Cheap Eats in Dublin: Budget-Friendly Spots for Students and Travellers
Dublin is a city that draws you in with its energy, history and culture. Between its live music, colourful doors and cosy pubs, it is a place that feels instantly warm. What might not feel as warm, however, are the prices. Dublin is known for being one of the more expensive European capitals, and eating out can quickly drain your budget. Whether you are a university student, an exchange visitor or a traveller trying to make your euros stretch a little further, this guide rounds up the best budget-friendly places to eat in Dublin. Each one offers good food, generous portions and value that keeps locals and students coming back.
Here’s our list based on all our research, so you don’t have to!
- Aobaba
Price: €8–10
Cuisine: Vietnamese
📍 Location on Google Maps
If you love Vietnamese food, Aobaba is the kind of hidden gem that you will keep returning to. Their pho, bún and bubble tea are all under €10. The portions are generous but they only accept cash. - Boojum
Price: Around €10
Cuisine: Mexican
📍 Location: They have multiple locations including Abbey Street
A student favourite and probably the most reliable cheap eat in Dublin. Boojum’s burritos are big, filling and completely customisable. Choose from burritos, bowls or tacos, and load up on rice, beans and guacamole for the best value. - Dall’Italia Pastabar
Price: €10–15
Cuisine: Italian
📍 Location: Multiple locations around including Talbot Street & 56 George’s Street Lower
Dall’Italia is where you go when you want a proper bowl of pasta without restaurant prices. Choose your pasta shape, sauce and toppings. The portions are big enough to satisfy. - Govinda’s Restaurant
Price: €8.75–10.95
Cuisine: Indian
📍 Location on Google Maps
Govinda’s is a haven for authentic Indian vegetarian and vegan food. They operate on a generous fixed-price or pay-by-plate system, offering hearty mains and daily specials that are both wholesome and affordable. You’ll leave full and satisfied every time. - Han Sung Restaurant
Price: €10–15
Cuisine: Korean
📍 Location on Google Maps
Located inside a small supermarket, Han Sung is one of Dublin’s hidden gems. You will find hearty Korean classics like bibimbap, ramen and kimchi fried rice at good prices. - KC Peaches Café – Nassau Street
Price: €10–15 (by plate)
Cuisine: Healthy / Buffet
📍 Location: Multiple locations including St Stephen’s Green
KC Peaches operates on a pay-by-plate system. You can fill your plate with as much as it can hold from their hot or salad bar. It is one of the few places in the city where you can get a healthy, wholesome lunch at a reasonable price. - Lee’s Charming Noodles
Price: €10–15
Cuisine: Chinese
📍 Location on Google Maps
Tucked away near Parnell Street, this small eatery serves fresh, handmade noodles in big bowls. It is affordable, authentic and has been quietly loved by locals for years. - Little Mac
Price: €5–10
Cuisine: Burgers
📍 Location on Google Maps
A tiny spot that locals love for its value and taste. The burgers are simple, flavourful and affordable, with some reviewers saying you can get two for around €10. - Lovinspoon
Price: €10–15
Cuisine: Irish Café
📍 Location on Google Maps
A homely café known for its generous breakfasts and comfort food. The atmosphere is warm and local, and a full Irish breakfast here still costs under €12, which is rare in the city centre. - Neon Asian Street Food
Price: Around €12+ for main dishes
Cuisine: Asian Street Food (Thai/Southeast Asian)
📍 Location on Google Maps:
Neon offers flavourful Asian dishes in a relaxed setting. Their curries, noodle bowls, and rice dishes are generous and full of flavour, with many mains starting around €12. It’s a great option for a casual dinner that feels special without stretching your budget. - Oriental Emporium
Price: Under €5
📍 Location on Google Maps
Think of it as Dublin’s version of WeMart. You will find ready-to-eat boxes of rice, noodles or sushi for under €5. It is a favourite among students for quick, budget-friendly meals that still taste like home. - Pablo Picante
Price: Around €10
Cuisine: Mexican
📍 Location on Google Maps
Another burrito favourite, Pablo Picante serves up big portions of Mexican comfort food. The atmosphere is laid-back, and it is a quick stop for a filling lunch near the city centre. - Sano Pizza – Ranelagh
Price: €10–15
Cuisine: Pizza
📍 Location on Google Maps
Sano serves authentic Neapolitan-style pizza that is both fresh and affordable. Each pizza is wood-fired and made with quality ingredients. It is a great spot for a casual meal with friends, especially when you want restaurant quality on a budget. - The Bretzel Bakery & Café
