Top Lunch Spots Dublin
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6 Hottest Lunch Spots to Try in Dublin

Dublin is known for everything Ireland has to offer. It’s not surprising that it’s also home to several restaurants that offer the most delicious and heartwarming lunch.

When you’re totally knackered and just want to find a place to relax and get a hearty meal—we got you! 

Average Cost of a Lunch Meal in Dublin

The cost of lunch in Dublin varies because it depends on several factors such as spending habits, the types of food, and the location. This table shows the basic budget per day for a full lunch meal:

LUNCH MEALESTIMATED COST
Lunch on a budget€5.00-5.80
Lunch without a budget€5.80-6.50

Top Lunch Places in Dublin

We’re evaluating the best lunch spots in Dublin based on the following:

Food quality evaluates the taste, the freshness of the ingredients, and how the food is presented.
Location and accessibility means the restaurant should be in a prime area and should be easily reached by anyone.
Price should match the quality of the food.
Service evaluates the way customers are being treated by the staff of the restaurant.
Local reviews show if the restaurant is popular among the locals because they know the best places to eat in the city. 

1. l’Gueuleton

delicious-food.jpeg
CUISINEModern European
WEBSITEhttps://www.lgueuleton.com/
ADDRESS1 Fade Street Dublin
CONTACT DETAILSBookings by l’Gueuleton (lgueuleton.com)
Bookings for Groups over 10 people please email: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURSLunch Monday to Friday 12 till 4pm.
Brunch Saturdays and Sundays 12 till 4pm.
Food quality★★★★★ (5/5)
Taste       ★★★★★ (5/5)
Presentation      ★★★★★ (5/5)
Location and accessibility★★★★★ (5/5)
Convenience      ★★★★★ (5/5)
Ambience      ★★★★★ (5/5)
Price (Higher score = better value)★★★★★ (5/5)
Service★★★★★ (5/5)
Local reviews★★★★★ (5/5)

Since its opening, l’Gueuleton has become synonymous with exquisite French cuisine, masterfully blending classic recipes with contemporary techniques. This restaurant has earned its reputation as a go-to destination for those who appreciate the rich flavors and timeless elegance of French dining. With an ambiance that is both chic and relaxed, l’Gueuleton is an ideal choice for a leisurely lunch or a sophisticated dinner with friends and family.

Why Dine at l’Gueuleton?

Authentic French Bistro Experience: At l’Gueuleton, the menu is a celebration of French culinary tradition. Staples like classic Onion Soup, Steak Tartare, and Steak Frites are always on the menu, each prepared with the utmost respect for authenticity and flavor. These dishes are a nod to the timeless charm of French cuisine, offering diners a taste of Paris in the heart of the city.

Innovative and Seasonal Menus: While l’Gueuleton stays true to its French roots, the restaurant is also known for its innovative approach to European cuisine. The chefs continuously update the menu to incorporate seasonal ingredients and modern culinary trends, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting to savor.

Chic Ambiance: The stylish yet comfortable setting of l’Gueuleton makes it a perfect choice for both casual lunches and special occasions. The decor, which combines modern elegance with European charm, creates a welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy your meal.

Exceptional Service: The attentive and knowledgeable staff at l’Gueuleton elevate the dining experience with their impeccable service. Whether you need a wine recommendation or have specific dietary preferences, they are always ready to assist, ensuring that your visit is as enjoyable as possible.

Centrally Located: Conveniently situated in the city centre, l’Gueuleton is easily accessible, making it an excellent spot to unwind after a morning of shopping or sightseeing.

Our Experience

During our visit, we were captivated by the restaurant’s commitment to delivering an authentic French dining experience. The menu offered a delightful selection of dishes, each plate a harmonious blend of flavor and artistry. The classic French dishes, particularly the Onion Soup and Steak Frites, were executed to perfection, embodying the essence of French bistro fare. The ambiance was inviting, and the service impeccable, making our dining experience truly memorable.

