Guide to Food & Drink in Dublin
From cozy cafés to budget-friendly meals and international flavors, Dublin has something for everyone. Here’s how to eat well on a student budget!
Budget Eats
Boojum
A Mexican burrito chain that’s a Dublin student staple — big portions, fresh ingredients, and quick service.
💸 Average price: €8–€10
📍 Locations: Abbey Street, Kevin Street, Smithfield
🎓 Nearby:Locations 5–10 mins walk from Trinity College Dublin and TU Dublin Grangegorman/Aungier Street
💡 Tip: Watch for student discount days and loyalty rewards.
Zaytoon
Persian-style kebabs and wraps — open late and great after a night out.
💸 Average price: €10–€12
📍 Locations: Camden Street, Temple Bar
🎓 Nearby: Walkable from Trinity College and short Luas ride from TU Dublin
🌙 Tip: Late-night favourite among students.
Apache Pizza
Irish pizza chain with solid student deals, especially for groups.
💸 Average price: €6–€9 per person
📍 Locations: All over Dublin (Camden St, Dorset St, Rathmines, Drumcondra)
🎓 Nearby: Close to TU Dublin, DCU, and UCD campuses
📱 Tip: Check the app for student meal combos and lunchtime offers.
Supermarkets
Lidl
One of the cheapest supermarkets in Dublin — perfect for weekly shops. Known for affordable fruit, veg, and bakery items.
💸 Best for: Budget groceries, snacks, and bread
📍 Locations: Talbot Street (near Trinity), Thomas Street (near TU Dublin), Rathmines (near UCD)
🎓 Nearby: Close to Trinity, TU Dublin, and UCD
💡 Tip: Watch for weekly special offers and student discounts through the Lidl Plus app.
Aldi
Another budget-friendly option, very similar to Lidl. Great for essentials, frozen foods, and meal prep supplies.
💸 Best for: Cheap basics and student meal ingredients
📍 Locations: Parnell Street (near Trinity/TU Dublin), Rathmines, Drumcondra (near DCU)
🎓 Nearby: Trinity, TU Dublin, DCU
💡 Tip: Aldi’s own-brand products are excellent quality for the price.
Tesco
A little pricier but convenient — more locations and variety. Great for late-night or quick top-up shops.
💸 Best for: Convenience and variety
📍 Locations: Dawson Street (Trinity), Camden Street (TU Dublin), Stillorgan (UCD), Drumcondra (DCU)
🎓 Nearby: All major Dublin universities
💡 Tip: Get a Tesco Clubcard — prices drop significantly for members.
Cafes & Coffee Spots
Dublin has a thriving café culture — from cozy study spots to trendy brunch places. Whether you need a caffeine fix between lectures or a chill place to work on assignments, there’s something for everyone.
Beanhive Coffee
A quirky little café near St. Stephen’s Green, famous for its coffee art and friendly vibes.
💸 Average price: €3–€6
📍 Location: Dawson Street
🎓 Nearby: 5 mins from Trinity College Dublin
Butlers Chocolate Café
Iconic Irish café chain known for giving a free chocolate with every drink.
💸 Average price: €3–€5
📍 Locations: Grafton Street, Henry Street, Dundrum, UCD Campus
🎓 Nearby: Locations near Trinity, UCD, and DCU
Vice Coffee Inc.
Trendy café tucked inside Wigwam on Middle Abbey Street — perfect for coffee, brunch, or even an evening drink.
💸 Average price: €4–€8
📍 Location: Middle Abbey Street
🎓 Nearby: 10 mins from TU Dublin Grangegorman, 10–15 mins from Trinity College