8 Places to Try Typical Irish Food in Dublin
Introduction
One of the most frequently asked questions by tourists is: Where to eat typical Irish food in Dublin? In this article, I'll show you 10 places I personally recommend if you want to enjoy traditional dishes in an authentic, local atmosphere. From stews like Irish stew to potato pancakes like boxty, you'll discover the best options for experiencing the true flavor of Ireland.
👉 Also, if you want to know more about What traditional dishes are part of Irish gastronomy?, I recommend you read our Complete guide to traditional Irish food.
👇 Here's what this guide includes:
In this guide you will discover:
✅ 10 central places to eat in Dublin
✅ Basic information about location, hours, and prices
✅ Suggestions for making the most of each location
No matter the day of the week, it's always a good day to taste and have a good time at one of the following places.
Map of 10 places to try typical Irish food in Dublin
List of the 10 best places to eat typical Irish food in Dublin
Below is a list of 10 recommended places to eat
O'Neill's Pub & Kitchen
🍲 Traditional buffet with a variety of homemade Irish dishes.
Located in the historic heart of Dublin, just opposite the famous statue of Molly Malone Just steps from Temple Bar and Trinity College, O'Neill's is a traditional Irish pub steeped in history and with a welcoming atmosphere. From its understated exterior to its hidden corners and levels within, it's ideal for both a leisurely meal and a live music session. Its traditional buffet style allows you to see all the dishes before choosing: meat pie, salmon, potatoes, vegetables, and more.
The Oval Bar
🧱 A historic pub that survived two major conflicts and now serves traditional food.
The Oval is one of the oldest pubs in Dublin. They serve typical Irish food such as Irish stew, soups, and hot sandwiches. The decor maintains its period essence, and its history is fascinating: It was one of the few pubs to survive the 1916 uprisings and the Irish Civil War., after being severely damaged. Today it remains a true icon among the city's most historic licensed pubs.
Darkey Kelly's Bar & Restaurant
🍻 Legendary pub located across from Christ Church Cathedral, renowned for its home-cooked food and traditional live music.
They serve home-cooked dishes like coddles, stews, and shepherd's pie. They have a great atmosphere, good beer, and are just steps away from Christchurch Cathedral.
Lundy Foot's Bar & Restaurant
🍀 Traditional food in the heart of Temple Bar at a good price.
This pub offers classic dishes like shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, and soup of the day. It's quieter than other pubs in the area, making it ideal for a relaxed dinner.
The Bank on College Green
🏛️ Former Ulster Bank renovated and converted into a luxurious pub and restaurant serving classic dishes.
Located in Dublin 2, this restaurant blends history and elegance. They serve traditional Irish dishes in a refined setting, ideal for a special meal. The interior architecture is stunning.
Murray's Bar and Grill
🍽️ Typical food with large portions, good prices in an amazing pub.
Murray's is a classic pub, one of Dublin's oldest, with a full Irish menu: stew, bangers and mash, and fish & chips. It has live music some nights and screens if there's a sporting event. It shares the same building with two other pubs! The three pubs have a shared patio where you can also enjoy pizzas and burgers outdoors.
The Church Café Bar
⛪ Dine inside a restored ancient church.
The Church combines history, architecture, and great food. It serves traditional Irish dishes like coddle and shepherd's pie, all in a truly unique setting with stained-glass windows and live music.
Gallagher's Boxty House
🥔 Boxty and typical dishes from Northern Ireland.
Located in Temple Bar, this restaurant specializes in boxty, an Irish potato-based recipe. It's the perfect place to try a different kind of traditional cuisine. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
Recommendations for choosing a place to eat
You've already got your itinerary ready... but how can you make your day in Dublin even better? Here are some practical tips that might come in handy if you're looking for traditional Irish food in Dublin. 👇
🍽️ 1. Check the online menu
Most places have their menus on Google Maps or their website. This way, you can check prices, vegetarian options, or if they have traditional dishes.
🕐 2. Avoid peak times
If you go between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM or after 7:00 PM, many places are packed. If you can have lunch a little earlier or later, you'll find a table more easily.
💳 3. Everything is paid by card
Even in the most traditional pubs, don't worry about carrying cash, except for very occasional tips.
📍 4. Take a good look at the location
Some places are located in alleys or on hidden corners. Use Google Maps to find your way around and make sure you get there easily.
🏆 5. See if they have prizes or badges
Many pubs and restaurants in Dublin display plaques or signs with awards for the quality of their service or products. They're a good indication that you're in for a good meal and excellent service.
Frequently asked questions about local gastronomy
❓ Where is the best place to eat to try Irish home-cooked food on a budget?
Local pubs outside the tourist areas tend to have more affordable prices and excellent home-cooked food. Some offer "set menus" or "early bird" menus with a discount.
❓ What kind of dishes can I find in a traditional Irish restaurant?
In these places they usually offer classics like Irish Stew (lamb stew), Fish and Chips, Boxty (potato omelet), Soda Bread, soups of the day, and stews. Many also serve a full Irish breakfast all day.
❓Is it necessary to make a reservation to dine at a pub or traditional restaurant?
Not always, but in popular places or if you're traveling during peak season, it's recommended. Some pubs don't accept reservations, so it's best to arrive early, especially on weekends.
❓ Do most menus have vegetarian or gluten-free options?
More and more restaurants are including at least one vegetarian option, but it's not always highlighted. If you have a specific dietary requirement, it's best to inquire beforehand or check the menu online to see if it's available.
❓ What is the average price of a traditional meal in Ireland?
It depends on the city and the type of venue, but on average a main meal costs between €17 and €20. Touristy pubs can be a bit more expensive, while local spots offer more affordable options.
❓ What are the usual lunch and dinner times in Ireland?
Lunch is generally served between 12:00 and 15:00, and dinner from 17:00 to 21:00 or 22:00. Many pubs offer food all day, but others have more limited hours.
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Leandro Velasques
Founder of Holairlanda.com
Passionate about Ireland, I travel, take photos, and share everything on Holairlanda.com
📌 Lives in Dublin
💻 Amateur web designer
🗨️ Comments
📍 Do you have any favorite places to eat? Where would you take a visiting friend to eat?! 🍺