Dublin’s dining scene offers something for every budget and taste. You’ll find Michelin-starred excellence at Chapter One, authentic Irish comfort food at The Boxty House, and fresh seafood deals at Fish Shop. Farm-to-table enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Bastible’s innovative tasting menu, while Temple Bar Food Market delivers vibrant street food options. Round out your culinary journey at Delahunt or L. Mulligan Grocer. Each venue has its own unique story and specialty worth discovering.
Key Points
- Chapter One offers Michelin-starred dining in Dublin’s Writers Museum with tasting menus highlighting Irish ingredients and contemporary cuisine.
- Temple Bar Food Market provides authentic street food and local produce every Saturday, perfect for casual dining and sampling.
- The Boxty House serves traditional Irish comfort food, featuring their signature potato pancake and fresh seafood chowder.
- Bastible delivers farm-to-table excellence with a €105 tasting menu showcasing seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes.
- Fish Shop stands out for exceptionally fresh seafood at competitive prices with consistently high ratings.
Fine Dining at Chapter One
Tucked away in the basement of Dublin’s Writers Museum, Chapter One offers a Michelin-starred dining experience that won’t disappoint – though it’ll certainly dent your wallet.
The award-winning restaurant has been widely recognized internationally for its innovative approach to Irish cuisine.
The tasting menus range from €135 to €180, but if you’re looking to sample their excellence without breaking the bank, try their €75 lunch service.
You’ll find locally sourced Irish ingredients transformed into masterpieces by chef Mickael Viljanen in a setting that blends Georgian architecture with contemporary art.
The staff strikes a perfect balance between French precision and Irish warmth, making you feel at home while serving up delicacies like Lambay crab pancake and house-cured meats from their charcuterie trolley.
For an extra-special experience, book the chef’s table or the intimate Midleton Room for private dining.
Traditional Irish Comfort at The Boxty House
While Dublin’s fine dining scene continues to evolve, The Boxty House in Temple Bar remains a beloved institution for authentic Irish comfort food.
You’ll find this cozy spot recreating an old Irish kitchen atmosphere across multiple dining rooms. Start your meal with their fresh seafood chowder served with homemade stout and treacle bread.
The menu’s star is their signature Boxty – a traditional potato pancake reimagined in creative ways.
Try the Gaelic Boxty with tenderloin fillet and whiskey cream sauce, or the modern Spice Bag Boxty with curry-topped chicken.
If you’re dining with friends, the Gallagher’s Boxty Platter offers a perfect sampling of their specialties.
For the budget-conscious, brunch options like the Full Irish breakfast are more affordable than dinner mains, which range from €22-€46.
Don’t miss their innovative desserts, especially the Bailey’s Cheesecake or unique Póitin Sorbet.
Fresh Catches at Fish Shop
Despite Dublin’s extensive seafood scene, the aptly named Fish Shop distinguishes itself for its remarkably fresh catches and wallet-friendly prices.
You’ll find competitive rates like €10/kg salmon and €2/kg tilapia at places like International Fresh Fish, where they’ll fillet your selections for free.
Early morning visits ensure you get the freshest selection from the day’s catch.
For the best service, head to George’s Fish Shop, boasting a stellar 4.9/5 rating and complimentary dipping sauces with every purchase.
They’ll even ship your seafood nationwide if you can’t visit in person.
If you’re unsure about preparation, stop by Kish Fish or Feeneys Fish, where knowledgeable staff will guide you through cooking techniques from basic poaching to sushi-making.
Plus, with most shops offering 24-hour delivery within Dublin, you won’t have to compromise on freshness or convenience.
Farm-to-Table at Bastible
Inside a charming corner of Portobello, Bastible stands as Dublin’s premier farm-to-table destination, where chef-driven tasting menus showcase Ireland’s finest seasonal ingredients.
You’ll find their €105 tasting menu features innovative dishes like oyster tart and sika deer with beetroot, while their house-made fermented elements add unique depth to each course.
If you’re a seafood lover or vegetarian, they’ll accommodate your preferences with advance notice, and you can enhance your experience with their €80 wine pairing.
The restaurant opens for lunch only on Fridays from 12:00PM to 2:00PM, offering a more casual way to experience their culinary excellence.
The restaurant’s commitment to local sourcing means you’re getting the freshest flavors of the season.
While it’s not a budget-friendly option, dinner service Wednesday through Saturday and weekend lunch hours give you flexibility in planning your splurge-worthy dining experience at this Leonard’s Corner gem.
Street Food Heaven at Temple Bar Food Market
For a more wallet-friendly taste of Dublin’s culinary scene, Temple Bar Food Market offers a vibrant alternative to fine dining establishments. You’ll find this foodie haven tucked away in Meeting House Square, where local farmers and producers have been sharing their goods since 1997.
Every Saturday from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, you can wander through this bustling marketplace in the heart of Temple Bar District. It’s a perfect spot to sample authentic Irish street food and fresh local produce without breaking the bank. The market’s friendly and engaging vendors are happy to share advice about preparing and enjoying their products.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or collecting ingredients for dinner, the market’s central location makes it an easy stop during your Temple Bar explorations. Just remember to bring cash and arrive early for the best selection, as vendors often sell out of popular items.
Modern Irish at Delahunt
When you’re ready to experience modern Irish cuisine at its finest, Delahunt’s historic Victorian building offers an intimate dining adventure that perfectly balances tradition with innovation.
You’ll find yourself surrounded by dark lighting, contemporary artwork, and a stunning mahogany bar that sets the perfect mood for your meal. The restaurant truly shines with its knowledgeable staff service.
Choose from these wallet-friendly options:
- Early dinner set menus with 2-3 courses
- Café Delahunt’s casual lunch offerings
- The Sitting Room’s pre-dinner cocktails
- Private courtyard dining for special occasions
Their signature dishes, like Guinness brown bread and halibut with crawfish, showcase modern Irish cooking at its best.
Vegetarians won’t feel left out – their plant-based tasting menus are equally impressive.
Just remember to mention any dietary restrictions in advance, though they can’t accommodate allium or vinegar allergies.
Local Favorites at L. Mulligan Grocer
Tucked away in Dublin’s Stoneybatter neighborhood, L. Mulligan Grocer elevates traditional pub fare with its farm-to-table approach.
You’ll find house-made everything, from the complimentary bread to their tangy pickles and relishes.
Don’t miss their standout Scotch Egg (9.90€), featuring free-range Irish pork and organic egg, or the Wild Garlic Gnocchi (18.50€) paired perfectly with Saison Dupont.
Their impressive seasonal menu changes reflect the best ingredients available throughout the year.
If you’re visiting on Sunday, their roast is a local institution – but arrive early as it sells out fast.
Their twice-cooked chips with Dijon mayo (5.80€) are worth every cent.
What sets this gastropub apart is its commitment to Irish producers and sustainable practices, with most ingredients coming from their own organic farm or local suppliers.
The cozy, TV-free atmosphere makes it ideal for both casual dining and special occasions.
The Last Word
You’ll find Dublin’s a lot like your ex – a bit pricey but worth every penny when it comes to food. From Chapter One’s fancy plates that’ll drain your wallet to Temple Bar’s street eats that’ll save your budget, you’ve got options. Don’t be that tourist who ends up at a chain restaurant – you’re better than that. These seven spots will keep both your belly and your Instagram feed satisfied.