Where to eat in Dublin

A few years back Irish food didn’t even count as a joke, but these days Irish cuisine is on top of the foodie pyramid and dining in Dublin is a foodies paradise.  These days the choice of where to eat in Dublin includes anything from the traditional boxty to authentic Thai food.

In the last twenty years or so there has been an emergence of Irish cuisine based on traditional ingredients handled in new ways. This cuisine is based on fresh vegetables, fish and seafood such as oysters, Dublin Bay prawns, mussels and other shellfish.

Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies

Traditional soda bread and potato dishes, old fashioned treats such as barmbrack and brown bread along with smoke salmon chowders are served all over Ireland. There is now a wide range of Irish made cheeses available and of course schools like the Ballymaloe Cookery School have emerged to cater to the increased interest in cooking both traditional and new Irish dishes.

The Ballymaloe school was developed by Myrtle Allen who was an Irish Michelin star-winning head chef and co-owner of the restaurant The Yeats Room at Ballymaloe House in Cork. Besides her career in cooking, she had also been a writer, hotelier and teacher.

If you are wondering what Dublin Restaurants to eat at, wonder no more here is a selection of some of the best choices for breakfast lunch and dinner in some great restaurants.

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Since the BSE scare back in the 90s Ireland has been stringent about protecting its meat sources and this has allowed the country to focus on local products with strong provenance. Virtually any Irish beef, pork, veal, chicken and so on can be traced back to the original source. 

gourmet foods available in Ireland - what to eat when you visit Ireland

The terroir is marked on the packages bought in grocery stores and it gives you the full information on grazing, pasture and so on. The seafood caught in the waters around Ireland is the best in the world.  From Dublin Bay prawns to Wild Atlantic Way smoked salmon, oysters, crayfish, and even seaweed is sourced and used here.

Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies
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In the restaurants and food stalls, new and inventive ways are being developed to serve fantastic local produce and it is now easy to find stunning meals that create sublime memories when dining in Dublin.

Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies

One thing you must try when in Dublin is a Full Irish Breakfast.  Served in cafes, restaurants and via street food vendors a Full Irish is a breakfast for champions. With black and white pudding, rashers (Irish bacon), boxty or potato pancakes, soda bread, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, toast and a couple of fried eggs, and don’t forget the big mug of tea.

Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies

Where to eat in Dublin

Where to find Vegan and Vegetarian food in Dublin

These days there is a great choice for vegans and vegetarians in Dublin. Vegan in Ireland is a friendly platform for locals and visitors to explore vegan dining options, culinary activities and adventures, vacation tips and advice, as well as local guides. You can also touch base with the Vegetarian Society of Ireland that have loads of resources covering the whole country.

Veginity is a plant based street food truck with a permanent location inside a warehouse. It operates from Thursday to Saturday in this location and can also be found at Eatyard from Thursday to Sunday. Catering to vegans and non-vegans they have some amazing tempting and imaginative dishes like marinated tofu burger with wasabi mayo, plant based ‘F!&h and Chips’ and plantain tostones.

Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies

Brother Hubbard’s

A popular dining destination Brother Hubbard’s has two locations that focus on 50% vegan foods and the rest vegetarian. They have a signature flavour vibe which is Middle Eastern and they do some amazing open hummus sandwiches, smashed avocado and cannellini beans on toasted sourdough.

There are vegan soups and lots of other dishes to choose from. Vegetarians have their pick of brunch dishes like Turkish eggs menemen and beans baked in a rich tomato sauce, served with a fried egg, feta and olive yoghurt. Open seven days a week for breakfast, brunch and lunch, Brother Hubbard North also serves dinner from Tuesday to Saturday’

Staple Foods

Staple Foods caters to two modern food groups vegan and paleo. Located near the Grand Canal Dock they have piled-high salads, loaded grain bowls and great pasta bowls inspired by Mexico, the Middle East, the Far East, Japan and India.

Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies

Govindas

Govindas is An amazing place with 3 locations completely vegetarian and well known for excellent tasty food and great for the budget, there is also plenty to choose from for vegans on the menu as well.

Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies

Kingfisher

The Kingfisher this Cafe feeds the crowds from nearby Croke Park, very handy place to have a real Full Irish if you’re in store for a day of shopping.  A Dublin tradition with big crowds and even bigger breakfasts.  They also have boutique accommodation and self-catering as well.

Matt the Rashers

Matt the Rashers is probably the most famous full Irish in the city, Matt The Rasher is popular with Dubliners in the know.  Cheap and cheerful the place does get packed out so be prepared to queue. The recently opened location in Clondalkin (a suburb of Dublin) is also wildly popular.

the place for a full Irish when dining in Dublin or even in Clondalkin now where to eat breakfast in Dublin

Lovin Spoon

Lovin Spoon serves up a phenomenal all-day breakfast with an amazing Full Irish that comes with pancakes, a little unusual but very tasty and it is supposedly one of the best-valued breakfasts in Dublin which includes tea and coffee.

Hatch and Sons

Hatch and Sons version of a full Irish includes double-baked eggs, sausage, bacon and tomato and some of Dublin’s best coffee. They also have “healthy” menu options like granola but that is not what you go here for.

Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies

When you have finished your breakfast, shopped till you drop or simply hit the hop on hop off buses to tour the sites you may want to have some great food to keep you fueled for the day or evening. These are just a few of the top-rated food destinations in Dublin.

