Eating out in Dublin doesn’t have to mean maxing out your credit card or surviving on bags of chips. Yes we know it feels like that lately but there are plenty of spots serving up legit incredible food that won’t break the bank - if you know where to look.
From early bird menus set up for a midweek treat to generous portions in the right places, from a full on night out to a casual bite, these places prove that good food doesn’t have to come with the heftiest of price tags...
Achara, Aston Quay
Achara keeps us coming back, not just for their Thai-inspired food, but also for the prices. Their three course early bird menu is €25 a head, running Monday to Fridays from 17:00 to 18:30, and for groups, the family-style sharing menu is €45 per person, with snacks, small plates, large plates to share, and dessert. We dare you to find a better option for your gang's next night out, although you could easily be undone by the excellent cocktail and wine list - you've been warned. Read our once over here.
777, George's Street
The king of the deal in Dublin is 777 on George's Street, running multiple days of the week. On Mondays, margaritas are two for €20, which is crazy good value considering they're normally €14 each. Tuesdays are for tacos where they offer two for €9 - enough said - and on Sundays, select menu items are €7.77.
Lucky's, The Liberties
Coke Lane pizza is the bomb dot com, and after a scan of all the reputable reliables in the capital, Lucky's have come in at the best value with their 10 inch margarita setting you back just over a tenner (€11.50 to be precise). The pies are hot, the beers are crafty, and there's jazz on Wednesdays.
Hawksmoor, College Green
Between 17:00 and 18:00 from Monday to Thursday, Hawksmoor have two and three course menus on for €31 and €35 respectively. It's available for reservations up to six guests and for the quality of food this swish steakhouse serves up, this deal is a steal.
M&L Chinese, Dublin 1
Known for having some of the most authentic Sichuan food in Dublin, M&L nails the winning combination of great food at greater prices. Their set menu for two comes in €42, but going à la carte always has us leaving feeling like we've robbed them. Starters average around €9 and mains €15, but even if you paired their most expensive starter (€12.80) with the most expensive main (€25.80) plus a side and some rice, you'll still come in under €50.
Orwell Road, Rathgar
The only spot on the list to have its own listing in the Michelin Guide (those guys need to get out more), Orwell Road’s neighbourhood set menu runs Tuesday to Thursday from 17:00 - 18:00. Two courses will set you back €39, and three is €49. A cozy, elevated escape just outside the city center, and if you keep the drinks to a minimum you can get out without too large a price tag.
Andhra Bhavan, Dublin 1
Southern Indian food doesn’t get better - or better priced - than Andhra Bhavan. For the bargain buster opt for one of their Thali platters which comes in at €28 for the veggies, and €30 for the carnivores. If you're going à la carte, the average starter, main, and side takes you up to €37, a lassi €43, leaving enough for a 15% tip before you hit the €50 mark. That's a big fat yes from us. Read our once over here.
Pho Ta, Temple Bar
Vietnamese Pho Ta has no website, and they don't update their social media, but they don't need to because food this good at prices this good advertises itself. Starters are under €10, mains are under €20, and you can BYO beer or wine, meaning a major saving on the bill too. We're die hard fans of the Bánh Cuốn with pork and the bun cha, but it's all fresh, hearty and chock full of herbs.
Glas, Dublin 2
Vegetarian paradise Glas's early bird menu is extremely good value with two courses for €30, and for an extra €5 you can get three. Running from 17:00 to 18:00 from Sunday to Thursday, it does have its time constraints, but could be the perfect after work bite if you're in town.
Chiya, Dame Street
Killer kebabs and Berlin vibes are the order of the day at Chiya on Dame Street. The veg is fresh, the meat juicy, and the pita bread so pillowy you could sleep on them - don't do that, they're too tasty. These jam packed Berlin Style Döners all come in at under a tenner, making this one of our favourite casual dinners around town that your bank account won't even notice. Read our two minute review here.
Full Moon Thai, Temple Bar
Full Moon Thai is the restaurant that transports us back to beaches on Ko Tao, looking out at fishing boats catching your dinner, and baskets of fresh vegetables, fruit and herbs that will take centre-stage on your plates. You can push the boat out in here with some of the pricer fish dishes, but starters are all under €10, and there's plenty of mains around €20, meaning it's easy to come out for under €50 a head even with drinks.
Seemo's, George's Street Arcade
What was previously Za'atar from the same owners as Umi Falafel, was taken over by new owner Seemo last year, and while more European-friendly pizzas have been added to the menu, the Lebanese Manakish (the main draw) have stayed the same. Try the za'atar with cheese, or the Lahm Bil Ajine with minced lamb and pomegranate molasses, and at €12-13 each, you'll have enough change to head across to Loose Canon for a glass of something nice to send you on your way.
