Dublin might be known for its pubs and pints, but let’s not forget the real hero – the food. Whether you're craving yummy brunchs, smoky BBQ, spicy noodles or some proper Irish stew, this city delivers. If you're a hungry backpacker or young traveller bouncing around Europe, here’s your ultimate guide to filling your belly in Dublin.
Best Brunch Spots in Dublin
Woke up late? You’re in the right city. Dublin has some brilliant brunch cafés perfect for curing travel fatigue.
1. Brother Hubbard (North & South)
Hands down one of the best brunch spots in Dublin, Brother Hubbard is always a winner. Whether you hit up the North or South location, you’ll find flavour-packed brunch dishes in Dublin that go beyond your usual avo toast.
Try this: Turkish eggs, shakshuka or their dreamy French toast
Don’t miss: Their house-roasted coffee – smooth and strong!
📍 Perfect for: Foodies looking for a unique brunch near the city centre
2. Grove Road (Rathmines)
This cosy café in Rathmines is ideal for those slow, rainy Dublin mornings. Grove Road is low-key, artsy and great for people-watching – especially if you grab a window seat facing the canal.
Try this: Breakfast burrito or their veggie hash
Bonus: Local art on the walls and a playlist that makes you wanna linger
📍 Perfect for: Brunch lovers searching for laid-back cafés in Dublin with outdoor seating
3. Lemon Jelly Café (Millennium Walkway)
Super central and full of charm, Lemon Jelly Café is one of the most affordable brunch options in the city. The vibe is chill and the menu has something for everyone – from sweet crêpes to hearty full Irish breakfasts.
Try this: Nutella banana crepe or classic Eggs Benedict
Bonus: Great value for money, especially in central Dublin!
📍 Perfect for: Backpackers or anyone looking for cheap brunch in Dublin city centre
4. Two Boys Brew (Phibsborough)
Two Boys Brew brings Melbourne-style brunch to Dublin and we are here for it. Expect big flavours, beautifully plated dishes and some of the best specialty coffee in the city.
Try this: Buttermilk chicken sambos, miso mushrooms or their rotating specials
Pro tip: It’s a hotspot on Instagram, so arrive early if you want a table!
📍 Perfect for: Coffee snobs, digital nomads and fans of trendy brunch cafés in Dublin
5. Fable + Fabery (Camden Street)
Bright, airy and full of charm, Fable + Stey (formerly Fable + Fabery) is the brunch spot you go to when you want something both delicious and photogenic. Think fresh ingredients, a calming atmosphere and a touch of Scandinavian chic.
Try this: Ricotta pancakes or their seasonal granola bowl
Don’t forget your phone – this café was made for the ‘gram
📍 Perfect for: Weekend brunch dates or anyone hunting for Instagrammable brunch spots in Dublin
Top Vegan & Veggie Friendly Eats
Even meat-lovers will love these plant-based gems.
6. Veginity (Richmond Street)
Veginity is where you go when you want your vegan food to have a bit of attitude. Their street food-style dishes are colourful, creative and packed with bold flavours that’ll surprise even the biggest meat lovers.
Try this: Korean BBQ tofu tacos or their Sunday brunch menu
100% vegan and full of fusion flavours
📍 Perfect for: Backpackers searching for best vegan street food in Dublin
7. Sova Vegan Butcher (Portobello)
If you’re after a more elevated plant-based experience, Sova Vegan Butcher is your spot. This Portobello favourite serves everything from vegan steaks to creamy pasta dishes and even vegan schnitzels – yep, you read that right.
Try this: Seitan steak with pepper sauce or the beetroot burger
Fancy but still fun – perfect for a dinner treat without breaking the bank
📍 Perfect for: Travellers wanting a stylish vegan fine dining experience in Dublin
8. Cornucopia (Wicklow Street)
A Dublin institution, Cornucopia has been dishing out wholesome veggie food since the 80s. Think hearty vegetarian stews, fresh salads and vegan desserts that hit the spot after a day of sightseeing.
