The best affordable restaurants in Dublin aren’t always the ones with the biggest signs or trendiest decor. Sometimes, they’re tucked into side streets, run by passionate people, and serve food that surprises you with every bite.
This list isn’t just about what’s cheap. It’s about where quality, atmosphere, and heart come together at a price that makes you smile when the bill arrives. These are the places we keep going back to.
Keep reading to learn everything about the best affordable restaurants in Dublin and plan where you want to visit next!
12 Best Affordable Restaurants in Dublin
Fair Play Café
When we stumbled upon Fair Play Café on York Road, we weren’t expecting much more than a quick bite. But what we found instead was one of Dublin’s warmest, most heartfelt little secrets. Housed in part of an old church with vines climbing the stone walls, this community-run café delivers more than just food—it serves soul, kindness, and a refreshing sense of purpose.
The day we visited, we arrived early, just as they opened, and were greeted like regulars. The smell of fresh coffee filled the cosy room. Soft music played in the background, and cheerful chatter gave it a homey vibe. I ordered the ciabatta breakfast sandwich and a cappuccino, while my friend went for the full Irish breakfast. Both meals were hearty and made with care. The porridge and scones? Divine. I haven’t stopped thinking about them since.
What makes this place special is the mission. All profits go to local causes, and much of the produce is grown out back in their own garden. The space is small, but full of charm—herbs, flowers, veggies, even a little aviary with birds fluttering about.
If you’re wondering where to eat on a budget in Dublin and want something that feels good for the soul and the wallet, this is that rare place you’ll want to come back to—and tell your friends about too.
PI George’s Street
If you’re after really, really good pizza in Dublin, PI on George’s Street is a must. Located at Castle House on South Great George’s Street, it’s built a strong following for a reason—with over 2,300 glowing Google reviews and a solid 4.6-star rating.
We popped in on a busy afternoon and had to wait a bit, but the staff were super friendly and texted us when the table was ready. That small touch already made a great impression.
Inside, it’s small, buzzy, and full of energy. Music’s playing, pizzas are flying out of the oven fast, and the whole vibe screams casual and fun. The menu’s short but clever. We tried the Margherita and the spicy Nduja with honey—both were total flavor bombs. Their vegan Mediterranean pizza with Happy Pear pesto also stood out, especially when dipped in garlic herb sauce.
The crust is everything. Thin in the center, puffy on the edge, with that gorgeous wood-fired blister. The center gets a little soft, but trust me, the flavor makes up for it. Most pizzas cost between €13–€16, which is super fair for the quality. Honestly, PI stands out among the best cheap restaurants in Dublin city centre.
Locals love it, tourists find it, and once you’ve been, you’ll understand the hype.
Bunsen, Temple Bar
Bunsen doesn’t mess around. No gimmicks, no frills—just solid burgers done right. Located in Temple Bar with over 5,200 Google reviews and a 4.6-star rating, it’s clear this place knows what it’s doing. We weren’t planning to eat there twice. But after one bite, we did.
The menu is tiny—just four burgers, three fries, and a couple of milkshakes. But that cheeseburger? Wow. It’s juicy, beefy, and packed with flavor. Lettuce, onion, melted cheese—all the classics, perfectly balanced. It’s the kind of burger that makes you pause mid-bite and just enjoy the moment.
Now let’s talk fries. The sweet potato fries might be the best I’ve had. Crunchy on the outside, soft in the middle, and ridiculously addictive. We had to order another round just to avoid fighting over the last one.
The staff were amazing—friendly, relaxed, and really on point. And the best part? It’s budget-friendly. Burgers are under €14, fries between €4–€6, and we paid less than €20 each. It’s one of those budget-friendly food spots in Dublin where you leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit.
Eatokyo Noodles and Sushi Bar
I honestly can’t count how many times I’ve ended up at Eatokyo after college or on lazy weekends. It’s tucked just off Temple Bar along the quays, and it’s become my go-to Japanese spot. It’s cozy, consistent, and the food never disappoints. You know a place is good when it becomes part of your weekly routine without even thinking. No wonder it has over 2,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on Google.
