You can actually find some amazing value eats right in Dublin’s city centre. There’s everything from cozy Irish pubs with hearty meals to international joints serving up real-deal flavours for less than €20.
Some of the best budget spots use fresh ingredients and serve up generous portions. If you poke around basements and side streets, you’ll probably stumble across some hidden gems—those are often the most memorable.
Featherblade really nails the value steakhouse vibe, just a quick walk from Grafton Street. Their steak sandwich—seared featherblade beef, toasted ciabatta, watercress, caramelised onions, and Dijon mayo—packs a lot of punch for the price.
At The Winding Stair, you get beautiful views of the Ha’Penny Bridge and their famous seafood chowder with Gubbeen chorizo. They focus on local Irish producers and keep lunch and dinner prices accessible.
Tang runs two locations—Abbey Street and near St Stephen’s Green—and both serve up colourful salads and Moroccan-spiced lamb. Their plates are creative, filling, and don’t cost a fortune.
Near St Patrick’s Cathedral, The Fumbally serves legendary all-day scrambled eggs with Gubbeen cheese, garlic, and sautéed kale on their own sourdough brioche. It’s a cornerstone of Dublin’s modern food scene—great value, and the community vibe is hard to beat.
You’ll find El Grito tucked away in a basement near Mountjoy Square. They serve proper Mexican tacos de chicharron and spicy Michelada cocktails. It’s lively, welcoming, and far from the tourist trail.
Luncheonette sits in the basement of Hugh Lane Gallery, so you can mix art with plant-based dining. Their daily specials use whatever’s in season—think roast cauliflower with ajo blanco and cannellini beans.
Fans of Szechuan food flock to M&L Chinese Restaurant for dishes like braised seabass in hot spicy sauce. You’ll find everything from stir-fried beans to more adventurous plates if you’re up for it.
On Camden Street, Las Tapas de Lola brings a Catalan touch, thanks to chef-owner Anna Cabrera. Her ensalada de pulpo and pa amb tomàquet are perfect for sharing or just enjoying solo.
Chimac on Aungier Street always draws a crowd for their Korean fried chicken wings made from free-range chicken. The place buzzes, and if you’re vegan, their cauliflower wings are a solid pick.
Sprezzatura keeps things affordable by making their own pasta and serving wine on tap. Their pappardelle with Jane Russell’s fennel sausage ragù puts top Irish ingredients front and centre without breaking the bank.
All over the city centre, you’ll find quick service joints with wood-fired pizza, Korean bibimbap, and more. Lots of them offer student discounts and meal deals, which is a win if you want good food fast and cheap.
Dublin’s traditional Irish fare gives you big portions for not much money. You can get a full Irish breakfast for €8-12 or a proper Irish stew in most pubs for under €15.
Fish and chips is probably the easiest classic meal to find, usually €7-10. Leo Burdock on Werburgh Street has been serving crispy cod with hand-cut chips since 1913—locals swear by it.
For €9-13, you’ll spot coddle on plenty of pub menus. It’s a Dublin classic: sausages, bacon, and potatoes in a warming broth. Darkey Kelly’s is a good bet for a traditional version.
Boxty makes a filling lunch for €6-8. These potato pancakes come stuffed with all sorts of things, so there’s plenty of variety.
Most places give you soda bread with your meal, fresh-baked and warm. It’s a little detail, but it really makes a difference.
You’ll get the best Irish stew in traditional pubs, usually for €11-15. Expect tender lamb or beef with root veggies in a rich gravy.
The Brazen Head serves up big portions with brown bread on the side. They use local beef and fresh vegetables in their stew.
At O’Donoghue’s, you can grab a hearty serving and catch some live traditional music. You get to choose your style of potato, which is a nice touch.
Kehoe’s sticks to their original recipe with slow-cooked lamb. The old-school pub setting adds to the experience.
If you’re a student, keep an eye out for weekday discounts—some places drop prices to €9-11 per bowl.
A full Irish breakfast is a serious deal, usually €8-12, and it’ll fill you up for most of the day.
You’ll get bacon, black and white pudding, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, beans, and eggs. Unlimited brown and white bread is pretty common, too.
