Eating out at Christmas in Ireland: how to plan

The key to eating out at Christmas is to book early, confirm the details and ask about the menu before you commit. December is the busiest month for restaurants, cafes and pubs, so the tables people want go first, and many places run a set menu that changes what you can order. A little planning keeps the day relaxed.

When to book

Book as soon as you know your date. For a group, that can be weeks or months ahead. Popular days, such as the weekends in December, fill first. Weekday lunches and early evenings are easier to find. If you leave it late, look at the less obvious days or times, because a Tuesday lunch is a good way to avoid the crowd.

Where a place takes bookings on Mosey, you can see free times on its page and book at no cost. If your date is full, join the waitlist, because cancellations happen.

Set menus

Many places serve a set Christmas menu in December, with a fixed number of courses. This can be good value and keeps the kitchen running smoothly. It also means less choice. Check the menu in advance, see what the options are and ask whether there is a vegetarian, vegan or gluten free path.

If one person in your group has a specific need, tell the place when you book. A kitchen with notice does a better job than one that finds out at the table.

Deposits and cancellations

For larger groups, a deposit is common, and in December it is more so. The deposit usually comes off the final bill. Read the terms before you pay: what happens if numbers change, and when is the last day to cancel? Keep the confirmation.

Confirming numbers

Groups change. Confirm your final numbers a day or two before, not on the day. If someone drops out, tell the place early. Late changes are hard for a busy kitchen, and many places have a cut-off.

Work parties

If you are organising a work meal, ask the group about dietary needs, and choose a place with a clear plan for large tables. Check how the bill will be split, since most places prefer one bill or a clear split in advance. Our guide to planning a group celebration goes into more detail.

Children and families

If you are going with children, check whether the menu has something simple, and whether the room is comfortable for a long meal. Earlier seatings are easier for small ones.

Have a backup

Places close for private events, run short of staff or change their hours over the holidays. Keep a second choice saved to a list, so you can move if you need to. Check opening hours for the days around Christmas, because they often differ from the usual.

A timeline you can copy

Eight weeks out, fix the date and the rough numbers and send a short message to the people coming. Six weeks out, book the table and pay any deposit. Three weeks out, collect dietary needs and pass them on. One week out, confirm the final numbers and the time. The day before, check the weather and the transport and save the place's number in your phone. A plan with five small steps is far easier than one big scramble in December.

When the meal is not the point

For many people the meal is only part of the day. If you have a show or a market visit planned, book the table to fit around it, and leave a gap rather than a squeeze. Tell the place if you need to be out by a set time, so that the kitchen can plan the courses.

Gift ideas

If you are buying a gift for someone who likes to eat out, a gift voucher for a place they love is a thoughtful option. Our guide to buying vouchers for Dublin restaurants explains how.