Cheap restaurants in Temple Bar where locals actually eat can cut your Dublin food costs by more than half. Many tourists spend €90+ on lunch at Temple Bar Square restaurants without realizing affordable options sit minutes away. Places like Bunsen, Reyna, and Elephant & Castle offer high-quality meals at local prices.
A typical fish and chips tourist bill of €38 drops closer to €12-€15 at these venues. Over a three-day festival weekend in Dublin, choosing local favorite restaurants instead of tourist traps can save €150 to €210 while delivering the same, if not better, dining experience.
In this guide, I will let you know about the cheap restaurants in Temple Bar where locals actually eat, and you can too!
8 Cheap Restaurants in Temple Bar Better Than Tourist Traps
1. Bunsen
If you’re walking through Temple Bar hungry, it’s easy to assume every burger will cost a fortune. That’s exactly why Bunsen feels like such a good find. Sitting right across from Temple Bar Pub on Essex Street East, it serves one of the most affordable quality meals in the area.
A double cheeseburger is €12.95, and fries are €5.95, keeping it firmly among the cheap restaurants in Temple Bar that locals rely on. What makes it special comes down to the basics done right. Black Aberdeen Angus beef, minced fresh daily, perfectly seasoned, soft buns, and no unnecessary extras. It’s the kind of burger that reminds you why simple things work.
Fast service and consistent quality make it a go for nearby workers and budget travelers alike. Many regulars genuinely rate it as one of the best burgers in Dublin for value, taste, and no tourist trap pricing.
2. Eatokyo
If you want a break from burgers and pub food in Dublin, Eatokyo feels like a refreshing shift. Sitting along Wellington Quay near Ha’penny Bridge, it gives you River Liffey views without the usual waterfront price jump. That alone makes it stand out among cheap restaurants in Temple Bar, where you can actually sit, relax, and enjoy a full meal.
The value gets even better once you look at the menu. Salmon sashimi at €6.50, California rolls at €7, and gyoza at €6.90 let you build a varied meal for around €20. It’s one of those budget-friendly restaurants Dublin Temple Bar visitors rarely expect to find by the river. Portions are generous, flavors stay fresh, and weekday lunch crowds of office workers signal consistent quality.
The BYOB option with €6 corkage is quite a money saver too. For anyone searching for a Japanese restaurant in Temple Bar that offers sushi, ramen, and riverside seating, Eatokyo delivers variety, views, and real local value in one stop.
3. DiFontaine’s Pizzeria
If you’re exploring Temple Bar on a tight budget, chances are you don’t always want a full sit-down meal. That’s where DiFontaine’s Pizzeria makes life easier. It’s one of those restaurants where you can blindly rely on something fast, filling, and genuinely good.
The pricing keeps it simple and budget-friendly. Cheese or pepperoni slices cost €5.50, with premium toppings just €1 extra. Add a soft drink, and you’re looking at about €13.50 for a full meal, comfortably placing it among the best cheap eats Temple Bar Dublin offers under €15.
I ended up relying on DiFontaine three times during last year’s TradFest. One afternoon, around 2 pm, I grabbed two slices, stood outside watching street performers, and spent €11 total. Meanwhile, nearby restaurants had €28 pizzas and 45-minute waits!
For students, festival goers, and anyone searching for where to eat cheap Temple Bar without losing time, this grab-and-go spot keeps both your schedule and budget intact.
4. Zaytoon
My nephew was visiting Dublin for the first time and, like most kids, he wanted something filling after enjoying a long day with activities around Temple Bar. Everything nearby looked overpriced, so I took him to Zaytoon on Parliament Street instead, and I didn’t regret that decision for a second.
He ordered the chicken shish meal for €9.50, loaded with marinated chicken, fresh clay oven bread, salad, and a drink. Watching the bread bake fresh behind the counter kept him entertained while we waited. The smell alone sold the place better than any tourist restaurant décor ever could.
Prices on some items have risen recently, so it’s worth checking the menu, but it still ranks among student friendly restaurants Temple Bar offers. For late nights, quick lunches, or affordable dinners, Zaytoon delivers value without fuss.
