Dublin’s international food scene stopped being about “exotic options” sometime around 2015 and started being about actual quality. The city evolved past mediocre Chinese takeaways and hotel restaurant “world menus” into legitimate world cuisine Dublin experiences run by people who actually know what they’re cooking.
Most “best restaurants Dublin” guides throw everything together like they’re sorting laundry. Irish stew next to sushi next to pizza with no rhyme or reason beyond “these exist.” This creates decision paralysis when you just want good Korean food or authentic Italian without scrolling past 47 options you don’t care about.
So my guide focuses exclusively on the international restaurants Dublin offers at every price point. Irish food deserves its own spotlight so that you won’t find boxty or fish and chips here.
These 15 restaurants represent the best Asian food in Dublin, the best European food in Dublin, and everything beyond, organized by cuisine so you can find what you’re actually craving! And follow Dublinz Facebook and Dublinz Instagram for regular culinary delights!
Quick Reference: 15 Best International Restaurants
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price | Best For | Location |
| Umi Falafel | Middle Eastern | €8-15 | Budget, Lunch, Vegetarian | Multiple locations |
| Pho Ta | Vietnamese | €10-18 | Comfort Food, Rainy Days | Temple Bar |
| Hang Dai | Vietnamese | €15-25 | Lunch, Fresh/Healthy | Camden Street |
| Grano | Italian | €18-28 | Pasta, Authentic, Value | Stoneybatter |
| Cirillo’s | Italian | €20-35 | Pizza, Date Nights | Baggot Street |
| Kimchi Hophouse | Korean | €20-35 | Groups, Adventurous | Parnell Street |
| Mak at D6 | Chinese | €20-35 | Authentic Cantonese | Portobello |
| 777 | Mexican | €25-40 | Cocktails, Fun Nights | South Great George’s St |
| Banyi | Japanese | €25-35 | Sushi, Solo Dining | Temple Bar |
| Saba | Thai | €25-40 | Reliable, Cocktails | Baggot/Clarendon |
| Las Tapas de Lola | Spanish | €25-35 | Late Night, Dates | Wexford Street |
| Yamamori Izakaya | Japanese | €30-45 | Groups, Sharing | South Great George’s St |
| Pickle | Indian | €30-45 | Special Occasions | Camden Street |
| Uno Mas | Spanish | €35-40 | Wine, Date Nights | Aungier Street |
| Pichet | French | €40-50 | Impressing Someone | Trinity Street |
Asian Cuisines
Yamamori Izakaya (4.6/5) | €30-45 | South Great George’s Street
My partner dragged me here, insisting I try hot stone wagyu beef, and I spent the first five minutes watching the meat sizzle on volcanic rock, wondering if this qualified as cooking or performance art. Turns out both, and the beef melted better than anything I’d grilled at home in ten years.
Yamamori Izakaya does “Japas,” which translates to Japanese tapas for people who can’t decide between sushi and hot dishes. Duck gyoza arrives crispy with ginger that actually tastes like ginger, not the sad pickled stuff from supermarket sushi boxes. Okonomiyaki gets flipped tableside. The sake selection runs deeper than most Dublin bars’ entire drinks menu.
This works for groups because everyone orders three dishes, shares everything, and nobody goes home hungry or broke at €30-45 per person. Date nights benefit from the sharing culture, giving you natural conversation breaks when topics run dry. Reserve for weekends unless you enjoy standing in Temple Bar cold, waiting for tables.
The space carries that Tokyo izakaya energy without trying too hard to convince you you’re in Japan. Just good authentic sushi Dublin quality meets small plates culture.
Banyi Japanese Dining (4.7/5) | €25-35 | Temple Bar
My sister discovered Banyi while lost, looking for a completely different restaurant, and stumbled into what might be Temple Bar’s best-kept secret. She watched the chef hand-craft every piece of sushi and sashimi in front of diners, no conveyor belts or pre-made California rolls hiding in fridges.
The fish quality rivals spots charging €50+ elsewhere. Salmon melts, tuna tastes clean without that frozen-then-thawed texture, and cheaper places try to hide under spicy mayo. Traditional Japanese setting somehow exists in Temple Bar without getting overrun by stag parties looking for Guinness and noise.
