Traditional Irish Restaurants in Dublin

Author: Veruska Anconitano, Award-Winning Food Travel Journalist, Sommelier & Outdoor LoverAuthor information
Veruska
About the author
Veruska Anconitano
Veruska is a a food travel journalist with awards to her credit, such as World Best Food Travel Journalist. She holds a certification as a sommelier and she is also an ardent lover of the outdoors. Aside from this, Veruska is a Multilingual SEO and Localization Consultant and co-owns multiple websites that cater to a global audience.
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Eating traditional Irish food in Dublin may not seem easy: in fact, the city is so far international that the places where to eat typically Irish seem to be scarce, also complicated by the fact that the food and wine culture is changing rapidly and Dublin is also becoming more international despite the use of exclusively Irish and traceable ingredients.

I know you are thinking that Ireland is home to very few dishes: stew, meat and potatoes but I assure you that in fact, Irish cuisine is quite varied despite using a few basic ingredients.

What are the Irish dishes you have to taste while in Ireland?

  • Soda Bread
  • Irish Stew
  • Beef & Guinness Stew
  • Dublin Coddle
  • Irish Brack (but only during Halloween)
  • Bacon and cabbage
  • Irish Breakfast
  • Colcannon
  • Shepherd’s Pie
  • Fish & Chips

I now wanna bring you to discover some of the best traditional Irish restaurants in Dublin, those where you can taste traditional Irish cuisine and of course have a good local beer; If you are looking for restaurants to try, not necessarily Irish, I point you directly to my list with some of the best places for food in Dublin. And do not miss my article on the unmissable things to see in Dublin if you come to town for the first time!

 

The Hairy Lemon

A classic Irish pub where you can drink and even eat: located in the center of the city, is one of the best known places to surrender to a fine Guinness pie, a traditional bacon and cabbage or simply an Irish breakfast. It is an imperative to accompany the meal with a beer.

hairy lemon

The Boars Head

A classic pub, away from the tourist routes, where the food is 100% Irish and the atmosphere is as well: light music in the background, TV shows where to watch sport and a truly unmissable Irish stew.

Gogartys

In the middle of Temple Bar, this is one of Dublin’s most popular pubs that also offers traditional Irish cuisine. It is not attended by many locals but pretty much only by tourists and this also makes it very expensive compared to the standards: the experience is worth the price but for me, it is a bit of foolish.

pie and mash

 

Gallaghers Boxty House

Famous for its central location in Temple Bar, Gallaghers Boxty House offers traditional Irish cuisine in a really old style environment. The boxty, a traditional potato-based pancake, is a must-have. Booking required.

Boxty House

L Mulligan Grocer

Gastropub far from the tourists’ radar, StoneyBatter’s Mulligans offers a mix of Irish dishes paired with special beers. More than a pub, less than a restaurant: try it and do not miss the scotch eggs, the site’s specialty!.

The Brazen Head

A pretty large pub with an outdoor space, live music and traditional food be: some say it’s the oldest pub in Ireland and that’s why it’s recommended on all tour guides and it is literally attacked by tourists. Despite this, prices and food are to be loved.

brazen head

The Exchequer

In the city center, a pub-restaurant where to eat typical food without great pretensions. Some of the tables give up on the street and very often you need to book. Try the steamed cockles and mussels.

Mussels

If you’re looking for something different, 100% Irish contemporary cuisine, these are my recommendations:

The Pig’s Ear

A prize winning restaurant with its Irish cuisine revisited in a modern way and the use of genuine and local ingredients. Reservation required.

pigs hear

The Winding Stair

As above, spectacular location directly on the river. Reservation required.

winding stair

 

If you are looking for traditional Irish fish & chips, the places not to be missed are:

  • Leo Burdock
  • Beshoff Bros (with gluten free options)

fish and chips

Are you heading to Dublin and do you want to more information on customized tours but also on things to do, where to eat and drink and more? Write me an email or follow me on Instagram and Facebook and do not be afraid to ask for more information or a customized consultation! If you want to have photographic tips on what and where to go to take good pictures in Dublin get in contact with Giuseppe, based in Dublin as well.

[This post is an “always in progress”. I’ll add new places if I try and I think they can be recommended. None of these places have paid or given me a free meal/drink for my review here]

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