Dublin is expensive — but eating cheaply in Dublin doesn’t have to mean fast-food chains. The city has an exceptional range of cheap eats Dublin options where you can fill up for under €15: family-run Vietnamese pho counters, Lebanese falafel kitchens, slice-counter pizza places that locals queue for at 02:00, €10 Irish pub lunch deals, and student-priced canteens hidden inside cultural institutions. This guide ranks the 25 best cheap eats in Dublin for 2026 — with every entry tested for the under-€15 price point and quality that rivals more-expensive Dublin restaurants.

Pair with our pillar on Dublin restaurants & food, our Dublin on a budget guide, and our best brunch Dublin guide.

How Cheap Can You Realistically Eat in Dublin?

The honest 2026 baseline:

• Under €5: Pizza slice (DiFontaine’s), bagels (Bagels & Co), Vietnamese rice paper rolls, market sandwiches, pasta side. Possible but limited.
• €5-10: Tacos (El Grito), burritos (Boojum), bowls of pho (Pho Kim), falafel wraps (Umi), pub-lunch sandwich plates, Irish stew at a basic pub.
• €10-15: Most central pub lunch deals, ramen, sushi, mid-range Asian, dosa, Vietnamese full meals, pizza calzones, gastropub lunch.
• Under €15 all in (food + drink): Possible at most options in this guide.
• Family of 4 under €40-50: Achievable at Boojum, Umi, DiFontaine’s, Bunsen burger, several pubs running family lunch deals.

Lunchtime is the secret to cheap Dublin eating. Most central restaurants — including Michelin-starred ones — offer prix-fixe lunch menus 40-50% cheaper than dinner. The Pig’s Ear lunch is €27 for two courses; dinner €55+. Etto lunch €25 for two courses; dinner €45+. Build your day around a substantial lunch and a small dinner.

Mexican & Latin American Under €15

1. Boojum

The Dublin Mexican burrito institution. Multiple locations across the city. Burritos €8-9; bowls and tacos €7-10. Standard ingredients but reliable and filling. Late-night service until 02:00 at the Wexford Street and Capel Street branches makes it the Dublin post-pub staple.

2. El Grito

Authentic Mexican taqueria in the Wholesale Market. Tacos €2.50-3 each; combo platters under €15. Better quality than Boojum but smaller and earlier-closing. Worth the walk for an authentic taco fix.

3. Wahaca Dublin

The UK Mexican mini-chain’s Dublin location on St Stephen’s Green. Small plates €6-10; lunch deals available; reliable quality.

Middle Eastern & Mediterranean

4. Umi Falafel

Palestinian falafel kitchen with several Dublin locations. Falafel wraps €7.50; combo with spiced potato wedges and soft drink €12.50. The vegetarian standout in Dublin’s cheap-eats scene. Strong vegan options.

5. Ouzeri

Greek mezze on Capel Street. Mezze plates €5-8 each; share several for under €15 per person. Excellent Greek wine list at reasonable prices.

6. Pickle

Sophisticated Indian restaurant on South Richmond Street. Lunch deals at €13-16 for two courses. Far above the standard Dublin Indian.

Asian Under €15

7. Pho Kim

Vietnamese pho specialist on Capel Street. Vietnamese beef meatball noodle soup €14.50; chicken pho €13. Family-run, authentic, busy.

8. Xian Street Food

Authentic Chinese street food on Capel Street. Most dishes €10-14. Hand-pulled noodles, dumplings and spicy lamb skewers.

9. Kimchi Hophouse

Korean restaurant on Parnell Street. Mandu dumplings under €7; bibimbap bowls €14-15. Strong Korean fried chicken.

10. Ramen Dabu

Authentic ramen shop on Capel Street. Bowls €14-15. The tonkotsu pork bone broth is the standout.

11. Tao Tao Asia House

Cantonese-style restaurant on Aungier Street with lunch specials under €15. Roast duck rice and noodle soups are the standouts.

Pizza & Italian

12. DiFontaine’s

Famous Temple Bar pizza-by-the-slice spot. Slices €5.50-8; calzones €8-11. Open late; a Dublin post-pub institution.

13. Pi Pizza

Quality pizza on South Great George’s Street. Lunch slices €5-7; full pizzas to share €15-22. Better-quality than DiFontaine but pricier per slice.

