Laura’s, the celebrated rooftop destination perched atop Old Fashioned Sam’s, has inaugurated a new chapter in its culinary narrative. The launch of the eagerly anticipated Summer Tasting Menu represents a significant milestone. This update directly impacts the laura’s restaurant menu search, showcasing a commitment to elevated dining in Dublin. Head Chef Mitchell Clarke’s latest offering is an intentional exploration of vibrant flavours, aligning with a core culinary vision centered on shareable joy. The new menu, complemented by the debut of an expanded courtyard bar, solidifies the restaurant’s standing as a hub for both style and exceptional value. This transition reflects a sophisticated enhancement of the full guest experience.
The Culinary Philosophy: Mitchell Clarke’s Vision of Relaxed Elegance
The foundation of the new menu at Laura’s is rooted in a clear, compelling culinary philosophy. Group Head Chef Mitchell Clarke has championed a direction that he describes as blending “vibrant flavours and relaxed elegance.” This approach intentionally moves away from rigid fine dining structures. Instead, it prioritizes a more approachable, dynamic guest experience.
The creation of the Summer Tasting Menu was a highly collaborative and meticulous process. Clarke and the kitchen team at Sam’s rigorously tested each dish. Their goal was to ensure a diverse and exciting range of options. The final selection focuses on creating a “tasting journey” for every guest.
This philosophy is specifically designed for sociability and enjoyment. Dishes are crafted to be fun to share, allowing diners to sample a wider spectrum of the kitchen’s capabilities. This ethos supports both a casual drop-in or a planned, all-out gathering with friends. The kitchen deliberately engineered the menu for versatility.
A significant, overriding concern during the redesign was ensuring accessibility. Clarke firmly stated that “Value was something we also hugely prioritised when redesigning Laura’s restaurant menu.” This is a crucial market signal. It confirms the restaurant’s aim to deliver top-tier culinary quality without the prohibitive price tag often associated with rooftop dining.
The success of a restaurant often hinges on its ability to offer surprise. Clarke wants guests to be genuinely surprised by the overall quality and the depth of flavour achieved at these price points. This blend of quality, affordability, and surprise forms the core of Laura’s new identity. It establishes a strong competitive position within Dublin’s dynamic culinary scene. The execution of this vision demonstrates a commitment to both creativity and commercial pragmatism.
A Deep Dive into the New Laura’s Tasting Menu Structure
The structure of the new laura’s restaurant menu is one of its most innovative features. It pivots around a flexible tasting menu concept. This allows guests to curate their own dining experience based on preference and appetite. This approach fosters a sense of personal exploration and customisation.
The menu is intelligently divided into two distinct tiers: the Red Diamond and the Gold Diamond. This pricing model gives guests clear choices from the outset. It ensures that the value proposition remains transparent and attractive.
The Red Diamond Tier offers an attractive entry point to the menu. The option of Any 3 Red Diamond Dishes is priced at €44.95. This tier is designed to showcase the kitchen’s capability with strong, foundational flavours. It provides a robust and satisfying meal experience.
The Gold Diamond Tier elevates the experience with more premium ingredients and complex preparations. Guests can select Any 3 Gold Diamond Dishes for €49.95. This marginal price increase unlocks dishes featuring components like fillet steak and sea bass. The cost remains remarkably competitive for a three-course, high-quality meal.
This structure allows for a mixed approach. A dining party can collectively mix and match selections. This promotes the communal, shareable element that Chef Clarke is emphasizing. Guests are encouraged to create a bespoke dining adventure across the table.
Desserts are intentionally positioned as an optional, yet highly recommended, final act. Any Dessert can be added to the tasting menu for an additional €8. This maintains the flexibility of the structure. It prevents the tasting menu from feeling overly prescriptive or heavy.
The dishes themselves are categorized across three sections. These are ‘From the Garden,’ ‘From the Sea,’ and ‘From the Grill.’ This clear categorization streamlines decision-making. It also confirms a commitment to diverse ingredient sourcing and preparation methods.
The menu is a statement on modern dining convenience and quality. It provides an answer to the constant consumer demand for both exceptional taste and exceptional value. Laura’s has engineered a system that delivers on both fronts efficiently. This design is evidence of a considered, guest-focused approach to menu architecture.
Standout Dishes: A Detailed Culinary Analysis
The specific dishes highlighted on the new laura’s restaurant menu are crucial to understanding the chef’s intent. Each selection is a deliberate statement on flavour balance, texture, and ingredient quality. They collectively showcase the restaurant’s technical versatility.
