The Best Dublin Food to Try in 2024
Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, is a remarkable blend of history, culture and, not to mention, the best Dublin food that visitors from far and wide journey to taste.
The best local dishes from Dublin range from classics such as the hearty Irish stew, delectable coddle, and fish and chips, to exotic and rare seafood. The Irish capital couldn't be more diverse in the meals it boasts, perfect for people of all ages and backgrounds — locals and visitors alike. One thing to know is, the range of meals makes it impossible to try just one of the best Dublin foods.
Curious about the best Dublin food to try in 2024? Here's a comprehensive guide to 19 traditional foods you must try when in this beautiful city.
Jump to Section
Discover and Enjoy the Best Dublin Food
Experience enticing food tours in Dublin to find the best spots, spread throughout the city. These guided tours offer an insider's perspective, allowing you to try a variety of the best Dublin food while learning about the city's rich food heritage.
For those eager to recreate the flavours of Dublin at home, consider enrolling in cooking classes in Dublin. Led by expert chefs, these hands-on classes will give you an expert's perspective on local ingredients, techniques and recipes, giving you the key to preparing the very best Dublin foods right in your own kitchen.
19 Best Dublin Foods To Try
1. Coddle at The Hairy Lemon
Dublin Coddle is a classic Irish dish that combines sausages, onions, slices of bacon and potatoes in a hearty stew — easily one of the best Dublin foods. This comfort food, popular during winter, originated in the 1700s and was a favourite of renowned Irish writers like Jonathan Swift and James Joyce.
The Vibe
You can find this traditional stew in the laid-back ambience of The Hairy Lemon, a popular Dublin pub known to offer the best Dublin food, prepared and served by a friendly team in a cosy interior.
Why It's Good
The coddle at The Hairy Lemon is prepared using an authentic recipe, slow-cooked to perfection and served piping hot. Regarded as one of the best Dublin foods, this hearty dish is a true heritage of the city's food culture.
The Hairy Lemon | 41 Stephen St. Lower, Dublin, Ireland | €€
2. Barmbrack at Hansel & Gretel Bakery & Patisserie
Barmbrack, a richly-fruited bread from Ireland, is divine when topped with generous lashings of butter and accompanied by a pot of tea. This traditional bread is a staple and one of the best Dublin foods, usually enjoyed during Halloween. It's often baked with items such as a ring, coin or cloth inside, representing different fortunes.
The Vibe
Experience the warmth of Irish hospitality at Hansel & Gretel Bakery & Patisserie, a charming bakery known to provide only the best of Dublin food; and of course, celebrated for its delicious Barmbrack.
Why It's Good
Their Barmbrack is freshly made, rich, moist and packed with dried fruits, making it a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea — overall, one of the best Dublin food options for breakfast.
Hansel & Gretel Bakery & Patisserie | 20 Clare St., Dublin, Ireland | €€
3. Irish Coffee at Vice Coffee
Irish Coffee, an indulgent blend of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar and lightly whipped double cream, is a staple among the best of Dublin's food scene. This rich and sumptuous drink is a perfect way to end a meal or warm up on a chilly day.
The Vibe
Enjoy a cup of Irish coffee at Vice Coffee, a trendy café in Dublin that's known for its excellent coffee and the best Dublin food, all served in a relaxed atmosphere.
Why It's Good
Their Irish coffee is expertly brewed, with the perfect balance of coffee, whiskey and cream, making it the best pick-me-up on any day.
Vice Coffee | 54 Middle Abbey St., Dublin, Ireland | €
4. Oysters at Temple Bar Food Market
Ireland's coastal location makes it a haven for seafood lovers. Dublin's Oysters, paired with a pint of Guinness, is a classic combo that you must not miss when trying the best Dublin foods.
The Vibe
Get your seafood fix at the Temple Bar Food Market, a bustling outdoor market in Dublin where you can find a variety of fresh seafood options amongst some of the other best Dublin foods.
Why It's Good
The oysters here are fresh, plump and served with a tangy mignonette sauce that enhances their natural briny flavour.
Temple Bar Food Market | Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland | €€
5. Doughnuts at The Rolling Donut
When it comes to the best Dublin foods, the desert scene is equally impressive, with doughnuts from The Rolling Donut topping the list. These doughnuts are freshly baked every day and come in an array of delicious varieties.
The Vibe
The Rolling Donut is a family-run business with a cheerful and inviting ambience, perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat.
Why It's Good
Their doughnuts are light, fluffy and generously topped with a variety of glazes and toppings. From classic sugar-coated doughnuts to innovative flavours like salted caramel and Oreo, there's a doughnut for everyone here. It's no wonder they're often hailed as some of the best Dublin food for satisfying any sweet tooth.