14. La Maison des Gourmets

French bakery and cafe on Castle Market with quiches and savoury tarts at €9-13 with salad. Excellent French baked goods at moderate prices.

Burgers, Fried Chicken & Quality Fast Food

15. Bunsen

The Dublin burger institution. Burgers €9-13; loaded chips €5. Strong vegetarian and vegan options. Multiple central locations.

16. Wowburger

Quality burger chain with strong vegetarian options. Burgers €10-14; combos under €15. Multiple central locations.

17. Crackbird

Fried chicken specialist on Dame Court. Most plates €13-17. Strong Korean-leaning marinades.

18. White Rabbit Smokehouse

American-style BBQ on Anglesea Street. Sandwiches €13-15. Strong smoked brisket and pulled pork.

Market & Food Hall Cheap Eats

19. George’s Street Arcade

Victorian covered market with several cheap-eats stalls including Cornish pasty kiosk (€6-7), Italian sandwiches (€7-9), Lebanese hummus plates (€10-12). The single best one-stop for varied cheap eating in Dublin.

20. Eatyard

Outdoor food yard at the back of the Bernard Shaw on Richmond Street. Rotating food trucks; most plates €10-14. Best in summer weather.

21. Temple Bar Food Market

Saturday-only at Meeting House Square. Prepared food, sandwiches, Irish cheese plates €8-15. Best Saturday lunch in the area.

Pub Lunch Deals Under €15

22. The Pieman Cafe

Pie shop with savoury pies, side and drink combos under €10. Excellent steak and Guinness pie.

23. The Long Hall (Pub)

Victorian pub with simple lunch menu including toasted sandwiches and Irish stew. All items €10-15.

24. Mulligan’s

Heritage pub with classic Irish lunch dishes from €12-15. Friday fish and chips, Sunday roast.

25. The Confession Box

Old-school north-side pub with full carvery lunch from €13-15. Family-friendly and proper portions.

Premium Restaurant Lunch Deals (Under €30)

Several of Dublin’s top restaurants offer prix-fixe lunch deals that bring fine dining into cheap-eats territory:

• Etto (Merrion Row): Two-course lunch €25; three-course €30. One of Dublin’s top restaurants at half the dinner price.
• The Pig’s Ear (Nassau Street): Two-course lunch €27; three-course €32.
• Pichet (Trinity Street): Two-course lunch €25.
• Saba (Clarendon Street): Lunch dishes under €15; one of the best Thai restaurants in the city.
• Bang (Merrion Row): Two-course lunch €28.
• Suesey Street: Two-course lunch €27.
• Yamamori: Lunch ramen and bento under €15.

For value-conscious foodies, this is the single best Dublin food strategy: have a substantial premium-restaurant lunch and a smaller dinner. You eat at the city’s best restaurants for cheap-eats prices.

"Free" Eats: Where to Get Food Included in Other Activities

Some of the best-value Dublin meals are technically included in other activities:

• Guinness Storehouse: Includes a free pint at the Gravity Bar. With a salad or sandwich elsewhere, a Storehouse visit is a €10 lunch.
• Distillery tours: Roe & Co, Teeling and Jameson all include whiskey tastings.
• Some hotel breakfasts: Premier Inn and Maldron include breakfast at most rates, often for €5 extra. Saves €15+ on a separate breakfast.
• Hotel happy hours: Many Dublin hotel bars offer pre-dinner happy-hour pricing on small plates and snacks.
• Free trad music sessions: A pint at The Cobblestone is a complete evening; no cover charge.

Self-Catering & Grocery for Even Cheaper Eating

If you’re staying in an aparthotel or apartment, grocery shopping cuts food costs by 60-70%:

• Tesco Metro Dame Street, Henry Street, Baggot Street: Standard supermarket prices; full meal-deal lunches €5.
• Aldi: Cheapest supermarket. Aldi Smithfield, Talbot Street, Liffey Valley.
• Lidl: Similar to Aldi. Multiple locations.
• SPAR / Centra: Convenient but 30-50% pricier; for late-night needs only.
• Hodson Bay Fruit Markets: Smaller fresh-produce markets across Dublin for cheaper fruits and vegetables.