Café en Seine serves breakfast until 3pm, piling the plate with premium sausages and fresh ingredients.
At The Pieman Cafe, you can order traditional breakfast combos with local ingredients. Their full breakfast starts at €8.50.
Green Bench Café is another favourite for breakfast, using organic ingredients when they can. The portions are big enough to keep you going.
If you want something lighter, most places offer smaller versions for €6-8. It’s a good way to try the flavours without overdoing it.
Dublin’s breakfast scene is packed with value, whether you hit up a classic café or a well-known pub. A lot of places buy their ingredients straight from Irish farms, so you get quality without a big price tag.
The Woollen Mills stands out by sourcing sausages, bacon, and eggs from local farms. Their full Irish breakfast comes with black pudding, white pudding, and grilled tomatoes—a solid deal.
At Beanhive Coffee, you’ll find one of the most impressive Irish breakfast plates in Dublin. They serve all the traditional fixings—rashers, sausages, eggs—made to order.
Ann’s Bakery keeps things budget-friendly but doesn’t skimp on authenticity. You’ll get all the essentials on their breakfast menu, and prices are hard to beat.
Brother Hubbard works closely with artisan producers. Their breakfast menu puts a twist on tradition, highlighting the best local ingredients.
These cafés focus on picking quality ingredients rather than fancy prep. Most serve breakfast until mid-afternoon, so you can swing by whenever fits your day.
The Hairy Lemon is known for hearty Irish breakfasts in a classic pub setting. Their specials pack in all the usual components at prices that won’t hurt your wallet.
O’Donoghues serves up the real deal Irish breakfast with plenty of atmosphere. The portions are big, and the prices stay reasonable.
The Stag’s Head offers a slice of historic Dublin along with quality breakfast. They pay attention to the details in every plate.
O’Neills Bar & Restaurant is a reliable choice in central Dublin. They keep quality high across the board and prices fair.
Most pubs serve breakfast in the morning before switching to regular pub fare. The setting definitely adds something special, especially when you’re watching your budget.
Dublin’s ethnic food scene is surprisingly good if you’re eating on a budget. Korean spots like Kimchi Hophouse lead the way, but there are also great Middle Eastern and Asian fusion options.
Korean food in Dublin has really taken off lately, and you can get authentic dishes for less than you might expect. Kimchi Hophouse is a go-to for anyone after real Korean flavours without spending loads.
They focus on traditional Korean comfort food, with most mains under €15. Their bibimbap bowls are filling and colourful—rice, veggies, protein—all for about €12.
Korean fried chicken is everywhere now, with plenty of places serving crispy wings and drumsticks in spicy gochujang glaze for €8-10.
You’ll also find kimchi stew and bulgogi on most menus, both hearty and affordable at €10-13. The portions are generous enough to share.
Many Korean restaurants run weekday lunch specials—think soup, rice, and a main for €9-11. That makes Korean cuisine a solid option for students and anyone watching their spending.
Asian fusion spots in Dublin mix flavours from all over and somehow keep prices down. Neon Asian Street Food is a favourite, with dishes under €15 and a quirky free ice cream at the end.
You’ll see Thai curries and Vietnamese pho everywhere. Green curry with jasmine rice is usually €11-13, and a big bowl of pho runs €9-12.
Xian’s is known for authentic Chinese street food—biang biang noodles and roujiamo Chinese burgers—all handmade, all €8-14 per dish.
Singapore noodles and pad thai pop up on most menus, too. Both make for a filling meal at €10-12, with options to add extra protein if you want.
Most of these places serve food in bowls or wraps, which keeps things casual and affordable. They save on overhead, and you save on your meal.
Middle Eastern cuisine is probably the best value you’ll find in Dublin for big portions and bold flavours. Zaytoon and Umi Falafel are the standouts for affordable eats.
Falafel wraps and kebab plates rule the menus, usually €8-12. You get plenty of protein, fresh veggies, and zingy spices for your money.
At Zaytoon, the lamb doner and chicken shish show off Persian-inspired cooking for under €12. Their fresh-baked bread is a nice touch and doesn’t cost extra.
