With the cost of living rising higher than an 80s hairdo, it can sometimes feel impossible to find a cheap, delicious meal these days.
But here at VIP Magazine, nothing is impossible – so we’ve compiled a list of our favourite cheap eats around Ireland.
From tasty Chinese to a massive carvery, we’ve got something for everyone in our top 10 list of our favourite spots offering dishes that won’t break the bank.
1. Xi’an Street Food, Dublin & Galway
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This mouth-watering Chinese can be found in the heart of Dublin and Galway.
Most of their dishes are in and around 10 euros but don’t worry they still have massive portion sizes that will leave you full for the rest of the day (if you really want to save why not split a dish between two?) Seating is limited but it’s still the perfect spot to grab a quick snack on the go.
2. Dough Bros, Galway
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Dough Bros is a must if you are visiting Galway and want to enjoy amazing prices and to-die for pizzas.
The owners toured around Naples to source the best produce and get all the Italian secrets to a perfect pizza. This very reasonable restaurant is also the perfect Instagram spot as its doorway is decorated with the cutest flower arch. Pizza and a pic sounds like a perfect meal to me.
3. Sano Pizza, Dublin
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For those of us more Dublin-centric who can’t get down to Galway, head to Sano Pizza located in Temple Bar for pizzas from just €7.
This place only takes walk-ins so make sure to get there nice and early if you want to try some of the most mouth-watering pizza Dublin has to offer. You’d be in-Sano to miss it!
4. White Rabbit, Dublin & Cork
@foxy.wanderer Korean corn dog place in Dublin 💖 #corndogdublin #corndogs #dublineats #yummydublin #wheretoeatindublin #ireland #koreancorndogs ♬ as it was x daddy issues by altegomusic – ALTÉGO
Tucked behind the back of Asian stores, White Rabbit really is a hidden gem. Based in Dublin and Cork this restaurant offers Korean bbq chicken and the iconic TikTok corn dogs. If you want to get that perfect cheese pull the corn dog is a must try… and it’s only €5!
5. MASA, Dublin
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MASA has to be one of the most underrated food spots in Dublin. With tacos under €10 and quesadillas under €7, what’s not to love? They even have vegan tacos so there’s something for everyone.
Don’t walk, run and get yourself a meal here before it becomes a not-so-hidden gem.
6. Boojum, all over
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Ah, everyone’s favourite, Boojum. It would be wrong not to include it.
They offer a juicy burrito and a drink from as little as €8. A boojum burrito is every broke college student’s love language, and luckily with multiple locations around Ireland, you’re never too far from your next fix.
7. Sprezzatura, Dublin
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Sprezzatura has to be one of the most raved-about restaurants in Dublin. And for good reason, with spaghetti dishes starting from €6.95 it’s the perfect place for when you want to be boujee on a budget.
The restaurant has two locations – one on Camden Street, the other in Rathmines – and it tends to book up fast so be sure to make a reservation! What are you waiting for? You better spa-geti- on over there!
8. Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Dublin
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With four different locations around Dublin, GBK has to be one of our favourite spots. Their cloud 9 deal offers a burger, fries and a soft drink for, you guessed it, €9. If you’re not into burgers though, don’t stress, GMK offers chicken tenders, cauliflower fries or falafel bites all priced under €10.
9. Umi Falafel, Dublin, Cork, Belfast
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If you want to try something more exotic without breaking the bank, Umi Falafel is your place. The majority of the menu is priced under €10 so you can eat to your heart’s desires (or until your budget says stop). If you want to splash out the cash they offer a €12.50 meal deal which includes a falafel sandwich with a salad or wedges and soft drink or coffee.
10. Dicey’s, Dublin
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Yes, I know what you’re thinking – Dicey’s is limited to nights out, not food. And no, I’m not about to tell you about their €5 burgers they offer in the nightclub (though I would highly recommend those too).
Dicey’s actually does an amazing roast dinner for only €7 Monday – Friday between 12:30 and 2:30pm. So if you can look past your traumatic nights partying too hard here, Dicey’s is the perfect place to dine (and wine) with your friends.
By Zana Zee Keough