A self-catered breakfast (cereal, bread, butter, jam, fruit, coffee) costs €3-4/person/day vs €15-20 at a cafe.

Practical Tips for Cheap Eating in Dublin

• Eat lunch out, snack for dinner: Most premium restaurants offer 40-50% off lunch vs dinner.
• Skip Temple Bar restaurants: 30-50% more expensive than identical food elsewhere in the city.
• Use cafes for “working lunches”: Café-as-workspace culture means you can sit for hours over one €5 coffee plus a €6 pastry.
• Loyalty cards work: Most independent cafes have buy-9-get-1-free cards; useful for longer stays.
• Pubs serve food until late: Most pub kitchens close 21:00-22:00; perfect for after-museum dinner if you skip premium restaurants.
• Tap water is free and good: Don’t buy bottled water; Dublin tap water meets EU standards.
• Look for kids-eat-free deals: Maldron and Premier Inn hotels offer free kids’ meals with adult dinners.
• Saturday vs Sunday: Many cheap-eats spots are quieter on Sunday than Saturday.
• Lunch in markets: George’s Street Arcade and the Temple Bar Food Market both offer plates under €10.
• Aldi or Lidl meal-deal lunch: Sandwich + crisps + drink for €3-4; eat in a park.

Best Cheap Eats Dublin by Neighbourhood

St Stephen’s Green / Grafton Street

Bunsen burger (multiple sites), Wahaca Mexican, Pickle lunch deals, the Bewley’s Café Grafton Street, Saba Thai lunch.

Temple Bar / Liffey

DiFontaine’s pizza, Crackbird fried chicken, the Brick Alley Café, the Pieman Café. Avoid the main Temple Bar pubs for cheap eating — prices spike here.

Capel Street / Northside

Pho Kim Vietnamese, Xian Chinese street food, Ramen Dabu, Kimchi Hophouse, Brother Hubbard North, Ouzeri Greek mezze.

Liberties / Camden Street

The Pieman Café, Pang Vietnamese, Two Pups Coffee. Brother Hubbard South. Quality cheap eats with neighbourhood-feel.

Smithfield / Stoneybatter

Token (pizza, retro arcade), the Cobblestone for pub lunch, L. Mulligan Grocer gastropub deals.

Docklands

3FE coffee+food, Honest 2 Goodness Saturday market, Hatch Coffee Docklands. Generally pricier than Capel Street equivalents.

Cheap Eats by Dietary Needs

Vegetarian

Cornucopia (vegetarian institution since 1986; buffet plus la carte), Umi Falafel, Govinda’s vegetarian buffet, the Fumbally veg dishes, Brother Hubbard veg options, Pang Café tofu dishes.

Vegan

Sova Vegan Butcher, Veginity, the Fumbally, Cornucopia, Sova’s vegan brunch. Most have plates under €15.

Gluten-free

Most Dublin restaurants flag gluten-free options on menus. Pho Kim Vietnamese (rice noodles), Asian rice-bowl restaurants, and modern Irish kitchens like the Fumbally are reliably GF-friendly.

Halal

Umi Falafel (Palestinian; halal-certified), several Pakistani and Indian options around Parnell Street, multiple Turkish kebab houses including Cleaver East’s sister restaurants.

Late-Night Cheap Eats Dublin

The post-pub Dublin food landscape: where to fill up after 23:00 for under €15:

• Boojum (Wexford Street and Capel Street): Until 02:00. Burritos around €9.
• DiFontaine’s Temple Bar: Until 03:00 weekends. Pizza slices €5.50-8.
• The 24-hour McDonald’s on O’Connell Street: Open 24h.
• Spice of India on Camden Street: Until 03:00 weekends. Lunch deals from €10.
• Beshoff Bros (multiple locations): Fish & chips until midnight; combo deals around €13.
• Subway (multiple locations): Open until midnight; sub deals from €8.
• Centra and SPAR convenience stores: Open until 02:00 in centre; hot food counter, sandwiches, hot dogs.