The Rolling Donut | Multiple Locations | €
6. Sunday Roast at The Butcher Grill
The Sunday Roast is a British tradition that's also popular as one of the best Dublin foods. This meal typically includes roasted meat and roast potato, and comes with sides like Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, vegetables and gravy.
The Vibe
Experience this tradition at The Butcher Grill, a modern steakhouse in Dublin with rustic yet chic décor. Needless to say, it serves one of the best Dublin foods: the most succulent roast.
Why It's Good
Their Sunday roast is a meat lover's dream, featuring succulent cuts of beef, crispy roast potatoes and a rich, flavorful gravy.
The Butcher Grill | 92 Main St., Ranelagh, Dublin 6, D06 V4H3, Ireland | €€€
7. Colcannon at Oliver St. John Gogarty
The award-winning Oliver St. John Gogarty serves up a mean colcannon. Not sure what this traditional Irish food is? Well, if you're a fan of mashed potato, this is right up your alley. Different restaurants like to add their touch to it, offering a variety of flavour variations. However, this simple delicacy that easily makes its way onto the list of the best Dublin foods is often made with cabbage or kale.
The Vibe
Step into Gogartys for an authentic Irish pub experience, complete with warm hospitality and a lively atmosphere. It's the perfect spot to savour a bowl of creamy colcannon.
Why It's Good
Certain recipes at this long-standing favourite restaurant date back to the 19th century, showcasing the thought and care that goes into their menu choices. With a capacity for 89 people, there's more than enough space for you, your family and friends to all join in on the fun.
Oliver St. John Gogarty | 58-59 Fleet St., Temple Bar, Dublin Ireland | €€
8. Full Irish Breakfast at The Bank Bar & Restaurant
Start your day in one of the best Dublin restaurants for a full Irish breakfast. This hearty meal typically includes bacon, sausages, eggs, black pudding, white pudding, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms and Irish soda bread.
The Vibe
Enjoy your breakfast in the grandeur of The Bank Bar & Restaurant, a beautifully restored 19th-century building that was once a bank but is now a venue for the best Dublin food out there.
Why It's Good
Their full Irish breakfast is generously portioned and cooked to perfection, making it a satisfying start to your day and a true traditional represantive of Dublin cuisine.
The Bank Bar & Restaurant | 20-22 College Green, Dublin, Ireland | €€
9. Irish Stew at The Oval Bar
Irish Stew, a traditional dish made with mutton, potatoes and onions is a staple of Dublin cuisine. This hearty stew is slow-cooked until the meat is tender and the flavours are deeply developed.
The Vibe
Experience this traditional dish at The Oval Bar, a historic bar in Dublin that's been serving patrons since 1822. A visit there promises a vintage feel and ensures you get served the best of Dublin foods.
Why It's Good
Their Irish stew is made following a traditional recipe, resulting in a rich and hearty dish that's full of flavour and cooked with love.
The Oval Bar | 78 Middle Abbey St., Dublin, Ireland | €€
10. Fish and Chips at The Ginger Man
Fish and Chips is a classic British dish popular among the best Dublin foods. It consists of deep-fried fish, usually cod or haddock, that's been layered with batter and gets served with thick-cut chips.
The Vibe
Enjoy this classic dish at The Ginger Man, a traditional Irish pub with a cosy and friendly atmosphere.
Why It's Good
What puts their fish and chips up there as one of the best Dublin foods is a crispy batter and tender, flaky fish, served with perfectly cooked chips and a tangy tartare sauce.
The Ginger Man | 40 Fenian St., Dublin, Ireland | €€
11. Fumbally Eggs at The Fumbally Café
Fumbally eggs is one of the best Dublin foods for a breakfast meal. It consists of scrambled eggs cooked with olive oil and Gubbeen cheese, served with sautéed kale and garlic on a slice of sourdough bread.
The Vibe
Experience this popular breakfast dish at The Fumbally Café, a trendy café in Dublin known for its innovative menu and relaxed vibe.
Why It's Good
Their Fumbally Eggs are creamy and delicious, served with freshly baked sourdough bread for a satisfying breakfast in Dublin.
The Fumbally Café | Fumbally Lane, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 HFF2, Ireland | €€
12. Korean Fried Chicken Wings at Chimac
Chimac offers a unique fusion of Korean and Irish cuisine, with their Korean fried chicken wings being a crowd favourite and the best Dublin food of a different origin.
The Vibe
Chimac has a lively and vibrant atmosphere, with modern décor and a bustling open kitchen where you can see the chefs at work.
Why It's Good
Their Korean fried chicken wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and coated in a tangy and spicy sauce packed with a blend of flavours.
Chimac | 76 Aungier St., Dublin, Ireland | €€
13. Steak Sandwich at Featherblade
The steak sandwich at Featherblade is a must-try and a top pick from the best Dublin food, especially for meat lovers. This sandwich features seared featherblade steak in a toasted ciabatta with watercress, caramelized onions, dijon mayo, gherkins and pork scratchings.
