Originally written in August 2017.
With many of my friends heading to LeakyCon 2017 next week, I thought I’d share my thoughts on the best food and drink to enjoy here in Dublin!
I’ve been living in Dublin all summer, staying with locals who are friends with almost every bar and restaurant owner worth their salt (pun intended). Needless to say, we’ve gotten some incredible dining recommendations, and the amazing food here has been a highlight of our long trip.
Keep in mind that it’s actually hard to find bad food here, although I would advise against spending too much time in the pubs along the river.
So, without further ado…
Best Brunch in Dublin
If there’s one thing I know LeakyCon attendees love, it’s a good brunch (I mean, don’t we all?). Brunch culture in Dublin is very different than in NYC, LA, SF, etc. From what I’ve come to understand, brunch as a concept is just starting to catch on here. The brilliant thing about it is that we almost never had to wait for a table at our favorite spots.
Eathos
Eathos brunch was described by our Irish hosts as the best in the city, and I agree. I almost always get the Toasted Brioche (seriously, just yum) and the Acai Smoothie Bowl, but everything is good.
AND THE PASTRY SELECTION!!! (Caps lock necessary.)
Just note that it’s not open on Sundays, which can be a bummer. Also, they don't do reservations - it's walk-in only!
Cinnamon
There are two Cinnamon locations – one in Ranelagh (which is basically Dublin proper), and one down the coast in Monkstown. Both are incredible, and are good for EVERY meal and should be featured in every category on this list (except that they don’t serve filtered coffee anymore).
If you have time, go for brunch AND dinner. Don’t forget to order the cheese and meat board in the evening (best I’ve ever had *Drake voice*), and definitely don’t skip on the truffle/parmesan/mayo fries.
Avoca Monkstown
You cannot, I repeat, cannot, leave Ireland without sampling the food at Avoca. It simply is Ireland.
Avoca is a chain, and each location has a distinct menu and merchandise. My favorite is Avoca Monkstown, which is a little bit of a trip from Dublin proper but well worth it (the one on Suffolk St in the city is not nearly as good). Just take the Dart down to the Monkstown station, have brunch, and do a little exploring in the area. You won’t regret it! And if you want to order my favorite dish, get the Poached Eggs & Chorizo Potatoes.
I’ve also read that Coppinger Row does a fabulous brunch, although I’ve only been there for dinner (which I enjoyed immensely). Another name you might see a lot when looking for Dublin brunch is Herbstreet, although I’ve got to say, with the hour long wait and disappointing ambiance I would not be quick to recommend it.
Best Coffee (For Picky Americans)
Being here all summer made me really miss the ease with which you can get “normal” coffee back home (I’m such an American, sorry). Since I’m not a fan of espresso I made a point of hunting down these trendy coffee shops with delicious drips!
3FE
3FE is an awesome little chain, and some locations even serve breakfast food (with a simple but delicious menu).
The 3FE we frequented in Ballsbridge has no food options except a few pastries and granola bars, but the space is just really cool and a great place to check out if you’re a coffee lover. They even host classes on brewing your own stuff and sell all the fancy coffee accessories one might need!
Two Fifty Square
Two Fifty Square is SUCH a nice space. The building design and layout is awesome and perfect for your Instagrams. They also serve food, although I have not tried it.
My favorite thing to order is the Vietnamese iced coffee.
Best Lunch & Dinner Spots for Switching it Up
If you need a break from all the pub food you’ll likely be consuming, check out these casual spots for fares from India, Nepal, Japan, something reminiscent of the good ol’ USA, and some delicious vegetarian food as well!
Kerala Kitchen
Kerala Kitchen is my go-to place for Indian food in Dublin, either delivery or eating in.
The restaurant has a cool, somewhat unexpected vibe, with a communal seating area and little tables for two by the windows. If you go for lunch you can get one of their specials or combos in a to-go container, which can either be eaten upstairs or taken to the nearby canal. I highly recommend eating and drinking by the canal on a nice day, which is a truly quintessential Dublin experience.
Monty’s of Kathmandu
Monty’s of Kathmandu is a wonderful Nepalese spot close to Temple Bar, right in the heart of Dublin. The atmosphere is traditional and intimate, the service is super friendly, and the food is delicious. Just note that it’s only open during standard lunch and dinner hours.
Zakura Izakaya
I’ve had some pretty good Japanese food since being in Dublin, but Zakura Izakaya was probably my favorite. It’s kind of a hole-in-the-wall, but the service is fast and the sushi is exceptional. I also loved the Chicken Katsu Curry, which I highly recommend.
Crackbird - No Longer in Business :(
If you’re craving a good ol’ bucket of fried chicken and some soft buttery rolls, look no further. Crackbird is what I wish fried chicken spots in America were like. It has truly fresh, delicious food in a trendy space that feels like an upscale diner.
2021 UPDATE: Looks like Crackbird is no longer in business. :(
Cornucopia
I went to Cornucopia with a vegetarian friend and really loved it. It has delicious hearty veg options, plus beer and wine. It can definitely get crowded around dinner time, but still very worth it. Plus the atmosphere is just quaint as heck!
Best Fancy Dinner Spots
Just note, all of these are more high-end dining, and for the Old Spot and Forest & Marcy you’ll definitely want a reservation.
The Old Spot
The Old Spot is where my boyfriend’s company goes for special occasion dinners. In fact, it was where we had our first dinner in Ireland!
The food is incredibly fresh and the menu is constantly changing. I don’t know how to describe it other than that everything is just good – a particular favorite dish of mine was the squid ink risotto. The ambiance is intimate and it’s a favorite with the locals. Just be prepared to get a reservation first!
Forest & Marcy
Forest & Marcy is the only restaurant on this list that we have yet to try. We’re trying to get a reservation before we leave, and I suggest you do the same if you want a shot at dining here. It’s similar to The Old Spot (from what I understand), and I’ve heard that it has one of the best chefs in Dublin and is where people go if they want a truly spectacular dining experience.
Bear
I’m not a particular fan of steakhouses, but Bear is just fantastic. It has a trendy ambiance, nice bar, and even had a DJ one night when we were there! The steak and pork options were thoroughly enjoyed by my boyfriend and his friends, and I ordered one of the best salads I’ve ever had in my life (green beans, hard boiled eggs, beets, potatoes, and vinaigrette).
Oh, and do NOT skip on the Million Dollar Fries at Bear– just take my word for it.
Honorable mention in this category goes to The Winding Stair, which is right in Dublin’s city center and is upstairs from a beautiful old bookstore. I have not had the food, but the bookstore is truly one of the nicest places to stop for a browse when walking down the river, and the restaurant came at high recommendation from a friend who spent her birthday there.
Best Drink Spots
Charlotte Quay
Charlotte Quay is an upscale, trendy bar right on the canal, and is usually pretty quiet on weekday evenings (I cannot attest to the weekends). They have delicious bar food (the cheese board is excellent) and you can order from the restaurant’s menu as well. I recommend eating outside and enjoying the views while keeping warm under the heat lamps!
Porterhouse
Porterhouse is just classic Dublin. It’s your standard pub, but with five levels, and of course live music in the evenings. It’s a great place to grab a few pints and enjoy the atmosphere of Temple Bar.
Bar With No Name
Bar With No Name is a “secret” cocktail bar around Temple Bar that also serves beer and wine. The atmosphere is dark and decidedly cool inside, but the best part is the outdoor patio. I also just LOVE watching a good cocktail being made, and the guys and girls behind the bar definitely do it right. My favorite is the Passionfruit Caipirinha.
Just remember – if you’re looking for a sign, this is it. ;)
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