If you’re into variety, hummus platters and mezze selections let you try a bit of everything. Combo plates usually go for €10-15, so they’re perfect for sharing.
Umi Falafel’s Palestinian falafel and Lebanese wraps highlight how diverse Middle Eastern food can be. Everything’s vegetarian, made fresh, and priced so you can try a few things without worry.
Dublin’s Italian dining scene is packed with wood-fired pizzas starting at €8 and hearty pasta dishes for under €12. Local pizzerias turn out real Neapolitan-style pies, and budget pasta bars serve up big plates of traditional Italian favourites without the fancy price tag.
Sano Pizza really sets the standard for affordable pizza in Dublin. They serve up authentic Neapolitan pies baked in wood-fired ovens. You’ll find this spot on Exchange Street Upper in Temple Bar, and their classic Margherita pizzas come in under €10.
They bring in ingredients straight from Italy. The dough gets a full 24 hours to ferment before someone stretches it by hand. Pizzas go in the oven for just 90 seconds at crazy-hot temps, over 400°C.
Popular choices:
Students can grab 20% off with a valid ID. The laid-back vibe and speedy service make it a solid pick for a quick bite while wandering Temple Bar.
Da Mimmo in North Strand makes handmade pasta that locals and critics rave about. Their penne with salsiccia comes in under €12, and the seafood risotto is generous and easy on the wallet.
They make fresh pasta every day, sticking to traditional methods. Chefs whip up sauces from scratch with imported San Marzano tomatoes and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Sprezzatura at Camden Market serves up small plates and pasta dishes, all under €15. They keep things casual, focusing on seasonal ingredients and proper Italian flavours. The cosy setting feels perfect for relaxed meals that don’t cost a fortune.
Both places offer a range of wines to go with your food. Portions are big enough to fill you up, and they stick to authentic Italian cooking.
Dublin’s Asian food scene is a bit of a hidden gem. You’ll find real flavour and great value if you know where to look. Japanese spots have affordable bento boxes and noodle dishes. Vietnamese pho joints also serve up hearty, cheap meals.
Encha on O’Connell Street stands out for budget Japanese food. Their vegetarian bento box is just €12.50 and honestly, it’s enough to keep you full all day.
They serve bento boxes in the traditional style, with rice, protein, pickled veg, and miso soup. Students and office workers pack the place at lunchtime.
Eatokyo Noodles and Sushi Bar keeps prices low on sushi rolls and ramen bowls. Their lunch specials start at €8.50 for miso ramen, and they use good-quality ingredients despite the low prices.
Okky on Aungier Street does Japanese street food. Think rice bowls with kimchi or sweet potato pancakes with different toppings. Most dishes are under €10, so it’s a great shout for a quick, cheap meal.
Dublin’s bento box scene is all about variety and value. These Japanese lunch boxes pack in several dishes for one price.
Encha leads the way with their €12.50 veggie box. Inside, you get seasoned rice, tofu or veggie protein, pickled cabbage, edamame, and soup. It’s proper filling.
Super Asia Foods on Capel Street mixes a supermarket with a restaurant. Their bento boxes feature fried chicken or beef ramen. For vegetarians, they’ve got tofu and seasonal veg options.
Most bento boxes in Dublin cost between €8 and €15. Lunchtime between 12 and 2pm gets busy, especially on O’Connell Street. Loads of places do takeaway for folks in a rush.
Dublin’s burger scene punches above its weight for value. You get Irish beef patties, fun toppings, and prices that won’t make you wince. A few places really deserve a shoutout for freshness, big portions, and wallet-friendly menus.
Bunsen leads the affordable burger game with a stripped-back American style. The menu is dead simple: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and doubles, all made with 100% Irish beef. Most burgers are well under €15, so students and anyone watching their budget can drop in.
They’ve got a few locations around Dublin, like Wexford Street and Baggot Street. The minimalist décor and communal tables make it a chill spot to hang out.
WowBurger brings that bright diner vibe to several Dublin spots. You’ll find them at The Workman’s Club on Wellington Quay and under Mary’s Bar on Wicklow Street. Even with low prices, they don’t skimp—double patties and fresh toppings are standard.
