Over the last ten years or so, Dublin has transformed into an epic foodie city that’s just too good to miss. In fact, I think that there are so many underrated restaurants in city!
There’s been a surge in new restaurants popping up, so there are plenty of options available for booking dinners, casual lunches or more formal events. Having spent so many months in Ireland last year, I want to share 3 of my favourite Dublin restaurants with you.
Hopefully this post is timed perfectly now that lockdown measures appear to be easing everywhere. I don’t know about you, but I’ve missed the experience of dining out. Not just the food, but the getting dressed up, meeting friends, trying somewhere new and simply catching up over good food and drinks. If that’s also you, you’ll want to check these 3 hidden gems out!
PÓG CAFE
I will never not rave about this cafe – sorry.
Honestly though, Póg is hands down, my favourite cafe in the city! They have an extensive vegetarian/vegan menu.. around 90%, I reckon, which is impressive!
I spent so much time in this hidden gem of a cafe that I worked my way though their entire brunch menu, various hot drinks, milkshakes, smoothies and mocktails – I’m always spoilt for choice! Breakfast always trumps lunch for me, so I haven’t tried any of their soups and sandwiches but I’m certain they’re delicious too, if that’s your thing.
My top picks would be the açai bowls, spicy hummus on toast and vegan protein pancakes! I implore you to try the ‘toast two ways’. I genuinely can’t decide whether I prefer the spicy hummus on toast to the more traditional avo toast – whoever created this menu is a genius!
Póg have two branches, but the Tara Street branch is almost hidden and just that little bit cosier. The menu is the same, however, the food is better and the staff much friendlier.
Read more: The Best Vegan Friendly Restaurants in Dublin
UMI FALAFEL
This contemporary Middle Eastern restaurant has a great hipster vibe and is a hybrid between a fast-food takeaway (at the entrance) and a restaurant with table service, tucked away at the back.
The entire menu is vegetarian and though they are known for their falafel, there’s so much more to choose from; traditional mezze, salads, sandwiches, meal deals, sides and a platter.
The breaded halloumi sticks and the mango dip they’re served with however, were the star of the show for us! You can’t not order a portion of these if you visit!
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HANG DAI CHINESE
What an experience! This restaurant looks just like any other Chinese restaurant on the outside – and not a particularly great one at that! Venture inside and you’ll find yourself in what can only be described as a train carriage.
The long, neon-lit room is a big talking point, but the food is what keeps people coming back. We ordered every veggie starter on the menu and loved it all! There’s nothing better than a quirky, ‘instagrammable’ restaurant that serves incredible food!
*In collaboration with Squaremeal, but all views are my own
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