Overall, l’Gueuleton stands out as a premier destination for those seeking an authentic and refined French dining experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we highly recommend indulging in the culinary delights of l’Gueuleton.

Pros

  • Cosy atmosphere
  • Reasonable pricing
  • Lovely food presentation
  • Wide array of menu options

Cons

  • Fully booked easily due to popularity

Customer Reviews

“Beautiful restaurant w impeccable lighting. Ambiance 10/10. Bread basket solid. French onion soup had a sweet flavor to it which was unexpected but definitely enjoyed. Tartar paired w olive tapenade and bread was great. Eggs Benedict quite filling but the saltiness of the bacon overpowered the dish. Goat cheese and beet salad excellent, orange added refreshing touch. Service a bit slow on back end of meal but overall experience was great.” — Luke McCann

“Inside decoration with warm and elegant feelings along with comfortable furniture which for couples or group of friends gathering. Wine tastes great full fragrance in the mouth and desserts are stunning can see how creative the chef is. Very nice place for spending leisure times here.” — Amanda Qian

“This place was soo amazing! Food , service and atmosphere 10/10. Big thank you to Greg for looking after us, we had a fabulous evening! Cocktails were perfection and we are still taking about the food especially that cheese! Delish!” — James Jake

2. Wuff

Wuff
TestInfo
CUISINEIrish, Modern European
WEBSITEhttps://www.wuffrestaurant.ie/
ADDRESS23 Benburb St, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 VY07, Ireland
CONTACT DETAILS+353 1 633 7959
OPERATING HOURSTuesday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Food quality★★★★★ (5/5)
Taste       ★★★★★ (5/5)
Presentation      ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Location and accessibility★★★★★ (5/5)
Convenience      ★★★★★ (5/5)
Ambience      ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Price (Higher score = better value)★★★★★ (5/5)
Service★★★★☆ (4/5)
Local reviews★★★★☆ (4/5)

What we love about Wuff first and foremost is that it’s in a prime location. Located near the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Art & History and other hotels, it’s difficult to miss especially because it’s located at the corner of the street!

According to local customers, Wuff is a favourite among the tourists. Some of them aren’t familiar with Irish food, and this place has plenty of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free ones, which they can choose from.

This is probably the reason why Wuff always has a queue outside of it made up of tourists and locals alike. However, because of the efficient queueing system, you’ll be seated in no time!

We also want to appreciate the staff of the restaurant. Other than being attentive and friendly, we love that they’re concerned about the diet of their customers and make sure to ask them about it.

Food is served fast and hot, which is commendable. We all love eating food while it’s still hot to make sure we eat it at its best!

The atmosphere is amazing as well—friendly and a little serene. However, things can get a little crowded on a busy day since the tables are arranged a little too close with one another.

We recommend booking a table in advance to make sure you’ll have a space when you come. Walk-ins are welcome, but it could take at least 30 minutes before you’d be seated.

Pros

  • Has vegetarian and gluten-free options
  • Attentive and efficient staff
  • Prime location
  • Great atmosphere
  • Serves good coffee
  • Extensive brunch menu
  • Food is served fast and fresh
  • Efficient queue system
  • Accommodates dietary restrictions
  • Cosy and cute interior

Cons

  • Needs advanced reservation for a sure seat
  • 30 minutes waiting time for walk-ins
  • Tables are too close to each other

Customer Reviews

Reasonable pricing with impeccable service

Incredible! Brunch menu is ample and delicious! Reasonable prices, friendly staff and fast service. Gets full quickly on weekends, but waiting time is pretty accurate and staff are pretty efficient.— Blanka Vasquez, Google Reviews

Efficient queue system and fast service

The queue system is innovative and incredibly functional and the hostess was pleasant, informative and incredibly good at her job. The food was prompt and delicious. The service was top notch and the whole experience was terrific. It ticks all the boxes really. Incredibly busy on a Saturday afternoon but one could almost feel like they were alone in the room. — Raymond, Trip Advisor

