Cosy vibes and hearty bites at the top 10 diners in Dublin
There’s truly nothing like a classic diner. From the relaxing ambience, the cheap meals, and the kind staff, it’s one of the warmest experiences anyone could have. I’ve always been drawn to them when visiting America, and Dublin’s got a few of its own.
While they aren’t like traditional American diners, they have a great Irish twist that makes them even more comforting. Despite this, they’re still a great place to relax and dine if you’re just looking for a hearty meal.
So, I’ll take you on a journey of the best diners in Dublin, from the unique eggy experience at Mad Yolks to the warm and toasty boxty’s at Gallaghers.
1. Old Mill Restaurant
Website: https://oldmillrestaurant.ie
Address: 14, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 V970, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 671 9266
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Pricing: €
Old Mill Restaurant is beloved in Dublin, and there’s certainly no contest. With high-quality ingredients, massive portions, and a wonderfully chill ambience, there’s so much to love about it.
What truly cements my love for Old Mill is the decor. Dozens of knick-knacks are hung about the place, all with a history and meaning that tells the story of Dublin. Dining here feels like you’re dining at a tiny restaurant in another county, not in the heart of Dublin.
I tend to go for their vegetarian breakfast. The two fried eggs pair well with the sautéed mushrooms and potatoes. It also comes with some nice toast to balance it all.
| Pro Tip: Old Mill is very inclusive and even has a dedicated meal for those with Celiac disease. Their flour-free menu has all of their signature dishes, such as the traditional Irish stew, while retaining their iconic taste and rich flavours. |
2. Thunder Road Cafe
– Media credit: Thunder Road Café Instagram
Website: https://www.thunderroadcafe.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThunderRoadCafe
Address: 52-57, Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 A375, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 679 4057
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 12:30 AM
Pricing: €
Thunder Road Cafe brings America to Ireland, and I absolutely love it. The high energy of the place is contagious, and I can’t help but stomp to the beat while listening to the music. With neon lights and American decor, you’d think you went to the Midwest.
The portions here mirror those of American diners, offering large meals at affordable prices. I always find myself nursing a cocktail or two when dining here, no matter the time of day. My choice of drink is always the Bee’s Knees.
You can never go wrong with some smoked baby back ribs to start the meal. They’re nice and juicy, and they practically fall off the bone. For my main, I love the truffle cheeseburger, as the umami of the truffle and cheese complements the beef so well.
| Pro Tip: If you want to enjoy some great discounts and exclusive offers, I’d suggest signing up for their VIP Club. It comes with numerous benefits, and you can enjoy free cocktails upon visitation, provided you book in advance. |
3. Mad Yolks
– Media credit: Mad Yolks Instagram
Website: https://www.madyolks.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madyolksdublin
Address: Unit 4 Block C, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 DE0E, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 558 6771
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Pricing: €
I’ve known Mad Yolks since they were a food truck. Even back then, I’ve always come back to their uniquely eggy sandwiches. Since they’ve become a full-blown restaurant, I’ve always found myself gravitating towards them when looking for a filling meal.
With their modernist approach to decor, the style evokes a contemporary high-end restaurant. Thankfully, Mad Yolks’ sandwiches are fairly priced and full of flavour.
You can never go wrong with the classic Mad Yolk. The scrambled eggs are complemented by the hot chilli, with the caramelised onion and applewood cheddar adding a nice sweet and sourness to it. I like mine with a side of smoking hash.
| Pro Tip: Sandwiches aren’t for everyone, which is why Mad Yolks has a special offer for its guests who prefer their meals on a plate. All of their sandwiches can be converted into bowl meals instead without any extra cost. |
4. Shake Dog The Finer Diner
– Media credit: Shake Dog The Finer Diner Instagram
Website: https://www.shakedog.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShakeDogDiner
Address: Unit 38A/38B, Central Mall, Ilac Centre, Henry St, Dublin 1, D01 C8Y0, Ireland
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: €
There’s nothing more American than a hot dog, and Shake Dog takes that in stride. With their classic American menu, they give Dubliners a peek into American cuisine. All this while preserving the taste and portion sizes of a traditional American diner.
The chilli cheese dog is the star of the show at Shake Dog. I can’t explain why, but its simplicity is just awesome. I also love their sticky tenders, which are smothered in BBQ sauce and honey, offering sweetness with a nice kick that pairs well with blue cheese.
It’s uncanny how similar the decor here is to American diners in films. The checkerboard-patterned floors, combined with the booth-style dining experience, truly sell the palace.
| Pro Tip: A secret dessert that I love to make when dining here is to combine the chocolate malt milkshake with the chocolate brownie. The nice chunks of brownie add a nice texture to the milkshake, and it’s not overly sweet. |
5. One Society
– Media credit: One Society Instagram
Website: https://www.onesociety.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onesocietycafe
Address: 1 Gardiner Street Lower, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, D01 P9Y1, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 537 5261
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday: 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: €
One Society offers a contemporary dining experience. I appreciate their dedication to locally sourced ingredients, and I heard that their beef is sourced from the owner’s sister’s farm.
I’d suggest visiting One Society for brunch or dinner, as they offer a variety of menus to suit both occasions. For brunch, I gravitate towards the Hangover Stack, a uniquely savoury pancake with Tabasco, ricotta cheese, bacon, and a fried egg.