Lunch bento boxes run €12-18, making this the best value sushi in the city center. You get miso soup, rice, four pieces of sushi, gyoza, and salad for less than most places charge for six pieces alone. Solo diners fit naturally at the counter, watching the preparation. Sushi purists appreciate the lack of cream cheese and mango combinations, trying to westernize everything.
Walk-ins work most days. The small space fills quickly during lunch and early dinner, so arriving at 5:30 pm or 2 pm gives you better chances than peak times.
Hang Dai (4.7/5) | €15-25 | Camden Street
Hang Dai appeared on Camden Street and immediately became my Vietnamese food obsession. I’ve ordered delivery from here probably fifteen times and eaten in another ten, which tells you everything about consistency. Bun cha arrives with chargrilled pork that tastes like someone actually grilled it, not microwaved frozen portions.
Banh mi sandwiches come stuffed properly with pate, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and protein that justifies the €8 price. Fresh spring rolls wrap rice paper around actual fresh vegetables and herbs, not the sad lettuce and carrot shreds some places substitute. The pho rivals Pho Ta, but the menu diversity gives you options beyond soup.
Casual setup means quick service, perfect for lunch breaks when you have forty minutes total. The fresh ingredients make every dish feel lighter than heavy restaurant meals that leave you food coma, useless all afternoon. Best Vietnamese street food Dublin offers without requiring a plane ticket to Hanoi.
Lines form between noon and 2 pm, then again from 6 pm to 8 pm. Arriving at 2:30 pm or 5 pm means walking straight to tables instead of queuing on the street.
Pho Ta (4.5/5) | €10-18 | Temple Bar
Pho Ta has rescued me from approximately twenty rainy Dublin days and three genuinely questionable hangovers. The broth simmers for twelve-plus hours, creating that fragrant, rich base that cheap pho spots fake with MSG and hope.
This family-run spot serves authentic Vietnamese recipes straight from Hanoi. The owners actually know what pho should taste like instead of guessing based on internet recipes. You get a massive steaming bowl for €9-12 in Temple Bar, making it the best value meal in the entire neighborhood.
The menu stays simple on purpose. Pho variations and spring rolls. That’s it. No pad thai or sushi, trying to be everything to everyone. Just excellent Vietnamese pho done properly with attention to the one thing they actually care about perfecting. The comfort food factor works year-round but especially shines during Dublin’s eight months of drizzle when hot soup feels like liquid therapy.
Moving from Vietnamese comfort to Thai sophistication, the next spot has held its reputation for fifteen years through Dublin’s restaurant turnover that kills most places by year three.
Saba (4.5/5) | €25-40 | Baggot Street & Clarendon Street
Saba became my friend’s birthday tradition five years ago, and I’ve attended enough celebrations here to have opinions on every curry. The pad thai balances sweet, sour, and savory without drowning everything in peanuts. Green curry arrives properly spicy unless you request otherwise, packed with Thai basil and kaffir lime that actually tastes like Thailand. Massaman curry slow-cooks beef until it falls apart.
Two locations give you options. Baggot Street feels more sit-down dinner, while Clarendon Street runs slightly more casual. Both deliver the same kitchen quality that keeps this place mentioned as the best Thai food in Dublin after fifteen years of operating.
The cocktail program deserves attention. Thai basil mojitos muddle actual Thai basil, not dried herbs from jars. Lemongrass martinis taste like lemongrass instead of vodka with a garnish. Pairing cocktails with Thai food elevates the entire experience beyond beer and pad thai.
Group work goes well here. The menu variety means vegetarians, spice lovers, and people who panic at anything hotter than mayo all find something. Friday night takeaway also delivers if you want quality Thai at home. The reliable consistency makes this the safe choice when you can’t afford restaurant disappointments.
Kimchi Hophouse (4.6/5) | €20-35 | Parnell Street
My friend became obsessed with Kimchi Hophouse after her first visit and now drags everyone here monthly like she’s personally invested in their success. The bibimbap arrives in hot stone pots with rice crisping on the bottom, creating that addictive crunch. Bulgogi marinates beef in sweet soy and pea,r creating caramelization when grilled.
Korean fried chicken deserves its own paragraph. Double-fried for maximum crispiness, coated in gochujang sauce that balances sweet and spicy without burning your face off. The meat stays juicy inside the crackling exterior. Every Korean BBQ table lets you cook your own meat if you want the full experience.