Chapter One

Chapter One has been around now for 20 years and its take on Irish food has produced both stellar dishes and reviews.  The restaurant has one Michelin star and is one of Dublin’s most well-rated restaurants, even Anthony Bourdain has eaten here.

Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies

Hugos

The emphasis at Hugo’s is on Irish meats and loads of seafood.  Irish seafood is some of the best in the world. Dishes from smoked haddock to duck confit have left diners impressed and going back for more

Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies

Bewleys

Bewley’s was a Dublin institution and a must-see for over a hundred years but it closed for 1000 days for a remarkable multi-million Euro renovation. It’s impossible to visit Dublin and not see the newly renovated cafe and admire the glorious Harry Clarke stained-glass windows which illuminate the café.

Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies

The Pig’s Ear

The Pig’s Ear is rated one of Dublin’s top 10 restaurants you will be in for a treat here. Truffled, mashed potatoes, Earl Grey Tea cured salmon, tiny chocolate mice for dessert. Heaven on a plate. They have now also opened a sister restaurant called Mr Fox on Parnell Street.

Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies

Dunne and Crescenzi

One of the top Italian spots in Dublin, this little restaurant began as a shop by a couple who opened it after relocating from Rome. There is a fresh mozzarella bar, a wonderful bruschetta selection and really authentic Italian cuisine.

bruschetta

The next two great places to find food in Dublin are not technically restaurants but they have a superb selection of foods to eat on the go or take back to your self-catering accommodations.

Where to eat in Dublin that’s not a restaurant

Temple Bar Food Market a great way to spend a Saturday is by eating your way around the Temple Bar Food market. More than your average farmer’s market, this is the place to come and grab some seriously good street food.

Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies

The food hall at Fallon & Byrne is a great way to while away an hour or so admiring and taste testing. The shop has a great selection of prepared foods that are easy to warm up at home. They have some lovely wheaten bread and excellent cheese that you can grab for a picnic.

Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies

This is a fantastic place to try some locally produced cheese, sliced meats and smoked salmon. In the wine cellar, you can choose from over 600 wines and drink on the spot along with a fabulous selection of charcuterie, smoked fish and cheese boards. Upstairs in the dining room, there is a well priced set lunch and an à la carte menu.

Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies

It may not make sense given the Irish weather but some of the best icecreams in the world are available here. Made from County Kerry cream the seasonal sorbets are a little taste of heaven. Check out Murphy’s Ice Cream on Wicklow Street.

Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies

Where are your favourite places to eat in Dublin? Let me know I would love to add them to the list.

Food tours of Dublin you might like

Dublin Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Trail with a Local

Known for its bounty of seafood, bars, restaurants and, importantly, beer, the small historic fishing village of Howth is perched on the coast just a short drive from downtown Dublin. Join in a guided half-day tour, featuring a freshly-caught two-course seafood lunch and a selection of North County Dublin’s finest craft beers. With this tour, discover the rich Norman and Viking history of medieval Ireland. Discover some of Howth’s less-known eateries and bars, popular with locals Sample Ireland’s freshest seafood: Dublin bay prawns, Oysters, Gambas, and more Hear of Norman and Viking invasions and discover legends from 12th-century Howth Walk across Howth Harbour and watch fishing boats return with the latest catch

Read more about Dublin Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Trail with a Local

 Delicious Dublin Food Tour

Discover Dublin’s burgeoning culinary culture—and visit a number of the city’s characterful eateries—on this small-group walking tour. Be sure to arrive hungry: this lunchtime tour kicks off in the late morning and includes a number of samples. Try local cheeses and chocolates, drop by bakeries and food halls, and head off the tourist trail when you visit venues that locals love. As you go, learn more about Ireland’s gastronomic history. Small-group walking food tour of Dublin Enjoy numerous samples of local dishes Get off the tourist trail and see another side of the city Learn all about Ireland’s rich food culture from your guide

Read more about Delicious Dublin Food Tour

The Irish House Party Dinner and Show Dublin

Immerse yourself in a night of traditional food and entertainment at the Irish House Party in Dublin. You’ll experience one of the city’s best ways to spend an evening at this dinner-and-show event complete with authentic Irish fare, diverse music, dancing and storytelling. Enjoy some traditional Irish food like Guinness stew and Baileys-infused chocolate cake, and sing and dance the night away with a talented group of performers.

Read more about The Irish House Party Dinner and Show

Traditional Irish Night Show Ticket in Dublin with optional Dinner

Enjoy an evening of traditional Irish food, music and dance with an Irish show at the Belvedere in Dublin. Get set for a night of non-stop entertainment as professional Irish folk musicians and dancers take to the stage to perform Irish dances, jigs and reels. Tuck into a delicious 3-course dinner of typical Irish cuisine, sip a pint of Guinness (own expense) and maybe even get up on stage to try your hand at Irish dancing.

Read more about Skip the Line:Traditional Irish Night Show Ticket in Dublin with optional Dinner

Dublin Secret Food Tour w/ Private Tour Option

Eat like a true Dubliner on this small-group Dublin food tour. With your guide, seek out authentic pubs, cafés, food shops, and markets, and savor Irish specialities including a traditional breakfast, artisanal cheeses, ice cream, and more. Pair your tastings with an Irish cream liqueur and another tipple, admire some of Dublin’s hidden gems and learn about its culinary heritage as you eat and explore. Tour is limited to 12 or fewer.

Read more about Dublin Secret Food Tour w/ Private Tour

Author

  • Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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