The Tasty Student's Guide to Vegetarian Dining in Dublin.

Being a Vegetarian or a vegan does not have to mean compromising on taste. With many students now changing their diet away from meat and animal products this blog will show that this does not prevent you from enjoying a meal out in Dublin. 

Dublin has long boasted a thriving vegetarian food scene, with the above ad dating back to 1891. This tradition has continued and there has been an explosion of new options in recent years. In this article I will share five of The Tasty Student's favourites to give an introduction to vegetarian cuisine in the capital.  

As a student, value for money is very important and as such this article will highlight venues which although delicious, won't break the bank. From old classics to new upstarts, Dublin now has the dining out options to ensure you never have to endure bland vegetarian ‘alternatives’ again.   

McGuinness Takeaway- The Post Night Out Choice

https://www.mcguinnesstakeaway.ie/
84 Camden Street Lower, Dublin Southside, Dublin 2


McGuinness' on lower Camden street is The Tasty Student's go-to takeaway for a post night out meal. Small and often overlooked, a visit to this gem is something to look forward to for your next night out. Open til late and having a dedicated vegan menu, it is the perfect spot to refuel after a night in Coppers. We strongly advise trying the delicious Homemade Black Bean Burger which will set you back just €4.90.

Cornucopia- The 'Treat Yourself' Choice

https://cornucopia.ie/

19-20 Wicklow St, Dublin, D02 

As students, luxury is rarely at the top of our priorities. However, for around €15, a meal in Cornucopia is the perfect treat and remedy to break the monotony of lunchboxes and student union meal deals. The menu rotates on a daily basis so return visits will present new dishes to try. We visited on a Wednesday and had a sweet potato tofu and broccoli casserole which was outstanding. Located centrally and having over 30 years of experience spoiling its visitors, it is a must visit.

Umi Falafel - The Value for Money Option

http://umifalafel.ie/180 Rathmines Rd Lower, Dublin, D06George's Street Arcade, South-East Inner City, Dublin13 Dame St, Dublin 2

Umi Falafel provides delicious Falafel and salads at student-friendly prices. You can choose to sit in one of their three restaurants or to to bring it out by takeaway so it is a very accessible option , The meal deals on offer provide particularly good value, with 'Meal Two' providing 4 Falafels, a salad of your choosing, a hummus dip and a soft drink or tea/coffee all for €8.50. One downside is that lunchtime can be very busy so be prepared to wait.

The Happy Pear - The Well known choice

https://thehappypear.ie/

Church Rd, Rathdown Lower, Greystones, Co. Wicklow

22 Tower Road, Clondalkin, Dublin, D22 DV56

The Happy pear is probably Ireland's best known vegan eatery. Based originally in Greystones and now also having a cafe in Clondalkin, we highly recommend a visit. The White lasagne is a personal favourite at a fairly reasonable €9.50. Furthermore, If you are new to vegetarianism or veganism, buying or borrowing one of the Happy Pear's bestselling cookbooks is an investment in your long term enjoyment cooking at home. 

We recommend making a visit after a stroll on the cliff walk between Bray and Greystones which is sure to work up the appetite. 

Sova Vegan Butcher- The 'Still get tempted' choice

https://www.sovaveganbutcher.ie/

51 Pleasants St, Saint Kevin's, Dublin

Lets face it, as a new vegetarian or vegan the transition away from meat and animal products can be a difficult one. Sova Vegan Butcher is perfect for satisfying any urges you may still have. With creative dishes such as the 'Pulled Porc Bap' it is the perfect tonic for whan your belly tries to betray your mind. It is however pricey for students (upwards of €15 for dinner) and as such is not likely to become part of the regular routine. 

Comment below with any questions or suggestions for places we should try and I'll make sure to reply. 

Tom O'Keeffe