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Hours
Mon
11:00 - 22:00
Tue
11:00 - 22:00
Wed
11:00 - 22:00
Thu
11:00 - 22:00
Fri
11:00 - 22:00
Sat
12:00 - 22:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Italian, Pizza, International, Mediterranean, Vegetarian friendly
Special Occasion Dining, Groups, Business meetings
Is this restaurant family-friendly?
Details
CUISINES
Italian, Pizza, International, Mediterranean
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
311 reviews
Excellent
209
Very good
79
Average
15
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Scott L
County Mayo7 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
We happened on this restaurant because it was close to the Lighthouse Cinema at Smithfield. It had a relaxed local feel, as opposed to catering mainly to tourists. The food is Italian, and we both enjoyed the chicken with chorizo main dish with a bottle of red. The staff were friendly and attentive.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aoibhinn
8 contributions
May 2022 • none
I work nearby and come here at least once a week. The food is so good, and really quick, I have tried a good few things on the menu and have yet to be disappointed by anything. It's so handy if you only have an hour for lunch because they dish out the food so quick. The staff are great and so is the owner. The place is so clean as well and although it's always busy, I've never had to wait too long for a table. Also great value, It really is the best place in the world!!
Written 9 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pat m
8 contributions
Apr 2024 • family
We had a reservation (2 couples) for lunch and were seated within 3 minutes of arrival, the place was pretty full and buzzing and the atmosphere was great, we all had pasta dishes which arrived promptly and were all delicious, all plates were cleared, desserts were also very good indeed, the wine list deserves a mention with some really nice affordable options. The service was very good indeed. We were happy with everything and would recommend this spot in Smithfield, an area we hadn't really explored before. We will be back.
Written 26 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe K
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • none
Very loud and poor service. Not asked for Covid passport on entering premises. Some staff did not wear face masks. Some customers did not wear face masks.
White wine was not chilled, main course surf and turf was cold. I would not recommend this restaurant.
Written 19 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diarmaid C
Dublin49 contributions
Jul 2023 • solo
Sparks Bistro is one of my favourite lunch time spots in Dublin. It is a family run bistro with a very good range of menu options that are very tasty and good value for money. Today, it was exceptional that prompted me to write this review. I went for the daily special which was seafood risotto. The seafood consisted of calamari, prawns, shrimps and mussels on a bed of lovely creamy arborio rice. At a cost of €14.95 this is exceptional value for money for Dublin.
Written 7 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Saunders
17 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
There are times when you make an unexpected discovery and this was one of them.
We were wandering around Smithfield looking for a reasonable lunch venue. We had in mind salads snacks and so on.
We found Sparks. Not surprisingly at 1.30 PM it was very busy. We checked out the surrounding hostelaries . All had free tables, some were quite empty. Based on this fact alone we waited 10 minutes for a free table and we were rewarded. This unpretensious Italian resrsurant has a simple menu of pastas, chicken and meats. It is very reasonable priced and the service is very friendly and welcoming even though the staff were visibly under pressure. Wines are available as are a selection of desserts and teas and coffees. Visit this place and if its busy, take a walk, sit in the sun or simply stand and wait. It's worth it.
empty
Written 31 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rainy S
Dublin46 contributions
Jun 2020 • couples
I I visited this little restaurant recently with a friend, I've never heard of it before but my friend had been there before. It doesn't stand out from the outside but inside it's cosy, cool and relaxed.
I had prawns to start, followed by seabass, it was all excellent, I had no complaints with the food, the wine was bland, but it didn't take away from the whole experience.
What really stood out to me were the staff, a lovely lady showed is to our table and then we had a male water who was so friendly, good banter and very attentive, for instance I spilled something on my dress and he was straight over with a clean cloth and hot water and said "quick if you get it now you might save your dress"!
I would go back for that alone!
Written 20 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kkoleary
Scottsdale779 contributions
May 2022 • couples
Our first meal here was lunch and it was very flavorful and well prepared. We enjoyed sandwiches while sitting outside in the patio. The following week we returned for dinner and it was not so good; my lamb chops almost inedible they were so tough and the spaghetti with seafood had too much pasta but skimpy on seafood. Very popular with locals. Service okay.
Written 23 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clemrunner
27 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
A great find as we were wandering Smithfield Square.
Nice welcome.
Good tasty food prepared promptly cooked to order is a visible kitchen area.
Friendly staff. Enjoyable experience.
Written 29 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ella_RM
New York City351 contributions
Sept 2023 • family
This place is conveniently located to The Cobblestone Pub and Jameson Distillery. The food is actually better than an almost empty dining room would lead one to believe. We had pizza and a salad. Pizza dough was quite good; 'fresh mozzarella' was not exactly to the NJ standard.
The vibe at Sparks however, was very subdued, especially compared to the noise and laughter and the place next door.
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerry R
2 contributions
Dec 2023 • family
Last minute booking …. 5 star experience … food and service was sublime … brilliant waiter looked after us .. he was engaging and really made us feel comfortable… the food from starters to dessert was near perfect …. The bill for Dublin more than worth to cost…, we will be returning very soon and telling all our friends and family to check the place out.,,, when we were leaving I bumped into. Group of maybe 12 who I know and hadn’t seen in a long time … so an early Xmas present too !!! Good people make good dining choices !!!
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicola_meneses
45 contributions
Jun 2024 • business
Great little spot in Smithfield. 14 of us were going for lunch and they rang us ahead of time to ask for our orders so we wouldn't have to wait too long. Everyone was very happy with the lunch menu and the prices were very reasonable. The staff are all very friendly and helpful. I think the owner was there the day we went and was helping sit people and clear tables. Very busy but the service was excellent. I had the grilled chicken burger and chips which was very nice.
Written 11 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynda L
Dublin43 contributions
Dec 2023 • friends
Sparks is a great bistro located just off Smithfield Square. We have been going for a few years now and it never disappoints.
The food is always excellent and it has that feeling of a family run business that is very comfortable and welcoming.
The staff are warm and friendly, while remaining totally professional, so it’s not difficult to see why the place is so popular! Deservedly so….
Definitely worth a visit.
Written 21 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SRJB_London
312 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
In the heart of Smithfield, next to Jameson’s, and convenient for the Maldron, this is a friendly relaxed bistro.
We shared the caprese salad (which was a good idea because it was a big serving!), and then the sea bass and the pizza fiorentina- both good. Naughtily we also had the limoncello sorbet (really very nice).
It’s a nice quiet unassuming bistro, low key but good food. I hope they survive and prosper: they deserve to.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristen C
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • couples
This is a fantastic spot outside of the Jameson Factory! Lovely service, good wine list, and delicious Italian food! We had the scallops and bruschetta as starters and both were fantastic! Both our main dishes (lobster ravioli and penne arrabbiata) were 10/10. They were very busy when we came and still super attentive and provided wonderful service! f you’re in the area, this is a must stop!!
Written 23 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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