Dinners here are far simpler. I go for roast baby potatoes—nice and crisp. For my main, I tend to opt for the Quattro pizza, which features four different types of cheeses, each offering a uniquely nutty and creamy note to the fluffy pizza.
| Pro Tip: After a meal at One Society, lounge at Diamond Park. It’s a small green space just beside the restaurant. It’s also perfect for resting or talking to a friend while enjoying this quiet and more secluded part of Dublin. |
6. Eddie Rocket’s
– Media credit: Eddie Rocket’s Instagram
Website: https://www.eddierockets.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eddierockets
Address: 52 Lower O’Connell Street Lower, Upper, Dublin, D01 C2P1, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 872 2374
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: €
Smashed burgers are the name of the game at Eddie Rocket’s. Another American-inspired diner, they go all out with the red booths and white walls. Their staff are even wearing classic American diner uniforms that look so cute.
What attracts me to Eddie Rocket’s is that they have several different establishments across Dublin. Whether I’m in Dame Street, O’Connell Street, Temple Bar, or even Parnell Street, I can always find an Eddie Rocket’s to satiate my appetite.
To go against the grain, I love ordering their spicy tenders in a wrap. It’s got sour cream, pickled red onion, and guacamole that balances everything out. I’d also suggest getting the red basket version, which comes with a side of tortilla chips and a regular soda.
| Pro Tip: For those looking for a good deal, please go download their app. They offer flash rewards, discounts, and exclusive meal deals. My favourite one has to be the free milkshake for every burger coupon. |
7. Lovinspoon
– Media credit: Lovinspoon Instagram
Address: 13 Frederick St N, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 W9X4, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 86 360 5653
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Pricing: €
Whether you’re visiting Dublin or a local, if you’ve never tried Lovinspoon, then you’re missing out. There’s no place cosier and lovelier than Michael’s lovely restaurant. No matter what day it is, he’s always there, greeting guests and offering a lovely smile.
With both indoor and outdoor seating, you get to experience some hearty Irish classics. Although small, the restaurant is often filled with patrons. This is also one of the best value places in Dublin, especially if you’re looking to have their iconic Irish breakfast.
I’m a sucker for a filling meal, and The Big is the best meal here. It comes with sauteed mushrooms, eggs, crispy bacon, baked beans, some pancakes, and black pudding. Pairing all this with a hot chocolate is the best.
| Pro Tip: When the weather is cold, I’d head here to grab a bowl of their homemade soup. It changes every day, and it’s always prepared fresh. It comes with homemade sourdough and is one of the most comforting meals in Dublin. |
8. Murphy’s Bistro Café
– Media credit: Murphy’s Bistro Café Instagram
Website: https://www.murphysbistro.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murphysbistro
Address: 22 Bachelors Walk, North City, Dublin 1, D01 V838, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 87 362 3284
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: €
Murphy’s Bistro Cafe is my contemporary pick for diners in Dublin. They have a rustic, retro vibe, incorporating contemporary elements into the decor, which gives the place a unique character. I especially love the lights with crates, as it’s quite bespoke.
While the decor is lovely, I always come here because of the amazing staff. It’s always a delight to converse with them, and they’re some of the most accommodating people in Dublin. I highly recommend asking for Dicle, as she’s simply a joy.
Murphy’s is my brunch place, and my favourite has to be the scrambled eggs on sourdough. It’s a simple dish, but I love that it comes with grilled tomatoes that are superbly sweet, perfectly seasoned mushrooms, and crispy hash browns.
| Pro Tip: If you want to head to an iconic landmark that’s near Murphy’s, then head to Dublin’s iconic Ha’penny Bridge. The once lock-ridden bridge is still a sight to see, and it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset on the River Liffey. |
9. BóBós Burgers Restaurant
– Media credit: BóBós Burgers Restaurant Instagram
Website: https://bobos.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobosburgers
Address: 50-51 Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin Southside, Co. Dublin, D02 CF98, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 538 0100
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: €
BóBós is Dublin’s gourmet take on classic diners. Irish beef is exquisite, and you can never go wrong with burgers made from it. I’m particularly fond of BóBós as they’re an affordable burger joint that doesn’t skimp out on the quality of their ingredients.
When on a budget for lunch, I head here for their unique lunch offers. Many of my friends appreciate the owner and chef’s unique takes on burgers. They also feature some of the freshest ingredients, making it a must-try when visiting Temple Bar.
This is one of the few places in Dublin that gets veggie burgers right. The Veggie Dame is simply divine. I love the homemade falafels, which are dripping with tzatziki sauce, complemented by grilled peppers and hot salsa with sour cream.
| Pro Tip: Wagyu is expensive, but BóBós has a unique deal for those looking to sample the rare beef. You can easily upgrade any of their burgers to wagyu for just €5. |
10. Gallagher’s Boxty House
– Media credit: Gallagher’s Boxty House Instagram
Website: https://www.boxtyhouse.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoxtyHouse
Address: 20-21, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 ET66, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 677 2762
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: €
When in Ireland, always try a boxty. A beloved North Midlands pancake, it’s Ireland’s unique breakfast food. A boxty is a potato pancake, much like a hash brown, but far more flavourful, and is typically paired with a myriad of ingredients.
Gallagher’s is one of the more speciality shops that serve Boxty. I particularly love their take on it, as it’s typically made with local ingredients.
My personal favourite boxty only comes out at night, and it’s the Gaelic Boxty. The traditional boxty comes with fillet beef medallions, some nice peppers, and a creamy mushroom whiskey sauce. I’m also fond of the addition of cherry tomatoes on the side.
| Pro Tip: Gallagher’s often has events happening throughout the year. I love attending these events to meet new people, as the hosts are lively and offer some pretty unique experiences, such as food tours or traditional music concerts. |