The Broke Student's Guide to Restaurants in Dublin

The Broke Student’s Guide to Restaurants in Dublin

Are you sick of a diet of pasta and tomato sauce three times a week?

Tired of feeling the food envy from other people’s insta stories?

Dying to treat yo self to a meal out?

I know, I know, you’re broke!

Coppers stole all your money!

BUT, what if I told you I had a list of Dublin’s best cheap but tasty restaurants to meet your broke student needs?

Yep, here at the Tasty Student we’ve got you covered.

We’ve got some steals for breakfast, lunch and dinner...all for under €10!

1.       Café Bliss – Cheap and cheerful, this place is an old favourite of mine. Located on Montague street which is between Harcourt and Camdan Street (a stone throw from Ryan’s and Flannerys). In my expert opinion their tastiest dish is the Piri Piri Pasta which comes in at only €9.95! They also have a BYO option so is a great way to start the evening and then head out after.

Broke Student Restaurant Guide #1: Café Bliss

2.       Mongolian BBQ – tasty, fun and in our price range, woop woop! Located in Dublin's hopping Temple Bar, this fabulous restaurant have a lunch deal on from 12pm-4.30pm which is only €7.90! You get a lunch bowl where you pick your own meat, veg and spices and the chefs cook it in front of you!

Broke Student Restaurant Guide #2: Mongolian BBQ

3.       Wishbone – can you ever go wrong with wings? The answer is no... never, ever, ever. This place is one of Dublin’s little gems, also on Montague Street their lunch deal definitely won’t break the bank. You can get a massive portion of wings with a side of chips and a dip of your choice for just €9.95!

Broke Student Restaurant Guide #3: Wishbone

4.       Póg – póg pancakes have become the talk of the town this year...and with good reason! Their mouth-watering pancakes are protein packed for extra millennial appeal! For just a tenner, even broke students can climb on the bandwagon and get insta happy #yasss 

Broke Student Restaurant Guide #4: Póg

5.       HX46 – It’s hard to find better value than this place! Deliciously quirky and perfect for UCD students with its location in Goatstown, Dublin, HX46 specialize in Asian Cuisine. Some of their top dishes include Pad Thai for only €7.50 and amazing Honey Sesame Chicken for only €6.95! You need to see it to believe it…

Broke Student Restaurant Guide #5: HX46

6.       Luigi Malones – ok so this is a little out our ‘broke students’ price range...it’s €11!! We’re sorry! But for €11 you get a starter, a main course AND a soft drink! It was too good to leave off the list… Also located in the heart of Temple Bar this bright and airy restaurant have a huge menu to choose from, see it here. We recommend the garlic bread to start and then their DELICIOUS lasagne for main. 

Broke Student Restaurant Guide #6: Luigi Malones

7.       Mexico to Rome, another temple bar haunt also offers a fabulously cheap two course special. €9.95 will get you a starter and main course in this Mexican-Italian infused spot. Alternatively, you can pick to get a Main Course + wine, soft drink or beer! Oh and they do nachos… What’s the Mexican/Italian for yes please?!

Broke Student Restaurant Guide #7: Mexico to Rome

8.       Umi Falafel – grab a fellow broke and starving student and head to Umi Falafel on Dame Street to get your hands on their Share Plate for two. It’s only €15.50 (so €7.75 each) and includes 8 falafels, a salad of your choice, hummus to die for, 2 spinach rolls and 4 vine leaves! It’s something different and trust me, once you get on a falafel and hummus buzz… it’s hard to go back!

Broke Student Restaurant Guide #8: Umi Falafel

9.       Little Caesars – this restaurant is gorgeous inside, we’re talking stained glass, delicate tables, authentic Italian atmosphere! AND a lunch menu at only €7.50! What’s the catch you ask? There is none! You won’t believe your eyes when you see this menu for those prices, check it out here. You. Are. Welcome.

Broke Student Restaurant Guide #9: Little Caesars

10.   Your kitchen – ok so you’re thinking, wait… I am literally broke… like have to cook at home broke… Don’t panic! You won’t starve on our watch! We’ve put together a quick, simple and most of all cheap recipe to ensure you too can have a tasty insta worthy meal.

Serves 4 portions:

-Tesco Chickpeas: €0.39
-Tesco Boil in the bag basmati Rice: €0.85
-Tesco Red Thai Curry Paste: €1.89

-Amoy Reduced Fat Coconut Milk: €1.50

-Tesco Mixed Frozen Veg: €0.69

Total: €5.32 divided by 4 = €1.33 per meal! Happy days, am I right?

Method: Boil yo rice, fry yo frozen veg, mix in curry paste and chickpeas, add in coconut milk and simmer, voila!

Make a huge batch, pop them in lunch boxes and you’re set for the week! 

Broke Student Restaurant Guide #10: Your Kitchen!

 Let us know what you think and leave reviews of the restaurants in the comments below! Also, we’d love to hear your suggestions for other broke students out there!

Bon appetite!