Cheap Eats Dublin: Side-by-Side Comparison

A quick reference for the most-recommended cheap-eats spots:

• DiFontaine’s: Pizza slice €5.50; Temple Bar, until 03:00 weekends. Best for late-night.
• Boojum: Burrito €9; multiple locations, until 02:00. Best for post-pub fill-up.
• Umi Falafel: Wrap €7.50, combo €12.50; multiple locations. Best for vegetarian.
• Pho Kim: Pho €13-14.50; Capel Street. Best for cold-day Vietnamese.
• Bunsen: Burger €10-13; multiple locations. Best for proper burger fans.
• The Pieman Café: Pie+side+drink €10; Mary Street. Best for traditional Irish-style cheap eat.
• Kimchi Hophouse: Bibimbap €14; Parnell Street. Best for Korean.
• Xian Street Food: Hand-pulled noodles €12; Capel Street. Best for Chinese street food.
• Pizza Pi: Slice €6, full pizza €15-22; South Great George’s Street. Best for quality pizza.
• El Grito: Tacos €2.50 each; Smithfield. Best for authentic Mexican.

For a Dublin trip on a tight budget, hitting 4-5 of these spots delivers excellent cheap eating across a 3-4 day trip.

Cheap Eats Near Tourist Attractions

Knowing where to eat cheaply near major Dublin attractions saves significant money:

• Near Trinity College / Book of Kells: The Pepper Pot (Powerscourt), Hatch & Sons (Little Museum), Crackbird (Dame Court). All under €15.
• Near Guinness Storehouse: Bunsen Liberties, The Brazen Head lunch deal, the Roe & Co cafe.
• Near Kilmainham Gaol: Kilmainham Restaurant, Hatch Coffee Kilmainham, takeaway from Boojum Inchicore.
• Near EPIC / Docklands: 3FE Grand Canal, the Mayson aparthotel cafe, Boojum Custom House Quay.
• Near Phoenix Park: Phoenix Café (inside park), Token (Smithfield, 10 min walk), L. Mulligan Grocer (Stoneybatter).
• Near St Patrick’s Cathedral: The Pieman Café, Pang Café, Bunsen Camden.
• Near the Natural History Museum / National Gallery: Etto lunch deals, the National Gallery’s own Galleries Café, Hatch & Sons.

For more on getting around the city, see our Dublin transport pillar.

Three More Tips for Cheap Eating in Dublin

A few additional money-saving moves most visitors miss:

1. Use the Dublin Pass for free meals included with attractions. Some Dublin Pass attraction bundles include lunch at partner restaurants. Calculate carefully — the Pass is only worth it if you visit 4+ paid attractions.

2. Look for “Early Bird” restaurant menus. Many premium Dublin restaurants offer Early Bird two-course menus between 17:00 and 18:30 at significant discounts — sometimes 40% off the regular dinner price. The Pig’s Ear, Pichet, Saba and Bang all run versions.

3. Lunch at the National Museums. The Silk Road Café at the Chester Beatty (free entry to the museum), the Galleries Café at the National Gallery, the National Library Café, the IMMA Café and the Phoenix Park Café all serve reliable cafe-style lunches in atmospheric museum settings — typically €10-15 for a main, with the bonus of free museum access.

A Week of Dublin Eating for Under €100

To prove the point: here’s a realistic 7-day Dublin food itinerary for a single traveller on a strict budget, sticking close to the €100 mark for total food costs across the week. Assumes you’re staying somewhere with breakfast not included.

• Day 1 (Mon): Aldi meal-deal sandwich lunch €4; Boojum bowl dinner €9; coffee €5. Total €18.
• Day 2 (Tue): Brother Hubbard brunch (waiting for the 11:00 opening) €14; Aldi snack lunch €3; Bunsen burger dinner €11. Total €28.
• Day 3 (Wed): Tesco meal-deal breakfast €4; the Pieman Café pie deal €10; Umi Falafel dinner €8. Total €22.
• Day 4 (Thu): Skipping breakfast (saving for lunch); Etto two-course lunch deal €25; DiFontaine’s pizza slice + soft drink €9 dinner. Total €34.
• Day 5 (Fri): Aldi breakfast €4; the Pepper Pot full Irish lunch €14; Boojum quick dinner €9. Total €27.
• Day 6 (Sat): The Fumbally weekend brunch (queue early) €15; Temple Bar Food Market plate €10; pub lunch later at Mulligan’s €13. Total €38.
• Day 7 (Sun): Sister Sadie’s Sunday brunch €14; The Long Hall sandwich and pint €15. Total €29.

