Ireland · tool
Dublin food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Dublin.
Photo by Gunnar Ridderström on Unsplash
What to eat in Dublin
5 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Full Irish Breakfast
$10–$18
A hearty plate featuring sausages, bacon, black and white pudding, eggs, beans, and often fried tomato and potato bread. It's the quintessential start to a day exploring Dublin.
Where to try: Cafes and diners across the city, particularly in areas like Temple Bar and around St Stephen's Green.
Irish Stew
$15–$25
A comforting and traditional stew made with lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, and carrots, slow-cooked to perfection. Its simple, rich flavours are deeply satisfying.
Where to try: Traditional pubs and restaurants, especially in the Liberties district and around Grafton Street.
Smoked Salmon
$12–$22
Dublin Bay Prawns are a local delicacy, often served simply with buttered brown bread or in a creamy seafood chowder. The freshness is unparalleled.
Where to try: Seafood restaurants and markets along the coast, and in many city centre establishments.
Bacon and Cabbage
$13–$20
A simple yet beloved dish of boiled bacon served with boiled cabbage and mashed potatoes, often with a parsley sauce. It's a taste of home for many Irish people.
Where to try: Traditional pubs and 'mammy's kitchens' (homestyle eateries) throughout the city.
Soda Bread
$2–$5
This quick bread, leavened with baking soda, is a staple. It's often served with butter and jam or as an accompaniment to stews and soups.
Where to try: Bakeries and cafes city-wide, and often served complimentary with meals.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Temple Bar
Lively and historic, known for its traditional pubs and bustling atmosphere.
Traditional pub foodLive musicPeople-watching
Portobello
Bohemian and trendy, with a growing number of independent cafes, bistros, and gastropubs.
BrunchIndependent eateriesCasual dining
Ranelagh
Upscale village feel, offering a sophisticated mix of restaurants, wine bars, and cafes.
Fine diningWine barsWeekend lunches
Smithfield
Up-and-coming area with a mix of traditional pubs and modern eateries, often with a more local feel.
Craft beerLocal pubsArtisan food
Dietary notes
Traditional Irish cuisine is quite meat and dairy-heavy, with dishes like bacon and cabbage and full Irish breakfasts being staples. However, vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available in cafes and restaurants, especially in more modern establishments and in neighborhoods like Portobello.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated for excellent service; a 10-15% tip is common in restaurants if satisfied.
- •Card payments are widely accepted, but carrying some cash can be useful for smaller purchases or in older pubs.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekend evenings.
- •Pubs are generally casual; dress code is usually relaxed. Ordering at the bar is common in many pubs.
- •It's customary to say 'cheers' when toasting with drinks.