10 Best Places to Eat in Dublin​ for Students

Being a student in Dublin doesn’t mean surviving on instant noodles. The city is full of affordable places to eat where you can enjoy delicious food without breaking the bank. Whether you’re between classes or need a late-night snack, here are the best cheap eats in Dublin for students on a budget.

Food is more than just fuel when you’re at university – it’s comfort during stressful weeks, it’s how you socialise, and sometimes it’s your way of exploring a city you’re just getting to know. Dublin has a surprisingly rich range of options for students who want to eat well without spending a fortune.

From burrito bars with queue-worthy deals to wholesome vegan spots and food-saving apps, there’s something for every taste and vibe.

1.Boojum

When you are looking for best places to eat in Dublin​, you cannot miss this  cult favourite offering burritos, bowls, and tacos. With student ID, get a burrito and drink for under €9. Fast, filling, and flavourful.

Boojum place has practically become a rite of passage for students. You walk in, grab a burrito the size of your head, and walk out feeling like you’ve conquered the day.

The staff keep things moving quickly, and the portions are so generous you might even save half for later. It’s a spot that never disappoints, especially after a long day of lectures or a night out.

2. Bambino

Enjoy NYC-style pizza slices for just €4–€5. Ideal for a quick bite or late-night snack in Dublin city centre.

Right in the heart of the action, Bambino is that perfect pitstop when you’re racing between places or just want something simple and satisfying. The slices are huge, full of attitude, and packed with flavour. It’s got that no-fuss, New York street feel but with a Dublin twist. Great for when you’ve got €5 in your pocket and looking for pizza in Dublin.

3.Captain America’s

Retro vibes and a student deal: main course, fries, and drink for €9.95. Available Monday to Friday with student ID.

This place isn’t just a meal – it’s an experience. You walk in and you’re surrounded by 70s rock memorabilia and colourful booths that give it a nostalgic diner feel.

It’s brilliant for group meals or when you just want to chill after a lecture. With their student combo, you can tuck into a full plate and still stay under budget.

4. Bunsen

Top-tier burgers with a student deal (Mon–Thu, 2–5 PM): burger, fries, and soft drink for €11.45.

Sometimes, you just need a proper burger. Bunsen keeps it stripped-back and focused, and that’s exactly why it works.

The menu is small, the quality is high, and the flavours are consistently on point. It’s a solid upgrade from fast food without a big price tag, especially if you hit up their student deal in the afternoon.

5. Umi Falafel

Healthy, hearty meals with vegan options. Grab a salad box for under €9. Students enjoy a 10% discount.

Umi is the kind of place that makes you feel good about what you’re eating.

Their falafel wraps, mezze plates, and salad boxes are full of colour and taste, and perfect if you’re trying to eat more plant-based or just want a break from heavier meals. It’s a cosy, friendly spot and great for grabbing lunch between classes or meeting friends for something fresh.

6. KC Peaches

A cult favourite offering burritos, bowls, and tacos. With student ID, get a burrito and drink for under €9. Fast, filling, and flavourful.

KC Peaches is ideal if you’re trying to balance flavour and nutrition. Their buffet-style setup means you can build your own meal exactly how you like it.

There’s always a mix of hot dishes, salads, and wholesome sides. It’s nourishing, casual, and makes healthy eating feel easy – even on a student schedule.

7. Cornucopia

Vegetarian heaven offering homemade dishes from €5–€7 and a 10% student discount.

Tucked away on Wicklow Street, Cornucopia is a bit of a sanctuary for veggie and vegan food lovers, looking for best places to eat in Dublin​.

The menu changes daily and it’s all made fresh in-house, so it feels more like a homemade meal than a takeaway. Think stews, quiches, hearty soups and chunky bread. It’s comfort food with a conscience.

8. Pablo Picante

Affordable Mexican burritos with a student meal (burrito + drink) for €6.95. Quick and tasty in the city centre.

Known for its bold branding and even bolder burritos, Pablo Picante is quick, quirky, and unbeatable when you’re craving something hot and spicy.

They’ve got multiple locations around Dublin, which makes it super convenient when hunger strikes on the go. The student deal is just unbeatable.

9. Mongolian BBQ

Create-your-own stir-fry for just €5 with student ID. Great value for healthy, customizable meals in Temple Bar.

This one’s a gem. You pick your ingredients, hand them over, and watch them get cooked right in front of you on a sizzling grill.

It’s fun, interactive, and ideal if you’ve got specific tastes or dietary needs. You’re in full control, and that €5 deal? Unreal value in the city centre.

10. Too Good To Go (App)

When looking for best places to eat in Dublin​, this food-saving app lets you buy surplus meals from Dublin restaurants at €3–€4. A sustainable and adventurous way to eat well for less.

Not technically a restaurant, but this app is a student secret weapon. It connects you to local cafes, bakeries, and restaurants that have extra food at the end of the day.

You won’t always know what you’re getting, but that’s half the fun. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce food waste and save a few euros.

Student Food Tips for Eating Well in Dublin

Eating on a student budget in Dublin doesn’t have to mean skipping meals or choosing between quality and cost.

With just a bit of planning and insider knowledge, you can find brilliant meals for less all across the city. Carrying your student ID is essential, as many places offer exclusive deals and discounts that aren’t always advertised. Following your favourite spots on Instagram is a smart move too, as you’ll often catch flash discounts or midweek promos.

Apps like Too Good To Go are more than just money-savers – they’re also a great way to explore new places and support sustainability. Even on the busiest study days, a quick check of the app could land you a fresh meal for the price of a cup of coffee.

Dublin is a foodie city , even on a student budget. These best places to eat in Dublin​ offer big flavour and real savings. So explore, eat smart, and enjoy the best cheap meals Dublin has to offer!

Whether you’re a fresher settling into your first year or a postgrad hunting for better lunch options, the city has something tasty waiting around every corner. And with so many options under €10, there’s really no excuse not to eat well and try something new.