If you ask any Dubliner about the best places to get the best of old-school food, you will soon come to realise one thing: nothing beats traditional Irish. From slow-cooking stews to gloriously poured pints, the Irish restaurants about town are as much about the atmosphere and the music as it is about eating, glorious atmosphere, and genuine welcome that only Dublin can provide.
In my wanderings, I have managed to circle six of the very best Irish restaurants in Dublin, patronised and loved by locals and tourists alike. Whether it is a big, wonderful pot of Guinness stew you’ve got in your head, or live trad and some casual jamming, maybe just a quiet pint beside a warming fire: these places will give you a real taste of Dublin dining.
The Brazen Head
If you want one of the best Irish restaurants in Dublin, you just can’t miss The Brazen Head on Bridge Street. It’s officially one of Ireland’s oldest pubs, dating back to 1198. Even better, it rates a 4.5 on Google (19,335 reviews) and 4.4 on TripAdvisor (5,694 reviews). Mains begin at €20–30, so you see… what you’re getting here is not just supper but centuries of Irish tradition.
As soon as you walk in, you’ll see the lanterns, flags, and warm niches that set the tone, and the staff are welcoming and keen to make you feel at home. At night, the warm pub rooms were packed to capacity, so I went during the day, and the courtyard was buzzing, pints freely passed around, and people chatted.
Food-wise, it’s traditional Irish fare done well. I had the cod, which was cooked to perfection and in a large enough portion, and the rest of my group had other mains that cleaned plates all around. The taste is just what you’d expect from an old-fashioned Irish pub… warm, comforting. Add a pint of Guinness or Kilkenny to accompany it, and you’re in for a delight of taste.
It’s the live music that makes The Brazen Head just unbeatable to me. On the first visit, we went on a night visit, and there was a trio playing Irish folk songs in the corner of the snug. And I must say, the passion and soul in playing made the night magical, and it’s the kind of night that stays with you.
For me, The Brazen Head is a must-see if you’re in Dublin. For lunch, a beer, or the live music, it’s Ireland in a nutshell. They accept reservations, so make sure to reach them at 01 679 5186 or email info@brazenhead.com before paying them a visit.
The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant
Tucked away on Crown Alley, The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant in Temple Bar has a lofty 4.5 rating on Google (8,321 reviews) and similarly lofty 4.5 on TripAdvisor (4,626 reviews). If your budget is around €20–30, it’s a restaurant that finds the perfect balance between food and ambiance for you.
I stopped by at lunchtime on a weekday with my two-year-old, and the staff went out of their way to get us settled, putting us in a cozy, warm table in the back. Their vibe combines vintage Victorian touch with the comfort of an old-fashioned Irish restaurant. It’s warm, welcoming, and highly family-friendly—although I couldn’t help but wish to return at night to see the full nighttime vibe.
The food? The Traditional Guinness and Irish Beef Casserole, rich, hearty, and generously seasoned, was just the kind of dish that we Dubliners call a genuine taste of Dublin. The portions were generous but not overgenerous, and the flavour was palpably genuine Irish.
Just like Brazen Head, what truly sets The Old Storehouse apart is the live entertainment, too. During our visit, traditional Irish music filled the room, carried on speakers so that no one missed a note. It added another layer to the cosy setting and made the meal feel like a full cultural experience to me and my family.
Between the great food, friendly staff, and lively music, it’s a place I’d happily recommend to anyone exploring the city. If you are planning to pay them a visit with a reserved table to avoid the crowd, you can contact them at 01 607 4003 or via email at info@theoldstorehouse.ie.
Brannigans
Talking about the best Irish restaurants in Dublin that feel more like a cosy local’s living room than a tourist stop, how can Brannigan’s on Cathedral Street not get a mention! It pulls an impressive 4.6 on Google (2,475 reviews) and the same score on TripAdvisor (422 reviews). With a budget of just around €20–30 per person, you’d be in for a treat.
I stumbled upon it by luck, just in search of a proper Irish meal, and what I found was a gastro pub as authentic as it comes. It’s cozy, family-friendly, and relaxed with none of the city centre tourist throng you occasionally find. Service was also quick. I was served my stew in literally four minutes, which set the whole evening up to be a very relaxed one.
The Guinness and Beef casserole was delicious, with crunchy vegetables like celery, onions, carrots, and lovely soft mashed potatoes subsiding into the rich sauce. The meat was nice and tender but not overdone, and it all worked together really nicely. On my second visit, I had the Guinness stew with a pint, and my sister had the roast beef sandwich and a drink. Altogether it cost around €40–45, which was fantastic value for the quality.
