In a city already rich with culinary ambition, Amai by Viktor stands out as a quietly compelling destination. Nestled on Harry Street just off Grafton Street, it occupies an elegant upstairs space above The Corkscrew wine shop—easy to miss, but all the more rewarding when you find it. Its discreet façade gives way to a warm, softly lit dining room where Brazilian and South American accents mingle seamlessly with refined Irish style.
From the first moment, the Amai by Viktor menu promises a narrative of heritage and craft. The tasting-menu format (around €79) unfolds in an orchestrated succession of dishes, each one composed with a precise balance of flavour, texture and visual tension. A croquette filled with feijoada, topped with nam jim, sets the tone; elsewhere, yucca with black garlic, a foamy moqueca-inflected monkfish and a barbecued beef striploin show off the chef’s deft touch. Desserts, too, are thoughtful — mango sorbet, polenta cake and a refined three-bite finale ensure you leave full but not fatigued. The drink list leans on the wine selection from The Corkscrew, and the caipirinha here earns its keep.
Inside, the décor is relaxed but purposeful. Parquet floors, dark woods, terracotta cushions and playful Brazilian touches (art, instruments, murals) lend personality without overstatement. Tables by the windows offer a front-row seat to city life—breezes drift in on warmer evenings, and people-watching becomes part of the show.
Service at Amai by Viktor is courteous, informed and attentive. Staff explain each course as it arrives, adjust pacing adeptly, and respond graciously to dietary needs. A friendly warmth is evident; as one guest put it, “from arrival to departure … the generosity flowed.” The team clearly think of hospitality as part of the cuisine.
In terms of value, Amai is ambitious rather than bargain. Add wine pairings or cocktails and the evening may run close to €150 per head; yet given the inventiveness, care and polish, it feels justified. Amai by Viktor is not just a restaurant, but a statement: Brazilian cuisine in Ireland, elevated. In Dublin’s evolving dining geography, it confidently claims its place.