Just last week, a few of us stopped by after work for a quick bite before heading out. I went for the yasai yakisoba—loaded with veggies, cashews, and a fried egg on top. It hit the spot without feeling too heavy. My friend had the teriyaki chicken bento, and as usual, we ended up trading bites across the table. The sushi? Always fresh. The salmon melts in your mouth. The gyozas come out hot, golden, and crispy.
Most mains are €12–€16, which makes this one of the most affordable places to eat in Dublin, especially for sushi. You even get free tap water with ice and lemon, and the vibe is chill. You’re never rushed, even when it’s busy.
The staff are always kind and helpful, and the portions leave you full and happy. If you’re into Japanese food but don’t want to break the bank, this spot is a solid pick.
Mario’s, Ranelagh
Mario’s feels like one of those local favorites that’s been around forever, and that’s exactly why I love it. We didn’t have a booking, but the staff still found us a cozy corner table even though it was packed on a Friday night. That welcoming energy set the tone for a relaxed and delicious meal. It’s got a 4.6-star Google rating, and you can see why from the first bite.
I ordered the Antica pizza with goat’s cheese, caramelized onion, and chorizo—crispy base, loads of flavor, and only €15. My friend had the crab ravioli in cream sauce, which was rich but not too heavy. We split sides (between €3–€6), and everything came out quickly and tasted amazing.
What really stood out? The prices. For a sit-down Italian meal, Mario’s is surprisingly budget-friendly. Mains are well under €20, and even the wine and dessert don’t break the bank. It’s one of those cheap dinner options in Dublin that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
If you’re in Ranelagh and want comforting food, good vibes, and solid value, Mario’s is an easy yes.
Ka Shing, Wicklow Street
Ka Shing is one of those hidden, cheap restaurants in Dublin that you only hear about from people who know good Chinese food. A Cantonese friend told me it was the real deal, and after one visit, I’m completely on board. With 1,200+ reviews and a 4.3-star rating, it’s clearly a local favorite.
We went for weekend dim sum and ordered a bunch to share—char siu buns, siu mai, Shanghai dumplings, roast duck, and pork platter, plus Yang Chow fried rice. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned. The char siu was especially memorable—smoky, juicy, and just the right amount of sweet glaze.
For dessert, we tried the sweet and sour shrimp and sesame balls. Prices were great too—we each paid around €20 and left full. The dining room is simple but lively, and the staff made great dish suggestions, even if service got a bit slow at times.
Whether you’re meeting a few friends or craving real Cantonese food, Ka Shing is a hidden gem worth checking out. Pro tip: book ahead—they fill up fast on weekends.
Tucano Restaurant
I found Tucano on Capel Street by accident when I was looking for something hearty and different—and now I can’t stop thinking about it. This cozy Brazilian place, now also open on Talbot Street, feels like one of those hidden spots locals quietly love. It’s not flashy. It’s not trendy. But the food? Full of soul.
The menu sticks to Brazilian classics like juicy picanha steak, creamy chicken stroganoff, golden fried cassava, and fresh guaraná juice. Everything tastes homemade—like someone’s mom is cooking in the back. You just feel good eating here.
What makes it even better is the price. The portions are big, and the prices are way lower than you’d expect for food this good. They even bring you a small cup of Brazilian coffee at the end, free of charge. Honestly, this is one of the best value for money restaurants Dublin has to offer.
Sure, parking’s not great, but hop on the Luas or walk a bit—it’s 100% worth it. Whether you’re craving something new or just want a warm, affordable meal with real flavor, Tucano delivers every time.
Milano
Milano is always a win when you’re in the mood for pizza that tastes legit. Their garlic bread? Best in town. And they’ve added this new dough caramel dessert that’s addictive. The place has over 3,900 reviews and a strong 4.5-star rating—and after visiting, you’ll know why.
It does get busy, especially in the evenings, but the vibe is worth the wait. When we visited last time, we came in during a packed dinner rush, but people were finishing up fast, so we got seated pretty quickly. Staff were on point—friendly, fast, and helpful.
The Padana pizza was thin, crispy, and full of flavor. The Margherita was okay—just a bit light on tomato and basil—but maybe it was just the simpler version we ordered. My wife’s vegan Buddha Bowl had too much olive oil, but everything else made up for it.