3. The Little Kitchen

The Little Kitchen
TestInfo
CUISINEIrish, Modern European
WEBSITEhttps://www.thelittlekitchen.ie/
ADDRESS129 Leeson Street Upper, Dublin 4, D04 YX03, Ireland
CONTACT DETAILS+353 1 669 7844
OPERATING HOURSTuesday: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Wednesday - Saturday: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Food quality★★★★★ (5/5)
Taste       ★★★★★ (5/5)
Presentation      ★★★★★ (5/5)
Location and accessibility★★★★☆ (4/5)
Convenience      ★★★☆☆ 3/5)
Ambience      ★★★★★ (5/5)
Price (Higher score = better value)★★★★☆ (4/5)
Service★★★★★ (5/5)
Local reviews★★★★☆ (4/5)

When it comes to variety, The Little Kitchen in Dublin’s the best place to take your lunch! It has several options in the menu that we think even the pickiest eater will have a lot to choose from.

In fact, we think you’ll have a hard time deciding which to order. According to some customers, they ended up ordering several items for appetisers and mains because they had a hard time picking just one!

But don’t worry, even if you order a lot, it won’t break your pockets! The Little Kitchen has reasonable pricing that matches the quality of its food.

Speaking of food, we love that the food is always cooked to perfection. Add the fact that it’s served quickly, which preserves the freshness so you can enjoy the full authentic taste of the food.

Another thing we love is the cosy atmosphere despite being a small place. The interior is artsy and there’s good music playing in the background that adds to the warm vibe.

Staff are amazing too—always attentive to the needs of the customers. We love how patient they are from waiting for the customers’ orders to making reservations.

The only setback we can think of is that it’s a little too far from the city centre, about a 30-minute drive. But it’s definitely worth visiting if you want to experience The Little Kitchen’s authentic food!

Pros

  • Has vegan options
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Well-cooked food served fresh
  • Cosy atmosphere
  • Impeccable customer service
  • Reasonable pricing
  • Artsy interior with good music
  • Lovely food presentation
  • Wide array of menu options

Cons

  • A little far from the city centre
  • Can get really busy

Customer Reviews

Extensive menu

Only recently found this absolute gem of a restaurant. Menu was gorgeous, so much so that we had to get 3 starters as we couldn’t make our minds up, all of which were gorgeous. Then the mains were also amazing. Dessert was 10/10 as well. All for a very reasonable price considering the standard of food. Will be back very soon. — Lee Hanly, Google Reviews

Small restaurant, but top-notch gourmet food

Everything about this experience was super. The little kitchen is a very tiny restaurant and they’ve made as much as they possibly can make out of such a tiny space. The kitchen itself is in full view and the chef and the weight staff give 100% and never skip a beat. The food, as witnessed by a completely full house, was everything that you would expect from a gourmet restaurant even though this was a tiny little place. I would happily go back next time I visit Dublin. And I highly recommend this. — Artsy, Trip Advisor

4. Lovinspoon

TestInfo
CUISINEIrish, Modern European
WEBSITEhttps://lovinspoon-restaurant.business.site/
ADDRESS13 Frederick St N, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 W9X4, Ireland
CONTACT DETAILS+353 86 360 5653
OPERATING HOURSTuesday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Food quality★★★★★ (5/5)
Taste       ★★★★★ (5/5)
Presentation      ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Location and accessibility★★★★☆ (4/5)
Convenience      ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Ambience      ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Price (Higher score = better value)★★★★☆ (4/5)
Service★★★★☆ (4/5)
Local reviews★★★★★ (5/5)

If you’re budget-conscious but still want to enjoy an authentic Irish lunch in Dublin, we recommend trying Lovinspoon. The place is tucked away a little far from the busy touristy places, but still accessible to everyone!

According to some people we talked to, they loved the quiet and cosy atmosphere of the place. The staff were friendly and accommodating, and the food was always served warm and fast, which allowed them to enjoy without rushing.