Try this: Vegan lasagne or their lentil & sweet potato stew
Bonus: Warm, welcoming atmosphere with lots of seating
📍 Perfect for: Anyone looking for a cosy vegetarian café in Dublin city centre
Traditional Irish & Gastro Pubs
Here’s where to get that comforting, traditional Irish feed.
9. The Celt (Talbot Street)
The Celt is the real deal. Tucked just off O’Connell Street, this traditional Irish pub serves up classic dishes like Irish stew and coddle alongside live folk music most nights.
Try this: Traditional lamb stew with soda bread
Bonus: Live Irish music and great atmosphere every evening
📍 Perfect for: Backpackers hunting for authentic Irish pub food in Dublin city centre
10. O’Neill’s Pub (Suffolk Street)
This place is an icon. At O’Neill’s, the carvery lunches are legendary – piled-high plates of roast meat, creamy mash and all the trimmings. It’s affordable, filling and right in the heart of the city.
Try this: Roast beef with gravy and potatoes
Huge portions for a very fair price – ideal for hungry travellers
📍 Perfect for: Young travellers wanting traditional Irish roast dinner in Dublin
11. The Water Bank Gastro Bar (Bachelors Walk)
The Water Bank is a hidden gem just steps from the Liffey. It’s a more relaxed setting with a lovely menu of modern Irish favourites, plus they’ve got a great selection of craft beers and Guinness on tap.
Try this: Chicken supreme or their daily fish special
Chill spot for groups or solo backpackers – no fuss, just solid food
📍 Perfect for: A casual Irish gastro pub experience near Temple Bar
12. L’Gueuleton (Fade Street)
If you’re feeling a little boujee or celebrating something special on your travels, L’Gueuleton is a brilliant pick. Their French-Irish fusion menu features everything from steak frites to slow-cooked lamb in a setting that’s effortlessly cool.
Try this: Duck confit or their côte de boeuf to share
Great wine list and that “date night” kind of vibe
📍 Perfect for: Travellers looking for fancy traditional Irish dinner in Dublin with a twist
Burgers, BBQ & Big Flavours
Need comfort food? These spots are calling your name.
13. Dash Burger (Kevin Street + Capel Street)
Smash burger heaven! Dash Burger Dublin is perfect if you want something quick, dirty and packed with flavour. Super affordable, ultra-Instagrammable and usually involves licking your fingers.
Try this: Cheeseburger with crispy edges and their garlic aioli
Budget-friendly, ideal for broke backpackers
📍 Great choice for: Best cheap burgers in Dublin for students and travellers
14. Pitt Bros Smoked BBQ (South Great George’s Street)
Smoked brisket, BBQ ribs, mac & cheese, burnt ends… and oh yeah, free soft serve ice cream after your meal. What’s not to love? Pitt Bros is a meaty, messy feast and great for groups.
Try this: Brisket tray with house sauces
Finish off with free dessert – you're welcome!
📍 Best stop for: Authentic BBQ restaurants in Dublin city centre
15. BoCo Dublin (Bolton Street)
OK, technically pizza – but trust us, BoCo deserves a spot here. Their wood-fired, crispy-base pizzas hit the spot every time. Bonus: garlic dip game is strong.
Try this: Spicy nduja pizza with extra garlic mayo
Cosy vibes and great service – not too fancy, not too casual
📍 Perfect for: Best wood-fired pizza in Dublin for casual dining
16. Riot Dublin (Aungier Street)
Cool and edgy with great tunes and even better cocktails. Riot Dublin is all about big sharing plates, cheesy fries, Korean wings and good times.
Try this: Loaded fries and any cocktail on the menu
A bit grungy, a bit glam – ideal for night owls
📍 Best for: Late-night comfort food and drinks in Dublin
World Flavours from Every Corner
Craving something spicy, saucy or sweet? Dublin’s got you covered.
17. Hakkahan (Stoneybatter)
Hakkahan serves up slick, modern takes on Chinese classics. Expect top-quality dumplings, spicy noodles and crowd-pleasing bites perfect for sharing with hostel mates or a date.
