Locals or visitors! If there’s one thing we all love, it’s a good feed that won’t bankrupt you. Forget those tourist traps with their sky-high prices; this is your insider’s guide to the best cheap restaurants in Dublin, straight from someone who knows the city like the back of their hand.
As a foodie in Dublin, I’ve spent my fair share of time exploring every nook and cranny of our wonderful city, always keeping an eye out for those hidden gems and local favorites that dish out top-notch food without emptying your pockets.
Get ready to feast without the financial regret!
Dublin on a Dime: Your Guide to Eating Cheap in Dublin
Dublin’s cuisine is definitely appetizing, but finding somewhere that’s decent and won’t cost the earth can be difficult. Worry not, as I’ve scoured the city to provide you with a personally chosen list of restaurants where your taste buds and purse will be equally happy. From hearty breakfasts to fantastic dinners, these restaurants prove that delicious needn’t come at a premium.
Boeuf and Frites (Temple Bar)
My other half and I were hungry for a good feed that wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. We stumbled on Boeuf and Frites in Temple Bar, and let me tell ya, it’s one of the best cheap restaurants in Dublin you’ll dine in. It has a cracking 4.3 stars on Google, but a modest 3.4 on TripAdvisor. Don’t be fooled, though; this place is a real bargain.
We were able to go in off the street, no reservation, which was entirely a stroke of luck as the restaurant was chock full. The atmosphere is classy, comfortable, just the way for a good night out. The service was top-notch, spot on, and as fast as lightning despite the restaurant being packed to the gills. It’s a great place to go on a date or grab some grub with friends, and it’s even suitable for the children.
The portion sizes are spot on, no messing. The chicken is a reasonable €25, or the steak is a few pounds extra at €29. I went for the steak, and it was dead good, melt-in-the-mouth material. And the cherry on the top? The unlimited chips and garlic bread. You could stuff yourself into a food coma on those alone!
For two of us, including a few drinks and a decent tip, the bill was only €80. Unbelievable value for the quality of food, the lovely spot, and the brilliant service. It’s a definite five-star from me. If you’re looking for a top-notch meal that doesn’t cost the earth, get yourself down here. Just do yourself a favor and book ahead; you can phone them on 016729950 or email them at info@boeufandfrites.ie. You’ll thank me later!
Wing’s World Cuisine
Following my fantastic dinner at Boeuf and Frites, I was craving something a bit more wholesome. That’s when my pal suggested Wing’s World Cuisine. It’s a highly rated spot on 32 Wolfe Tone Street, North City, Dublin, which is renowned for its bottomless buffet. The Google rating is rather nice, hanging around 4.0, but TripAdvisor is slightly lower at 3.0. However, for a reasonable feed, you can’t complain, and it is a favorite of students and travelers looking for a cheap feed.
It’s a massive place and dead cool, complete with a bar on site and a laid-back, friendly vibe. They’ve got everything from pizza to curries, so you’ll never be stuck for what to order. It’s also fantastic if you’ve got a mixed crew with different tastes or even a big family, as it’s family-oriented with a kids’ menu and high chairs.
The food itself is generous. I was impressed with the choice; you can have a bit of whatever and make your own perfect plate. I’ve heard their Nutella ice cream is excellent, and the €14.95 all-you-can-eat student rate is a steal, including the drink. My only gripe would be the two-hour limit. It was a bit rushed, but to be fair, you get value for money in those two hours.
Overall, Wing’s World Cuisine is a solid choice for a hungry crew seeking a decent meal at one of the best cheap restaurants in Dublin without paying top dollar. It’s an honest value, and the choices are great. If you’re a student, it’s well worth visiting for that deal. If you’d like to book a table, call them on 015377788 or send an email to info@wingsworldcuisine.ie.
Row Wines
I stumbled upon Row Wines the other day, which appeared to be quite a new establishment on Coppinger Row, Dublin 2. However, it’s already quite popular with a thumping 4.5 stars on Google and an even better 4.7 on TripAdvisor, and it’s become one of the best options for a night out.
The ambiance is something else, a nice, cool ambiance with great music and a hint of party atmosphere. It’s romantic, retro, and sophisticated all at once. The staff was nice and really made the entire experience. It’s not just any restaurant; it’s essentially a wine bar with great tapas, so it’s perfect for a trendy night out.
We dined there one weekday evening and managed to score the promotion of two small plates and a glass of wine for €25. Now, that’s value! The food was actually really tasty and the pairings were brilliant, just not what I was expecting, but great. The duck and the oysters were a resounding highlight, just so good. The only plate that didn’t work for me was the crab, which required a bit more flavour.