Parnell Street has become Dublin’s emerging Asian food district, and Kimchi Hophouse pioneered the Korean scene. The Korean community actually eats here regularly, which serves as better authentication than any Michelin guide. If you’re exploring Asian dining in the area, this street also overlaps with some excellent options covered in this Japanese restaurant Dublin guide. Banchan side dishes arrive complimentary, soju selection runs deep, and Korean beer flows cold.
Groups benefit from the Korean BBQ sharing culture. Late-night dining works since they stay open later than most restaurants. Adventurous eaters willing to try kimchi jjigae or Korean soups discover flavors beyond the Westernized versions most people know.
Mak at D6 (4.7/5) | €20-35 | Portobello
Mak at D6 changed minds about Chinese food for approximately seven people my friend dragged here, who claimed they “don’t like Chinese.” The menu changes seasonally, so ordering something different every visit becomes necessary rather than boring. Duck ho fan noodles carry wok hei, that smoky flavor you only get from properly seasoned woks at scorching temperatures.
Char siu hangs in the window, glistening with honey glaze. Dim sum quality rivals what you’d find in London’s Chinatown, but here in Portobello. The chef writes specials in Chinese on the wall, and staff happily translate, explaining ingredients and cooking methods if you ask.
This represents authentic Cantonese food, not generic Chinese takeaway Westernized into unrecognizable versions. Flavors taste clean, vegetables arrive crisp instead of boiled to death, and sauces enhance rather than drown everything. The Lovin Dublin team consistently mentions this as their Chinese restaurant choice, which matters when food writers with hundreds of options pick the same place repeatedly.
Book weekends or face disappointment. Monday through Wednesday, stay quieter if you prefer avoiding crowds. Repeat visits reveal new favorite dishes each time since the seasonal menu rotation keeps things interesting.
European flavors demand equal attention, starting with pizza that actually follows Neapolitan standards instead of just claiming Italian credentials.
European Cuisines
Cirillo’s (4.5/5) | €20-35 | Baggot Street
I’ve eaten probably twenty pizzas at Cirillo’s, and I can confirm they wood-fire everything using Irish oak, giving the crust this subtle smoky flavor you don’t find elsewhere. The 30-hour proofed dough creates those characteristic Neapolitan bubbles and char. San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella imported from Italy justify the Vera Pizza Napoletana certification hanging on their wall.
Pizza obviously dominates, but sleeping on the pasta means missing truffle casarecce that perfumes the entire table or pappardelle wild boar ragu that slow-cooks meat until it melts into the sauce. Everything tastes like Naples without requiring flights, passport checks, or Italian language skills.
Pizza purists who get angry about pineapple and ranch dressing approve of Cirillo’s adherence to traditional methods. Date nights work because pizza sharing feels casual without seeming lazy. Groups order multiple pies, and everyone samples everything.
Walk-ins succeed during lunch. Weekend dinners require reservations unless you enjoy standing outside watching other people eat your pizza. The quality-to-price ratio at €20-35 beats most Italian restaurants charging €40+ for worse results.
Grano (4.8/5) | €18-28 | Stoneybatter
Mamma Roma makes pasta in front of diners at Grano, and my friend’s Italian mother cried while eating carbonara here because it reminded her of home cooking. That should tell you everything about Calabrian authenticity. The cacio e pepe gets elevated with black truffles. Wild boar ragu simmers for hours, developing depth that jars sauces dream about achieving.
This 25-seat family restaurant feels like eating in someone’s home if their home happens to serve the best pasta Dublin offers. Cozy doesn’t begin to describe the vibe when Mamma checks tables, asking if you need more Parmesan or wine. The prices run €18-28, while equivalent quality elsewhere demands €35-45.
Stoneybatter’s food scene has exploded recently, and Grano helped pioneer the neighborhood’s culinary reputation. Supporting this family-run spot means keeping genuine traditions alive instead of watching another chain restaurant homogenize everything.
Booking becomes essential because twenty-five seats fill fast with loyal regulars who discovered this place and never left. The tiny space creates intimacy perfect for dates or small groups. Pasta lovers finally understand what fresh pasta made by someone who actually knows Calabrian cooking should taste like.
