Top Secret in Dublin 🇮🇪

Lim Foodie is currently staying in Ireland from September 14, 2019, and will be here until December 23, 2019. After that, Lim Foodie will be heading to London. This stay in Ireland is part of an exchange student program, studying at Maynooth University for one semester. The university is located in Maynooth, a 40-minute bus ride from Dublin. Living on campus and focusing on school work, I haven’t had the chance to explore Dublin extensively. However, I’ve made an effort to go to Dublin for a few food tours. This post won’t reveal top-secret spots, but rather some hidden gems in Dublin. In the future, I plan to explore numerous eateries in Dublin and share more of its culinary secrets. Are you ready to join the Lim Foodie tour? Let’s explore the beautiful city of Dublin along the River Liffey together.

  • Best Cafe in Dublin
  • Best Restaurants in Dublin
  • Best Icecream in Dublin

Best Cafe in Dublin

TWO BOYS BREW

 375 N Circular Rd, Phibsborough, Dublin 7, D07 FWY1

MY MAIN: Chilli Eggs(10.95)🥚 
MY DRINK: Orange Juice(3)🍊  
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ 
PRICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Lim Foodie’s Review:
A perfect day often starts with the best brunch, and choosing the right venue is crucial. In the sea of brunch options in the city, let Lim Foodie guide you to TWO BOYS BREW, situated just outside Dublin—worth the bus ride.

Offering around 8 main dishes, various sides, and drinks, this spot caters to all, including vegan and gluten-free options. Opting for the chili eggs and fresh orange juice, I enjoyed a flavorful combination. The chili eggs, complete with toast, scrambled eggs, fresh scallions, and pickled red chili, provided a delightful crunch. Adding chorizo, streaky bacon, or harissa beans, as suggested, elevates the experience.

On the flip side, my friend’s Avo Mash tasted a bit too healthy and plain. The cafe’s greenish plant decor creates a cozy and lively atmosphere. Friendly service, though not the quickest. Located slightly off the center, a 15-minute bus ride is required. Prices are on the slightly expensive side but still affordable.

Lim Foodie’s Tip:

This restaurant is always bustling, so be prepared to wait about 20 minutes to get in. The experience is worth the wait!

Queens Of Tarts

Cow’s Ln, Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin

MY MAIN: Lemon Meringue Tart(6) 🍋 
MY DRINK: English Breakfast(3.2) 🍵  
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  
PRICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Lim Foodie’s Review:
September, the pre-Christmas rush, hits university students hard with tasks. To combat the stress, I treated myself to tea time at Queen of Tarts Cow’s Lane. With two locations, I opted for this one.

The cafe boasts various freshly baked pastries, including Chocolate Cheesecake, Lemon Meringue, Apple Crumble, Carrot Cake, Old-fashioned Victorian Sponge Cake, and Chocolate Fudge Cake. My choice was the Lemon Meringue Tart—a tangy lemon tart crowned with fluffy meringue, served with clotted cream. The tart was delightful, and the fresh meringue, while slightly too sweet for my taste, paired perfectly with English Breakfast Tea, balancing the sweetness.

Outstanding and personable service complemented the cute English tea room vibes. Classic teacups and flower-patterned plates added to the charm. The central location, near Dublin Castle and George’s Street Arcade, makes it ideal for a post-tea stroll. The prices are reasonable.

Lim Foodie’s Tip: This well-known spot often has a long line, so be prepared for a wait. The experience is worth it!

Best Restaurant in Dublin

Masa

2–3 Drury St, Dublin, D02 H520

MY MAIN:Al Pastor(5.95)&Mexican Bravas(4.45)
MY DRINK: COKE(2.25)
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  
PRICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Lim Foodie’s Review:
For those seeking a quick yet health-conscious bite, this place is a gem. Specializing in authentic tacos with 6 enticing options and a variety of appetizers, it caters to both taste and health.

I tried the Al Pastor, a delightful blend of pork, red chili, achiote, pineapple, onion, and coriander in a soft shell—a truly authentic and tasty Mexican experience. The portion is perfect for an easy bite. The Mexican Bravas, featuring fresh potatoes with chipotle mayo and chili powder, served as a flavorful appetizer. Dipping options include salsa and mayo, enhancing the potato experience.

Service is impressively fast and friendly, adding to the enjoyable atmosphere that exudes a hipster and trendy vibe. The restroom, adorned with a green cactus neon sign, is a photogenic spot, perfect for cool Instagram pictures. Conveniently located near St. Stephen’s Park, exploring the area post-meal is a great idea. The prices are super affordable and reasonable.

Lim Foodie’s Tip: Opt for the blueish bar table for the best food pictures, but be prepared for a slightly less comfortable seating experience.

BUNSEN

36 Wexford St, Portobello, Dublin 2, D02 DY20

MY MAIN: Double Cheeseburger(10.25)🍔+ Handcut Fries(3.5)
MY DRINK: Coke(2.15)
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
PRICE:⭐️ ⭐️ 

Lim Foodie’s Review:
When in Dublin, this hamburger joint is an absolute must-try. With 6 locations across the city, you can choose the most accessible one for you. I visited the Temple Bar location, and the view from the restaurant is breathtaking—you can enjoy your hamburger with a stunning Temple Bar backdrop.

