Eating out in Ireland 2025

Especially steak on a stone…. paying that price to have to cook it yourself!!

But even the local take away is extortionate at this rate, and long gone are the days of ordering just a burger or whatever and them throwing a scoop of chips in on top of it.

Apart from residents? I might head to a hotel for dinner if I'm out somewhere with family and the hotel restaurant has a good reputation.

I cant afford a restaurant anymore, I'm too poor 😂

you need to set up a thread on recommended cheap eats around the country, at least then people know they are genuine and not paid reviews 😉

ive said it before and now again, its not great. we go out way way less than we used to. Even to the pub, mads money for a pint now.

there is one small place we go to in Dublin for grub, not close by but food is great. not expensive but a little pricey. we prefer BYOB, sick of being shafted and butt-***ked for bottles of wine they buy in cheap and through 20+ quid on top.

id never eat steak out now, too risky, too expensive.

pubs and restaurants are on borrowed time. shame really but it is what it is.

its called " little kitchen " tight cosy place but very good food / service. Upper Leeson St.

I couldn't agree more. I'd be tempted to argue the best value for money these days is in the likes of fast food or the IKEA restaurant. You get exactly what you pay for there

It feels like every restaurant has coalesced on the same price point but vary wildly in terms of quality

Restaurants may be struggling, yet fast food outlets are doing well. Look at the queues of cars outside McDonalds, Burger King & KFC drive thrus at the weekends. The same goes for the amount of new takeaways springing up in every town….it all boils down to one thing - COST! Why pay 20 euro for Fish with a handful of chips in a restaurant when you can get a bigger portion for almost half the price in a takeaway!

Its a decent spot - but big brash and very very busy from lunch through to night. Get served, eat, get out. - BTW they add about 15% service charge.

Their concept is to use cheaper cuts of meat to bring prices down.

Well worth a visit if you want a cheap place in Paris.

Likewise, some of the real chinese restaurants in Capel street and surrounds offer brilliant value

With the exception of Gullane's Hotel in Ballinasloe. Nowhere I know of provides the same value food - all day long - as they do there. Exceptional food, at reasonable price. If you are anywhere near, this is even worth a detour.

Other than there, as you say, I don't know anywhere else worth visiting.

Anybody in Cork, the Elm Tree is very good - yeah it’s not exactly cheap but it’s good food - was there last night and had featherblade of beef and it was melt in the mouth - €25.50 - served with champ and roasted veg and gravy, thought that was good considering the way prices are now.

For those complaining about service, ask yourself are you the problem.

Imagine working for minimum wage, dealing with the entitled picky public all whilst being critised for the slighest mishap - they were probably given the absolute minimum training too. Trying to fund themselves to college etc.

What do you expect of staff when this is what they are put up with, miniumum training, poor pay etc. You reap what you sow with regards to paying and treating staff.

Was in the airport airport recently - I know its not eating out but the customer service part is relevant. Someone had ordered food (burrito & chips) and the chips were cold (kitchens fault - not the poor girl just waiting the tables). He was offered a choice - either a refund of the chips price or a total refund as his flight was about to be boarded (some timing on his part). He started yelling at her saying 'well thats not great is it?' She calmly explained his options and apologised but ke kept on banging on. He was probably right but your poor young wan wasn't the person to take it out on.

The prices and portion sizes is getting out of hand I'll agree.