Uno Mas (4.8/5) | €35-40 | Aungier Street
Uno Mas became my partner’s favorite for special occasions, and we’ve celebrated six different milestones here. The name translates to “one more,” referring to how everything arriving at nearby tables looks better than your order, convincing you to keep requesting plates. Jamon croquetas achieve that perfect crispy exterior with creamy bechamel inside that actually tastes like ham instead of flour paste.
Padron peppers arrive blistered and salted to perfection. One in ten peppers carries heat, so eating them becomes slightly exciting roulette. Beef tartare gets hand-chopped with capers and cornichons. Scallop aguachile bathes in lime and chili, creating ceviche-style freshness.
Barcelona-style wine bars run on a sharing culture and natural wine flowing generously. The dim lighting creates intimacy without cramping you into someone else’s conversation. Staff demonstrate actual knowledge about Spanish regions and grape varieties instead of just upselling expensive bottles you’ll pretend to appreciate.
Weekends book solid, so planning saves disappointment. Weeknight walk-ins sometimes succeed if you arrive before 7 pm. Budget €35-40 per person with wine, which feels justified given the quality and the date-night vibe that works every time.
Las Tapas de Lola (4.6/5) | €25-35 | Wexford Street
My colleague meant to go somewhere completely different last summer, got the name confused, and ended up at Las Tapas de Lola by accident. Best mistake ever made on a date because the relaxed Catalan setup and sharing plates rescued the initial nervousness that makes first dates feel like job interviews.
Traditional Catalan tapas rotate based on fresh ingredients arriving that week. Croquetas appear consistently because locals order them every visit, crispy outside with molten filling. Catalan-style tomato bread serves as the perfect simple starter, rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil. Grilled octopus arrives tender with char marks, and braised lamb falls apart when you touch it.
Service runs late into evenings, making this perfect for after-work dates starting at 8 pm or 9 pm when nobody wants rushed dining. The Wexford Street location puts you near multiple bars if the date succeeds and requires continuation beyond dinner.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan accordingly. Wednesday through Sunday runs from early evening to late night. Book weekends, but weeknight walk-ins usually work fine. The neighborhood feels like it beats tourist-trap energy every time.
Pichet (4.7/5) | €40-50 | Trinity Street
Pichet earns its Michelin Bib Gourmand status by delivering French-Irish bistro food at prices that don’t require selling organs or crying over your bank statement. My colleague takes visiting parents here, and it impresses them every single time without the stuffy formality that makes everyone uncomfortable.
The soy-glazed salmon carries a rich, sweet glaze balanced perfectly with fish that hasn’t seen a freezer. Seasonal venison appears when available. Sticky toffee pudding finishes meals properly, sweet without drowning you in sugar like dessert-pretentious spots that prioritize Instagram over taste.
Wine lists focus on smaller producers creating interesting selections you won’t find at every restaurant in Dublin. Servers actually know what they’re recommending instead of reading descriptions off cards like hostages forced to memorize scripts. Natural light during the day service gives way to warm evening lighting, creating sophisticated energy without requiring jackets and ties.
Book ahead for weekend evenings, especially Friday and Saturday. Weekday lunches stay easier to secur,e but the evening menu carries more interesting options worth the higher prices. This represents elevated dining for special occasions or treating yourself when payday feels generous.
If Asian precision and European tradition proved Dublin’s range, these final three cuisines confirm the city competes with London and Berlin for international food quality.
Other International Cuisines
Pickle (4.6/5) | €30-45 | Camden Street
Pickle changed my partner’s entire perspective on Indian food because they genuinely thought they didn’t like it before eating here. Modern Indian cuisine means butter chicken gets elevated beyond the oversweetened versions most curry houses serve. Lamb, rogan josh perfects the spice balance. Creative vegetarian dishes prove that meat isn’t required for flavor complexity.
This isn’t your standard curry house with identical brown sauces differentiated only by heat levels. Quality ingredients, refined presentation, and innovative spice combinations create dishes that taste distinctly different. Paneer dishes, dal makhani, and vegetable biryani give vegetarians excellent options beyond afterthought salads.
The cocktail program pairs surprisingly well. Mango lassi martinis sound ridiculous until you taste them. Cardamom G&Ts add aromatic depth. Fine dining Dublin standards meet Indian flavors without the stuffiness that makes fancy restaurants feel like exams.
