Dining in Dublin can stretch your budget. Although this city is full of opportunities to spend big on food, you can use a few simple strategies to keep prices low. Plan ahead and you’ll sample the best of the local culinary scene without emptying your wallet.
So book one of our favorite budget hotels in the city and start planning your Dublin dining adventure.
And remember, the food scene now offers much more than fish and chips!
How to save on your meals in Dublin
If you’re ready to experience all the delicious food Dublin has to offer, here are some tips to help you save along the way.
1. Look for markets and street food
Staying away from restaurants is one of the best ways to conserve your euros. Several markets offer good value (and large portions), such as Temple Bar Market (Saturdays) or Mespil Road Market (Thursdays). Browse market options for pricing and portion sizes. See the Visit Dublin website and the Irish Village Markets website for more details.
2. Plan a picnic
There is excellent value for money in grocery stores, bakeries and specialty stores. One of the best ways to enjoy a gourmet meal without the price tag is to buy products directly from the store. Grab a sandwich, cheese and charcuterie at Sheridans Cheesemongers, head to Avoca’s basement store for a loaf of fresh Irish brown soda bread, or stop by the Tesco grocery store to gather supplies picnic.
3. Take advantage of the early bird
Show up early to discover the best restaurants in Dublin at reasonable prices. If you eat a light lunch, you might be ready for an affordable pre-theatre dinner. Discover for example the lunch or pre-theatre menus at Hugo’s, or Achara offers an early bird menu from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with three courses for €25 per person.
4. Eat your biggest meal at lunchtime
Many restaurants offer a similar prix fixe lunch menu. You can save a few dollars by eating your biggest meal at midday. Some restaurants with great lunch specials include The Winding Stair and Pichet.
5. Ethnic cuisine
Dublin doesn’t have the widest range of ethnic dishes, especially compared to other European capitals. These restaurants offer excellent value for money, both in terms of food and drinks. Stop by Hop House for affordable Korean and Japanese dishes, Govindas for huge portions of Indian-influenced vegetarian dishes, and Thai Spice for tasty Thai dishes.