The Sticky Duck Salad is an immediate standout. It perfectly balances richness and freshness. The Hoisin duck provides a deeply savory, slightly sweet base. This is paired with meticulously crispy skin, offering a vital textural contrast. The inclusion of pomegranate seeds adds bursts of acidity and colour. Seasonal greens ground the dish in freshness, making it a sophisticated starter.
Vegetarian and vegan diners are catered to with the Stuffed Peppers. This dish is both hearty and flavourful, a welcome departure from typical secondary options. Fire-roasted peppers provide a smoky sweetness. They are generously filled with spiced Mexican rice and seasonal vegetables. A smooth, house-made hummus binds the elements together. This selection is a deliberate effort to offer compelling, complete vegan cuisine.
From the Sea, the Spiced Tempura Monkfish is a textural and flavour champion. Monkfish, prized for its firm texture, is encased in a golden, delicate tempura crust. The ‘spiced’ element adds a layer of warmth and complexity to the crust. This is expertly paired with a punchy mango chutney. The chutney’s sweet and acidic profile cuts through the richness of the fried fish, achieving perfect harmony.
The Surf & Turf is the definitive luxury component, a nod to classic indulgence. It features a flame-grilled fillet steak, ensuring a superior texture and flavour profile. This is partnered with marinated gambas, which are large, flavourful prawns. The accompaniments are equally important: a peppercorn croquette provides a crispy, creamy, and spicy counterpoint. It is a refined, fully-composed version of a traditional favourite.
A modern appetizer trend is encapsulated by the Whipped Brie. Whipped cheeses offer a light, airy texture that contrasts sharply with the focaccia. The creamy brie is topped with toasted almonds for crunch. A final drizzle of chilli garlic honey introduces a complex sweet-spicy finish. This dish is designed for sharing and creates an immediate sensory impact.
Another excellent seafood selection is the Pan-Seared Sea Bass. This dish exhibits international flair and delicate flavour layering. The sea bass is served with a light, fragrant coconut broth. This provides a gentle, tropical base. Fondant sweet potato adds sweetness and a soft texture. The mango salsa introduces a refreshing, bright counter-flavour.
The dessert selection ensures a strong finish to the meal. The Banana Bread & Ice Cream is a comfort-food classic elevated with the addition of rich dulce leche. The house-made Honeycomb Brownie promises intense chocolate flavour with the satisfying, crunchy contrast of honeycomb pieces. These final dishes reinforce the theme of comforting indulgence and high-quality execution.
Laura's rooftop restaurant at Old Fashioned Sam's showcasing the stylish dining area
The Venue Enhancement: Streamlining the Old Fashioned Sam’s Experience
Laura’s is not just upgrading its menu; it is actively enhancing the entire physical dining experience. The venue’s owners have now introduced an additional, all-new bar structure within the iconic courtyard. This is a strategic operational decision disguised as a structural addition.
The physical space is already a major draw. Laura’s boasts what is frequently cited as Dublin’s largest rooftop courtyard. A key feature of this space is its completely retractable roof. This engineering marvel allows the venue to transition seamlessly between an open-air summer spot and a cozy, all-weather destination.
Co-owner Liam Kelly emphasized that the new bar structure’s primary function is to “streamline service and offer a more seamless experience.” This reflects a commitment to operational efficiency. By adding a dedicated bar within the courtyard itself, pressure is eased on the main service points. This significantly enhances guest flow across the multi-level venue.
Kelly highlighted the importance of the courtyard, calling it the “heart of Old Fashioned Sam’s.” The new bar is intended to complete the original architectural and service vision. It creates a circular experience for guests. They can now easily enjoy pre-dinner cocktails in the courtyard. Following their meal, they can effortlessly return to the courtyard for digestifs or desserts.
The presence of the large, open space and the new bar contributes significantly to the venue’s atmosphere. Kelly proudly describes it as “one of the funnest spots in Dublin now.” This atmosphere is further amplified by the regular inclusion of DJs every weekend. The blend of sophisticated drinks service, high-quality food, and a vibrant social environment is a powerful combination.
This structural upgrade directly supports the restaurant’s overall mission. It ensures that the physical experience matches the quality of the new Laura’s restaurant menu. The investment in infrastructure demonstrates a long-term commitment to guest satisfaction and operational excellence. It ensures that the staff can deliver the warm, attentive service for which Laura’s has already earned a loyal following.
The venue’s chic interiors, which have received glowing praise, are now paired with this enhanced logistical framework. The combination results in an offering that is cohesive, visually stunning, and operationally superior. It confirms Laura’s commitment to delivering a consistently top-tier dining and social experience. This dual focus on both culinary and spatial excellence sets a high benchmark in the competitive Dublin hospitality landscape.
