Dublin is one of my favorite cities in the world, with lively music, Irish hospitality, and rich history there is nothing that this charming city is lacking. Though, the quintessential tourist area, I still find myself walking the old brick roads of Temple Bar at least once a trip.  My husband and I try to visit the city we love so much at least once a year., so we have plenty of experience and interactions with the diverse make-up of this location. In our many visits, we have stumbled upon various essential food stops that range from divine pastry shops to local pubs that guarantee to leave us with full stomachs, coins in our pockets, and a smile on our faces.


Queen of Tarts

When I think of food in Dublin, Queen of Tarts is the first place that pops into my mind. I dream of their clotted cream and homemade tarts. Queen of Tarts is located on the small walking road of Cow Lane. This is an essential stop on any trip that we have when we are in town. This unique breakfast location is the classic tea house that you envision when you think of the British Isles. Visitors are welcomed by a small cozy atmosphere, a few mix-and-match tables with wooden chairs or pillows, small wooden tables, and friendly staff always ready to help with any questions you may have. This quaint eatery is home to some of the best freshly baked goods which vary from scones to sweet and savory tarts, fresh tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, and a divine breakfast and lunch menu that has a little bit of something no matter your taste. Though it is small and popular, this bakery has a laid-back atmosphere so you are never rushed and have plenty of time to enjoy the good food and company at hand. My go-to at the Queen of Tarts is the scone (I have had the raspberry, chocolate, and plain which are all amazing) with clotted cream. 


Stoned Pizza

Although I love all Irish food and will eat it by the plateful there is a certain point as an international traveler where you will yearn to eat something that is a reminder of home. Stoned, which has chosen the perfect name in many contexts is the ideal food stop for Americans who are looking to binge on some not-so-healthy but oh-so-filling fried familiar favorites. With a variety of unique pizza combinations, chicken wings, and a variety of fried favorites it’s easy to understand why its late-night location is popular amongst locals and visitors alike.  Located on Parliament Street this small little den of food sin is centrally located to most of the popular attractions and hotels in the Temple Bar area. My husband and I went all in getting the Munchie Box for 2 which includes chicken wings, fries, and onion rings for 16 euros. This massive fried meal was more than enough for the two of us with leftovers to spare. 


Darkey Kellys Bar & Restaurant 

Temple Bar is known for its array of high-end pubs, lively music, and non-stop tourists. Located on the outskirts of the Temple Bar tourist area on Fishamble Street lies the hidden gem, Darkey Kellys. This traditional Irish pub has everything that a visitor could ask for lively music, an inviting atmosphere, and of course delicious food and drink. This historic pub has a long history in Dublin, from the name Darkey Kelly, one of the most infamous women in Irish folklore, who was falsely burned at the stake for witchcraft, only later to be revealed as a possible serial killer, to the first performance of Handel’s Messiah this location back in the 1700s. This traditional pub is a prime spot with during the evenings and weekends with some of the most popular live Irish music, large crowds, and active nightlife. If you are into a little more of a low-key pub experience Darkey Kelly’s is a great location to get some delicious food during the day with all of the customary environment that only a pub in Ireland has. Though you really can’t go wrong with much at this pub my favorite dish is the Irish Stew, this Irish classic is taken to an entirely new level with rich fillings and perfectly cooked meat this is one of the best stews in the Temple Bar area.  


Hanley’s Cornish Pasties

Hanley’s is one of the more unique takeaways in Temple Bar since it is currently the only Cornish Pasties shop in Ireland. This shop offers a delicious, cheap, handheld meal that is perfect for taking with you to explore the city or for a quick bite between your pub hopping. With its large variety of meat and vegetarian homemade pasties, you can easily have multiple meals here and never have the same thing twice. For those unfamiliar with cornish pasties, they are semi-circular British baked pastries filled with various meats, potatoes, and vegetables. This award-winning traditional pastry shop has taken this traditional hand pie and elevated it with fresh local ingredients and creativity to offer a brand new take on this traditional staple. Each time that I have visited I have chosen a different pasty ranging from the traditional steak and gravy to the chicken tikki and the cheese a mushroom and I have yet to find one that I didn’t like, though in the same delicious crust each flavor combination brings something new and different to the pasty.


Leo Burdocks 

Leo Burdocks is a staple fish and chips takeaway in Ireland, this no-fuss takeaway is the perfect meal on the go for anyone looking for a quick and inexpensive bite in the Temple Bar area. What originally drew me to this location is that although I love chips (I will eat as many as I can while visiting the British Isles) I am not a fan of seafood which is pretty much blasphemy on an island like Ireland. To my joy, Leo Burdocks also offers their famous chips with chicken. This award-winning takeaway has a rich history in Dublin serving up their deliciously made food to the locals and not-so-locals (see their mile-long list of famous visitors posted outside of their restaurant) for over 100 years. Though I have had many different chip takeaways in my travels there is something about Leo Burdock’s frying method that gives them a superior crisp to their chip and flavor to everything that comes out of their kitchen. This is one of those places that I always have to stop at when I am in Ireland and am never disappointed.