There are days when payday is taunting you, rent is laughing at you and the direct debit payment that you meant to cancel but didn’t cancel and definitely don’t need anymore still surprises you each month. Your bank account ... well let’s not think about that. If you can’t stand the idea of at-home lunch prep, or the urge to eat out is just too strong (we can relate), here’s a list of cheap places to eat that won’t make you weep into your wallet.
1. Sano
Hidden of the end of Dame Street, all of the pizzas in Sano are under a tenner, which is pretty bargainous for good pizza in Dublin. Pizza will also fill the void of your bank account.
2. Masa
Masa on Drury Street offers pretty cheap tacos and assorted Mexican sides. Portions aren’t huge so it works best if you’re sharing with a few mates. You’ll end up well fed with an affordable bill (and maybe a food baby, if you get carried away with ordering).
3. Sisu Izakaya
Sisu Izakaya, which opened late last year, is already making a name for itself for their sushi, and their daily changing lunchtime bento box will only set you back a tenner.
4. Shouk
Our favourite place for Middle Eastern food, the mezze platter in Shouk is pretty massive so you could definitely share between two, making it €7.50 each for a decent feed. And maybe order some sides ... they’re so cheap they don’t count. Read our Shouk once over here.
5. Pang
Pang on Kevin Street is an easy lunch choice for their €6.50 banh mi sandwich - the lemongrass chicken is especially good. Quick, cheap and certifiably inhalable.
6. Aobaba
Get a big bowl of pho for under a tenner on Capel Street and don't even think about feeling bad for not taking sad salad to work again. Read our Aobaba once over here.
7. Takara
Most of the menu in Takara is under a tenner, the ramen is tasty and very satisfying, and we've been told the salmon teppanakyi is the best in town. Gyozas are mandatory.
8. Ruby Tuesday
Jamaican food pop-up Ruby Tuesday in Berlin is serving inexpensive, delicious food, and the plantain chips for €4.50 are addictive. Trust us ... we went, we conquered, we overate, we took food home to eat later. Read our once over here.
9. Vietnom
Hidden in the back of The Glimmer Man pub in Stoneybatter, Vietnom has pretty much reached cult status at this point. They're just back from a couple of months break so join the cool kids and get in here for a feed asap. The menu changes every week, depending on what seasonal veg is available, and it’s predominantly vegetarian. It’s hard to break the bank with most dishes costing around the €6 - €8 mark, and satisfaction is guaranteed. Read our Vietnom once over here.
10. Assassination Custard
It’s hard to venture into expensive territory in this small cafe on Kevin Street. The handwritten menu items usually range from €3 - €9, and it’s BYOB if you know you’re not going back to the office. Read our Assassination Custard once over here.
11. Fumbally
The Fumbally sandwich menu changes daily depending on produce and costs €7 for the vegetarian one and €7.50 for the meat option. They also have a porchetta sandwich with caper mayo as a menu staple, which always hits the spot.
