Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is known for its rich culture, friendly locals, and vibrant food scene. However, as a popular European destination, eating out in Dublin can often be expensive, especially for students, tourists, or anyone on a tight budget. That’s where budget-friendly eateries come in. These places offer delicious food at affordable prices without compromising on taste or experience.
In this article, we’ll explore budget-friendly eateries and highlight the top budget-friendly eateries in Dublin.
What Are Budget-Friendly Food Places?
A budget-friendly eatery is a restaurant, café, or takeaway that offers good-quality food at a low price. These places are usually accessible to students, travelers, and people looking to save money.
Examples include:
Local deli
Casual café
Takeaway
Food truck or stall
These focus on affordable food such as sandwiches, wraps, curries, noodles, or daily specials often under €10.
Why Budget-Friendly Food Places Matter
Not everyone can afford to eat at high-end restaurants. Budget-friendly places ensure that everyone, from college students to tourists, can enjoy good food without spending a fortune.
These places often serve food from different cultures, bringing a diverse and multicultural flavor to Dublin’s dining scene. Most budget-friendly places are small, independent businesses. Supporting them means helping local entrepreneurs thrive.
Budget restaurants often serve quick meals, which are perfect for people on the go—especially during lunch breaks or while exploring the city.
Umi Falafel
Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Vegetarian
Popular items: Falafel wraps, hummus, stuffed vine leaves, lentil soup
Address: 13 Dame Street, Dublin 2, D02 HX67
Average price: €6–€10
Why it’s popular: Umi Falafel is known for its fresh, healthy, and delicious vegetarian food. The falafel wraps are crunchy and delicious, and the portion sizes are large. It’s a great option for a filling meal for under €10.
Boojum
Cuisine: Mexican
Popular items: Burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, nachos
Address: 3–4 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, D02 N448
Average price: €7–€10
Why it’s popular: Boojum is a popular spot for students and office workers. You can customize your burrito or bowl with your choice of meat, rice, beans, vegetables, and sauces. It offers both delicious food and affordable prices.
Govindas
Cuisine: Indian / Vegetarian
Popular items: Mixed vegetable plate, lasagna, curry, salad
Address: 4 Aungier Street, Dublin 2, D02 VK81
Average price: €7–€9
Why it’s popular: Govindas offers healthy vegetarian food in a buffet style. You pay according to the size of the plate (small or large), and the food is delicious, filling, and made fresh daily. It’s ideal for vegetarians or anyone looking for a nutritious lunch.
Kimchi Hophouse
Cuisine: Korean / Asian
Popular items: Bibimbap, Korean fried chicken, kimchi pancakes, ramen
Address: 160–161 Parnell Street, Dublin 1, D01 YH61
Average price: €9–€13
Why it’s popular: Located in a pub, Kimchi Hophouse is a hidden gem. It serves authentic Korean food at reasonable prices, with traditional flavors and ingredients. The bibimbap is particularly popular here.
Mongolian BBQ
Cuisine: Stir-fry / Fusion
Popular items: Create your own stir-fry with noodles, meat, vegetables, sauce
Address: 7 Anglesea Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 N403
Average price: €8–€11 (special offers available for lunch)
Why it’s popular: You can choose your own ingredients from a buffet, and the chefs cook it right in front of you. It’s fun, interactive, and offers budget-friendly prices, especially at lunchtime.
Leo Burdock’s
Cuisine: Traditional Irish / Fish & Chips
Popular items: Fish & chips, sausages & chips, battered burgers
Address: 2 Werburgh Street, Dublin 8, D08 RK28
Average price: €6–€10
Why it’s popular: Leo Burdock’s is one of Dublin’s oldest and most famous chip shops. It’s a must-try for visitors who want a taste of traditional Irish fast food.
Mama’s Revenge
Cuisine: Mexican / Fast Food
Popular items: Burritos, quesadillas, nachos, rice boxes
Address: 12A Nassau Street, Dublin 2, D02 YX74
Average price: €5–€9
Why it’s popular: This is a small and cozy takeaway-style restaurant near Trinity College, known for its tasty and quick burritos at student-friendly prices. Their spicy sauce is homemade and very tasty.
Pho Viet
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Popular items: Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), spring rolls, rice and noodle dishes
Address: 162 Parnell Street, Dublin 1, D01 YN74
Average price: €9–€11
Why it’s popular: This authentic Vietnamese restaurant serves delicious pho with rich broth and fresh ingredients. It’s cozy, tasty, and offers a unique dining experience at a great price.
Sano Pizza
Cuisine: Italian / Pizza
Popular items: Margherita pizza, pepperoni pizza, garlic bread, salads
Address: 16–17 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, D02 HD30
Average price: €6–€9
Why it’s popular: Sano offers authentic Neapolitan-style pizza baked in a wood-fired oven. The crust is soft, the ingredients are fresh, and the prices are unbeatable for the quality of the pizza you get.
Musashi Noodles & Sushi Bar
Cuisine: Japanese
Popular items: Sushi rolls, ramen, bento boxes, gyoza
Address: 15 Capel Street, Dublin 1, D01 K7N7
Average price: €8–€12
Why it’s popular: Musashi is known for its high-quality sushi and noodles at affordable prices. The menu has a great variety, and it’s one of the best places in Dublin for Japanese food on a budget.