Try this: Pork dumplings and spicy dan dan noodles
Small plates, big flavours
📍 Best pick for: Top-rated modern Chinese food in Dublin
18. China Tang (Monkstown)
More upscale, but worth every cent. China Tang offers elegant Chinese cuisine in a stunning space. Definitely one to book in advance.
Try this: Peking duck or crispy chicken
Instagrammable decor, top-notch service
📍 Ideal for: Best Chinese restaurant for a date night in Dublin
19. Umi Falafel (Various Locations)
A backpacker’s dream. Umi Falafel is simple, wholesome and packed with flavour. Great for vegetarians, vegans and anyone needing a break from the meat-fest.
Try this: Palestinian falafel sandwich and a fresh mint lemonade
Quick, healthy, cheap – tick, tick, tick!
📍 Top choice for: Cheap vegetarian food in Dublin city centre
20. Kimchi Hophouse (Parnell Street)
Korean BBQ in a traditional Irish pub? Only in Dublin. Kimchi Hophouse is fun, flavourful and great value. Don’t leave without trying the bibimbap!
Try this: Spicy wings and bulgogi bibimbap
Grab a pint while you’re at it
📍 Great for: Korean restaurants in Dublin with casual atmosphere
A Bit of Everything
Can’t decide what you want? These spots mix everything from brunch to cocktails to steak.
21. Balfes Dublin (Grafton Street area)
Balfes is where style meets comfort. From brunch to dinner, everything’s beautifully presented. Perfect for a day-to-night food stop in Dublin.
Try this: Eggs royale or the steak sandwich
Pop by for a cocktail if you're not hungry
📍 Ideal for: Trendy brunch restaurants near Grafton Street
22. FIRE Steakhouse (Mansion House)
A splurge, but totally worth it. FIRE Steakhouse has one of the best ambiences in Dublin for a luxury dinner out. Great steaks, rich sauces and desserts that impress.
Try this: Prime Irish fillet steak or the tomahawk to share
Go big before you go home
📍 Best for: Romantic or celebratory steak dinner in Dublin city centre
Quick Tips for Eating Out in Dublin
Tipping: 10% is appreciated but not always expected.
Booking: Weekends = queues. Book brunch and dinner spots in advance when you can.
Markets: Check out Eat Yard, Temple Bar Food Market or Asia Market for snacks and street food vibes.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about restaurants in Dublin. Take a look:
What are the best restaurants in Dublin city centre?
Try Chapter One, The Winding Stair and FIRE Steakhouse for top-rated meals.
Where can I find cheap eats in Dublin?
Check out Umi Falafel, Dash Burger and Bao House for affordable and tasty options.
Are there good vegan restaurants in Dublin?
Yes! Veginity, Sova Vegan Butcher and Cornucopia are very popular.
What’s a good place for brunch in Dublin?
Balfes, Brother Hubbard and Two Pups Café are local favourites.
Do I need to book restaurants in Dublin in advance?
For popular spots and weekends, yes. Casual places usually allow walk-ins.
Where can I get traditional Irish food in Dublin?
Go to The Celt, O’Neill’s Pub or The Brazen Head for Irish classics.
Are there late-night restaurants in Dublin?
Yes – places like Bunsen, Elephant & Castle and Wowburger stay open late.
What’s the best steakhouse in Dublin?
FIRE Steakhouse and FX Buckley are top choices for steak lovers.
Are there good food markets in Dublin?
Yes! Try the Temple Bar Food Market (Saturdays) and Eatyard for street food.
Can I find gluten-free options in Dublin restaurants?
Most places offer gluten-free choices – just ask your server to be sure.
Dublin may be compact, but it’s full of flavour. From budget-friendly falafel wraps to boujee brunch and BBQ feasts, there’s something for every taste and travel budget. So whether you’re here for a few days or sticking around for a while, make sure your taste buds go exploring too.
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