Where to Eat in Dublin: 8 Recommended Affordable Restaurants

Must-Visit Restaurants for Affordable Dining in Dublin
More places to eat in Dublin
Map of recommended restaurants in Dublin

Are you planning a trip to the vibrant capital of Ireland and looking for places to indulge your taste buds without breaking the bank? You're in the right place! This guide presents you with the best 8 restaurants in Dublin where you can enjoy delicious meals at affordable prices. After exploring the city's rich history and stunning sights, you'll need to refuel with some exceptional Irish cuisine.

While Irish cuisine may not have the same global fame as Mediterranean or Asian fare, Dublin offers a surprisingly delightful culinary scene. Prepare to abandon your diet for a bit and dive into a world filled with hearty stews, crispy fish and chips, pints of Guinness, and some delightful surprises along the way.

⭐ Don't forget to check out our Dublin guide, packed with essential tips and recommendations.

The essence of Irish cuisine lies in its emphasis on fresh, simple ingredients, focusing on local produce such as potatoes, beef, lamb, fish, and seafood. Many traditional Irish dishes are rooted in the agrarian lifestyle, showcasing comforting soups and stews, particularly the beloved Irish stew.

* We strive to keep our articles updated, but we may miss some changes. If you notice any price increases or menu updates, please leave us a comment, and we'll update the information as swiftly as possible to help fellow travelers. Thank you!

Ready to uncover some of the best dining spots in Dublin?

Must-Visit Restaurants for Affordable Dining in Dublin

1. The Landmark

A quintessential place to enjoy a pint and a hearty meal, The Landmark serves a variety of dishes including sandwiches, burgers, fish and chips, and daily soups. The standout dish is undoubtedly their beef stew cooked in Guinness, served in a round loaf of bread (19€). As a bustling pub, expect lively music and a vibrant atmosphere, especially from Wednesday to Sunday when live music fills the air!

2. Tang Cafe

Famed for its brunch and healthy options, Tang Cafe specializes in fresh salads and flatbreads (pita-style sandwiches). For a delightful breakfast, try their shakshuka (11€), a flavorful dish of eggs in spicy tomato sauce, accompanied by bread and tzatziki sauce.

Additionally, consider joining a free walking tour of Dublin to explore the historic center with a professional guide—available in Spanish!

3. Bunsen

As one of the most iconic burger chains in Dublin, Bunsen offers a no-frills approach to burgers. They stick to the motto “quality over quantity,” featuring only two types of burgers: regular and cheeseburger (both can be upgraded to double). Customize with toppings like pickles, onions, lettuce, or sauces, but don’t miss their homemade fries. Average price: 10-13€.

Unfortunately, as of May 2024, they do not offer vegetarian or vegan options, but we hope to see changes soon!

4. The Mongolian Barbeque

If you're in the mood for something different, The Mongolian Barbeque specializes in traditional Mongolian cuisine. Their lunch special is a fantastic deal at 12.90€, where you choose a bowl of rice or noodles, meat, vegetables, and sauces, handed to a chef who prepares it grill-style right before your eyes. They also offer a buffet for 18.90€.

5. Beanhive Coffee

If breakfast is your favorite meal, Beanhive Coffee is a must-visit. Known for serving one of the best Irish breakfasts, it includes eggs, tomatoes, bacon, beans, mushrooms, and sausages. The hearty portions ensure you won't go hungry! The café is open all day for brunch or lunch, and they offer various sandwiches and dishes, but the breakfast plate (14€) is a must-try. Vegetarian and vegan options are available too.

Don't forget to use the Revolut card (with a 10€ bonus) to avoid foreign transaction fees!

6. John Kavanagh – The Gravediggers

For an authentic taste of traditional Irish food, head to John Kavanagh, a historic pub over 200 years old. It’s simple and unpretentious, serving delicious homemade fare at reasonable prices. Pair your meal with a refreshing Guinness for the full experience! Located near the Glasnevin Cemetery, where significant figures like Michael Collins and Éamon de Valera are buried, it’s a spot steeped in history.

7. Sano Pizza

For pizza lovers, Sano Pizza is a fantastic choice in Dublin. Prices range from 10 to 15€, depending on your selection. The Margherita pizza is particularly recommended—one of the best we’ve had outside of Italy! Don’t forget to save room for their delicious tiramisu for dessert!

8. Leo Burdock’s

No trip to Ireland is complete without trying fish and chips. Leo Burdock’s, established in 1912, is renowned for serving one of the best versions in Dublin, priced around 15€ for a fish fillet with chips. Pro tip: visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines!

While there are multiple locations, many recommend the one near Christchurch over the Temple Bar outlet, which has mixed reviews.

More places to eat in Dublin

During our recent visit, we asked our followers on Instagram for their favorite dining spots, and we received a wealth of fantastic suggestions. Here are some highlights that caught our attention:

O’Neills Pub & Kitchen: A historic pub in Temple Bar known for its comforting food and well-poured pints. What more could you want in Dublin?
Umi Falafel: With several locations throughout the city, Umi specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine, offering a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.
Lundy’s Foot: While the food didn’t blow us away (we tried the Irish stew and a veggie burger), the lively atmosphere is worth experiencing with a drink.
Cornucopia Wholefoods: A highly-rated vegan restaurant that we didn’t get a chance to try, but it’s definitely on our list for next time!
The Rolling Donut: Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, known for serving some of the best donuts in Dublin.
Thai Basil: A Thai restaurant offering a lunch menu with a main dish and sides for around 10-12€.
The Church Café: Although on the pricier side, this café-restaurant located in a former church is a unique dining experience. Be sure to check the menu first to avoid surprises!