The 7 Best Cheap Eats in Dublin

Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is one of the most exciting cities in the world. Known for its fusion of traditional and multicultural offerings, Dublin is not just an excellent city for weekend breaks, but it’s the perfect city for foodies. While Dublin is one of the more expensive European cities to live, work and eat in, it doesn’t mean that you can’t find a yummy bargain when it comes to picking the perfect snack, meal or drink in the city. In this article, we will discuss the 7 best cheap eats in Dublin where you can satisfy your cravings without overspending.

Cheap eats: Dublin's best budget-friendly bites

1. Bambino

 If pizza’s your thing, then you simply must visit Bambino, who is slinging out some of the finest slices this side of NYC! Found on Stephen Street in central Dublin, Bambino offers a generous slice of pizza for as little as €4.50 – so you can get your pizza fix without breaking the bank. They put on a daily special slice for just €6, while if you’re feeling extra peckish you can take advantage of their meal deal where you can pick up any two slices and a drink for €13. Who else wants a slice of the action?

Address: 37 Stephen Street Lower, Dublin D02 T862

Opening Hours: 12:00–00:00 Sunday–Thursday, 12:00–02:00 Friday–Saturday

 2. The Rolling Donut

For those with a sweet tooth, we’ve found your ideal snack spot. The Rolling Donut – which has been open since 1978 – offers some of the Irish capital’s best doughnuts, including sourdough and vegan options. 

You can order individual doughnuts ranging from the classic chocolate ring to more decadent and creative fusions such as the birthday cake and ice cream flavour doughnut. If you can’t make up your mind, then order one of their boxes of multiple doughnuts (we won’t judge if you don’t share them).

And with their box deals offering handmade doughnuts at under €3 per doughnut, this is a bargain you simply can’t afford to miss out on.

Address: 55 King Street South, Dublin 2, D02 C803

Opening Hours: 08:00–20:00 Monday–Wednesday, 08:00–21:00 Thursday–Saturday, 09:00–20:00 Sunday

 3. White Rabbit

Craving KFC? No, not that one – we’re talking about Korean Fried Chicken! A recent boom in the popularity of Asian street food has taken Dublin by storm, and White Rabbit has taken full advantage of that, offering up some of Korea’s finest street food creations in the heart of northern Dublin.

Expect all of your Korean favourites – nutritious bibimbap, crispy and juicy fried chicken tenders or wings coated in a sticky gochujang barbecue sauce, or how about Korea’s take on the classic corn dog – stuffed with cheese, and coated in a sugary batter?

And the best bit? White Rabbit offers very fair pricing, meaning that you can get your Korean street food fix while still saving money on your trip to Dublin – what’s not to love about that?

Address: 27 Capel Street, North City, Dublin, D01 E2A0

Opening Hours: 12:00–21:00 Monday–Sunday

 4. Bunsen

A good burger can be really hard to come by. A good, cheap burger can be even harder to come by. But not if you’re visiting Bunsen!

These guys, based in the world-famous Temple Bar area of the city, have got that combination just right – succulent, fresh, juicy burgers for a bargain price (their burgers are even cheaper – and more filling – than a pint of Guinness in some of the pubs around the Temple Bar!)

Bunsen keeps it simple too: their menu consists of hamburgers, cheeseburgers (toppings are free), fries and a few drinks – and we’re fully on board with the notion of less is more when it comes to comfort food classics like burgers.

Both hamburgers and cheeseburgers cost less than €10, while a portion of hand-cut French fries won’t even cost you €5. 

Address: 22 Essex Street East, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 NA09

Opening Hours: 12:00–21:30 Sunday–Wednesday, 12:00–22:30 Thursday–Saturday

 5. Xian Street Food

Bringing the authentic flavours of the Xi’an region in China to the north side of Dublin, Xian Street Food has not only got authentic Chinese offerings, but they’ve catered their menu to the tastes of the Dublin locals and tourists, too – offering arguably the best ‘spice bag’ in the city.

And if you don’t know what a spice bag is – get to know! A spice bag consists of crispy fried chicken, chips, and vegetables like peppers and onions, generously dusted in a Chinese-style salt and pepper seasoning, and served with a sauce of your choice – usually curry, satay or sweet and sour.

And even if a spice bag’s not your thing, there’s plenty of other Chinese food on offer from Xian Street Food – think dumplings, bao buns, noodles, rice dishes, and more. 

Most items on the menu are under €10, so there’s no need to worry about overspending on some tasty food here.

Address: 16 North Earl Street, North City, Dublin, D01 P7R8

Opening Hours: 12:00–23:00 Monday–Sunday

 6. El Grito

Mexican food is a global favourite, and for good reason, too: spicy flavours, incredible textures and more ways to fold a tortilla than you thought possible.

Well, you can get your Mexican fix right in the heart of Dublin at El Grito, who not only do all your classic Mexican dishes like nachos, quesadillas, burritos and more, but they open for breakfast time, where you can pick up a toastie or their house special drowned eggs for under €12.

In addition, if it’s a drink you fancy, they have a full range of cocktails that are also reasonably priced, and equally as tasty as those that you’d find in the city’s top-end bars for double the price.

Address: 20 Mountjoy Square East, Mountjoy, Dublin, D01 K3T1

Opening Hours: 11:30–22:00 Sunday–Thursday, 11:30–22:30 Friday–Saturday

 7. Umi Falafel

Umi Falafel takes great pride in their cooking, offering a range of Middle Eastern favourites in central Dublin. The word “Umi” means “my mother” in Arabic, and the restaurant chose this name because they “put as much love and care into [their] food as your mother would” – a bold statement indeed, which is a testament to their delicious food.

Their menu is also 100% vegetarian, with lots of vegan options available, too. Expect Middle Eastern favourites like falafel, shawarma, grilled halloumi, salads, mezze, baklava and lots more – with many of their offerings under €10.

Their food takes inspiration from throughout the Middle East, from the Mediterranean shores of Cyprus to the deserts of Iran and this is reflected in the different ingredients that they use in their dishes. They also pride themselves on using fresh ingredients, meaning you’re not only able to dine out on a budget when you visit Umi Falafel, but you’re able to eat healthily, too.

Address: George’s Street Arcade, South Great George’s Street, Dublin

Opening Hours: 11:00–18:00 Sunday–Wednesday, 11:00–19:00 Thursday–Saturday