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Dining out in Dublin

The food scene in Dublin
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Updated byDebbie O Halloranon 05 October 2025

Dublin is well-known for its delicious food and its lively atmosphere around meal times. Regardless of the time of day, you will be able to find a mouth-watering meal in the city. Some of the best restaurants in Europe are found in Dublin, so there are many hidden gems for you to explore. From traditional Irish fare to international cuisine, Dublin has something to satisfy every palate.

Irish stew is considered Ireland's national dish. It is traditionally made with a variety of root vegetables, as well as potatoes, and lamb or sometimes beef. Most pubs will have Irish stew on the menu.

A traditional Irish breakfast, also called an “Irish Fry,” is always a popular choice to set you up for the day. A full Irish breakfast contains some or all of the following: sausages, bacon (rashers as they are known in Ireland), eggs, mushrooms, baked beans, hash browns and tomatoes, to name but a few of the options

Another favourite dish in Ireland is bacon and cabbage. While it may not sound appealing, this classic combination makes for a hearty, comforting meal.

It is not a stereotype; Irish people love their Guinness. It's is one of the favourite alcoholic beverages across Ireland, and you will not find a nicer pint of Guinness outside of Ireland. It's the perfect drink to sip when you are socialising with friends in the pub.

There are a lot of trendy cocktail bars where you can get all sorts of creative concoctions. The craft beer scene in Ireland is thriving, and there is an abundance of quality craft breweries. There are also regular craft beer festivals in and around the city. Finally, gin has become very popular in the city in recent years, and Irish whiskey remains a favourite shot in pubs.

The best restaurants in Dublin

There are many great restaurants in Dublin, ranging from Michelin-starred establishments to family-run spots that have been a local favourite for decades.

For fine dining, the two Michelin-starred Chapter One is always a good option. They try to ensure that the natural ingredients and dishes of Ireland are not forgotten when it comes to fine dining.

For a more affordable option that is also serving up top-quality food, you have the Featherblade restaurant. This is a steakhouse located right in the city centre, serving some of the juiciest grass-fed Irish steaks around.

If you are in the mood for something quick, Bunsen is a popular choice. They have numerous restaurants across the city, and they focus on doing it well.

Eating habits in Dublin

Irish people love their food, and they are always trying out new places. There are countless options available, so you will be some time getting through all of the recommended restaurants you will come across.

Brunch is a very popular meal in Ireland, and there has been an explosion in popularity, with an array of great brunch spots popping up around the city over the last few years.

Dining out in Dublin is expensive, and for a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant, you can expect to pay between €70 to €100 for two.

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

Debbie has a degree in English, and also studied journalism in Dublin. She is a digital content writer for a number of online publications. She loves swimming in the sea or pool, walking her Labrador retriever Casper, thrifting, and travel. She takes the ferry to France every year with her beloved dog in tow, and one day hopes to own her own cottage in Brittany, preferably with blue shutters. She currently lives by the sea in Galway.

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