Reserve for weekends or risk disappointment. Walk-ins sometimes work weeknights if you arrive early. Budget €30-45 per person for the full experience, including drinks. Best for impressing dates, celebrating occasions, or finally understanding that Indian food offers more than tikka masala.
Umi Falafel (4.7/5) | €8-15 | Multiple locations
Umi Falafel serves as my lunch staple whenever I work near their Dame Street, Capel Street, or George’s Street Arcade locations. Umi Falafel Dublin is a go-to spot I visit two to three times weekly because €8-10 buys legitimate meals instead of disappointing sandwiches or greasy chips pretending to count as lunch.
The falafel achieves a crispy exterior and fluffy interior without the dry, crumbly texture that cheaper places serve. Fresh ingredients arrive daily. Hummus gets made in-house. Tahini drizzles generously. Pickled vegetables add crunch and acidity, cutting through richness. Wraps cost €8-10 while platters run €12-15, delivering incredible value for the quality.
Fully vegetarian with most items vegan means dietary restrictions finally stop beinga problem. Healthy fast food exists here without sacrificing flavor or requiring you to pretend unseasoned vegetables taste good. Quick service makes this perfect for lunch breaks when time matters.
Multiple locations mean finding one close to wherever you’re working or exploring. The George’s Street Arcade spot carries extra appeal for the market vibe surrounding your meal.
777 (4.6/5) | €25-40 | South Great George’s Street
My friend uses 777 for every birthday celebration, and I’ve attended three parties here, proving the consistency holds up. Modern Mexican means taquitos, tostadas, and carne asada replace Tex-Mex nachos, drowning in cheese sauce. The small plates format encourages ordering three to four dishes per person and sharing everything.
The cocktail program rivals the food. Mezcal selection runs deeper than most bars’ entire spirits inventory. Creative margaritas and palomas get crafted properly instead of dumping tequila into premix and calling it cocktails. Music and lively energy create date-friendly vibes that stay fun without becoming clubs.
Groups thrive here because the sharing culture and energetic vibe encourage conversation and sampling everything. Adventurous eaters discover flavors beyond Old El Paso dinner kits. Fun nights out benefit from the cocktails, music, and food combination, creating full experiences.
Book for weekends, especially Friday and Saturday, when the place fills with people celebrating paydays and surviving another work week. The South Great George’s Street location puts you near Temple Bar without the tourist-trap pricing and stag party energy.
FAQ: Best International Food Dublin
Q: What is the best international food in Dublin?
Dublin excels at Asian cuisines (Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese) and European (Italian, Spanish, French). Best overall: Mak at D6 for Chinese, Grano for Italian, Kimchi Hophouse for Korean, Pho Ta for Vietnamese.
Q: Where do locals eat international food in Dublin?
Locals avoid Temple Bar tourist traps and head to Parnell Street for Asian food (Kimchi Hophouse), Stoneybatter for Italian (Grano), Camden Street for Indian (Pickle), and Portobello for Chinese (Mak at D6).
Q: Is international food expensive in Dublin?
No. Budget options exist at €8-15 (Umi Falafel, Pho Ta, Hang Dai). Mid-range runs €20-35 (most restaurants). Upscale reaches €40-50 (Pichet, Uno Mas). Often cheaper than Irish pub food.
Q: Where can I get cheap international food in Dublin?
Best budget: Umi Falafel (€8-15), Pho Ta (€10-18), Hang Dai (€15-25), Grano (€18-28), Kimchi Hophouse (€20-35). All deliver quality without breaking budgets.
Q: Do Dublin international restaurants take reservations?
Essential for: Grano, Uno Mas, Pichet weekends. Walk-ins work: Umi Falafel, Pho Ta, Hang Dai, Banyi, Saba. Kimchi/777 recommends booking weekends.
Q: What’s the best Asian food in Dublin?
Top picks by cuisine: Japanese (Yamamori Izakaya), Vietnamese (Pho Ta), Korean (Kimchi Hophouse), Chinese (Mak at D6), Thai (Saba). The Parnell Street area concentrates the best Asian restaurants.
Q: Are Dublin’s international restaurants vegetarian-friendly?
Very. Excellent vegetarian: Umi Falafel (fully vegetarian), Pickle (extensive veggie menu), Grano (pasta options), Hang Dai (Vietnamese veggie dishes), 777 (Mexican veggie plates).