Whether it’s your first contact with the Emerald Isle or you’re already an expert in all things Irish, you’re probably aware of a few things: the climate, the beer, and the greenery. What many people may not be certain about is traditional Irish food in Dublin.
Beyond huge Irish breakfasts and foamy pints of Guinness, there’s a world of delicious things to discover. Read along to learn about some of the most traditional Irish food in Dublin, including top restaurants where you can try them.
One thing is for sure: you won’t leave Dublin hungry!
Traditional Irish Food in Dublin: Must-Try Dishes
When faced wondering “What food is Dublin known for?,” they often mistakenly assume it’s similar to British fare.
However, the Irish boast a rather distinctive and authentic cuisine that makes use of the freshest seasonal produce and commonly builds upon the country’s flagship ingredient: potatoes, or as they’re known locally, spuds.
- Irish stew: Ireland’s national dish is a cozy, heartwarming hug which comes with lamb or mutton, plenty of spuds and a couple of slices of wheaten bread. For the best Irish stew in Dublin, O’Neill’s or The Brazen Head have our seal of approval.
- Coddle: This slow-cooked, tenderly simmered recipe combines chunks of pork sausage along with thick-cut bacon rashers, sliced potatoes and onions, and yes, is as cozy and comforting as it sounds. Head to The Hairy Lemon for a mouthwatering coddle.
- Boxty: When it comes to spuds, Ireland always delivers. Boxty are essentially potato pancakes which are best served with melted cheese and ham, or smoked salmon and crème fraîche.
- Colcannon: This quintessentially Irish mash packs in as many spuds as possible to then throw in a handful of scallions (or spring onions) and butter into the mix. It’s usually accompanied by rashers (bacon for Dubliners) or ham.
Traditional Irish food in Dublin: sweets & snacks
So many snacks, so little time! Read on to find out how to indulge in a treat like locals in Dublin do.
- Soda bread: Although some prefer a scone with their tea, soda bread has a guaranteed spot at every Irish table. Try it with your favorite chowder!
- Barmbrack: This easy bread recipe is typical at Halloween and perfect to pair with your whiskey. The Butler’s Pantry offers some of the best in town.
- Irish coffee: This sweet treat of Jameson, cream and sugar is a must if you enjoy coffee-based drinks. Klaw Café in the Temple Bar area is an expert pick.
- Sourdough bread: Bread 41 not only is sourdough heaven on Earth, it is also known for its almond croissant and Semla buns, and it’s a stone’s throw from Trinity College.
- Confections: Close to must-see wonders like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Two Pups is a color-laden café with a vast range of cakes, brownies and brunch options.
- Toasties: Irish toasties are toasted sandwiches typically filled with ingredients like cheese, ham, or bacon and egg.
Fine dining in Dublin
For those willing to break the bank just a little, Dublin’s offer expands to Michelin-star awarded restaurants and critic-acclaimed gastrobars that take local cuisine to new heights. Here are some of our picks:
- Delahunt is a Victorian-style restaurant in Dublin that has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. It embraces Irish ingredients and local food with a contemporary twist. Their menu skillfully blends traditional methods like curing, smoking, and preserving.
- Madigan’s Earl Street gastropub has it all: seafood, red meats, and vegetarian dishes. Other things not to miss: their selection of Whisky and Baileys cheesecake!
- Mulberry Garden, located in Donnybrook, provides a fully Irish experience, from its charming cottage setting to its use of local ingredients. Their menu includes a variety of dishes like Castletownbere scallops and Sheelin beef. Since their food list changes weekly, every visitor can enjoy something different each time.
Fish and seafood in Dublin
A sea-locked nation, Ireland boasts the best seafood chowders this side of the Atlantic ocean. The secret? Combining both smoked and fresh fish. If seafood is your thing, then head here:
- Johnnie Fox’s pub just outside Dublin is one of the nation’s coziest spots for tasty seafood.
- Fish Market (Grand Canal Dock) is a great fishmonger in Dublin offering top-notch mackerel, cockles and mussels.
- Wrights of Marino in Howth is a runner up for one of the best Dublin day trips for their seafood market alone.
The Best Carvery & Dublin pub food
If you happen to be in Dublin on the weekend, it’d be a sin to leave without indulging in a proper carvery (type of restaurant serving roasted meats). Our top picks:
- Sinnott’s or Fagan’s: Look no further for your Sunday feast of meat (turkey, ham, corned beef, beef, pork or lamb), paired with vegetables and potatoes in all shapes and textures.
- L Mulligan Grocer: It’s common to find local delicacies such as Gubbeen cheese and Ballymakenny potatoes populating its menu, and each option comes with a suggested craft beer or cider.
- Loose Canon: If you’re a cheese toastie lover, don’t miss this spot!
- Bunsen: For burgers and fries (if you’re in the mood for something other than Irish food).
Traditional Irish drinks in Dublin
When discussing traditional Irish food in Dublin, it’s hard not to include recommendations for beverages as well.
- Join a pub crawl in the Temple Bar area: Visit some of the best-known bars in town including The Palace Bar, The Foggy Dew or The Auld Dubliner. If stouts aren’t your thing, Smithwick’s red ale is the national counterpart to Guinness.
- Try some local cider: Flagship brands include Magners and Rockshore (yes, the same people who are responsible for the namesake pale ale).
And if you’d rather drink your way around Dublin’s fair city at your own pace, our Pubs, Pints, and History tour is the perfect addition to your journey round the Irish capital. Packing up brewing and distilling knowledge, local history and a taste of the most delicious pub drinks, it will certainly not disappoint!