When Dubliners talk about comfort food, nothing gets as much love as a chipper. Golden chips, battered fish, curry sauce, garlic dips, and the occasional sneaky burger — everyone has a favourite spot. The debate about the best chipper in Dublin is endless, but after sampling the city’s most talked-about spots (and a few hidden gems), I’ve rounded up six that locals swear by. Whether you need a midnight snack, an old-school style serving, or even vegan morsels, this is the place you head to.
Presto Chipper
If you’re talking about Dublin’s best chipper, you can’t leave out Leo Burdock. This old-fashioned institution on Werburgh Street has been trading since 1913 and still pulls in the crowds. At 4.1 (2,222 reviews) on Google and 3.8 (1,493 reviews) on TripAdvisor, it’s not so much a chipper, but an institution—a price range of €10–20 per person.
I strolled in on a rainy afternoon, yearning for fish and chips after witnessing someone with a massive one from the corner shop. The lads behind the counter were gossipy lads, so waiting there itself was a giggle. When they asked me if I wanted vinegar, I just instinctively replied in the affirmative, and it was genius; it enhanced the fish wonderfully.
The portion size was no joke. A huge fillet of fresh fish came buried under a mountain of chips. Honestly, it was too many chips for me, but for anyone hungry after a night out or a long day, it’s a dream. The only downside is it’s strictly takeaway, so you’ll need to find a spot nearby to tuck in. A bit more tartar sauce would’ve been nice, but overall, the meal hit the spot.
Leo Burdock is simple, old-fashioned, and uncompromisingly traditional. It’s the kind of place you go to for a decent, no-frills and best chipper experience in Dublin. Call them in advance on +353 1 454 0306, or simply pop by and see why it’s been serving the city for over a century.
Sorrento Takeaway
If you’re on the hunt for the best chipper in Dublin with a twist, Sorrento Takeaway in Stoneybatter is a little gem. It holds an impressive 4.7 on Google (208 reviews) with prices starting from just €1–10, making it one of the most budget-friendly spots in the city. Tucked away on Arbour Hill, it’s more casual than some of the other places I’ve visited, but that adds to its charm.
I nipped in with my kids, and we all departed happy. I had the fish and chips, and they were spot on; the fish was fresh, the batter golden but not greasy, and the chips were old-fashioned chipper-style, cooked just right. Even the garlic dip was adequate, way better than you’d get from a takeaway. My kids, though, were intent on the gelato, and Sorrento surprised us in this regard.
You don’t expect a chipper to serve up proper Italian-style ice cream, but here it was, rich, creamy, and full of flavour. Pistachio and chocolate turned out to be the winning combo in our house, and honestly, it was some of the best gelato I’ve tasted in Dublin. Between the fresh fish, the generous portions, and that unexpected dessert, it felt like more than just a takeaway stop.
For an evening in with a relaxed dinner or even just a sneaky dessert visit, Sorrento Takeaway is well worth a visit. You can call them up at +353 1 677 7725, but since they don’t take reservations, best just to pop in. A decent neighbourhood restaurant that does the little extra.
Macari 66
If you’re on the hunt for the best chipper in Dublin, Macari 66 on Braemor Road is a gem worth checking out. It holds a 4.4 rating on Google (299 reviews) and an impressive 4.5 on TripAdvisor (20 reviews), with dishes running around €10–20. This is a proper Irish chipper that locals rave about, and it really does feel like one of the few authentic ones left.
I had ordered the fish and chips, and on my recommendation, it was great. The fish was light and flaky, covered with a light, airy batter that didn’t overwhelm the taste. Chips were just as great, golden, crispy, and full of flavor. They even served the fish with a wedge of lemon and actual tartar sauce, with plenty of vinegar and salt to hand. At €3, the curry sauce was somewhat expensive, but the quality of the remainder made up for that.
Serving sizes are huge here, and the menu is full of more than your typical chipper fare. I’ve caught a peek at the kebabs, and they’re huge and wonderful. Everything around this establishment is a notch above average, from the food to the way the staff treats you. Service is quick, and if you’re friendly, they’ll even throw you a little extra.
Whether you want a late-night snack, takeaway, or just an informal sit-in, Macari 66 never fails. You may phone them at +353 1 298 8200, although they don’t take bookings. To me, this one has been the constant and could quite possibly beat the others as Dublin’s best chipper.
