With amazing views, good casual food and a buzzing atmosphere, Lucinda O’Sullivan was impressed by new kid on the block, Sophie’s, based in the hip Dean Hotel on Harcourt Street.

A virtual glass box on the top floor, it has wonderful views over our fair city. On this level also is a smashing outdoor terrace, with a Brazilian barbecue for private parties or warm summer days. A big feature bar centres the room, where the music and ambiance is just buzzing. The restaurant has great-sounding cocktails at €10-€11, and a wide selection of wines by the glass.

A pair of swings greet you when the lift doors open, but the real fun is inside the glass box perched on top of the building, as you get 360° views while being sheltered from the elements.

Sophie’s is a glasshouse restaurant at The Dean Hotel where the weather is the wallpaper… A view like no other in Dublin, cityscape to countryside…Their restaurant vibe smoothly transitions from a laid back sunrise through to buzzing sunset, making Sophie’s the perfect place for both a relaxed weekend brunch and a fantastic night out…When the sun goes down and the plates are cleared away, the speakers go up a notch and the drinks flow with DJ’s playing at the weekend ‘til late.

The Guinness Storehouse and the Etihad Skyline atop Croke Park are possibly the only two Dublin 360 degree vantage points that you could compare this with. With a glass-lined rooftop restaurant and bar, the weather is naturally the wallpaper… but this is definitely one of the best places in the city to catch your breath and take time out above the city, whatever the weather.