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The food revolution in Dublin and in Ireland is in full swing. More and more people are realizing that ‘out with the old and in with the new’ is a good thing. Nowhere is this more evident than in the casual food scene across the capital. Greasy, cholesterol-filled breakfasts, fast food burgers and chain pizza takeaways are rapidly losing their popularity. In their place are an increasing amount of gourmet burger joints and cafés that offer healthier food at great prices. International cuisine heavily outweighs the popularity of what could be considered Irish fare and it is in this niche that you will find the best casual eats in Dublin!
Tang
When breakfast is this good, it really is the most important meal of the day. This tiny café serves up what could possibly be the best breakfast in the city, regardless of the price. Most of the menu is influenced by the Middle East. It was for that reason that I chose the Shakshuka, eggs poached in tomato, roasted red pepper and harissa topped with tzatziki and dukkah, served with sourdough toast. It was a thing of pure beauty. They also have simpler and more regular breakfast items such as granola and pancakes, of course, served with a twist. If I lived closer to Tang I would definitely eat there at least a couple of times a week.
Opening Hours – 07:30 – 17:00 Monday to Friday, 10:00 – 16:00 Saturday and Closed on Sunday
Price – Shakshuka cost €8.50, Granola and Porridge are available for less
Address – 23C Dawson St, Dublin 2
Brother Hubbard
Another fantastic breakfast place right in the heart of the city. I ever so slightly preferred Tang but don’t let that take away from how good Brother Hubbard is. Their menu ranges from slow cooked organic porridge to Turkish Menemen and also a delicious range of freshly baked goods. Nearly all of their menu consists of healthy food and, whatever you choose, this is a great and nutritious way to start your day in Dublin. They also serve a fantastic cup of coffee. Brother Hubbard opens all day with lunch and dinner menus. I cannot personally recommend anything other than the breakfast, but I am sure you will be in for a treat at any time of the day. Takeaway options are also available for those in a hurry.
Opening Hours – 07:30 – 22:00 Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 22:00 Saturday and 09:00 – 16:30 on Sunday
Price – Breakfast can cost between €4 and €12.50 depending on your selection. Expect to pay close to €25 for dinner
Address – 153 Capel St, North City, Dublin
Cirillo’s
Who doesn’t love a good pizza? Across Dublin, the likes of Domino’s and Pizza Hut are giving way to independent pizza restaurants that are selling much better pizza for a similar price. The days of mass-produced sauces and dough are fading away. In their place are restaurants like Cirillo’s. They make fresh dough in-house every day. They use high-quality tomatoes and mozzarella before baking their pizza in a wood fire oven that has been imported from Naples. The love and care that is put into the quality of their pizza can really be tasted. Each bite is packed with flavour and can be perfectly washed down with a glass of wine from their extensive wine list. Cirillo’s is one of an increasing number of quality pizza places opening across the city.
Opening Hours – 12:00 – 15:00 and 17:00 -22:00, Monday to Friday – 13:00 – 22:30 on Saturday, Closed on Sunday
Price – €14
Address – 140 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2
Bunsen
I challenge anyone to show me a better burger in Ireland. Bunsen has taken the city, and increasingly the country, by storm since first opening in 2013. With four locations in Dublin and one in each of Cork and Belfast, it won’t be long before Bunsen is a household name all across Ireland. They have perfected the burger. With a small menu of either a hamburger or a cheeseburger, one patty or two and a selection of toppings that are all added unless otherwise stated, it all comes together for the ultimate burger experience. The meat is so juicy and cooked to medium by request. The fries both shoestring and hand cut are excellent and consistent. Bunsen is a burger lover’s idea of heaven!!
Opening Hours – 12:00 – 21:30
Price – Burgers costs between €7.45 and €10.25
Address – 3 Anne St S, Dublin 2, 36 Wexford St, Dublin 2 and 22 Essex St E, Temple Bar
Aobaba
I crave South East Asia when I am at home, especially the food. Apart from a few exceptions, it very rarely lives up to the culinary heights that exist in its homeland. One place that takes me right back though, is Aobaba, a Vietnamese Pho restaurant. Aobaba is far too small for the business they get. It is cramped, it is chaotic, you might even have to share a table with a stranger but oh my god, the Pho is good. They even provide all the condiments you would find on the streets of Hanoi. As well as Pho, they have a selection of other Vietnamese food including Banh Mi and Fresh Spring Rolls. Huge portions, cheap prices and fantastically fresh food, Aobaba is one of my top places to eat in Dublin.