I can safely say it’s a place that I will be returning to over and over again for more. If you want to book ahead, you can reach them at +353 1 874 0137 or by email at info@brannigansbar.ie.
The Shack Restaurant
If you’re wandering through Temple Bar and searching for one of the best Irish restaurants in Dublin, The Shack is a spot that always draws a lively crowd. Found at 24 Essex Street East, right in the heart of the action, it carries a solid 4.5 on Google (1,737 reviews) and 4.1 on TripAdvisor (1,331 reviews), with most mains in the €20–30 range.
I visited on a summer evening and was at once struck by the funky interior and lively atmosphere. The Shack is both stylish and cozy, the kind of pub where families, groups of friends, and tourists meet together easily. The staff was welcoming, the music was just so, and it was one of those pubs that gets the balance of fun and authentic Irish welcome just right.
Even though we had arrived for pints and the vibe, the fare appeared hefty and not to be missed on a return visit. Their menu features Irish standbys like beef and Guinness stew, fish and chips, and braised lamb shank, along with international bites for patrons who desire to mix it up. Plates that landed on the table near us were plentiful, well presented, and packed with flavor.
If you’re in Temple Bar and want a sit-down meal in a spot with character, The Shack makes a solid choice. Grab a pint, settle in, and enjoy the energy of one of Dublin’s busiest quarters.
And yeah, if you want to reach them beforehand for a booking or other info, you can easily reach out on 01 679 0043 or by email at info@shackrestaurant.ie.
Darkey Kelly’s
If you’re looking for one of the best Irish restaurants in Dublin with a lively atmosphere, Darkey Kelly’s beside Christchurch should be high on your list. Sitting at 19 Fishamble Street, just a short walk from Temple Bar, it pulls an impressive 4.7 on Google (5,039 reviews) and 4.7 on TripAdvisor (2,232 reviews), with mains generally €20–30.
I went on a Friday afternoon in June and found the perfect combination of native pub ambiance and tourist-friendly venue. Live music started at 16:30, and we stayed for two different sessions. Dublin Bards had the whole room in stitches and singing along, blending trad Irish with irreverent pub classics. Trad Rocks followed with a session involving folk and rock influences, keeping the energy up. Pints were served, the price was acceptable considering the location and the enjoyment, and the wait staff kept things moving quickly.
We didn’t order food this time, but the plates flying past us looked hearty and delicious. The menu offers classics like fish and chips, beef and Guinness stew, burgers, and braised lamb shank, exactly the kind of traditional dishes you’d want in a place like this. Judging by the buzz, people weren’t disappointed.
If you are in town, my recommendation is to arrive early to get a prime spot in place before they go on. It is that sort of pub where the music, crowd, and atmosphere all mix together for an evening you will never forget.
If you are planning to book ahead, you may call them at 083 346 4682 or e-mail them at darkeykellys@gmail.com.
Old Mill Restaurant
When searching for the best Irish restaurants in Dublin, the Old Mill in Temple Bar definitely deserves a spot on the list. At 14 Temple Bar, it has a strong 4.5 rating on Google (5,690 reviews) and 4.4 on TripAdvisor (1,891 reviews), with meal prices usually between €20–30 per person.
I made a stop here first to try an Irish breakfast traditional, and it was one of my favorite meals on the trip, delicious, satisfying, and all you could ask for in a classic Irish setting. The place is small but snug, with warm wood interiors that make you feel right at home the moment you step in. The service was also warm and attentive, which helped.
We ordered the “Taste of Ireland” platter for two, and the servings were large enough to have fed three with ease. The Irish stew, beef and Guinness stew, and Bailey’s ice cream stood out, comforting, rich, and full of real flavour. I loved it so much that I went back the very next day for dinner. This time, the Irish lamb shank was the star, tender and flavorful, while the chicken salad was light and refreshing by comparison.
The Old Mill is the kind of place that will leave you wishing you could linger longer, whether you stop by for brunch, dinner, or a satisfying traditional meal after spending the day exploring the city. It is not the biggest place in Temple Bar, but the atmosphere, food, and service truly distinguish it in all the best ways.
You can make a booking ahead if you like by calling 01 671 9266 or directly emailing info@oldmillrestaurant.ie.
Bottom Line Is
From old historic pubs to lively Temple Bar pubs and underground local favorites, Dublin’s best Irish restaurants have much more than a meal to offer. They’re places where you can pop in, grab a pint, and experience the real heart of the city, be it through live folk songs, bowls of warm stew, or just good craic with the gang.
So the next time you’re hungry in Dublin, skip the chains and head to one of these. Your stomach will reward you, and you’ll be leaving with memories as fine as the food.
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