5. Gallagher’s Boxty House
If you’re spending time in Temple Bar, at some point you’ll probably want to try proper Irish food, not just pizza slices or kebabs. That’s where Gallagher’s Boxty House comes in. It isn’t the absolute cheapest on this list, but it easily earns its place when you compare quality versus tourist trap pricing.
Running since 1989, this family-operated spot focuses on traditional Irish cooking done right. Boxty, the classic Irish potato pancake, comes filled with Irish bacon, cabbage, or stew, with mains ranging from €16 to €24. That might sound mid-range until you see nearby “local Irish pubs” charging €32 to €40 for lower quality versions.
The difference shows in preparation. Recipes follow traditional methods, delivering the kind of authentic meal visitors expect but rarely get. For travelers researching Temple Bar food on a budget who still want genuine Irish cuisine, Gallagher’s balances cultural experience, portion size, and price far better than most tourist-focused alternatives.
6. Mongolian Barbeque
If you’ve ever wandered Temple Bar hungry and unsure what to eat, Mongolian Barbeque is the kind of place that instantly feels like a win. The all-you-can-eat option runs €12 to €18, so you can leave stuffed without worrying about overpaying like you would at a tourist trap.
What makes it really fun is the DIY format. You choose your own mix of meats, seafood, tofu, vegetables, and sauces, then watch the chefs cook it all on a giant hot grill. It’s interactive, fresh, and exactly how you want it. I love seeing groups of friends or locals piling ingredients onto their bowls. Everyone leaves with something different but equally satisfying.
The long line of repeat customers and thousands of positive reviews show that the quality is consistent. For festival-goers, budget travelers, or anyone craving a filling meal without breaking the bank, Mongolian Barbeque delivers quantity, flavor, and control all in one stop.
7. Sano Pizza
If you’re on the hunt for cheap pizza in Temple Bar, Sano Pizza is one of my personal favorites. I love this spot because it keeps things simple, affordable, and consistently tasty without the frills you find at other restaurants. A personal pizza plus a drink gives you a full meal for under €15, making it one of the cheapest pizza options in Dublin and an easy alternative to DiFontaine’s if you want quick, budget-friendly bites.
The no-fuss approach means faster service, perfect for students, festival-goers, or anyone wanting Temple Bar food on a budget. Don’t expect gourmet toppings or fancy presentations; this is all about value. For anyone searching for student-friendly restaurants, Temple Bar actually offers Sano Pizza, which delivers filling meals at wallet-friendly prices every time.
8. The Old Mill
If you’re after a traditional pub experience without paying tourist trap prices, The Old Mill is one of the best options in Temple Bar. Fish and chips cost €16 to €18 here, Irish stew and pub burgers are generous, and everything is aimed at real Dubliners rather than festival tourists. You can easily compare that to Quays Bar or Temple Bar Pubs, just 100 meters away, where identical fish and chips can cost €38 to €40.
The atmosphere is what makes it stand out. It’s not a staged “authentic Irish pub” built for Instagram photos. Last year, I asked a bartender why locals choose The Old Mill over nearby tourist-heavy pubs. He said simply, “Because we don’t charge absurd prices for normal food.” That honesty defines the place.
Pub food fans, travelers seeking an affordable dinner, and anyone craving traditional flavors leave the place satisfied. Budget an hour for a relaxed meal and enjoy genuine local dining without the hype.
5 Common Mistakes Costing Tourists Money
Mistake #1: Eating at the First Restaurant You See
Temple Bar Square restaurants with outdoor seating charge 40% to 60% premium for location. The exact same burger costs €38 at Temple Bar Pub, €13 at Bunsen 50 meters away on Essex Street.
Walk 1 to 2 minutes off the main square. Bunsen, Eatokyo, and Zaytoon all sit within a 2 minute walk, saving €20 to €25 per meal. These cheap places to eat near Temple Bar exist literally around the corner from tourist trap pricing.
Mistake #2: Not Checking Menus Before Sitting Down
Choosing restaurants that hide prices or display menus in tiny font signal tourist trap pricing. Budget restaurants proudly display prices because competitive pricing attracts customers.
