambience
  • 3.8Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Dublin

    Good for business meals

  • Dublin

    Good for special occasions

  • Dublin 2

    Good for business meals

  • Dublin 2

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Dublin 2

    Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Unicorn is back with a blend of "phenomenal" Italian cuisine and a "sensational" atmosphere. Diners rave about the "superb" scallops and risotto, complemented by a "reasonably priced" wine list. While some mention room for ambiance improvement, the "exceptional staff" ensures a delightful dining experience.

24 Reviews
  1. Nicole

    Dublin

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    Was really excited to eat here after hearing so much about the Unicorn. Disappointed is an understatement. We arrived and were left waiting for a seat. Waiters just looked at us until we eventually approached one of them to ask to be seated. Dirt and napkins on the floor, walls scuffed. My high expectations shifted to the food given the reviews I had heard (and given the high prices). I am a vegetarian, so there was very little options for me (which I was okay with as I had viewed the menu ahead of going)- the burrata which was ok and the mushroom risotto was undercooked. My partner got the meat ball (which was cold) and the linguine which was ok in fairness. We got 2 glasses of wine, I had to ask for a replacement as my glass of S.B was genuinely undrinkable, and the waiter kindly replaced it, no questions asked. The staff were kind and made an effort, but the place lacks good management. The Unicorn has lots of potential as the place is buzzy and in a great part of town but seriously needs some TLC. We paid 120 for two for a starter, main and 1 glass of wine each which was absolutely extortionate given what we got. Will not be returning or recommending to anyone.

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  2. stuart

    VIP

    London

    65 reviews

    4.0

    65 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Overall pretty good return for the Unicorn- two pasta dishes on the cool side but Scallops and Hake very good. Service a bit quirky- good fun.

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  3. Margaret

    Dublin

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was lovely we dined here for a Christmas lunch and really enjoyed everything about it and will definitely be back

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  4. Brian

    Dublin

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    Food wad good, as was the service, but the room was cold and it was a bit expensive

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  5. Jennifer

    Dublin

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 17 December 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Overall it was a lovely afternoon,food was great and the staff were fantastic & very attentive. Restaurant is newly opened & requires work to finish it off on the walls,toilets etc. I'll be back to try some of the other dishes my table had,everyone enjoyed the afternoon.

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  6. Fran

    Dublin

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 14 December 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    Was really looking forward to going back to unicorn as we used to go for special occasions many years ago. Unfortunately it was not a great experience. Lighting was too bright and music was too mixed, ballads then club music. We tried to order a Bellini but were told it wasn’t available, 2 minutes later a different waitress asked had we ordered and we said we wanted the bellini but we were having Prosecco instead. She looked confused and then went and made us the Bellini!! Very slow to clear table after starters, bringing out next course before table was cleared. Had to ask twice for glasses to be cleared. It wasn’t very busy so cannot understand why things were not being done. We looked for a bottle of wine but were told they didn’t have any left , but later as we went into their piano bar next door I counted at least 15 bottles of the wine we wanted on the shelves. They didnt have port which people often order after dinner. Decor still not finished after the renovation, skirting boards missing, black on walls, painting unfinished. It just felt like it opened before it was ready as staff seemed inexperienced and not too bothered and atmosphere wasn’t great.

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  7. Kevin

    Palm Springs

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 11 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Super lunch. There had been a mixed review which honestly we didn’t understand. We had a first class lunch , everything was super and the veal chop was as food as you will get.

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  8. Mary

    Norfolk/Suffolk

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 7 December 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Lovely meal and attentive staff. wine list approachable and well chosen. Decor a bit bland as before but pleasant enough. Great to see it open again, welcome back!

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  9. Charlie

    Dublin

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 5 December 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food and ambience. Only concern was tip was requested in cash!!

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  10. Antonia

    Leinster

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Lovely meal at the new Unicorn, food was outstanding especially the dry aged beef.

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FAQs

The Unicorn is rated 3.9 stars by 24 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 3 times today
Google Map for The Unicorn

12b Merrion court, Merrion Row, Dublin, Co. Dublin D02 V962

Additional information

  • Area
    St Stephen's Green
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Price
    €31 to €50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Comfort Food, Beer Garden
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Kristan Burness
  • Additional
    Beer, Corkage Fee, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wine
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