Dining in Dublin is an experience. As a truly multicultural city (20% of DCU students alone are international), our foodie scene is as diverse as it gets. You’ll find Asian supermarkets, Eastern European corner shops, and international cuisine on almost every corner of the city. Dining in Dublin doesn’t have to break the bank either. You’ll find many quality cheap eats if you know where to look. Put a food tour high on your ‘things to do in Dublin’ list and we promise you won’t be disappointed. Here are some of our student-friendly favourites.
Sano – Temple Bar & Ranelagh
Step away from the Dominos Pizza app. Spend less and enjoy more when you visit Sano Pizza, a truly authentic Neapolitan pizza experience. Using sourdough for the base, and cooking in traditional, imported stone ovens at 500 degrees means your meal is served hot and fresh in the healthiest possible way. With delicious, freshly baked pizzas starting from just €6.90 and a great range of affordable drinks and sides, Sano is a winner every time.
Umi Falafel – Multiple Locations
Umi Falafel is one of those restaurants – once you’ve been once you dream about their food until you come back. Umi means ‘my mother’ in Arabic and their aim is simple, healthy, wholesome food that your mother would be proud of. Try a pitta packed with freshly made falafel, veg and humous, or a tasty salad made in-house each morning and realise that eating out can be delicious and healthy.
Mongolian BBQ – Temple Bar
They don’t claim to have invented the concept of a Mongolian BBQ, but they sure have perfected it! This family-run restaurant in Temple Bar has revolutionised the concept of all you can eat, allowing customers to choose from a huge variety of fresh meat and vegetables in endless combinations. Fill your bowl, choose your sauce and toppings and take it to their huge BBQ where expert chefs will cook it to perfection – and repeat! It’s a perfect, great value meal for couples, solos, and groups of friends.
Wings World Cuisine – Wolfe Tone Street
She wants pizza, he wants Chinese food, and your vegetarian friend can’t decide. If you love eating out but can never make up your mind where to go to please everyone, Wing’s World Cuisine is a perfect choice. You’ll find something you want to eat from over 150 dishes from around the world and live cooking stations. Fill your plate as often as you like and enjoy as much food as you can eat starting at a very reasonable €11.95 for lunch. If you’re not satisfied, wait until you see the dessert station and chocolate fountain!
Sprezzatura – Camden Market & Rathmines
For something a little upmarket with a surprisingly reasonable price, book a table in Sprezzatura, a fantastic Italian dining experience. Sprezzatura combines Italian ideas with Irish produce to create the freshest and tastiest pasta dishes in Dublin. Their menu is seasonal and changes with the weather so if you love something, go back for seconds soon! Most of their dishes are under €10 meaning you can sample more to share.
Boojum – Various Locations
The eternal student’s favourite, Boojum has been a staple on the affordable food scene since it arrived in 2007, back when a burrito was the height of international cuisine. Their packed burritos, massive bowls, and hearty helpings have never changed, cementing them as a student and budget-friendly favourite. Build your wrap or bowl exactly as you like it and you’ll likely come home with change from €10. Perfect to line your stomach before a night out or fill up after one too many.
Author Bio: Katie McGarr is one of the passionate writers for DCU Rooms, a cheap accommodation in Dublin for frugal travelers who’d love to experience the astonishing beauty of the city on a budget. This travel buff enjoys writing and sharing articles about money-saving hacks on accommodation, airfare, dining, and getting around the city.