What To Eat In Dublin – guide to the best traditional Irish food dishes, restaurants and places you must try when you’re in Ireland.
What To Eat In Dublin
This what to eat in Dublin guide is a collection of the best food I’ve enjoyed around the Irish capital since moving here over 5 years ago, as well as restaurants that are on my “must eat at soon” list.
Across Dublin’s food scene you can expect to find delicious food that make the most of Irish ingredients at everything from affordable cafes and restaurants serving traditional dishes, all the way to Michelin star fine dining establishments with set menus or a 3 plus course tasting menu.
Full Irish Breakfast
Starting your day with a full Irish breakfast will most certainly fuel you for a morning of sightseeing.
You can expect to find a traditional breakfast will include bacon rashers, sausages, white pudding, black pudding, baked beans, a fried egg or two and a vegetable or two, usually mushrooms and a tomato.
And as if that wasn’t enough, you’re usually also served bread which may be white bread, soda bread, brown bread or sourdough bread, plenty of Irish butter and a cup of tea or coffee to wash it all down with.
The best places for breakfast in Dublin include the above pictured Beanhive on trendy Dawson Street in the city center, Pog and Brother Hubbard, both of which have a few locations around Dublin.
Soup
No matter what corner of the city you’re in, whether that’s popular Temple Bar or off the beaten path, step into any cafe, pub or restaurant, take a seat and enjoy a bowl full of soup or maybe even local Irish seafood chowder.
Not only is a bowl of soup a budget friendly eating out option while you’re in Dublin, it’s also a warming, hearty comfort food meal that’s usually served with a side of bread and butter for dipping.
The above pictured creamy Irish potato soup was served up at Sheehan’s Pub, right in the city centre of Dublin near Grafton Street. You can take a closer look at the creamy goodness in the video on this page down below. The soup also inspired me to come up with my own version, so click through for how to make Irish potato soup.
Irish Stew
Dublin restaurants serve up a range of variations on the classic dish. That may be in the form of a rich beef and Guinness stew or one simply slow cooked with plenty of local vegetables and tender Irish beef.
You can also easily make an Irish beef stew at home so that you can create an authentic Irish meal to enjoy.
Some of the best restaurants in Dublin to sample Irish Stew include at the Guinness Storehouse, Brazen Head, which is Dublin’s oldest pub, and the above pictured O’Neill’s Pub.
Pies
You’ll find hearty pies feature in traditional Irish fare. That includes beef and Guinness pie, cottage pie and shepherd’s pie. Dublin trully is a great place to seek out all kinds of tasty, meaty pies.
The above pictured shepherd’s pie can be found at Doheny & Nesbitt, a bustling pub a little off the beaten path but worth the effort to seek out.
Boxty
A traditional Irish potato pancake, or Boxty, is served up in Temple Bar at Boxty House or you may even find them on a full Irish breakfast plate, especially if you find yourself having breakfast in Northern Ireland.
The potato pancakes are fried up until golden brown and are perfect simply topped with sour cream or accompanied by fried eggs. (Here’s an easy recipe for how to make Irish Potato Pancakes at home.)
Fresh Fish and The Best Seafood
Ireland is the perfect place to enjoy all kinds of tasty fish and seafood dishes. Of course there’s fish and chips at spots around the city but you’ll also find all kinds of fresh fish and seafood on seasonal menus.
Some of the best spots in Dublin include Leo Burdock, Fish Shop, Beshoff Bros and Klaw.
Fine Dining Options
If you’re after an exceptional meal at a fine dining establishment in Dublin, then you have a choice of high quality, delicately prepared meals.
Choose between the top rated restaurants of Chapter One, Patrick Guilbaud, Glovers Alley, Variety Jones and Fire Steakhouse.
Just be sure to book a table, as the fine dining restaurants are often fully booked weeks or even months in advance.
What Eat In Dublin For Dessert
After enjoying your choice from the main courses on offer at the top restaurants around Dublin, make sure that you save room for dessert with an Irish twist.
Menus usually include an apple dessert such as an Irish apple pie or crumble, a decadent chocolate cake of some kind and often a cheesecake too, like the above pictured Baileys cheesecake that’s served with a generous scoop of ice cream.
For a more indulgent dessert experience, book a sumptuous afternoon tea at one of the many hotels, restaurants or cafes serving up the traditional and elegant dessert experience.
What To Eat In Dublin – Video Tour
Here’s a video with a look at walks around the capital of Ireland, including Temple Bar, which is a great place to take in some live music and great food too. Hit play below or click here to watch on YouTube.
More Irish Cuisine Inspiration
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