Dublin Food & Drink Guide

Guide to the best food and drink in Dublin

Dublin is one of the most popular places for a full belly and a tipple... or 10. Having family from Dublin means many trips to The Emerald Isle. We've tried and tested our fair share of pubs, restaurants, and cafes, and decided it was time to write down our favourites. This is a list of the best places to eat and drink in Dublin.

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Gallaghers Boxty House

First on the list is The Boxty House, featured in the header of this blog post. This place never fails to amaze, offering up an array of traditional Irish treats, and home to the famous Irish Boxty pancake. Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake made up of mashed and grated potatoes, resulting in a unique part pancake, part hash brown extravaganza. Not only that, they serve them with the most delicious fillings!

My personal favourite order is the trio of stews - Irish Stew, Beef & Stout Stew, and Dublin Coddle, served with a selection of their homemade breads - Soda Bread, Beer Bread, and Stout Bread, topped off with a hefty helping of their home churned butter! They say the best things come in threes, so it would of course be rude not to pair it with their Jack Smyth tasting platter - Stout, Red Ale, Golden Ale - the craft beer produced especially for the Boxty House.

It's safe to say you will NOT be leaving here hungry, or thirsty!

20-21 Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland

Bewley's Grafton Street

Bewley's has to be one of the most amazing cafés I've ever seen. Situated in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Grafton Street, you'd never guess the beauty that lies inside. As you walk in, you're greeted by an open fire and a display of the most intricate pastries. We were led to our table by a waiter dressed to impress for a delicious ham and cheese croissant, served with fresh pot of tea showing the time the leaves started brewing and the recommended brewing time. We didn't try their coffee, however in true tradition, the coffee beans are hand-roasted on site, gutted we missed out!

Their attention to detail, including the six stained glass windows commissioned from artist Harry Clarke in 1931, make for an unforgettable stop for lunch.

78- 79 Grafton Street, Dublin, D02 K033, Ireland

Mamma Mia

If you aren't in the mood for your traditional Irish grub, then we highly recommend this place! Slightly out of the centre, but a small walk from Merrion Square, Mamma Mia is a tiny Italian restaurant tucked away. We only found this place as it was at the end of the street we were staying on, and all I can say is WOW! They prepared the freshest dishes, and in the tiniest kitchen (pictured below), really showing their skill. It's run by a group of Spanish friends and family who are the most welcoming hosts.

If you have the time to try out this place, we highly recommend!

2 Grattan St, Dublin 2, D02 P891, Ireland

Gogarty's - Temple Bar for Food

While Temple Bar is renowned for being the biggest drinking place in Dublin, you can also stop in one of the pubs for some traditional Irish Pub Grub and catch a different side to temple bar.

Because of this, we were sceptical of the quality of food we would get, but MY LORD it was incredible! Dining in Gogarty's is situated upstairs, away from the liveliness of temple bar goers. They have a HUGE menu, with something on there to please everyone.

Although not the most aesthetically pleasing food, it's sure to please your belly. We highly recommend the Irish fish chowder to start, so warming and flavourful, however probably not the best for lining your stomach ready to hit up temple bar.

Don't just head to Temple Bar for the Guinness, line your beer bellies as well, YUM!

18-21 Anglesea St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland

Temple Bar for Beer

Temple Bar? Beer? REALLY? This post is pretty self explanatory...

Almost every pub along Temple Bar showcases the best of the Dublin Craic, with live music and Guinness flowing from every nook and cranny. It's a true experience, and the best place if you're looking for a party, no matter the time of day!

If you find yourself on Temple Bar, head to the Palace Bar for a more intimate look at Dublin pub life. Especially head to this pub if you're there on the 1st April, 'Myles Day', where every year a celebration of the life of noted Irish author of Myles na gCopaleen/ Flann O’Brien/ Brian O’Nolan is held. Myles was a frequent drinker in this pub, and passed away on April 1st 1966. Poets, comedians, performers, and musicians, all join together for readings and performances of some of his work, while it's free entry, you'll want to get there early on 01/04 if you want a seat!

If you're after a pub in Dublin with genuine literary pedigree, or something just a bit different, The Palace is your place.