Over half (58%) of diners in Dublin would rather pay more to dine at a local restaurant, compared to 23% who would prefer to spend less at a restaurant further away, according to new research by OpenTable.
The research shows that nearly a third (29%) of Dubliners cite that they choose to dine locally due to great offers, dining experiences, and set menus.
‘Feel At Home’
Seventy-eight per cent (78%) of Dubliners ‘feel at home at their local restaurants’, and the majority (63%) ‘always feel welcome when dining there’.
Nearly a quarter (23%) of diners say that ‘staff know their usual food/drink order’, and 16% of Dubliners are on ‘a first-name basis with the staff or owners’.
Dine Local
With this research in mind, OpenTable and Mastercard have launched Dine Local, an initiative that highlights a variety of local venues and offers diners who book at one of these spots the chance to win a gastronomic weekend away in the Cotswolds.
There will be 21 locations across Dublin from which to choose until 19 November.
‘New Culinary Experiences’
“Diners in Dublin are already supporting local restaurants, with research showing that 63% will typically visit their favourite local hospitality venue at least twice a month,” said Robin Chiang, senior vice-president of international growth at OpenTable.
“The Dine Local initiative aims to introduce locals to new culinary experiences whilst also encouraging them to continue supporting their favourite local restaurants.”
Some of the restaurants taking part include:
Shanahan’s on the Green
Brasserie Sixty6
BANG Restaurant & Wine Bar
ELY Wine Bar – Dublin 2
Rustic Stone by Dylan McGrath
Thunder Road Café
Brother Hubbard – North
Cotswolds Competition
In addition, OpenTable and Mastercard are offering the chance to win a weekend away for two in the Cotswolds, staying at the Thyme Hotel for two nights and eating at some of the best restaurants that the local area has to offer.
To enter, diners need to register their Mastercard, book with OpenTable at a participating Dine Local restaurant, and pay with their Mastercard before 19 November 2023. Diners who have booked a Dine Local experience can also find a QR code on their bill holder in the restaurant to get the form and enter their details.
‘Payments Technology’
“Available at 21 locations across Dublin, we’re proud to support local businesses and committed to initiatives like this one,” said Charlie Carrington, senior vice-president of area marketing and comms for international markets at Mastercard.
“We know that people are keen to eat out and spend locally, and our payments technology allows them to do so with confidence.”