Week total: ~€196. Cut breakfasts further (own muesli, banana, instant coffee in your apartment kitchen) and you can comfortably run a week of Dublin eating for under €150. The premium-restaurant lunch deals (Etto, Pig’s Ear, Pichet) are particularly good value — you get a fine-dining experience at the same price as 1.5 hotel buffet breakfasts.

Five Cheap Eats Worth Knowing About Outside the Top 25

• The Hare Krishna Govinda’s (Aungier Street): All-you-can-eat vegetarian Indian buffet for under €11. Run by the Hare Krishna community; the dal and rice are particularly strong.
• Lemon Crepe & Coffee (Dawson Street, Millennium Walkway): Sweet and savoury crepes from €6; freshly made to order. Bargain breakfast or snack.
• Pieman Café (multiple locations): Already mentioned but worth re-emphasising for the €10 pie + side + drink deal.
• Mama’s Revenge (Charlemont Street): Mexican fast-casual. Burritos and tacos under €10. Less well-known than Boojum.
• Mulberry Pancakes (Suffolk Street): Pancake specialist serving filled pancakes at €8-12. Great breakfast or dessert.

When to Avoid Cheap Eats

A few realistic warnings:

• St Patrick’s weekend (15-19 March): Most cheap-eats spots are heaving; queues at Boojum and DiFontaine’s extend to 30-45 minutes. Plan ahead and arrive at off-peak times.
• Saturday lunchtime in Temple Bar: DiFontaine’s and the Brick Alley Café typically queue 20-30 minutes; consider Sunday lunch instead.
• Six Nations rugby weekends: All central pubs running cheap lunch deals are full of rugby fans 12:00-16:00.
• Christmas Markets evenings: Smithfield and the Iveagh Gardens markets compete for the same dinner crowd; reserve restaurants ahead.
• Late-night cheap eats on New Year’s Eve: Boojum and DiFontaine’s typically close earlier than usual or have major queues.

Cheap Eats Dublin: FAQ

What is the cheapest meal in Dublin?

A DiFontaine’s pizza slice (€5.50), an El Grito taco (€2.50 each), or a supermarket meal-deal lunch (€3-4) are the cheapest filling meals. For a proper sit-down meal under €10, the Umi Falafel combo or a Pieman Cafe pie deal both work.

Where do locals eat cheaply in Dublin?

Boojum (post-pub), DiFontaine’s (late-night), Umi Falafel (lunch), Pho Kim (Vietnamese), the Long Hall (pub lunch), Two Pups (coffee + cheap brunch). Local pubs running carvery lunch deals are popular for families.

Are Dublin pub meals cheap?

Pub lunch deals at independent pubs (the Long Hall, Mulligan’s, the Confession Box) and chains (the Spar pub group) typically run €10-15 for a full meal. Pub dinners are often closer to €15-22.

How can a family eat cheaply in Dublin?

Self-cater breakfast at the hotel/apartment, eat lunch at premium-restaurant prix-fixe deals (Etto, Pig’s Ear, Pichet at €25-30/adult for two courses), and grab takeaway dinner at Boojum or Bunsen. A family of 4 can eat well for under €100/day.

Are vegetarians well-catered for in Dublin cheap eats?

Yes. Umi Falafel, Cornucopia (vegetarian institution), Sova Vegan Butcher, Govinda’s vegetarian buffet, and most Asian restaurants have strong vegetarian options under €15.

Where can I eat cheaply in Temple Bar?

DiFontaine’s pizza slice, the Brick Alley Café, the Library Project Café and the Temple Bar Food Market (Saturdays). Avoid the main Temple Bar restaurants which are 30-50% pricier than equivalent dishes elsewhere.

Is €15 enough for a meal in Dublin?

Yes — the entire list in this article is filled with €15 (or under) meals. Including drinks, you can comfortably eat for €15-20 per person at most options here.

Plan the Rest of Your Dublin Food Trip

Cheap eating in Dublin doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Pair this with our pillar on Dublin restaurants & food, our Dublin on a budget guide, our free things to do in Dublin for budget-balanced itineraries, and our traditional Irish food guide.