10 Places to Eat 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 my 10 favorite places 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 a true taste 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:
✅ Map of 10 centrally located 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 eat Irish food in Dublin
What is considered traditional food in Ireland?
Traditional Irish food is based on local products such as potatoes, lamb or pork, butter, oats, seasonal vegetables, seafood, and fish. Its origins are peasant-style, with nutritious, hearty, and easy-to-prepare dishes for the family.
Historically, the Irish people endured very difficult times, such as the Great Famine of the 19th century and subsequent armed conflicts, which limited access to a wide variety of foods. This forced them to make the most of available products and develop simple, economical, and hearty recipes that are still part of the country's culinary identity today.
In coastal areas, the consumption of fish and seafood has also been a key part of the local diet. Pubs play a fundamental role, as many operate as restaurants and offer homemade versions of typical recipes.
Most representative dishes of Irish cuisine:
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Irish Stew – Lamb stew with potatoes, carrots and onions.
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Boxty – Grated potato pancake, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
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Dublin Coddle – Stew with sausages, bacon, potatoes and onions.
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Soda Bread – Quick bread without yeast.
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Colcannon – Mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage.
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Full Irish Breakfast – Full breakfast with eggs, sausages, bacon and bread.
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Fish & Chips – Breaded fish accompanied by French fries.
💡 If you want to discover more about these and other dishes, visit our complete guide to traditional Irish food.
List of 10 places to eat typical Irish food in Dublin
The 10 places you'll find below are part of a personal selection based on my experience exploring Dublin. These are places I recommend for their atmosphere, authenticity, and for offering traditional dishes worth trying.
Gallagher's Boxty House
A super Irish restaurant run by an Irish owner and chef. Ideal for trying traditional dishes with high-quality ingredients in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Located in Temple Bar, this restaurant specializes in traditional Irish dishes with a modern twist. It's the perfect place to try a different kind of food within traditional cuisine. They brew their own craft beer, which adds an extra touch. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and family-friendly. It's usually very busy with locals, especially on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so it's a good idea to book in advance if you plan to go on those days.
Beef & Lobster
Modern restaurant in the heart of Dublin specializing in premium meats and fresh lobsters. Excellent value for money.
Beef & Lobster is one of those places that lives up to its name: steak and lobster, no fuss. Located near Temple Bar, this restaurant combines a modern, casual atmosphere with a menu focused on quality ingredients. Its signature dishes are the dry-aged cuts of beef and the whole grilled lobster, always served fresh: the live lobsters are kept in a pond on-site. Plus, the prices for the meat dishes are very affordable for Dublin's city center, making it an excellent choice for those looking for quality without breaking the budget. They also offer gourmet burgers, tacos, and more innovative options. The service is fast and friendly, ideal for both a dinner with friends and a special meal. If you're looking for a place to indulge without complications, Beef & Lobster is a safe bet in the heart of the city.
The Seafood Café
Seafood restaurant in the heart of Temple Bar, famous for its fresh oyster and lobster dishes. Ideal for an authentic Dublin experience.
Located in the heart of Temple Bar, The Seafood Café It's a restaurant specializing in fresh seafood, with a unique offering: you can choose your lobster directly from its water tank to be cooked fresh. They also select oysters and other seafood from various counties in Ireland, guaranteeing freshness and quality.
If you're looking for more than just a meal, they also offer exclusive masterclasses where you can learn how to prepare oysters and lobsters like a real chef.
Due to its popularity, it is recommended to book in advance for lunch or dinner through their website. Highly recommended.
The Bank on College Green
The former Ulster Bank has been renovated and converted into a luxurious pub and restaurant serving classic dishes. It's a departure from the stereotype of a classic Irish pub. You won't hear traditional folk music or see wooden snugs here. Instead, you'll see a grand piano at the entrance, a luxurious bar, and incredible architecture typical of a Victorian-era bank.
Located in Dublin 2, this restaurant blends history and elegance. However, they serve some traditional dishes such as Irish Stew and Shepherd's Pie, and their soups of the day are excellent.
The Church Café Bar
A former Protestant church over 300 years old, where several members of the Guinness family were married. It has been restored and transformed into a pub.
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.
Murray's Bar and Grill
Great pub and restaurant to visit, it has spectacular Victorian architecture that will leave you staring at the ceiling and walls for a long time.
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.
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.
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.
O'Neill's Pub & Kitchen
Traditional buffet and pub with a variety of homemade Irish dishes. Live music is often offered on the 2nd floor.
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.
Healthy Pizza
Great place to get Italian-style pizza with the famous puffy edges and super light dough.
There are many places to eat pizza in Dublin, given the long tradition of Italian immigrants. However, only a few prepare pizzas like Sano Pizza! It has a specially built oven and a master pizza maker who is a delight to watch baking. All delivery orders (which are constantly coming out) are made from another pizza oven they have on the ground floor of the pizzeria. I was able to chat for a few minutes with the master pizza maker while he prepared some orders, and in Italianized English, he gave several tips on how to handle the dough to achieve the puffy edges of the pizza. A true master.
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.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many options for enjoying traditional Irish food in Dublin, from hearty dishes in historic pubs to more modern offerings with a local twist.
This selection is based on my personal experience traveling around the city and trying different places, so I hope it serves as a starting point for creating your own gastronomic tour.
🍽️ If you're short on time, I recommend starting at one of the pubs that serve Irish stew or boxty, which are classic and easy-to-find dishes.
Enjoy your meal and Sláinte! 🥂
Recommended tours
Want to go beyond the plate? Check out these culinary experiences in the city.
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?! 🍺