The crowd is also a mix of both foreigners and locals. In fact, Lovinspoon is widely recommended by Dubliners, which means the food is really amazing—after all, the locals know the best food spots!

Speaking of food, Lovinspoon serves authentic Irish food in large servings. It’s really a good value for money—affordable but generous in portions.

Just in case you’re having a hard time deciding which to order, ask for the help of the friendly staff. They can explain to you each food and make recommendations that suit your taste.

And oh—Lovinspoon has great coffee and tea selection! It can definitely be a comfort place for coffee and tea lovers. 

Just a little side note—there’s a need to reserve. The place is small with even smaller tables, so if you want to make sure there’ll be a space for you—try to book a table in advance and also try to arrive on time most especially during busy hours. 

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Quiet and cosy atmosphere
  • Has great coffee and tea selection 
  • Cosy atmosphere
  • Food is cooked well and arrives fast
  • Large servings
  • Friendly staff who make good recommendations
  • Authentic Irish food
  • A favourite by the locals

Cons

  • Difficult to make a reservation via phone
  • Small tables

Customer Reviews

Good food with huge portions

We stumbled on the LOVINSPOON for bfast while in Dublin and it was delicious. Good portion size, nice price and very cosy which is code for tight . It is tucked into a store front with very limited seating but the food was great and the service was excellent. Please be kind and get up when finished. The one place I would say in Ireland where you didn’t stick around after the meal. Eat early and enjoy!— Tiki Bahr, Trip Advisor

Away from the touristy places but still accessible

Loveliest place for brunch if you’re looking for a small local café away from the busy tourist places in the city centre. Prizes are low compared to what you get for it. They have a great selection of tea and coffee as well as Irish breakfast, sweet plates and sandwiches with vegetarian options. Very welcoming atmosphere and lovely people working there. I didn’t find a better place for food throughout my stay in Dublin!— Lisa Kraatz, Google Reviews

5. Herbstreet

Herbstreet
TestInfo
CUISINEIrish
WEBSITEhttps://www.herbstreet.ie/
ADDRESSHanover Quay, Dublin Docklands, Dublin 2, D02 K166, Ireland
CONTACT DETAILS+353 1 675 3875
OPERATING HOURSTuesday - Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Thursday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Sunday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Food quality★★★★☆ (4/5)
Taste       ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Presentation      ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Location and accessibility★★★★☆ (4/5)
Convenience      ★★★★★ (5/5)
Ambience      ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Price (Higher score = better value)★★★★☆ (4/5)
Service★★★★☆ (4/5)
Local reviews★★★★☆ (4/5)

One thing you have to know about Herbstreet is that it’s not exactly a budget-friendly restaurant to get lunch in Dublin. However, if you ask us if it’s worth splurging your money for—yes, it is!

First of all, Herbstreet serves really good food, and it has vegan-friendly and gluten-free items on the menu. This alone will be a good reason to try it most especially if you’re dining in with picky eaters.

Just a little warning though—some items in the menu are served with smaller portions. It’s best to ask the staff before you order to make sure you’ll leave the restaurant full and satisfied.

Second, Herbstreet has an amazing wine collection, which sounds pretty good to pair with your food choices. The competent staff can even give good recommendations if you’re having a hard time choosing which food to pair with your wine.

Another thing we appreciate is the fast service. Even during busy lunch hours, orders arrive on time without getting mixed up, which shows the efficiency of the staff.

Lastly, atmosphere-wise, we think Herbstreet has a lovely view and an amazing interior, which adds to the welcoming vibe of the place. However, it can be a little uncomfortable for some who aren’t fond of formal ambience.