Both joints offer student discounts with a valid ID. Bunsen gives discounts Monday to Thursday, while WowBurger keeps prices low all week.
Dublin burger spots don’t mess around with their sides. Hand-cut chips are still the favourite—lots of places make them fresh every day instead of using frozen.
Sweet potato fries pop up everywhere as a tasty upgrade for €1-2 more. You get a solid portion and a nice twist on the usual.
Milkshakes finish off the diner experience in style. Classic vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry shakes go perfectly with burgers, and you can usually get a whole meal for €12-15.
Some places throw in extras like pickles, onions, or different sauces for free. Those little touches really make it feel like you’re getting more for your money.
Dublin’s Mexican spots serve up big flavours and big portions without the big bill. Students and anyone on a budget can grab hearty burritos for under €10, plus lots of Mexican snacks in the city centre.
Boojum is probably the best-known burrito place in Dublin. They’re on Abbey Street and cater to students with customisable burritos and bowls starting at about €8-10. There’s a 10% student discount, and you can build your own with chicken, pork, or beef.
Portions are generous, and the dressings let you mix things up however you like.
Pablo Picanté Burrito Bar brings proper Mexican flavours to Clarendon Market. It’s close to Grafton Street, and their burritos are all under €10. They focus on quality ingredients and real-deal prep.
Next door, Pablo’s Tortas does Mexican sandwiches stuffed with Irish beef or pork. Both spots keep drinks and beer cheap, so you can get a full meal for under €15.
El Grito Mexican Taqueria and Cafe Azteca are great for a quick Mexican fix. These places do street food-style snacks that hit the spot without costing much.
Quesadillas are a solid value at most Mexican places in Dublin. These cheese-filled tortillas usually cost €6-8 and are pretty filling.
Most burrito bars have nachos as a shareable option. A loaded plate costs €8-12 and easily feeds two if you’re not starving.
Tacos are another cheap pick. You can try different fillings for €3-5 each, so there’s no need to commit to one big dish.
Dublin’s snack scene is a mix of old-school Irish bakeries and modern coffee shops. You’ll find everything from fresh scones to artisan pastries at prices that won’t scare you off. Independent bakeries do warm soda bread and sweet treats, while cosy cafés are perfect for a cheap coffee and homemade cake.
Local bakeries all over Dublin serve classic Irish goodies at great prices. Bretzel Bakery on Lennox Street sells fresh croissants and Danish pastries from €2.50, plus their well-loved sourdough bread. They stick to proper European baking traditions.
Butler’s Pantry shops do homemade scones with jam and cream for under €4. You can grab Irish brown bread hot from the oven, too. They use traditional recipes with Irish butter and flour.
For a sweet fix, Rolling Donut makes handmade donuts starting at €2.50. The cinnamon sugar one is a crowd favourite. They bake in small batches all day for maximum freshness.
In the Arnotts Food Hall, the bakery in the basement drops prices after 3pm. You can pick up Irish barmbrack, porter cake, or fruit tarts for half price in the late afternoon.
Dublin’s indie cafés do great coffee and homemade treats for not much money. Bewley’s Grafton Street serves up traditional Irish coffee and their famous cherry buns for €6. The place still uses recipes from 1927, which is kind of cool.
The Fumbally does a flat white and fresh scone for €5.50. Their daily lineup includes gluten-free and seasonal fruit options. They use Irish-roasted beans and bake everything on-site each morning.
Brother Hubbard offers Middle Eastern pastries with specialty coffee. Cardamom buns and tahini cookies are €3 each, and students get discounts on weekday afternoons.
Network Café near Trinity College does coffee and homemade cake for €4.50. Students love it for study breaks, and the café keeps things quiet during exam season.
Dublin’s plant-based dining scene is surprisingly good for value. You’ll find authentic Indian, Middle Eastern, and Asian food with big portions for under €15. There’s plenty to explore, especially if you’re looking for healthy options that don’t skimp on flavour.
Govinda’s leads Dublin’s vegetarian scene with Indian classics from €9-€12. Their Special Plate comes with rice, lentils, veggie stir fry, and chutney, so you get a bit of everything. Students get discounts, and the portions are always generous—plus, they stick to fresh, natural ingredients.