Commitment to Value and Atmosphere: A Competitive Edge
The recurring theme across the entire Laura’s overhaul is a fierce commitment to both exceptional value and a captivating atmosphere. These two factors represent a crucial competitive advantage in the Dublin dining market. The restaurant consciously seeks to disrupt the perception that high quality must necessitate high prices.
The focus on “incredible prices” is not merely a marketing claim. It is built into the two-tiered, flexible pricing structure of the tasting menu. Offering a three-course tasting journey for under €50 per person is a deliberate and assertive move. This positions Laura’s as a leader in affordable luxury dining.
The success of this value proposition is already reflected in guest feedback. One online reviewer’s quote captures the sentiment perfectly: “The interiors are sleek, the food is top tier, and the whole experience is incredibly affordable.” This endorsement validates the strategy of prioritizing both quality and accessibility.
The atmosphere at Laura’s is a meticulously crafted element of the brand. It is built upon three pillars: chic interiors, warm service, and a vibrant social scene. The interior design is sleek and modern, providing a sophisticated backdrop for any meal. The commitment to warm, attentive service ensures a welcoming and relaxed experience for every guest.
The social scene, driven by the huge courtyard and weekend DJs, adds a layer of dynamic energy. This makes Laura’s a destination not just for a meal, but for an entire evening out. The ability to transition seamlessly from a beautiful dinner to a lively social atmosphere is a major selling point.
This dual focus on value and atmosphere is a deliberate strategy to attract and retain a loyal following. It appeals to a broad demographic, from casual diners to groups celebrating special occasions. The flexibility of the laura’s restaurant menu, coupled with the inviting and expansive venue, ensures wide appeal.
The launch of the summer menu and the bar addition signals more than just a seasonal change. It represents a fresh era for the restaurant. It is a time when style, flavour, and value are placed above all else. This strategic repositioning ensures Laura’s remains one of Dublin’s most talked-about rooftop dining spots well into the future. The commitment to high standards across all touchpoints—culinary, service, and environment—is evident and impactful.
Practicalities: Reservation Details and Operating Hours
Understanding the practicality of visiting Laura’s is essential for prospective diners. The restaurant operates on a robust schedule designed to cater to various needs, from early evening meals to weekend brunches. Accessing the new laura’s restaurant menu is straightforward.
Reservations are currently open and encouraged. The official website for booking is www.oldfashionedsams.ie. Booking ahead is always advisable, especially for peak weekend hours and large groups. This ensures a confirmed seat to experience the new tasting menu and the vibrant courtyard.
The operating hours are structured to accommodate both the mid-week corporate crowd and the weekend social scene. From Monday through Thursday, the restaurant opens its doors from 4pm. This is ideal for late afternoon drinks or a relaxed evening meal. On Fridays, operations begin earlier, starting at 3pm, signaling the start of the weekend.
Weekends are a key focus for Laura’s, especially with the retractable roof and DJ sets. Saturday brunch begins at 10:30am. This offers a bright, lively option for early weekend socialising. Sunday brunch commences slightly later, at 12pm. This provides a more relaxed, gentle entry into the final day of the week.
The restaurant also maintains a welcoming policy for spontaneous diners. Walk-ins are always welcome, reflecting the establishment’s relaxed elegance and commitment to approachability. However, given the venue’s growing popularity and the excitement surrounding the new menu, guests should be prepared for potential wait times during busy periods.
All elements, from the easily accessible booking platform to the extended operating hours, are designed for guest convenience. This logistical framework supports the new culinary direction perfectly. It ensures that the experience of enjoying the new Laura’s restaurant menu is as seamless and stress-free as possible. The practical details reinforce the overall quality and care invested in the complete customer journey.
The unveiling of the revamped Summer Tasting Menu at Laura’s marks a significant evolution for the renowned Dublin rooftop venue. Head Chef Mitchell Clarke’s focus on relaxed elegance and vibrant flavours delivers a flexible, high-value culinary journey. The twin-tiered diamond menu structure provides exceptional quality at highly competitive prices. This new offering is seamlessly complemented by the strategic addition of the new courtyard bar, which enhances service flow and completes the venue’s overall sophisticated vision. The combination of chic interiors, warm service, a lively social atmosphere, and the irresistible new laura’s restaurant menu confirms Laura’s as a must-visit dining destination in the city.
Last Updated on December 5, 2025 by Alex Cesaria
Alex Cesaria is the creative force behind Nomad Girl, an all-day café and ristorante with a signature Milanese flair located in the heart of Nomad, New York City. With years of experience in the hospitality industry, Alex blends refined Italian sensibilities with New York’s energetic dining culture to create a place that feels both elegant and welcoming.