What I love most is how family-friendly it is. They’ve got a kids’ menu with fun stuff to do while waiting, and gluten-free options too. If you’re near Temple Bar and wondering where to find cheap meals in Dublin without sacrificing taste or experience, Milano’s is a solid choice. Just be sure to book ahead during peak hours at +353 1 670 3384.
DiFontaine’s Pizzeria
For my friend’s birthday, he brought the whole crew to DiFontaine’s in Temple Bar, and honestly, it was one of the best group lunches we’ve had. First of all, the pizza was amazing. But what blew us away were the prices. At just €5.50 a slice for cheese or pepperoni, it felt like a serious deal for Temple Bar.
You could upgrade with toppings like BBQ chicken or spinach with feta for just €1 more, so everyone got what they liked without spending a ton. The crust was thin and chewy—just how real Neapolitan pizza should be—and the toppings tasted super fresh.
The vibe was chill and friendly, perfect for a birthday hangout. They also had vegan and vegetarian options, so no one felt left out. If you’re after affordable dining in Dublin for tourists or locals, this place is perfect. Great food, great price, and good times.
Neon Asian Street Food
Some places just get it—great food, fair prices, and a chill atmosphere. Neon Asian Street Food on Camden Street Lower is that kind of spot. I wandered in once after class and instantly knew I’d be back. It’s no surprise they’ve got over 1,700 Google reviews and a 4.4-star rating.
We kicked off with Crispy Pork Parcels and Calamari with Black Pepper—crunchy, flavorful, and totally addictive. Then came the Thai Sweet and Sour Crispy Chicken, which had this sticky, sweet crunch that hit just right. The Penang Curry was warm and cozy, and the Tom Kha Gai soup had this creamy-citrus balance that kept us spooning till the bowl was empty.
Inside, the vibe is modern street food meets chill hangout—brick walls, soft lighting, and a nice buzz. And the prices? Around €15–€16 per main, which is totally fair for the portion and taste. It’s easily one of the affordable lunch spots in Dublin you’ll want on your go-to list.
Only downside? They serve everything in disposable containers, even when dining in. It feels a bit off for a place this cool. But honestly, the food makes up for it. Neon is one of those places where the flavor and the price just make sense together.
Umi Falafel
If you’re after something light, fresh, and packed with flavor, Umi Falafel hits the mark. I dropped by for a quick lunch and instantly loved how clean and satisfying everything felt. It’s no wonder they’ve got a 4.5-star rating with over 3,100 reviews.
I built my bowl, added double eggplant (because it was that good), and got completely hooked on their caramelized onions. I didn’t expect onions to steal the show, but here we are. Their sauces—especially the tahini and garlic—tie everything together perfectly.
Umi is super popular with students, and it makes sense. The meals are filling, nutritious, and reasonably priced, making it one of the best student-friendly restaurants in Dublin. Plus, the casual setting and quick service make it a solid choice whether you’re dining in or grabbing a takeaway.
Vegan or not, Umi is one of those spots you’ll keep coming back to whenever you need a healthy bite that doesn’t feel like a salad compromise.
Zaytoon
We found Zaytoon in Temple Bar totally by accident while starving and wandering with no plan—and honestly, it turned into one of the best food surprises of the week. With over 4,000 Google reviews and a 4.3-star rating, it’s clear we’re not alone.
I ordered the mixed doner—juicy lamb and chicken stacked on warm pita, drizzled with garlic and chili sauce. It was served open-style, which made every bite a perfect DIY moment. My friend grabbed the chicken kubideh meal with fries and a drink. Total cost? Around €16–€18, but you can easily get a solid main for €12–€14.
Zaytoon proves you can still get cheap but good food in Dublin, especially in the heart of the city. The portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and the place has a fast-casual vibe that makes it great for both a quick bite and a chill dinner.
Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a post-night-out craving (they’re open till midnight!), Zaytoon delivers comfort food that’s easy on your wallet and full of flavor.
Final thoughts
Dublin might have its fair share of high-end dining, but as this list shows, you don’t need deep pockets to eat exceptionally well in the city. These affordable restaurants offer more than just good food. They offer warmth, personality, and a sense of place.
So, next time you’re hungry and watching your budget, skip the chains and head to one of these places. Your wallet and your tastebuds will thank you!
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