McGuinness of Camden Street
If you’re hunting down the best chipper in Dublin, McGuinness of Camden Street is a strong contender. Tucked on Camden Street Lower, this spot pulls a fantastic 4.7 on Google (543 reviews) and an even higher 4.8 on TripAdvisor (20 reviews). Prices are friendly too, sitting around €10–20 per person. It’s popular with students, tourists, and late-night crowds looking for a proper feed.
I swung by after a dreadful night, and to be frank, just what I needed. Staff were chill and friendly, service was speedy, and there’s a really casual, trendy vibe. What immediately struck you was the variety available on the menu. They have all the happy standards, but also veggie, vegan, and even organic options. It’s not always that you get that amount of variety in a Cheerio, and it does work really well.
I had the Philly cheesesteak with garlic mayo and chips, and the McGuinness combo – sausage, chicken nuggets, and onion rings. The catch? All the foods were vegan, yet tasted fantastic. Portion sizes were decent, and the price was reasonable at €13. I did think about indulging and getting one of their pizzas as well, which smelled incredible, but I’ll be doing that soon.
McGuinness is the real deal if you’re looking for something to munch on late at night without compromising on quality. If you’re craving good ol’ fish and chips or a vegetarian spread, they’ve got you covered. Call them at +353 86 823 0000 or drop by, the kind of place you’ll keep going back to again and again.
Embassy Grill
If you’re after one of the best chippers in Dublin with proper attention to customer service, Embassy Grill on Pembroke Road is a solid choice. It pulls a 4.3 on Google (939 reviews) and 4.1 on TripAdvisor (89 reviews), with mains averaging €10–20. The place is popular with both locals and visitors, and it has that classic chipper charm while also being a comfortable spot to sit down for a meal.
I prefer to order takeaway from here even though it is a decent distance away, and the food is always what you would expect from a chipper, plentiful, tasty, and filling. With my last takeaway order, they forgot to include the curry sauce, but to be fair, they sent another delivery driver along relatively quickly to deliver it. Most of them would have just left it there, hoping I’d get a refund from Deliveroo, but Embassy Grill did more than that, and that’s why I’m loyal.
In-dining space gets crowded on weekends, so take-out is normally the convenient choice. Even with lines, service moves along smoothly, and waiting is never excessively long. There are locals and tourists present enjoying quality greasy-spoon-type fare, from fish and chips to satisfying sides, all at affordable prices. The staff is friendly, the service is quick, and the atmosphere is welcoming to everyone.
Whether you are collecting something late on a night or eating in for a casual meal, Embassy Grill is not to be let down. They can be called on +353 1 660 0841, and they offer delivery and takeaway too. A good Dublin chipper with the customer in mind.
Leo Burdock
If you’re talking about Dublin’s best chipper, you can’t leave out Leo Burdock. This old-fashioned institution on Werburgh Street has been trading since 1913 and still pulls in the crowds. At 4.1 (2,222 reviews) on Google and 3.8 (1,493 reviews) on TripAdvisor, it’s not so much a chipper, but an institution. A price range of €10–20 per person.
I strolled in on a rainy afternoon, yearning for fish and chips after witnessing someone with a massive one from the corner shop. The lads behind the counter were gossipy lads, so waiting there itself was a giggle. When they asked me if I wanted vinegar, I just instinctively replied in the affirmative, and it was genius.
The portion size was no joke. A huge fillet of fresh fish came buried under a mountain of chips. Honestly, it was too many chips for me, but for anyone hungry after a night out or a long day, it’s a dream. The only downside is it’s strictly takeaway, so you’ll need to find a spot nearby to tuck in. A bit more tartar sauce would’ve been nice, but overall, the meal hit the spot.
Leo Burdock is simple, old-fashioned, and uncompromisingly traditional. It’s the kind of place you go to for a decent, no-frills Dublin chipper experience. Call them in advance on +353 1 454 0306, or simply pop by and see why it’s been serving the city for over a century.
Last But Not Least!
From established, well-known spots like Leo Burdock to newer locals’ favourites, my bucket list of the best chipper in Dublin has it all. From a classic fish supper, vegan versions of fast food, to even a scoop of gelato with the chips, the city does not disappoint.
If you’re in Dublin, skip the fancy restaurants once in a while and head to one of these six spots. You’ll get proper comfort food, served hot, fresh, and with that unmistakable Dublin chipper charm.