I’ll never forget my first visit to Malahide. As a tourist, I was excited to explore the village, but since it was just a day trip, I had to make sure I found the perfect spot for lunch.
I found it hard to choose, but after aimlessly wandering and hearing my stomach growl for the nth time, I chose a cozy café that served the most delicious meal with a wonderful view of the beach.
I’ve tried a number of different places whenever I’m in town, and this guide will tell you all the top spots for lunch in Malahide!
1. DARUMA
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Website: https://www.daruma.ie/
Address: The Diamond, 1 New St, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 V273
Contact Details: +353 1 548 5263
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Friday – 12 to 10 PM; Saturday to Sunday – 1 to 10 PM; Monday – Closed
Price Range: $$$$
Daruma in Malahide is a modern Japanese restaurant with a warm, relaxed feel. It’s based on the izakaya style from Japan—casual places where people eat, drink, and spend time together.
We came here for lunch and had such a good time. The music was calm, the space felt clean and stylish, and our server gave us a quick little lesson on sake without making it a big deal. We felt looked after the whole time!
The lunch menu has plenty of tasty choices! The Chicken Katsu Curry Rice was crispy and comforting, and the Unagi Don–soft grilled eel with a sweet glaze on top of warm rice–was simple yet delicious!
We also loved the Kaisendon–a sushi rice bowl with fresh sliced fish—because it looked beautiful and tasted even better! The Tempura Udon came with crunchy prawns, chewy noodles, and a little salmon rice ball on the side (felt a bit much, but if we’re being honest, we didn’t really mind it).
Pro Tip:
When the sun is out, sitting outside at Daruma is really nice! You still get the same great food and friendly services, but with fresh air and a nice view of people walking by.
2. Déjà Vu
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Website: https://www.deja-vu.ie/
Address: 19 Old St, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 AE95
Contact Details: +353 1 845 1830
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Price Range: $$-$$$
Just off the main street in Malahide, we found Déjà Vu—a small and cozy bistro that feels a bit like Paris. It’s warm, friendly, and a nice place to relax. We came in for brunch and ended up staying longer than we meant to (always happens when the food is this good).
The menu has a bit of everything. We tried the Déjà Vu Ultimate Toast and it definitely lived up to its name!. One of us ordered the French toast with bacon and maple syrup—it was sweet, salty, and hard to stop eating.
We also got the prawn and chorizo pasta, which sounds like an odd choice for brunch, but it was smoky, rich, and really tasty.
The sides were great too! The potato rosti was crispy and golden, and the fries disappeared way too fast. Even the coffee was good—strong, smooth, and just what we needed.
The place is small, but that’s part of the charm. It feels more like someone’s living room than a restaurant. And the staff? They were kind and helpful, always ready with a smile and a suggestion!
Pro Tip:
The meals are pretty big, so if you’re not too hungry or want to try more than one dish, try the kids’ size! The smaller portion is a great choice and you still get plenty of food without feeling too full.
3. Kajjal
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Website: https://www.kajjal.ie/
Address: Unit 7 The Green, Strand St, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 KN12
Contact Details: +353 1 806 1960
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Friday – 12 to 11 PM; Saturday – 1 to 11 PM; Sunday – 1 to 10 PM
Price Range: $$$$
We went to Kajjal for lunch, and now we’re wondering why we don’t live closer. Tucked into the heart of Malahide, just a hop from Dublin Airport, this place is probably one of the best Pakistani restaurants in Ireland.
From the moment we walked in, the staff treated us like regulars. The space is warm and elegant, perfect for catching up with friends or when we feel like being in a sophisticated place.
The lunch menu is full of flavor-packed dishes with portions big enough to leave us feeling like we’d need to be rolled out!
We went for a thali lunch, which is the traditional way of serving lunch in Pakistan—one main, a surprise side from the chef, plus rice and naan, like a fun little feast on a tray!
For those who struggle with deciding what to eat, the two-course set lunch is a godsend. They’ve selected some of their best dishes and serve it with rice and naan, and for a little extra, you get poppadoms and chutneys—because lunch is always better with crispy snacks and dips.
