Dingle doesn’t lack great food or seafood restaurants and as a town it punches well above its weight compared to the rest of Ireland, this is thanks to places like Out of the Blue.
Out of the Blue keeps it simple: pristine fish, minimal interference, and a menu that changes with the boats. That’s the point. And it works.
Now isn’t your typical seafood spot. Trust me, this isn’t just another fish ‘n’ chips joint. If you’re serious about seafood or even just fish curious this place should be high on your must-visit list. It’s a feast for those who worship fresh fish and the ever-changing flavours of the sea.
Locals will call this their favourite proudly shouting that it is the Best Seafood in Dingle.
Quick Facts
Location: Strand Street, Dingle, Co. Kerry
Cuisine: Seafood
Best For: Fish lovers • Casual but serious eating • Early dinners
Booking: RESERVATIONS ONLY (very lucky solo diners might get a walk in but this is rare)
Why is Out of the Blue so Popular?!
Because when you’re in Dingle, you eat seafood and Out of the Blue is unavoidable in that conversation. No social media bait, no white tablecloths, just a chalkboard menu and an A-board that typically reads “fully booked”. Bust does it deserve the best seafood in Dingle?
One of the things that sets Out of the Blue apart is their no-nonsense, “fish-only” policy. If the local fishermen doesn’t bring in a good catch, the restaurant simply doesn’t open. That’s right no frozen fish, no Plan B, just a menu dictated by what’s freshest from Dingle that day. It’s a bold move, but one that’s made them legendary. The result? An ever-changing menu that keeps you on your toes and your taste buds dancing.
Now because of this, and their prime location on the water front – this place books out very fast. More times than not you will walk past to see an A-frame chalk board reading “we are fully tonight”. Reserve ahead (weeks ideally).
First Impression at Out of the Blue
Picture this: you walk into this unassuming blue shack, thinking it’s just another seaside spot… (BOOK IN ADVANCE!).
I have been to Dingle a lot over the years and only have been here once because of my terrible forward planning, honestly it is worth it but not worth the risk of being full and walking in…back to the story.
But once you step inside, you realise you’re in for something extraordinary. The atmosphere is rustic but elegant, with that unmistakable Dingle charm. There’s no over-the-top décor—just honest, warm hospitality and a focus on what matters: the best seafood in Dingle.
You also have the option of booking in the restaurant or in their covered terrace – to enjoy the long Irish summer nights.
Click here to see the Best of Dingle restaurants.
The Menu at Out of the Blue
Expect a human sized Out of the Blue chalk board brought to your table littered with dishes so tender they melt in your mouth that yes includes a hearty bowl of seafood chowder (if that’s your thing) that hugs you from the inside out.
I kicked off with their squid salad which was fantastic followed by their pan-seared scallops with celeriac puree which unreal. And if lobster happens to be on the menu when you visit, don’t hesitate. It’s worth every euro.
Honestly even the bread they dropped at the table was top class and if a place is giving out epic bread and butter sure that’s always a good sign.
From talking to a few locals and the staff that night about their ever changing menu all year round the local bit is always front and centre however I was told if I come back more regularly, I would notice subtle global twists in their dishes like a zesty Thai curry with Dingle Bay prawns or a Mediterranean-style hake with herbs- a favourite for many when it makes an appearance apparently.
It’s a blend of local and international that works beautifully.
Book it here: https://outoftheblue.ie/reservations
A Wine List Worth Diving Into
Pair your meal with something from their expertly curated wine list, featuring both local Irish options and global wines that are just as carefully chosen as the fish. The staff is more than happy to recommend a pairing, and they genuinely know their stuff.
Trust them; your taste buds will thank you. This night I was 10 days out from doing an IronMan so I didn’t drink but honestly the list was top notch.
The Bigger Picture
Out of the Blue is part of what made Dingle a food destination long before hashtags and hype. It hasn’t changed much and that’s its strength. In a town that now attracts food tourism year-round, this place still feels grounded in the original idea: cook what comes off the boat, cook it well, and don’t overthink it.
Out of the Blue has earned its reputation as one of the best seafood restaurants on the Dingle Peninsula and, dare I say, in all of Ireland. If you’re planning a trip to this iconic fishing town, do yourself a favour and make a reservation. Be prepared to be wowed and, of course, don’t come expecting meat or chicken.
This is a place that celebrates the sea, in all its wild, unpredictable glory.
The Verdict
This is seafood without ego.
If you care more about freshness than frills, Out of the Blue remains one of the most honest meals you can eat in Ireland. Just do yourself a favour and make the reservation!
Sláinte!
Frequently Asked Questions about Out of the Blue in Dingle
Yes. The food depends on daily catch and limited seating. If you value fresh, simply cooked seafood, a reservation is part of the deal.
Seafood only. The chalk board menu changes daily depending on what local boats land, with dishes kept deliberately simple to highlight freshness.
It’s not cheap, but it’s fair. Prices reflect the quality and freshness of the seafood with a nice portion size.
Tourists eat here, but it doesn’t feel tourist-led. The menu isn’t softened, rushed, or diluted, locals still eat here for a reason.
On Strand Street in Dingle, County Kerry, a short walk from the harbour and right in the centre of town.
Strand St, Waterside, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 T181, Ireland
No. Out of the Blue operates seasonally, usually opening from spring through early autumn. Check online when you are booking.
Dingle’s seafood punches well above its weight. For a small town on the edge of the Atlantic, the variety and quality is exceptional. Lobster, oysters, crab, cod, monkfish much of it is landed the same morning by family-run boats working the waters around the Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head. This isn’t “marketing-fresh” it’s genuinely sea-to-plate, and you can taste the difference.
Book it here: https://outoftheblue.ie/reservations