Cantina Valentina opens on Exchequer Street this November, bringing a ray of colour and flavour to the city centre. This Peruvian-inspired spot blends South American vibrancy with the easy, sociable spirit of its new home. It’s the kind of place made for long, lazy lunches and lively dinners that stretch into the night.

Cantina Valentina is bold and welcoming, with a palette of hand-made, natural materials — woven-cane seating, embroidered upholstery, textile wall hangings and textured plaster — set off by a polished yellow-marble bar and brass gantry. A striking mural by artist Cadhla Forde takes its colour cues from the rainbow mountains of the Andes, adding vivid drama and a sense of joyful escape.

Inspiration for the food comes from the relaxed picanterías of Peru, the family-run canteens known for flavourful food and big hospitality. Menus draw on the vibrant food culture of Lima and the wider regions, balancing comforting tradition with playful twists. Guests can expect standouts like the Lima Burger, classic ceviche and croquetas, marinated beef skewers, slow-cooked lamb, and plates from the grill such as stuffed whole grilled fish to share with aji miso curry sauce. It’s generous, unpretentious cooking, served with warmth and ease.

At the bar, the drinks list continues the celebration of South American flavour. Highlights include the house spicy margarita — Poco Picante(blanco tequila, curaçao, ají rocoto chilli, guava, pink peppercorn), a menu of five rotating pisco sours including Guinness & Black Pisco Sour, and a wine list including a curated selection of South American wines that complement the dishes perfectly.

Cantina Valentina will open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday and dinner Tuesday to Sunday, with breakfast and brunch planned for soon after opening too. Whether it’s a quick lunch from the ceviche bar or a dinner that stretches into the night over shared plates and cocktails, Cantina Valentina invites guests to gather, eat well, and stay late.

The restaurant is also available for group bookings and private hire, just in time for the festive season and perfect for colleagues, friends and families looking to celebrate in style. A comfy, sprawling space with seating for over 80 guests, Cantina Valentina is an easygoing restaurant with a big personality — bright, welcoming and full of life, very like the city it will soon call home.

Get 10% off the bill at Cantina Valentina with Dis-loyalty, Ennismore’s game changing travel and food membership. Find out more about all the membership perks at Dis-loyalty.com.

Instagram: @cantinavalentina.dublin

Website: https://cantina-valentina.com/dublin/

Bookings: https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/cantinavalentinadublin

Address: Cantina Valentina, The Hoxton Dublin, 1-5 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2, D02 E044

Opening hours:

Lunch: Wed-Sun, 12.00-15.00

Dinner: Tue-Sun, 17.00–22.30