Pro Tip:
Bringing your dog? The patio’s pet-friendly, and the staff are genuinely lovely about it. Just make sure to ask for an outdoor seat!
4. That’s Amore – Malahide
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Website: https://www.thatsamoremalahide.com/
Address: 12 Townyard Ln, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 XK81
Contact Details: +353 1 845 6278
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Thursday – 12:30 to 9 PM; Friday to Saturday – 12:30 to 9:30 PM; Sunday – 12 to 8 PM; Monday to Tuesday – Closed
Price Range: $$-$$$
That’s Amore is a charming Italian restaurant that has been serving the Malahide community for over 20 years, and it’s easy to see why it’s been around for so long!
It feels like walking into someone’s well-loved kitchen—if that kitchen also served incredible, authentic food and had a long list of wine (Italian, of course).
The menu featured fresh pasta, handmade pizzas, and beautifully prepared seafood dishes, so naturally, we ordered and enjoyed everything that had seafood in it—the seafood linguine (flavorful and perfectly cooked) and the seafood pizza (crispy and balanced).
Some have said that the lasagne here is the best outside of Italy, and we might just agree!
Service here is another highlight. The staff are friendly, attentive, and go the extra mile to make your meal special. Families will also appreciate the relaxed vibe and kid-friendly service!
Pro Tip:
There may not be a big section for vegetarian or vegan dishes, but the kitchen is flexible. Just ask the staff, and they’ll be happy to adjust dishes or suggest alternatives.
5. Old Street Restaurant
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Website: https://oldstreet.ie/
Address: Old St, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 A262
Contact Details: +353 1 845 5614
Operating Hours: Friday to Saturday – 12:00 to 2:30 PM, 5:00 to 9:00 PM; Sunday – 1:00 to 7:00 PM; Tuesday to Thursday – 5 to 9 PM
Price Range: $$$
Old Street Restaurant is right in the middle of the village and even though it’s within two of the oldest buildings in the area, don’t be fooled–this place is as modern as it gets! Olus, it’s a nice spot to have lunch.
The lunch menu is full of delicious, contemporary Irish dishes that make the most of fresh ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. We enjoyed the gambas to start, and they were so good we almost fought over who got the last bites.
For the main event, we went for an 8 oz dry-aged cheeseburger because it had all the good stuff–Dubliner cheddar, caramelized onions, cherry tomato relish, and hand-cut chips–and we weren’t disappointed!
We wrapped up our lunch with the blueberry cheesecake, and let’s just easy we’re still dreaming about it. It was the perfect end to an already amazing meal.
The atmosphere at Old Street is laid-back and family-friendly. The kids’ menu has lots of choices, and the staff makes everyone feel welcome. They’re also great with dietary needs—even offering a separate fryer for gluten-free fries.
Pro Tip:
Old Street is a popular spot, particularly for dinner and Sunday lunch, so tables can fill up quickly. To avoid waiting, it’s best to reserve ahead of time—booking online or by phone is quick and easy!
6. Street & Soul
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Website: http://www.streetandsoul.ie/
Address: New Street Shopping Mall, 7 New St, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 E024
Contact Details: +353 1 828 3483
Operating Hours: Monday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – 8 AM to 5:30 PM; Friday – 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Price Range: $$-$$$
While exploring Malahide, we stumbled upon Street & Soul, and it quickly became the highlight of our day! This small café in the village has great food and a friendly vibe that made us whnt to stay longer than we planned.
The place may look tiny, but the menu is packed! We tried the beef burrito with gochujang and kimchi (spicy and delicious), a grilled chicken salad that made greens taste great, and pancakes with maple syrup and berries that our kid wouldn’t share. They were that good!
The coffee came with a small shot of sparkling water and a biscuit (a little treat that made our experience even better). Because we couldn’t get enough, we also tried a crepe paired with an iced caramel macchiato—a seriously good combo!
The tables are comfy, and the restroom is clean (a huge win). The staff were genuinely friendly, not just doing their job! Dogs are welcome inside too!