Umi Falafel focuses on Middle Eastern veggie food, with handmade falafel as the star. You can try Palestinian or Lebanese falafel, both under €15. They have several locations and offer 15% off for students, making it a go-to for cheap eats.
Neon Asian Street Food has loads of vegan and veggie Thai and Vietnamese options. Their Green Curry and Pad Thai stay under €15, and there’s a free ice cream station for a fun bonus. Students can get mains plus ice cream for just €7.
Xian’s brings real Chinese street food to Dublin, offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options for under €15. You can grab fresh Biang Biang noodles or Glass Noodles Soup, both made to order. Two handy locations serve up Xi’an favorites every day until midnight.
Pho Kim serves Vietnamese plant-based dishes with full vegan and vegetarian menus. Their veggie Bánh xèo and spring rolls highlight classic Vietnamese techniques, just tweaked for herbivores.
Zaytoon takes care of vegetarians with Persian-inspired plates and custom meals. Their vegetarian shish brings you Middle Eastern flavors for under €12. Plus, they stay open late, which is honestly a lifesaver sometimes.
These spots stick to genuine cooking methods but adapt recipes for plant-based eaters. Somehow, they keep the flavor front and center.
You can enjoy Dublin’s food scene without blowing your budget. Just time your visits right, split costs with friends, and look for discounts.
Plenty of Dublin restaurants drop their prices during off-peak hours. Lunch menus usually cost 30-40% less than dinner for nearly the same food.
The best lunch deals pop up between 12pm and 3pm on weekdays. Featherblade, for example, serves their steak sandwich for under €15 at lunch, while dinner mains shoot up to €20 or more.
Early bird menus run from 5pm to 7pm at most places. You can try preview menus at fine dining spots like Liath for way less than the full tasting menu.
Some spots offer all-day breakfast that costs less than lunch. The Fumbally dishes out their signature scrambled eggs with Gubbeen cheese all day, and the price stays the same.
Weekday specials might include cheaper wine pairings or free sides. Tang puts together salad plates with optional protein add-ons, so you can build a filling meal without going over budget.
Sharing plates cuts costs and lets you try more food. Spanish and tapas restaurants like Las Tapas de Lola focus their menus on communal eating.
Chinese spots such as M&L do family-style dining really well. Order a bunch of dishes to split, and everyone pays just €10-15 for a mix of courses.
Pizza joints give better value for groups than solo meals. Large pizzas get cheaper per slice when you share with three or four people.
Wine bars with tasting portions let groups sample more dishes without committing to big mains. Bhonn Space next to Liath runs this model nicely.
A lot of venues offer group discounts for six or more. Book ahead to lock in the best rates and snag your preferred time slot.
Dublin’s big student crowd means lots of discounts. Flash a valid student ID and you can save 10-20% at many restaurants.
Student meal deals pop up most near colleges. In Temple Bar, restaurants run weekday specials for students, with mains under €12.
Hostels often partner with nearby spots for group rates. Backpackers should ask at reception about places offering hostel guest deals.
Off-peak student pricing usually kicks in during slower times. Monday to Wednesday evenings often bring even bigger student discounts—sometimes 15-25%.
Some spots set up loyalty programs just for students and travelers. Rack up points with regular visits and earn free meals or discounts later.
Food courts and casual chains usually accept international student cards. These places keep prices steady and offer familiar options for budget travelers.
If you’re exploring Dublin’s landmarks, you won’t have to go far for affordable bites. Temple Bar hides some real bargains, and the city center has plenty of quick takeaway options for sightseeing pit stops.
Zaytoon dishes up Lebanese food just off Temple Bar’s cobbles. Their big falafel wraps and hummus plates go for under €10, which locals and savvy tourists love.
The Temple Bar Food Market pops up on Saturdays, selling artisan sandwiches, pastries, and hot soups from €4-8. Local vendors whip up Irish black pudding rolls and homemade scones.
Queen of Tarts on Dame Street serves up hearty breakfasts and sweet treats for tea. Their full Irish breakfast is €12, and their famous Victoria sponge with coffee is only €6.