So check prices before sitting. If the menu isn’t displayed outside or prices seem hidden in small text, that’s your red flag. Walk to the next restaurant. Actual budget friendly restaurants in Temple Bar will advertise pricing clearly because they compete on value.
Mistake #3: Eating Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner in Temple Bar
Three meals at €30 to €40 each totals €90 to €120 daily food spending. One-third of those meals could happen elsewhere or at cheap Temple Bar spots for €8 to €12.
Over a 3 day festival weekend, that’s €120 to €210 saved funding actual events and festivals in Ireland or accommodation in Dublin rather than inflated restaurant pricing. Mixing inexpensive restaurants Temple Bar offers with self-catered meals creates sustainable budget travel.
Mistake #4: Assuming “Traditional Irish” Means Authentic
Tourist trap restaurants serve frozen fish and chips for €38 while calling it “authentic Irish cuisine.” Gallagher’s Boxty House serves actual traditional food including boxty, Irish stew, and proper recipes for €18 to €24.
The word “traditional” on a neon sign doesn’t create authenticity. Family operations running 36+ years typically serve real food. Restaurants with staff waving menus outside serve tourist traps.
Research before visiting. Read reviews mentioning locals eating there regularly. Avoid places where every review comes from tourists visiting once.
Mistake #5: Eating Only During Peak Hours
Restaurants raise prices during peak demand. The same meal costs €18 at 3pm, €24 at 7pm when dinner crowds fill every table.
Flexible timing saves €5 to €10 per meal while providing better service and shorter waits. Temple Bar empties after midnight except for late-night bars and clubs. Zaytoon becomes the only quality food option open, serving the same €10 chicken shish meals at 2am that they serve at 2pm.
The €40 Versus €13 Comparison
| Meal Type | Tourist Trap Price | Budget Restaurant Price | Savings |
| Burger + Fries | €38 (Temple Bar Pub) | €13 (Bunsen) | €25 |
| Fish & Chips | €38 (Square restaurants) | €16 (The Old Mill) | €22 |
| Pizza | €28 (Table service) | €11 (DiFontaine’s) | €17 |
| Kebab | €22 (Sit-down) | €10 (Zaytoon) | €12 |
| Sushi | €30 (Tourist spots) | €15 (Eatokyo) | €15 |
This comparison shows exactly why researching where to eat cheap Temple Bar matters before arriving. The same food exists at vastly different prices within 100 meters.
Red Flags Signaling Tourist Traps
Spotting tourist traps in Temple Bar can save you a lot of money and disappointment. One clear sign is staff standing outside waving menus. Legitimate restaurants don’t need to chase customers because locals already fill the tables.
Another red flag is when no prices are displayed outside. Overpriced menus are often revealed only after you’re seated and committed. In contrast, budget restaurants proudly show prices because competitive, fair pricing attracts customers who know where to find affordable restaurants Temple Bar actually offers.
Be cautious of neon signs screaming “Traditional Irish.” Real traditional spots rely on food quality and family history, not flashy marketing. Menus printed in six languages usually target one-time tourists, whereas restaurants serving locals stick to English.
Outdoor heaters and food photos outside often mean you’re paying for location, not ingredients. True value comes from kitchens investing in meals rather than gimmicks.
Eat Like Locals, Not Like Tourists!
Temple Bar hosts Dublin’s biggest festivals, events, and celebrations year-round. St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin draws millions. TradFest fills venues. Literary festivals pack pubs. Cultural events create constant tourist flow.
That doesn’t mean spending €90 to €120 daily on food when locals eating 50 meters away spend €30 to €45 for identical quality.
Bunsen, Eatokyo, DiFontaine’s, Zaytoon, and Mongolian Barbeque serve thousands of Dubliners weekly. Not because they’re cheap tourist traps, but because they’re genuinely good food at fair prices.
Over a 3 day Dublin festival weekend, eating at these verified cheap restaurants in Temple Bar saves €150 to €210 versus tourist trap pricing. That’s an extra night’s accommodation, festival tickets, or Guinness at an actual traditional pub where locals drink.
So choose wisely and your wallet will thank you! And do follow Dublinz Facebook and Dublinz Instagram for regular updates now!