The menu is minimalistic, presented in the size of a name card. Options include Hamburger, Double Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Double Cheeseburger, and three types of fries: Hand-cut, Shoestring, and Sweet Potato. They even offer a Gluten-free option for an extra 50 cents. Opting for the Double Cheeseburger with all the toppings, Hand-cut fries, and a coke, my experience was both delightful and somewhat testing due to the restaurant’s extreme busyness.

Despite the slow service and delayed food, the Double Cheeseburger stood out with its thick, juicy patty, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables. The Hand-cut fries, irregular in size, have a homemade feel and are made from fresh potatoes. They’re more squishy than crunchy, catering to personal preferences.

Service, though slow and somewhat indifferent, may be attributed to the overwhelming demand. Conveniently located in front of Temple Bar, the burger’s price is reasonable.

Lim Foodie’s Tip: Patience is key here. Be prepared for a wait—I waited for over an hour to be seated and an extra 20 minutes for the food. The experience is worth the wait for burger enthusiasts!

ELEPHANT&CASTLE

18-19 Temple Bar, Dublin 2

MY MAIN: Spicy Chicken Wings in a Basket(14.95)🍗  
MY SIDE DISH: French Fries(4.95) 🍟 
My DRINK:Coke (3.8)
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️    
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
PRICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Lim Foodie’s Review:
Who can resist the allure of chicken wings? Certainly not me. As a devoted member of the Chicken Social Club at Maynooth University, my quest led me to this American restaurant nestled in the Temple Bar district—a go-to spot for tourists. The exterior boasts a modern design, piquing the curiosity of passersby. Renowned for serving the best chicken wings in Dublin, I put this reputation to the test, and it did not disappoint.

Opting for the Spicy Chicken Wings in a basket, I was met with well-cooked wings marinated in a fiery buffalo sauce. The spiciness hits not just your taste buds but even your senses with its aromatic intensity. The portion size is substantial, rendering the need for additional side dishes unnecessary. In my case, I ordered french fries and couldn’t finish the feast. Service is decent but leans towards the slower side, demanding a bit of patience. The restaurant exudes an American pub-style ambiance, adorned with modern art. Its central location makes it ideal for a post-chicken wings drink at Temple Bar. While a tad expensive, the experience is undeniably worthy.

Lim Foodie’s Tip: The food portion is generous. If you’re with a group, ordering two baskets of chicken wings for three people should suffice.

Best Ice cream in Dublin

Three Twenty Ice Cream Lab

30 Drury St, Dublin, D02 DW66

MY MAIN:Red Velvet(4.95)🍦 
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
PRICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Lim Foodie’s Review:
Ever heard of the Icecream Lab? No, not a science lab from my high school days, but a quirky ice cream shop offering a truly unique experience. As the name suggests, this shop serves fresh ice cream—fresh to the point where they make it on the spot by mixing it with liquid nitrogen, giving it a distinctive texture.

With a selection of 8 flavors, including Creme Brulee, Choc Hazelnut, Pistachio, Oreo, Salted Caramel Brownie, PB&J, Chocolate Smore, and Red Velvet, each bite of the Red Velvet ice cream revealed fresh and high-quality ingredients. The downside, however, is the time it takes to make each ice cream, demanding a patient sweet tooth.

Service, though friendly, leans towards the slower side. The atmosphere is unique and enjoyable, offering a fun view of the ice cream-making process. Located beside George’s Street Arcade—a market hall brimming with street vendors—it’s a perfect spot to visit after indulging in ice cream.

Lim Foodie’s Tip: Fresh ice cream is made as soon as you order, so be prepared to exercise patience for your delightful treat. It’s worth the wait!

Murphys Ice Cream

27 Wicklow St, Dublin 2, D02 WN51

MY MAIN:Dreamy Creamy Caramel Medium (7) 🍦  
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  
PRICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Lim Foodie’s Review:
This ice cream shop stands as one of the renowned spots in Dublin, boasting an impressive selection of 16 flavors. Among these, four are special menu options, including Dreamy Creamy Caramel, Saucy Chocolate Brownie, Christmas Pudding, and Sticky Toffee Pudding. The special flavors come at a higher price point than the regular ones. Opting for the crowd-favorite Dreamy Creamy Caramel, I was transported to a heavenly experience. Crafted with fresh milk sourced from Ireland, this divine ice cream boasts a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. The taste is so tantalizing that you find yourself taking another bite almost involuntarily. The caramel cream on top adds the perfect touch without being overly sweet. Service is satisfying and vibrant, creating a positive experience. Located near a shopping district, it’s conveniently situated for a post-shopping indulgence. While slightly on the expensive side, the quality justifies the cost.

Lim Foodie’s Tip:

With a plethora of ice cream options, take advantage of their free trial offer to sample flavors before making your final decision.

Thank you for subscribing Lim foodie

BY LIM FOODIE

Leave a comment

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started