The Pieman Cafe cooks classic Irish fare like steak and kidney pies for €8. Their shepherd’s pie with veggies is a solid deal close to Christ Church Cathedral.
Bunsen on Essex Street keeps it simple with burgers from €6. They focus on Irish beef and minimal toppings, so prices stay friendly even in the touristy zone.
Leo Burdock stands as Dublin’s classic chipper near Christchurch Cathedral. Their cod and chips run €8-12, and they’ve stuck to the same recipes since 1913.
Green Bench Café by St. Stephen’s Green offers sandwiches, salads, and soups to go from €5-9. Their chicken tikka wraps and veggie options work well for a quick lunch between sights.
P Mac’s serves up deli sandwiches and hot rolls near Trinity College. Their breakfast rolls with Irish sausages and rashers cost €4.50, perfect before you check out the Book of Kells.
Asian takeaways on Parnell Street give you big portions for under €10. M&L Chinese Restaurant does lunch specials, including their famous braised seabass for €12.
Street food stalls near Grafton Street sell crepes, hot dogs, and jacket potatoes from €3-6. These mobile vendors are great for grabbing a bite while you shop or stroll.
You can find tasty meals in Dublin for under €15 at lunch and €20 for dinner, no problem. Here’s a quick guide to spots, neighborhoods, and dishes that deliver real value without skimping on flavor.
Chapter One gives you a fine dining experience, while The Woollen Mills serves modern Irish food at fair prices. Featherblade near Grafton Street stands out for value steaks, using clever prep on affordable beef.
Liath in Blackrock Market runs an early evening preview menu. You can taste their two-Michelin-star seasonal plates for a lot less than the full tasting menu.
Sprezzatura keeps things affordable with handmade pasta and wine on tap. They highlight Irish ingredients like Jane Russell’s fennel sausages—no need to splurge.
Grafton Street’s got Featherblade’s steak sandwiches in ciabatta with watercress and caramelised onions. Around Trinity College, you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly spots close to major sights.
Camden Street is home to Las Tapas de Lola for Spanish tapas. Dishes like ensalada de pulpo and Pa amb tomàquet are great value, whether you’re with friends or solo.
On the St Stephen’s Green corner, Tang serves breakfast and lunch—think colorful salad plates with Moroccan-spiced lamb, perfect for a quick, healthy bite.
The Winding Stair looks out over Ha’Penny Bridge and serves up seafood chowder with Gubbeen chorizo. Their dillisk seaweed treacle bread goes perfectly with the chowder.
Traditional pubs all over the city center serve classic Irish food alongside global dishes, and prices usually stay reasonable.
Local pubs often have daily specials and lunch deals. The portions are generous, and the atmosphere is always authentic.
Tang runs locations on Abbey Street and near St Stephen’s Green, offering solid breakfast and lunch menus. Their salad plates use seasonal ingredients and focus on sustainability.
Luncheonette in the Hugh Lane Gallery’s basement puts out plant-led dishes like roast cauliflower with ajo blanco and cannellini beans. The gallery setting adds a bit of culture to your meal.
The Fumbally near St Patrick’s Cathedral does all-day scrambled eggs with Gubbeen cheese and sautéed kale on sourdough brioche. On weekends, they serve a rotating menu of small plates.
Sprezzatura nails handmade pasta using top Irish ingredients. Their pappardelle with Jane Russell’s fennel sausage ragù is a steal for quality Italian-inspired food.
They keep costs down by making fresh pasta daily and pouring wine on tap. This approach keeps quality high and prices low.
Their spot near several music venues makes them a popular pre-show dinner pick. Locals and visitors both flock there for the food and the prices.
The Fumbally serves breakfast all day, and you can’t really go wrong with their signature scrambled eggs. You’ll find them close to some of Dublin’s main tourist spots.
Tang offers a pretty big breakfast menu, and they really try to cater to different diets. With two locations, it’s easy to pop in no matter where you are in the city centre.
You’ll spot plenty of local cafés around Dublin with affordable breakfast deals, especially on weekday mornings. Many places put together Irish breakfasts or continental plates that don’t break the bank.
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