Price: €1–10
Cuisine: Bakery, Sandwiches
📍 Location on Google Maps
A Dublin classic located in Portobello, Bretzel Bakery is one of the oldest bakeries in the city. It is perfect for a morning coffee, a pastry or a freshly made sandwich. Everything is reasonably priced and ideal for grabbing on the go. - The Silver Penny (JD Wetherspoon)
Price: €10–15
Cuisine: Pub Food
📍 Location on Google Maps
If you want a proper sit-down meal without spending too much, The Silver Penny is one of the most affordable pubs in Dublin. You can expect traditional British and Irish pub food like fish and chips or burgers, along with drinks that are cheaper than most other pubs in town. - Turkish Kebab House
Price: €5–10
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
📍 Location on Google Maps
This simple kebab shop is one of the city’s best value-for-money options. Expect generous doner wraps and hearty portions that cost half of what you would pay elsewhere. Perfect for a quick bite between lectures or after exploring the city. - Umi Falafel
Price: €9–15.50
Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Vegetarian / Vegan
📍 Location on Google Maps: Multiple locations
This vegetarian and vegan-friendly spot is a local favourite for fresh, flavourful Middle Eastern food. Their falafel wraps and pita sandwiches are big, satisfying, and budget-friendly, perfect for a quick lunch. They also offer a variety of mezze and salads. - Wowburger
Price: €8–12
Cuisine: Burgers
📍 Location on Google Maps
Wowburger is a favourite among locals looking for a quick and satisfying meal. The burgers are juicy, the fries are crisp, and you can get a full meal for around €10. The quality is consistent and it feels like a treat without being too heavy on the wallet. - Xian Street Food Dublin
Price: €10–15
Cuisine: Chinese
📍 Location on Google Maps: Multiple locations
Famous for its hand-pulled biang biang noodles, Xian Street Food is a comfort food haven. The dishes are flavourful, portions are generous, and it is one of those places where a single meal can easily be shared between two if you are on a tight budget
Budget Groceries and Supermarkets
Tesco, Lidl & Aldi
Supermarkets are perfect for self-catering, meal deals, and fresh bakery items for under €1.
Tesco: Known for its budget-friendly meal deals and a wide range of ready-to-eat options, perfect for a quick lunch. It’s more pricier than Lidl and Aldi. You can get a half freshly made sandwich for €6.
Lidl or Aldi: They are both great discount stores perfect for buying sandwiches, ready to eat microwavable meals, and stocking groceries.
They were both are go-to options when were in Dublin, microwavable pizzas, lasagnas and more.
Tips for Eating Cheap in Dublin
- Lunch menus are often cheaper than dinner menus.
- Small local cafés and ethnic restaurants around university areas tend to offer the best prices.
- Look out for meal deals and daily specials, especially on weekdays.
- Supermarkets often reduce prices on fresh food towards the end of the day.
Student Discounts
If you are studying in Dublin or travelling with a valid student ID, several places across the city offer discounts ranging from 10-15 percent. Always ask before ordering. Some cafés and restaurants also offer student loyalty cards for additional savings.
Final Thoughts
From local bakeries and Asian diners to affordable supermarkets and lunch specials, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Dublin without breaking the bank. We found Lidl and Aldi to be the most pocket-friendly options for days we didn’t want to eat out, while Asian spots offered the best value for money. Of course, there are the usual fast-food chains, but we think the local and independent options are far more worth your time (and euros). Also, avoid eating in the Temple Bar area if you are on a budget. Best for the atmosphere, not for eating, as food is pricier than elsewhere in Dublin.
That said, coming from Dubai, Dublin isn’t a destination we’d recommend for foodies. There are definitely dishes that you should try while you are there but we didn’t feel like there was something extraordinary that you wouldnt find in Dubai. While Dublin does offer more variety than other parts of Ireland, the overall price point for the quantity and flavour often felt a little underwhelming.
Still, whether you’re a student spending a semester here or a traveller on a budget, these spots will keep both your appetite and your wallet happy.
