Dublin

Eat Where Dubliners Eat

A visitor asked on an Irish travel Facebook group "Where should I eat in Dublin?".

I cringed as I read the predictable responses given by other tourists; The Hairy Lemon, The Church, The Brazen Head, and Boxty.

They may be fine places to eat but I don't know because I'm a Dubliner and have never eaten at these touristy places.

When I travel, I want to eat where locals eat. Here's my recommendations.

If you want personal recommendations, book an Ireland trip planning call with me.

The Best Places To Eat In Dublin

Rosies Cafe
Near Christchurch Cathedral, I was a daily regular here when I lived close by. Quality, friendly and reasonable.
The Pepper Pot Café
In the beautiful Powerscourt Townhouse, don't bother looking at the menu, just order their bacon, pear and cheese sandwich.
Brother Hubbard
My picks are southside heavy because that's the best area in Dublin, but if you are staying on the northside, Brother Hubbard is a Dublin staple with healthy food that has a slight middle eastern twist.

When you have a busy day of sightseeing and want to grab something really quick, but also really great.

Fallon & Byrne Food Hall
My go-to in between my walking tours. Restaurant quality food quickly served in a sandwich. Sit at the shared table and chat to the locals.
Amelia's Table
Another one in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. I love this centre, Amelia's small menu is my type of menu. You're hungry, you want food, not decisions.
Tiller + Grain
Sandwiches & salads so colourful they could hang in the nearby National Gallery. Healthy food, local suppliers, seasonal menu. The Irish Times says it is one of the best lunches in Ireland. A one minute walk from Trinity College.
Loose Cannon
Grilled cheese toasties are a cultural icon, served in pubs to keep drinkers drinking. Loose Cannon kicks them up a level. Enjoy while people watching on the wonderful Drury Street.

⚡

The Ballymaloe Cookery Course is the best Irish cook book, written by the Martha Stewart of Ireland.

When a sit down lunch is part of your trip.

Assassination Custard
A menu written on a paper bag, only 4 tables and open for just 6 hours a week. That confidence tells you everything. This review tells you more.
The Seafood Café
An Irish paper asked our Michelin chefs where they go for seafood. Even though Klaw is in touristy Temple Bar, the local chefs loved it.
Pichet
Pichet is Irish with a French twist. It is a Michelin Bib Gourmand award winner. This is given for exceptional value, so that means you can try some of the best food in Dublin without the prices that come with Michelin Stars.
Lincoln's Inn
This is my favorite pub food in the city centre. It's 200 years old and should be overrun by tourists, but it is just a few minutes walk too far for them. Do it. It's worth it.
Anchara
This is Thai food and while I know you didn't come to Ireland to eat Thai, you should eat here. First, it is not your average Thai, their food is cooked on a charcoal grill and is fabulous. Second, once you leave Dublin, the menus can start to look the same, take advantage of the variety of food in Dublin. Third, it's always packed with Dubliners.

Except for Assassination, these are all good dinner options too.

☔

This is Ireland. It rains. A lot. This travel umbrella will keep you dry.

Food tastes better when it's a local showing you the way

Dublin Historical Centre Food Tour with 7 Food Tastings & Drinks
You learn about Dublin, while seeing the best local spots and you get 7 tastings. Do this one on your first day instead of walking around lost.
Food on Foot: Dublin Street Food Tour
Eat street food in a rarely visited part of Dublin that Time Out called one of the World's coolest neighborhoods.
Dublin Traditional Irish 3 Course Meal Walking Tour with Local
"A perfect mix of food, drink, wit & history". And it starts in the fabulous Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, home to two of the places on my own list. This tour knows its food.

🚗

Don't pick up your rental car at Dublin Airport! Do this instead.

Fish Shop
Three separate Irish Michelin star chefs chose this as their place to go for the best seafood in Ireland. It's tiny so book ahead. It's close to the Jameson Distillery & The Cobblestone. Here is my review of Fish Shop.
Delahunt
Delahunt is on Camden Street, where locals go instead of Temple Bar. A gorgeous interior sets the mood for the food. Be sure to have a drink upstairs in The Sitting Room too. Prince Harry & Meghan Markle have eaten here but don't let put you off.
The Camden Kitchen
This is where I bring friends who are visiting. It's a neighborhood bistro just off the busy Camden Street. The kind of place you're delighted to stumble upon. You'll feel like a Dubliner eating here.
Notions @ Two Pups
The Sunday Times had "one of the best 12 meals in Ireland last year" here. So you should probably go. It's near the Guinness Storehouse. Stop in on the way back from there.

⚡

Taking photos of your food drains your phone. I always travel with my INIU Portable charger.

Comet
Expected to get a Michelin Star before long, go now while you can get a table Unassuming from outside but "The most exciting, original restaurant opening in Dublin this year" per All The Food. It’s the talk of the town.
Chapter One
Holder of two Michelin Stars and you'll deserve an award if you manage to get a table here too. I still remember my meal here seven years ago. Try, try & try again to get a reservation.
Forest Avenue
Newly starred. ‘A series of faultless, exquisite, works of art - it’s one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in 30 years as a critic' Lucinda O'Sullivan, Irish Independent. I'll leave it at that.