Dublin has a lot of great pubs and it’s good city for a night out, but the food scene isn’t that great when compared to other major cities in Europe. I can’t name a Dublin restaurant that would make my top fifty in London. That said, it has improved over the last few years, so here are a few places you’ll want to hit when you’re over there.
1. Bambino
A great NY-style slice shop. This place looks the part. It’s one of the most popular spots in the city so there’s always a queue coming out the door but it moves quickly. If you can’t grab a stool inside there are some bench outside. All the slices i tried were good. They also do a Sicilian-style square slice which I haven’t tried yet.
2. Xian Street Food Dublin
I’ve been going to Xi’An Street Food for years. They now have two locations in Dublin – one on Anne Street near Kehoes (a great spot for Guinness) and the other at 16 North Earl Street. As well as great biang biang noodles, they serve what many call the best slice bag in the city.
3. Mani
Mani started as a food truck but now have a bricks & mortar restaurant just up the road from Bambino. They serve Roman-style pizza al taglio here. My favourite pizza was the carbonara. They’re not cheap slices but they are good.
4. F.X. Buckley/Ryan’s of Parkgate
FX Buckley is an Irish steak restaurant with a few locations across the city. The one at Ryan’s of Parkgate Street is my favourite location because it’s in a beautiful pub that serves great Guinness and is a little more relaxed than some of the other spots.
5. Summer Inn
This is another spot which is known for serving one of the best spice bags in Dublin (even though it has a 3.3 rating on Google). I went to the one on Thomas Street. It’s takeout only so I took it across the street to Tom Kennedy’s Bar and ate in the back garden. They have a few locations around the city. It was loaded with chicken and the seasoning had a nice kick.
6. Dash Burger
Multiple locations. Go for a great LA-style smash burger.
7. Mrs Reid’s
A lovely little sandwich shop open for breakfast and lunch. The fresh crust rolls they use here are great. I’ve only had the breakfast roll which was loaded two sausages, two bacon, two eggs and spreadable white pudding for only €7.50. The brisket roll they serve for lunch looks amazing too.
8. Mister S
Mister S is an open-fire restaurant with a focus on grilled and smoked meats. It’s a good spot for dinner. I think the menu changes a lot but if they have them, try the burnt ends rendang spring rolls and smoked beef shortrib with Chimichurri.
9. Hawksmoor Dublin
Yes, the same as the London chain except they only use Irish produce. It’s set inside a beautiful old building. As well as Irish beef they also serve local oysters and lobster.
10. Leo Burdock
Our story started in 1913 when Liberties residents Bella Burdock and husband Patrick opened the first Leo Burdocks in Christchurch, Dublin. Over the years, The Burdock family grew their business and opened many Leo Burdocks Fish & Chip shops around Dublin, such as the popularity of their food. From a young age, their son Leo was a regular face in the early morning Dublin fish markets, rising at 5 am most days to source the freshest catch. Travelling back by horse and cart with his haul, he would pick up fresh potatoes and coal for heating the Pans, a fuel used up until 1991 to cook the freshly prepared Fish and Chips, at this point they were the last chip shop in Ireland, possibly the world to use these coal-fired pans.
Pubs
1. Mulligan’s
Mulligans on Poolberg Street (est 1782) – often mentioned as serving one of the best pints of Guinness in Dublin (along with a few other places) and one place I try and visit every trip to the city. It’s a no-nonsense boozer where you might get told off taking a phone call. As it was across the road from the stage door of the old Theatre Royal, many famous people have drank here in the past. On the wall you might spot signed photos of Judy Garland who performed in the theatre and drank at the pub and in 1947 JFK even dropped by for a pint.
2. John Kavanagh The Gravediggers
Established in 1833 and very much still has an old-feel to it. This is another spot which is often mentioned as serving the best Guinness in Dublin. The pub was given its name due to being located next door to Glasnevin Cemetary. Try the coddle.
3. Grogan’s
A beautiful pub known for serving great Guinness. The walls are covered in interesting artwork that’s all for sale. They’re famous for their cheese toasty too.
4. Kehoes
Established in 1803. Kehoe’s is the first pub I visited in Dublin and has been a favourite of mine ever since. It’s always lively and the Guinness is great. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat then Xi’an Street Food is right across the street.
5. Bowes
A beautiful bar established in 1880. As well as serving great Guinness they also stock over 200 bottles of whiskey.
6. O’Donoghues Bar
O’Donoghue’s is known for live music. The Dubliners used to perform here all the time and you’ll see black-and-white photos of the band all over the pub. The building was built in 1789 and originally a grocery store, before turning into a pub in 1934. It’s a great spot for a night out.
7. Old Royal Oak
Established 1839. Despite being a short walk from the centre of town, Old Royal Oak almost has a country-feel to it. They serve a great Guinness here too.
8. The Palace Bar
Another great spot to go for Irish whiskey.
9. The Long Hall
Established in 1880 and unchanged since then. They have one of those nice glossy crimson ceilings, partitions, antique clocks, and heavy red leather bar stools. A great spot for Guinness.
James Dimitri 