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Dublin Restaurant Guide: What and Where to Eat in the Irish Capital
Think Irish food is bland? Pass on the plain potato, leave the bone dry lamb, and experience the best of modern Ireland. From swanky international eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants, Dublin is every foodie’s dream come true. When you are deciding where to eat in Dublin though, it’s crucial to have a few insider tips.
Ready to get off the tourist path and into the top eateries in town? Here’s your guide to modern Irish food and the capital's best restaurants of 2020.
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Dublin Restaurant Guide: What and Where to Eat in the Irish Capital
Best Restaurants for Classic Irish Food in Dublin
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Chapter One
Located in the former home of the Jameson whiskey heir, Chapter One is one of Dublin’s most loved Michelin star restaurants. Go for a chef’s table tasting and experience the world-class meat and dairy that Ireland is famous for producing. Simple fare like onion and cheese soup alongside a fillet of Irish beef and ultra-fresh seafood are unforgettable here.
The Pigs Ear
The Irish are known for their hospitality and this place takes it to the next level. On top of the outstanding level of service, it is the fresh and seasonal dishes that truly put The Pigs Ear on the culinary map. Try their fresh take on shepherds pie or sink your teeth into one of their juicy Irish veal or lamb brisket dishes. Just be sure to save room for their incredible cheesecake! The Pigs Ear also has a much-loved Early Evening Menu so come here before a night out on the town.
Mulberry Garden
This restaurant is truly 100% Irish. In fact, you won’t find a single ingredient here that hasn’t been locally sourced. Even the linen and cutlery are from the Emerald Isle! Nestled in the leafy suburb of Donnybrook, the ever-changing Mulberry Garden menu features the very best of Irish ingredients with options like Goatsbridge trout, Wicklow venison, and Cashel blue cheese. Opt for the seasonal, three-course menu to get a bit of everything.
Where to Eat in Dublin: Local Fast Food Joints
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Pi Pizza
A line out the door for a slice of pizza? You must have made it to Pi PIzza. Top your wood-fired pizza with local artisan cheeses or specialty meats from Italy and Spain. Whether you are looking for a classic Italian-style pie or a vegan pizza, Pi Pizza is the place everyone wants to get into. Once the plates are cleared, it’s all about their specialty vanilla ice cream covered in extra virgin olive oil and sea salt.
Bunsen
After reaching cult status in Dublin, Bunsen has officially made into the ranking of the Best Burgers in Europe. In fact, they are within the top ten burgers served anywhere within the 44 ranked countries. With a menu so small that they print it on a business card, this place is taking over the continent. While you will find them popping up in Belfast, Cork, and even Barcelona, nobody does it like the original joints in Dublin. Trust us, you’ll be dreaming of that Black Aberdeen Angus beef long after you leave.
Leo Burdock's
For more than 100 years, this place has been frying up the freshest fish in the Liberties. Whether they are serving greasy chips to Anthony Bourdain or fueling the army with fish during the Irish War of Independence, this chipper has worked hard to earn its iconic status. Eat it on the street under the grey Dublin sky and you’ll swear you’ve never had a more enjoyable meal.
Best International Restaurants in Dublin
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Lucky Tortoise Dumpling Company
Calling themselves a modern Dim Sum restaurant, Lucky Tortoise Dumpling Company started as a Dublin pop-up restaurant and the crowd hasn’t left since opening day. If you are lucky enough to get a table here, you’ll be served a flurry of Taiwanese, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese inspired dishes. Affordable, innovative, and unlike anything else in town, there is where to eat in Dublin when you’re craving an unforgettable night out.
777
Europe may be known for its lackluster Mexican food, but 777 is a true diamond in the rough. Modern Mexican dishes are flawlessly executed and everything from the taquitos to the tostadas are delicious here. Far from a quiet eatery, this place is a fiesta seven nights a week. 777 is famous for its 100% expensive blue agave tequila list and lively atmosphere. Go for Margarita Monday or Taco Tuesday to add some spice to your week.
Pickle
Most likely you’ve never had Indian food like this. Pickle brings traditional Indian dishes and vegetarian cuisine to new heights. Not your average curry house, this place doesn't do takeaway. In fact, you’ll be lucky to get a table at this swanky spot. The multi-award-winning chef uses local and seasonal ingredients to make everything from fragrant curry dishes to knock-your-socks-off spice rubs. Try the vegetarian thali for a tapas-style sample of everything or opt for the classic chicken biryani.
Bonus
Once you decide where to eat in Dublin, it’s all about the after-dinner drinks! While there are no shortages of pubs in Dublin, there’s nowhere quite like the Vintage Cocktail Club. This swanky speakeasy-style spot has some of the best cocktails in town.
Conclusion
From dim sum to fish and chips, deciding where to eat in Dublin isn’t easy. The Irish capital will have you spoilt for choice every single day of the week and this list is only the tip of the iceberg! With new restaurants popping up by the handful every month, Dublin is famous for its forever-changing culinary landscape. Make sure to come hungry when visiting the city.
