O’Connell Street is one of Dublin’s most famous landmarks and a natural starting point for exploring the city centre. But if you’re wondering where to eat near O’Connell Street, our advice is not to limit yourself to the main street.
O’Connell Street itself is dominated by big chains and fast-food spots, but with a little local knowledge, you’ll find some excellent independent restaurants and cafés just a few minutes from the Spire.
From Middle Eastern-inspired brunches and fiery Sichuan dishes to Korean comfort food, great coffee and some of Dublin’s most celebrated fine dining, there are plenty of good places to eat on Dublin’s north side.
Whether you’re staying near O’Connell Street, shopping on Henry Street or looking for restaurants in Dublin city centre, here are some of our local favourites.
Tang Abbey Street – one of our favourite brunch spots near O’Connell Street
We might be a little biased, but Tang is one of our favourite places near O’Connell Street when you’re looking for something fresh, colourful and full of flavour.
Located on Lower Abbey Street, just a short walk from the Spire, Tang serves food with strong Middle Eastern influences. Expect healthy breakfasts, seriously tasty brunch dishes, wholesome salads and flatbreads at lunchtime.
It’s walk-in only, making it an easy and reliable option if you’re sightseeing around O’Connell Street or Henry Street and want a casual breakfast or lunch.
Best for: breakfast, brunch or a tasty, good-value lunch.
M&L Chinese – Sichuan food just off O’Connell Street
Hidden away on Cathedral Street, M&L Chinese is exactly the kind of restaurant you could easily walk past if you didn’t know it was there.
The focus is Sichuan cuisine, and we’re particularly fond of the dumplings and green bean dish.
If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for the Chinese menu, where you’ll find even bolder flavours and plenty of heat.
It’s casual, unfussy and a great place to order several dishes for the table and share.
If you’re looking for Chinese food near O’Connell Street, this is one of the places we’d point you towards.
Best for: Sichuan food, sharing plates and spice lovers.
Kimchi Hophouse – Korean food near Parnell Street
Walk a little further towards Parnell Street and you’ll find Kimchi Hophouse,one of those wonderfully Dublin combinations: a Korean restaurant and an Irish pub under the same roof.
Known as Dublin’s oldest Korean restaurant, it serves comforting Korean dishes and, naturally, pints of Guinness.
It’s relaxed, lively and a fun choice if you fancy something completely different from the traditional Irish food you may have been eating elsewhere on your trip.
Parnell Street in general is worth exploring if you’re interested in Asian restaurants in Dublin city centre, with plenty of independent places tucked away along and around the street.
Best for: Korean comfort food and a casual dinner.
Wigwam & Vice Coffee – speciality coffee and a casual lunch
For excellent coffee near O’Connell Street, head down Abbey Street to Wigwam, home to Vice Coffee.
We love bringing groups here.
Vice is a speciality coffee shop serving tasty toasties alongside some of the best coffee in the city, making it a great option if you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive lunch.
Wigwam itself also serves casual Brazilian-inspired food and cocktails, so you can stay a little longer if you’re after something more substantial.
It’s a lively, informal spot and a good alternative to the large coffee chains around O’Connell Street.
Best for: speciality coffee, toasties and casual Brazilian-inspired food.
Mr Fox – for a special dinner in Dublin
If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants near O’Connell Street for a special occasion, head towards Parnell Square and Mr Fox.
It’s one of our all-time favourites.
Set in a Georgian townhouse, Mr Fox offers a refined dining experience while still feeling relaxed and welcoming. The food is modern and creative, with plenty of international influences.
It’s ideal if you’re celebrating something, planning a date night or simply want to make dinner one of the highlights of your Dublin trip.
This is definitely somewhere we recommend booking in advance rather than leaving to chance.
Best for: date night, celebrations and a special dinner in Dublin.
Chapter One – for the ultimate Dublin fine-dining experience
At the top of Parnell Square you’ll find Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, one of Dublin’s most celebrated fine-dining restaurants.
This is firmly special-occasion territory and comes with a much bigger price tag than the other restaurants in this guide.
But if food is a major part of your trip and you’re looking for an unforgettable fine-dining experience in Dublin, Chapter One is the big splurge.
It’s also one of the hardest tables in the city to secure, so if it’s high on your Dublin food wish list, plan well ahead.
Best for: serious food lovers and very special occasions.
Where else should you eat near O’Connell Street?
Our biggest local tip is simple: don’t restrict your search to O’Connell Street itself.
Within a short walk of the Spire you can reach:
- Abbey Street for cafés, coffee and casual food
- Parnell Street for Korean, Chinese and other international restaurants
- Parnell Square for some of Dublin’s best fine dining
- Capel Street for independent restaurants and bars
These areas are all within easy walking distance of O’Connell Street and offer a much more interesting mix of independent businesses and international cuisines.
Discover Dublin through its food
Restaurants are only one part of Dublin’s food story.
Behind the dishes are local producers, neighbourhoods, traditions and plenty of stories you won’t find on a menu.
If you’d like to discover more of Dublin’s best food while meeting some of the local businesses that make the city delicious, join us on one of our Delicious Dublin food tours.
Explore Dublin, meet local food businesses and taste your way through the city with a local guide.