Pros

  • Professional staff
  • Good location
  • Good wine selection
  • Fresh food
  • Offers vegan-friendly and gluten-free options
  • Some items are served in small portions
  • Has a good view
  • Staff can give good recommendations
  • Fast service even during busy lunch hours

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Ambience is a little stiff

Customer Reviews

Accommodating staff

Really nice food. Staff so nice, they were very busy and we didn’t have a booking but they moved some tables around to accommodate us. The hash was delicious as was the French toast. Didn’t try the pancakes but they looked incredible so will be back to try them! Good coffee too. Nice blankets for all the outside seating so fine to sit out even if the weather isn’t the best! — Lucy O’ Donnovan, Google Reviews

Food is served fast and fresh

We were so lucky to be staying close to Herbstreet and even ended up going for brunch twice. The staff were lovely and accommodating and the food was quick, fresh and delicious. The atmosphere is a relaxed vibe but bustling at the same time. — Danielle R, Trip Advisor

6. PHX Bistro

PHX Bistro
TestInfo
CUISINEEuropean
WEBSITEhttps://www.phxbistro.com/
ADDRESS12 Ellis Quay, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 DD88, Ireland
CONTACT DETAILS+353 1 611 1161
OPERATING HOURSSunday - Thursday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Friday - Saturday: 12:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Food quality★★★★★ (5/5)
Taste       ★★★★★ (5/5)
Presentation      ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Location and accessibility★★★★★ (5/5)
Convenience      ★★★★★ (5/5)
Ambience      ★★★★★ (5/5)
Price (Higher score = better value)★★★★☆ (4/5)
Service★★★★★ (5/5)
Local reviews★★★★☆ (4/5)

What we love about PHX Bistro is that it’s a restaurant that’s for everyone. The vibe is casual and friendly, so there’s no need to dress up or think about your behaviour—it’s simply a local restaurant that serves good lunch and wants customers to enjoy it!

Some customers told us that the place was pretty popular among tourists and locals alike. They loved the good food, which was always served fresh and hot, and the amazing customer service as well.

The staff are friendly and accommodating. They always make sure to ask the customers about their dietary needs so they can tell the cook to accommodate them in their orders.

The favourite among its customers is the steak—ask any regular patron and they’ll tell you that PHX Bistro has arguably the best steak in town. Pair it with good wine and you’ll have the best lunch of your life!

Speaking of wine, PHX Bistro might just be the place for fussy eaters. It has an extensive wine and food selection, making sure there’s always something for someone to choose.

In terms of price, PHX Bistro isn’t cheap, but it’s not exactly expensive either. We think it’s safe to say that you’ll be getting your money’s worth when you eat your lunch here.

Just make sure you reserve a table in advance because it really gets full immediately. Also, a little warning that during busy lunch hours, orders get mixed up—but the staff are always quick to fix them so that says a lot about the customer service.

Pros

  • Friendly atmosphere
  • Decent customer service
  • Incredible food served fresh and hot
  • Accommodates dietary needs
  • Good for solo travellers
  • Lovely view
  • Arguably the best steak in the city
  • Good value for money
  • Extensive list of food and wine

Cons

  • Can get full easily so there’s a need to book in advance
  • Orders can get mixed up during busy lunch hours

Customer Reviews

Excellent food that’s worth the price

Now, this is a little gem. Even though the kitchen closed in 20 minutes, we were welcomed in to sit and didn’t feel rushed. The food was excellent.  I had the sirloin steak with to die for mashed potato with a blue cheese sauce followed by creme brulee. My colleague had steak frites and brownies. I would have paid double for the quality of the food, a must try. Please, like, if you’ve found this useful. — Ian Bird, Google Reviews

Accommodates dietary requests

We came to the bistro by accident but once we entered and received such a welcome reception we stayed for a late lunch. Maeve was exceptional at helping us decide and taking care of my friend’s dietary requests. We will definitely go back later in the day and try some of their wines. A very pleasant experience! — Patricia H, Trip Advisor

FAQs About Lunch Spots in Dublin


Dublin is every foodie’s dream location for lunch—it has everything, from local Irish food to international cuisines. But if you’re craving for a more specific local food for lunch, you can visit the Best Fish and Chips Restaurants in Dublin.