Best Places to Eat in Dublin Ireland
Best Bites on the Streets of Dublin: A Foodie’s Guide
Dublin’s culinary scene has exploded in recent years, with a vibrant and diverse range of street food options popping up across the city. Here are some of the best spots to satisfy your cravings for delicious and affordable eats:
Popular Markets:
- Temple Bar Food Market: Held every Saturday in Meeting House Square, this market offers everything from artisan cheeses and breads to gourmet hot sauces and exotic dishes.
- Must-Try: “The Woollen Mills” for their award-winning seafood chowder, or “Dublin Doughnuts” for a sweet treat (they’re famous for the “doughnut burger”!).
Delicious Dishes & Where to Find Them:
- Gourmet Burgers:
- “Burger Shack”: Known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
- “The Bunsen Burner”: A popular spot offering juicy, customizable burgers with a focus on quality meat and simple toppings.
- Street Food Delights:
- “The Big Cheese” (Temple Bar Food Market): Offers classic and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with various fillings like bacon, brie, and caramelized onions.
Beyond the Markets:**
While markets are a great starting point for Dublin’s street food scene, there are other fantastic options for enjoying delicious casual bites:
- “Leo Burdock’s”: For a taste of classic Dublin fish & chips, this iconic shop is a must-visit.
- “The Fumbally” (Dublin 8): Known for its innovative and tasty brunch menu using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Food Trucks: Keep an eye out for food trucks offering diverse cuisines like Mexican, Vietnamese, or even traditional Irish fare on the go.
Beyond the Usual:
Dublin’s street food scene is evolving beyond the fried classics. Here are some examples of unique eats you can find:
- Gourmet Food Trucks: For a more upscale experience, try the delicious offerings from “The Big Blue Bus” or “The Funky Fryer”, both known for their innovative and high-quality dishes using fresh ingredients.
- Dublin Doughnuts: They’ve got a food truck at the market too!
Other Food Experiences:
- Traditional Pub Grub: No trip to Dublin is complete without trying the traditional pub grub. You can find some amazing “Irish stew” and “cottage pie” in pubs around the city.**
- Fine Dining:
Dublin has a range of excellent restaurants for a more formal dining experience, showcasing local ingredients and traditional recipes with a modern twist.
Some Specific Recommendations:
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Street Food Vendors: Many markets offer diverse culinary options. Look for stalls like “The Viet Nom” (for delicious Vietnamese dishes) or “Dublin Street Bites” (which offers a variety of street food classics) to get a taste of the vibrant street food scene.
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“The Cheesy Does It”: This popular food truck specializes in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and often features unique combinations like “the Dubliner” with bacon jam and cheddar, or “the Spicy Italian” with spicy salami and mozzarella.
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Fine Dining:
- Chapter One: Renowned for its Michelin-starred modern Irish cuisine.
- The Greenhouse: A contemporary fine dining experience.
- Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud: The only restaurant in Ireland to hold two Michelin stars.
Remember:
This is just a taste of what Dublin has to offer!
Beyond the food itself, here are some tips for enjoying the city’s food scene:
- Embrace the local markets: Dublin’s food scene thrives on its fresh, local ingredients.
Visit the bustling Temple Bar Food Market for unique and delicious artisan treats.
- Explore beyond the traditional:
Don’t be afraid to try new things! Many restaurants in Dublin are offering more adventurous cuisine options, from Asian fusion to modern European fare.
- Enjoy a pint at a traditional pub: Dublin is known for its pubs, and experiencing the local
pub atmosphere is a must. Enjoy a pint of Guinness at a historic pub like The Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub still in operation.
- Look for food festivals and events:
Dublin hosts numerous food festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from Irish whiskey to seafood. Check out the schedule for “the Taste of Dublin” festival or other local culinary gatherings!
- Try a traditional Irish breakfast: A full Irish breakfast is a delicious and hearty way to start the day.
Beyond these tips:
- Taste the Guinness: Enjoy the creamy, dark stout at its best in Dublin’s historic pubs.
- Explore Dublin’s street art scene:
Dublin has a thriving street art scene. Take a walking tour to see the city’s murals and graffiti.
- Visit the Liberties Market: This market is a great place to find local crafts, food, and drink.
For a truly authentic experience, try these dishes:
- Fish & Chips: You can find amazing fish & chips from “the Codfather” at The Liberties Market, but be sure to ask for extra salt and vinegar!
- “Pie & Pint”: This is a classic pairing in Dublin. Enjoy a slice of pie (like steak and Guinness pie) with a pint of Guinness.
For the adventurous foodie:
- Explore new cuisines:
The Street Food Market at Grand Canal Dock often features international food vendors, making it a great place to try something different.
- Embrace the pub experience:
Visit “The Winding Stair” for a delicious and unique twist on the traditional Irish pub meal.
- Look for vegetarian options:
While “pie & chips” is a classic combo, many pubs now offer vegetarian versions of their dishes.
Enjoy Dublin’s diverse culinary scene and explore the flavors beyond the typical pub fare!
Remember to try:
- Irish stew with fresh bread for dipping.
- Cottage pie: A comforting dish of mashed potato over ground beef and vegetables, perfect for a cold day.
- Guinness stew: This hearty dish is a delicious way to experience the famous black stout in a new context.
Keep an eye out for “Irish food” stalls at markets like The Temple Bar Market which showcase the best of local vendors.
Beyond the typical “pie & chips” experience:
- Explore other traditional pubs:
Try “The Long Hall” or “The Fumbally Cafe”, both known for their delicious Irish pub fare and vibrant atmosphere.
- Enjoy a variety of dishes:
While “The Big Cheese” is a great option, don’t be afraid to venture out and try something different.
- Explore modern Irish cuisine:
Look for restaurants offering innovative twists on classic dishes, like “the Pieman” in the Liberties, which is known for its modern take on the traditional meat & potato pie.
Enjoy the deliciousness of a full Irish experience!
Let me know if you’d like to find out more about specific food experiences in Dublin.