Row Wines is an excellent choice for a date night or a night out with friends. It’s not your average tipple haunt, but you’re getting top-notch dining experience for a very cheap price with that offer on a weeknight in Dublin. You’ll certainly book well in advance, especially if you’re planning on going over the weekend. You can phone them on (01) 444 4928 or email them at info@rowwines.com.
Lovinspoon
My sister and I were looking for the cheapest Dublin restaurant solely for breakfast, as we had to go catch some early morning lectures. That’s how we discovered Lovinspoon, a great one at 13 Frederick St N, Rotunda, Dublin 1. With a whopping 4.8 stars on Google and a 4.7 on TripAdvisor, you can tell you’re onto something before you’ve even entered the place.
The setting is just lovely and homely, and the staff are an absolute dream, so friendly and wholesome. It’s a great spot for anyone, from students to families, and it’s even a haven for trans people, which is just brilliant. And it’s perfect if you’re alone or want to get some work done on your laptop too.
And lastly, the grub. I’m not even a big breakfast person, but the food here was incredible. I had the Small Breakfast, and my sister had the Big Breakfast, and they were well over enough; the portions are deadly. The sausages were the best thing I’ve ever tasted, and the homemade brown bread was to die for. They were also loud enough to trade my beans for another egg when I asked without any difficulty.
Lovinspoon is a sure return for a fantastic feed that you can’t spend the mortgage on. Tasty grub, fair prices, and service with a smile. It’s the kind of establishment where you’ll be keen to go back again. You can ring them on 0863605653 if you’re thinking of popping in.
Jay Kays Cafe
On the topic of cheap feed and breakfast at that. It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t mention the Jay Kays Cafe. It’s a little hidden gem on Millennium Walkway, Dublin 1, and it’s got a cracking reputation with a brilliant 4.7 on Google and an even more impressive 4.8 on TripAdvisor. This is a gem of a spot and easily one of the best cheap restaurants in Dublin for brunch.
The ambiance was perfect the moment we walked in; it felt warm, trendy, and just so inviting. There was this huge line, but it vanished in seconds. The personnel were such a delight; so friendly and attentive, and even gave us some great sightseeing tips. It’s wheelchair accessible, and they’re fine with dogs too, which is always a plus. It’s a solid casual spot, great for a meal or if you’re in the mood for just hanging out with your laptop.
The food was excellent. I had the crepes, and my sister had the French toast with bacon, and honestly, both were incredible. The crepes were to die for, and the French toast was one of the best she’s ever had. We also got a mango smoothie, and it was thick, cold, and just the right size to enjoy great value for money. The portions were enormous, and all the food came out scalding hot.
Jay Kays Cafe is a hidden gem in the city. You cannot fault this place at all as their food is incredible, the service is top-quality, and the prices are more than affordable. If you’re after a good feed at a good price, get yourself here. You can call them on 015470300 or email them at JayKaysCafe@gmail.com, and they even take bookings, which is a good idea for lunch and brunch.
Pho Ta
Alright, after all those brunch spots were good and all, but next I was craving to try something a bit different, something with a bit of a kick. A friend suggested Pho Ta, a Vietnamese place in Temple Bar. It’s at 6 Cope Street, a great city center location, and the reviews are excellent with a 4.5 on Google and a 4.4 on TripAdvisor. You know you’re in for a treat when the reviews are that high.
It’s lovely in there, all snug and peaceful. The quietness was fantastic; you could actually have a conversation without shouting. The staff were excellent, so warm and welcoming from the minute we walked in. It’s an excellent spot for lunch, dinner, or a snack, and they even take bookings, which is always a bonus when looking for the best cheap restaurants in Dublin.
We started with some decent, tasty small plates of the chim quay, roast quail, and some deep-fried crab spring rolls. Both were delicious and a nice start to the meal. For main courses, I had the traditional Pho Dac Biet, a lovely noodle soup with beef, chicken, and prawn, and my friend had the grilled pork and spring rolls with rice. The portions were enormous, and every bite was packed with actual flavours.
The prices are so reasonable for the quantity and quality of food you get. It’s such value for money, and the experience overall was just enjoyable. I’d be more than happy to go back for a second meal. If you’re considering giving it a try, you can give them a call on 016718671. You won’t be let down!
Last Few Words on Dublin’s Cheap Restaurants
So there you have it, me aul’ segotia! My own favourites for the best cheap restaurants in Dublin, tried and tested. If you’re after a lovely night out which won’t cost you an arm and a leg, somewhere cool to get a grub with your lads/girls, or simply a healthy breakfast to pick you up for the day, these places have got you covered.
We all know Dublin costs a bit of money, but these gems show that you can get good grub and a great atmosphere without having to remortgage the gaff. Go out and give them a go, and tell ’em a Dub sent ya! You won’t be disappointed.
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