The Vibe
Featherblade is a modern steakhouse with a laid-back vibe, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
Why It's Good
Their steak sandwich is packed with flavour, with tender steak and flavorful toppings creating a satisfying combination. It definitely stands out as one of the best Dublin foods to try.
Featherblade | 51 Dawson St., Dublin, Ireland | €€
14. Seafood Chowder at The Winding Stair
The Seafood Chowder at The Winding Stair is a hearty and flavorful dish, packed with a variety of seafood and served with dillisk seaweed treacle bread.
The Vibe
The Winding Stair is a charming restaurant with stunning views of the River Liffey, offering a unique dining experience and serving nothing but the best Dublin food in the restaurant scene.
Why It's Good
Their seafood chowder is rich and creamy, with a variety of fresh seafood that adds a burst of flavour to every bite.
The Winding Stair | 40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin, Ireland | €€€
15. Plant-Based Specials at Luncheonette
Luncheonette boasts a variety of delicious plant-based dishes, perfect for vegetarians and vegans.
The Vibe
Luncheonette is a cosy café with a relaxed atmosphere, offering a splendid experience of relaxation and indulgence to enjoy the best Dublin food and most unique dining experience.
Why It's Good
Their plant-based specials change daily, offering a variety of fresh and flavourful dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste for plant-based Dublin food.
Luncheonette | National College of Art and Design, 100 Thomas St., Dublin, Ireland | €€
16. Spice Bag From Sunflower Chinese Takeaway
The Spice Bag is a popular fast food dish in Dublin consisting of fried chicken, chips and a variety of spices. It's delicious, satisfying and the best Dublin food to choose for a quick lunch or dinner on the go.
The Vibe
Enjoy a spice bag in the casual setting of Sunflower Chinese Takeaway, a popular takeaway spot in Dublin where plenty of Chinese delights can be enjoyed.
Why It's Good
Their spice bag is packed with flavour, with the spicy seasoning perfectly complementing the crispy chicken and chips.
Sunflower Chinese Takeaway | 4 Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin, Ireland | €
17. A Burger at Bunsen
For those looking to sink their teeth into a good old-fashioned burger of the finest quality, this is the spot to be. 'Spoilt for choice' isn't a term that can be used for the menu at Bunsen; however, this is not necessarily a bad thing because you know that their burger, fries and drinks craft has been refined right down to the last detail, without the distractions of other delicacies.
The Vibe
Picture your typical burger-style diner, now imagine something even better offering the best Dublin food — that's what you'll find at Bunsen.
Why It's Good
With patties that have been freshly minced every morning, you know you'll be savouring the tastiest, juiciest burgers in town.
Bunsen | Multiple Locations | €€
18. Beef and Guinness Pie at Murray's Bar
Perfect for the typical Irish weather, a beef and Guinness pie from Murray's Bar combines delicious nutrition with hearty warmth, all blanketed in a tasty pastry. Typically made with beef cubes, celery, carrots, onions and a host of other appetising ingredients, there's no reason not to dive into the wealth of flavours with every mouthful.
The Vibe
The staff at one of Dublin's oldest bars serving some of the best Dublin food are ready to welcome you to a cosy, traditional atmosphere.
Why It's Good
With 12-hour braised beef, there are few jucier options on Murray's diverse menu to enjoy while watching some live sport on one of over 25 3D HD screens.
Murray's Bar | 33-34 O'Connell St. Upper, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 E0W2, Ireland | €€
19. Bacon and Cabbage From Madigan's O'Connell Street
This simple, yet delicious meal that traditionally gets made on St. Patrick's Day was often enjoyed by Irish farmers in years gone by. The two main ingredients are usually accompanied by the delectable crunch of carrots, potatoes, onions and turnips, topped with a creamy white sauce. Nothing shouts the best Dublin food quite like this traditional dish served in a historical Dublin pub such as Madigan's O'Connell Street.
The Vibe
Where tradition meets affordability and exceptional hospitality, added to entertaining live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, is where you'll find Madigan's.
Why It's Good
The bacon gets roasted in Irish honey, promising an irresistible sweetness you won't get anywhere else. The creamy parsley sauce has been known to make this a contender for the best Dublin food, bringing customers back over and over again.
Madigan's O'Connell Street | 19 O'Connell St. Upper, North City, Dublin 1, D01 E796, Ireland | €€
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
There you have it — whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring the best Dublin food is a worthy venture that's sure to open you up to a world of passion for food. Be it traditional Irish dishes or modern-inspired delicacies, Dublin's food scene has something for everyone. So, the next time you're around, make sure to try only the best Dublin food you can get your hands on.
For even more ways to explore Dublin and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.