Opening Hours – 12:00 – 21:00
Price – €7
Address – 46A Capel St, North City, Dublin 1
Zaytoon
I have always steered well clear of kebabs in Ireland, they just don’t appeal to me. This is mostly aimed at doner kebabs in particular. Zaytoon came well recommended though and the chance of getting myself a shish kebab couldn’t be missed. When you enter you will see the fridge where the meat sits on skewers, marinated and ready to be grilled. I went with chicken but beef and lamb are also available. The beautifully spiced chicken had strong hints of lemon. The meat came with a freshly baked flatbread, a huge amount of salad and two excellent sauces. Come here for the shish kebabs, you won’t regret it. If I lived in Dublin, I would be a regular at Zaytoon.
Opening Hours – 12:00 – 04:00
Price – €7.50 – €10. For a small bit extra you can buy the meal deal which includes fries and a soft drink
Address – 44-55 Lower Camden Street, Saint Kevin’s and 13 Parliament St, Temple Bar
Umi Falafel
I have become slightly obsessed with falafel since first trying it in Istanbul. Therefore, when a falafel place was recommended to me in Dublin, I had to try it. Umi Falafel has a decent sized menu with four types of falafel sandwiches (wraps or pockets) to choose from as well as salads and a great selection of sides. The falafel is made and cooked fresh in-house and accompanied by a huge amount of salad and sauces. They can be quite messy to eat but are definitely worth it. I suggest checking out their lunch menu where you can get a sandwich, wedges and a drink for €8 and leave barely able to move. Avoid coming at peak times though as Umi Falafel can get packed out.
Opening Hours – 12:00 – 22:00
Price – €6-€9
Address – 13 Dame St, Dublin 2
Offbeat Donuts
Artisan donuts have become huge over the last few years. Their popularity can be gauged by the reaction to the first Krispy Kreme shop opening in the country. There are better than this American favourite, and Offbeat is one of them. With two locations in the city, it is not uncommon to see locals pack out these donut shops all day, every day. The selection available is quite similar to that found at Krispy Kreme. Chocolate Orange and Lemon Meringue are my personal favourites. These sugar-packed, sweet treats are an excellent dessert or snack option in Dublin, the only problem is choosing from the many delicious looking options. The Rolling Donut Company is another fantastic place to pick up great quality donuts.
Opening Hours – 07:00 – 20:00 (Open at 10:00 on Sunday)
Price – €2.50 – €3
Address – George’s Quay, Dublin 2 and Pearse Station, Westland Row, Dublin 2
These are just some of the best casual eats in Dublin. In an ever-changing and constantly evolving food scene, these shining lights are here to stay. They made me realize just how good the food can be, even in my own country. I harp on a considerable amount about eating local and eating food that is unique to each place you visit. Yet, in my own capital city, I say, “do the exact opposite!”. Don’t get bogged down looking for the best Irish fare because realistically, it won’t have a patch on the food offered by the above. I would like to extend a thank you to the following Dublin based bloggers who offered some amazing advice when choosing where to eat. Go check them out if you haven’t already!!
To read more about Dublin, including the best way to spend a weekend there, click here.
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Now I’m starving!!! All of this looks incredible… especially the donuts!
Wow, everything here looks absolutely delicious! I need some of this food in my life!
Sarah | getupgetaway.com
I love Dublin but haven’t been in about 10 years, I think I’m going to have to hop on a plane to try some of that delicious looking food!
It all looks so delicious! Shakshuka is one of my favourite breakfast foods. So tasty.
I am so hungry after reading this post!
Those all look and sounds so amazing. I’m hoping to get to Ireland soon. I’m book marking this post!
Your food guides just leave me felling so hungry, that shakshuka looked incredible, some great places listed here that I would love to try
Dear Roaming Irishman, a number of the places you mention have been going for some time now so I’m a little surprised at the ‘overnight success ‘ feel of the piece. Also, the modern Irish food movement is what is propelling this. Amazing Irish local seasonal produce. Irish food with a welcome dose of international seasoning thrown in. Not the other way round! Enjoyed your piece though. Safe travels.
Great list! Have you checked out Shaka Pokè in Stephens green shopping center?