What to Eat in Dublin: Irish Classics

The Brazen Head is at 20 Lower Bridge Street, Usher’s Quay, beside the River Liffey and Father Mathew Bridge. Established in 1198, it presents itself as Ireland’s oldest pub and retains the atmosphere of an old Dublin drinking house. Order the Brazen Beef Stew or Fish & Chips for traditional Irish comfort food. The pub opens daily from noon until late, with food served until 9pm. Traditional Irish music is scheduled during the week, so an early dinner works if you want to eat before the sessions begin. Groups of fewer than eight are accommodated on the day rather than through advance reservations. (The Brazen Head, checked 2026-09-29)

Bewley’s Café is the grand café choice on Grafton Street at 78–79 Grafton Street. It has served the street since 1927 and combines stained-glass artwork, literary associations, coffee and bakery traditions. The August 2026 breakfast menu lists Irish Breakfast Bewley’s Way with sausages, rashers, black and white pudding, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes and soda bread. The August lunch menu lists an Open Crab Sandwich with Irish crab on stone-baked brown soda bread. Afternoon Tea adds savoury and sweet bakery pieces with loose-leaf tea. Breakfast runs until noon, lunch begins at noon, and the café is open daily from 8am to 6pm. Book ahead for afternoon tea. (Bewley’s Café, read 2026-09-29, August breakfast menu, read 2026-09-29, August lunch menu, read 2026-09-29)

Bastible is at 111 South Circular Road in Dublin 8. Its seasonal modern Irish tasting menu changes with the produce and includes seafood, meat, vegetables and Irish farm ingredients. Published dishes have included red prawn with melon, sake and tomato; ox tongue with pastrami and mustard; cod with liquorice, hibiscus and kohlrabi; Cullen’s Farm lamb with grilled vegetables and mushroom; and stem ginger crémeux with Wexford strawberries. Dinner runs Wednesday to Friday, with Saturday lunch and dinner. Reserve before visiting and give advance notice for vegetarian or pescatarian requirements. (Bastible, checked 2026-09-29)

Etto is a small seasonal European restaurant at 18 Merrion Row, close to St Stephen’s Green and the National Gallery. Its changing menu has included mussels with nduja cream and green garlic, ox tongue with Caesar dressing and rocket, Salter’s pork with French bean salad and apricot mustard, catch of the day with white asparagus, and strawberry with sheep’s-milk ice cream. Dinner is served Monday to Saturday and lunch Thursday to Saturday; it closes on Sundays and bank holidays. Check the current menu before planning around a named dish. (Etto, checked 2026-09-29)

Variety Jones is at 79 Thomas Street in Dublin 8 and serves a chef’s-choice six-course sharing menu. Courses arrive family-style, so the meal is an unhurried Liberties dinner rather than a quick stop. The restaurant has 12 tables, dinner sittings Wednesday to Saturday, and occasional Saturday lunch. Book in advance and do not arrive before the booking because there is no waiting area. A pescatarian menu can be arranged, but vegetarian and plant-based menus are not offered. Dietary restrictions require advance notice. (Variety Jones, checked 2026-09-29)