Negroni Week is coming back around again, and if there’s one thing Dubs take seriously—besides a good pint of Guinness—it’s a well-made cocktail. As the leaves turn and the grand stretch departs, the city’s bars prepare for a celebration of a drink that’s both timeless and unapologetically bold: the Negroni. This iconic Italian aperitivo, with its perfect marriage of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, has earned its place as a staple in cocktail culture worldwide.
The Negroni is a drink of simplicity and sophistication—just three ingredients, equal parts, stirred together and served over ice with a slice of orange. Invented in 1919 by a swashbuckling Italian Count who wanted a stiffer version of his Americano, the Negroni has been through many transformations, yet it remains steadfast in its appeal. So here are six of the best places to get a negroni and embrace Anthony Bourdain Autumn now September is on the horizon.
1661: The Queen of Negronis
Let’s start with 1661, a bar that has mastered the art of the Negroni to such an extent that even the most jaded cocktail lover will fall head over heels again. Their classic Negroni isn’t on their menu, but ask and you shall receive a work of art. Gin, vermouth, and Campari, perfectly balanced and served with a giant ice cube that ensures your last sip is as good as your first. But what really sets 1661 apart is their willingness to experiment. Last year’s Negroni Week menu included twists that left me tickled pink, including a Negroni with a dash of salt to harmonize the bitter and earthy flavours. It’s a drink that would make you feel like the Queen of Sheba. I reckon they’ll have levelled up again this year, so get your reservation before I take them all.
Sfuso: La Dolce Vita in a Glass
Sfuso is the kind of place that transports you straight to the Amalfi Coast. This Italian gem is known for its superb Negronis, each one a delightful nod to la dolce vita. The walls are lined with bottles of Campari as big as toddlers, and the intimate setting makes it the perfect spot for a Negroni-fuelled date night. Their classic Negroni is flawless, but if you’re feeling adventurous, the plum Campari version is a must-try. It’s a drink that’s divine and delightful in equal measure, much like a sun-soaked Italian afternoon.
Big Fan: The Coffee Negroni Reimagined
For those who like their Negroni with a side of caffeine, Big Fan’s Vietnamese-style coffee Negroni is a revelation. The ‘Ho Lee Fuk’ filters ice-cold Campari through a traditional phin filter with Robusta coffee, resulting in a cocktail that’s as potent as it is delicious. The brightness of the coffee highlights the fruitiness of the Campari, and the oily texture of the coffee melds with the liquor to create a drink that’s more than the sum of its parts. It’s a remix that might stress out Negroni traditionalists, but for the rest of us, it’s a mighty fine twist on a classic.
Grano: Italian Simplicity at Its Finest
Grano, known as the best Italian restaurant in Dublin, offers a Negroni experience that’s all about simplicity and quality. Their Negronis are a testament to the idea that less is more: just the right amount of gin, a great slice of orange, and that satisfying clink of ice cubes in your glass.
While Grano is primarily a restaurant, their neighbouring wine bar, A Fianco, is the perfect place to enjoy a Negroni while watching the world go by in Stoneybatter. And if you fancy yourself a Negroni connoisseur, their selection of rare vermouths will make your heart sing.
Bootleg: Classic Perfection
At Bootleg, the Negroni is treated with the respect it deserves. This bar offers a classic Negroni that’s as close to perfection as you can get—no frills, no fuss, just gin, Campari, vermouth, and a sliver of orange peel. The ornate low-ball glass it’s served in will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from a noir film. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, savouring each sip. It also has a full and powerfully diverse Spritz menu. If you have friends that just can’t handle the bitter perfection of the Negroni this is the perfect place to split the difference. Plus the tunes here are immaculate.
The Seafood Cafe: A Surprising Contender
You might not expect to find one of Dublin’s best Negronis at a seafood restaurant, but The Seafood Café will surprise you. Their homemade vermouth makes their Negroni a one-of-a-kind experience. Paired with top-notch sustainable Irish seafood, this Negroni is a pre-dinner delight that will have you dancing in your seat—chef’s kiss, indeed.
Life is too short to drink bad cocktails. So let your own search for Dublin’s ultimate Negroni begin!
Words: Shamim De Brún
Negroni Week Takes place from September 16th – 22nd. More details here.