Pro Tip:
This place is perfect for families! They have a kid-friendly menu that suits younger taste buds and there’s enough space for everyone to feel comfortable.
7. The Garden House Cafe, Malahide
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Website: https://thegardenhouse.ie/pages/cafe
Address: Back Rd, Malahide, Co. Dublin
Contact Details: +353 1 531 2020
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM; Friday to Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM; Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Price Range: $$-$$$
The Garden House is not your average garden center—within it, amidst the garden and beautiful displays, is a gorgeous café perfect for lunch in Malahide. It’s a paradise for garden lovers and foodies alike!
The café has a calm, peaceful feel—you’ll almost forget you’re inside a garden center—making it a great place to relax.
Everything on the menu is handmade and prepared fresh daily, and you can really tell from the taste and smell alone!
The all-day brunch menu may seem small, but it’s packed with delicious meal choices. We loved the big breakfast here—the portions were so big it had us feeling full until dinner.
For something lighter, we recommend the soup and open ham sandwich. They’ve also got a solid wine list, with options ranging from Sauvignon Blanc to Rioja. And don’t skip dessert—their apple pie is a must-try!
Pro Tip:
Got something to celebrate? The cakes at The Garden House look amazing and taste even better. Check out their Celebration Cake Menu—you’ll be glad you did.
8. Town Yard Modern Bistro
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Website: http://www.townyard.ie/
Address: Townyard House, Townyard Ln, 2/4, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 F206
Contact Details: +353 1 845 4447
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 12 to 10 PM; Friday – 12 to 11 PM; Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM; Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Price Range: $$
If you’re in Malahide and want a relaxed place for lunch, Town Yard Modern Bistro is a great choice! They offer classic bistro food with a modern twist, all while using fresh Irish ingredients.
We sat by the window and had a lovely view of the bay! Inside, they have a stylish bar, and even when the place was packed, the service stayed sharp (we asked for ketchup and vinegar, and it arrived faster than we expected).
The food came out hot and fast, which immediately won us over! We started with arancini, and since we were with our kids, we ordered everything with chips on the side—fish and chips, chicken burger and chips, even steak and chips.
The drinks looked really good, even though we couldn’t have any due to parental duties. While we were dining, someone got a complimentary cheesecake and a birthday song, so we’ll definitely be back with a birthday celebrant in tow!
Pro Tip:
The staff is friendly and helpful, but if you walk in without a reservation, you might have a time limit on your table, especially during busy hours. Be flexible and enjoy your time there!
9. Sette Pizzeria & Trattoria
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Website: https://www.settepizza.ie/
Address: 1 New St, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 XP95
Contact Details: +353 1 845 0265
Operating Hours: Friday to Saturday – 12:30 to 9:45 PM; Sunday – 12:30 to 9:30 PM; Wednesday to Thursday – 5 to 9:30 PM; Monday, Tuesday – Closed
Price Range: $-$$
For those in Malahide and in the mood for authentic Neapolitan pizza for lunch, Sette Pizzeria & Trattoria is the place to go. They use fresh, high-quality ingredients to make delicious dishes that will make you feel like you’re in Naples.
We didn’t think we’d get wowed by a margherita pizza, but this restaurant proved us wrong. It’s as simple as it gets, but the flavors and textures are next level. It might just be the best pizza in Malahide!
We also couldn’t resist trying the Diavola Pizza for a bit of a kick, and it did not disappoint.
The staff here are another big win–they’re super friendly and always willing to help! They’re especially great with families—there’s plenty of space for strollers and high chairs, so don’t worry if you’ve got little ones with you.
The place itself has a relaxed vibe, whether you’re sitting inside or enjoying the outdoor seating when the weather’s nice.
Finally, this place isn’t just about pizza. They also have daily pasta specials that are fresh and delicious, and we can’t wait to try more next time. If you’re ever in a hurry or want to eat at home, they offer takeaway (don’t worry– the pizzas taste just as good when reheated).
Pro Tip:
Don’t skip the garlic pizza bread! You can have it without cheese or with fresh mozzarella on the side.