Not Your Typical Food Guide to Dublin

Potatoes. Guinness. Whiskey. Fish & chips. Lucky Charms, if they’re feeling goofy. These are what come to mind for many when you ask them about Ireland and food. Or else there’s just a general sense that good food isn’t what you go to Ireland for. Fortunately, for locals and visitors alike, that is no longer the case. Thanks to a generally strong economy and an influx of immigrants from around the world, over the past couple of decades, the food scene in Ireland has become something to write home about. To be sure, you can still get a mighty fine pint of Guinness and there are some great chippers, but these days, there are a lot more delicious options.

Olesya’s Wine Bar on Exchequer Street is one of my favorite wine bars in the world (and I’ve visited many!). Located in the heart of the main shopping area in the city, it’s a wonderful place to stop for a glass of wine and a light bite during a busy day of shopping and sightseeing. In warmer weather, I particularly enjoy sitting outside and watching the world go by. I try to stop here at least once on every visit to the city.

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty bite while out and about in Dublin, head into Bao Bun on Aungier Street. Not the kind of food many people would think of getting in Ireland, but this place hits the mark with lots of fun options. A friend from Shanghai says her son swears these bao are some of the best he’s had. High praise, indeed!

The Silk Road Cafe at the Chester Beatty Library is another wonderful option for a yummy on the go lunch. Stop here before or after visiting the wonderful (and free!) museum. Inspired by the museum’s focus on Middle Eastern and North African art and books, the food, served cafeteria-style, is strongly influenced by the cultures of the Mediterranean. The location is particularly nice in all kinds of weather.

For a more leisurely lunch or breakfast in a lovely setting, I’m a big fan of Avoca on Suffolk Street. Head up the stairs through the lovely store chock full of colorful clothes, home goods and more to the top floor restaurant. The menu focuses on tasty, hearty food, sourced, as much as possible, from Ireland.

If you want a warming bowl of pho on a cold, damp Irish day or are looking for a fresh flavorful light meal, Pho Ta on Cope Street is a casual and easy option for lunch or dinner. Having lived in Hanoi for seven months, I have a soft spot for Vietnamese food and this place always makes me happy.

A Dublin institution since 1997, I’m a big fan of Monty’s of Kathmandu. This Nepalese restaurant on Eustace Street has it all -- delicious food, a charming setting and great service. We love it for a night out with a few friends.

L’Enoteca di Napoli on Fenian Street is a little off the beaten path, but still a quick walk from the Grafton Street shopping area. Sitting here one night, I almost felt like I was in Italy -- helped, I’m sure, by the fact that our Italian waiter didn’t speak much English so I had to dig into my memory banks for my college Italian! We had a lovely meal in a cozy setting.

The Winding Stair on Lower Ormond Quay is located above a famous old bookstore and is named after a poem by Irish writer, W.B. Yeats. Their ever-changing menu highlights delicious vegetables, meat and seafood from Ireland. Modern Irish cuisine at its best.

Image 1: Looking down at one of the dining areas at the Silk Road Cafe in the Chester Beatty Library ; Image 2: The photo-worthy staircase at the Merchants Arch pub

I couldn’t wrap up this guide without at least a nod to a traditional Irish night out. So, if you’re looking for a fun Irish pub to enjoy a post dinner drink and some music, two of my favorites are The Merchant’s Arch on Capel Street. The former is open late, usually has good live music and has a beautiful photo-worthy winding staircase in the back room. The latter, known for its session music feels to me a lot like an Irish country pub plopped down in the middle of the city. Slainte!

To many people’s surprise, Dublin has become a great foodie city. With a growing immigrant population and a vibrant nightlife, there’s much to delight every palate.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Dublin. In need of further inspiration? Check out Nicole Sansone’s guide, Family Trip to Dublin, Ireland.