Here’s Where To Eat When Christmas Shopping in Dublin

Christmas shopping in Dublin can really take it out of you, so of course, you must head somewhere for an afternoon pick-me-up post-gift buying! Whether it’s a quick bite to eat or a sit-down lunch to properly refuel after a long day of gift-buying, we’ve got the lowdown on some great spots. In this list, we’ve included a couple of hot-spots for shopping (including Kildare village, even though it’s not technically Dublin…), so here’s where to head after a day of Christmas shopping.

Henry Street

The Kitchen Bistro by Gourmet Food Parlour

Gourmet Food Parlour has opened 3 new offerings in Arnotts, so if you’re already in there doing your Christmas shopping in Dublin, you may as well pop into one of the three spots for a bite to eat. The Kitchen Bistro in particular is a new, elevated dining concept which will certainly add a touch of luxury to your day of shopping. Focusing on international flavours and aperitif culture, you’ll find a selection of small plates, mains and sharing boards that would be perfect no matter the hunger levels! Crab truffle mac and cheese, mushroom aranicini, and a bread and dip sharing board are just some of the options up for grabs. A cocktail or two would only elevate the post-shopping experience.

M&L Chinese

One of the most authentic Chinese restaurants in Dublin, M&L Chinese offers a full traditional experience, from the food, to the atmosphere, and everything in between. Serving authentic Szechuan cuisine, peruse the Chef’s Recommendations on their menu to get the true taste of China, from options like a classic Peking duck, stir fried lamb with cumin and their famous spicy green beans – a must try.

Umi Falafel

Umi Falafel certainly do falafel right, and their Mary Street location is only a short walk from Henry Street. Choose from the Palestinian or Lebanese falafel, or try their incredible fried halloumi sticks to switch things up. Their batata harra are seriously addictive, and make sure you order a combination of their sides if you’re feeling extra hungry – their cheesy phyllo rolls are delectable.

Brother Hubbard

Brother Hubbard serve Mediterranean-inspired food, with their very own unique twists and turns. With two locations near this area, you can pop in there for a soup and sandwich in their Arnotts location, or head to their Capel Street branch for more of a sit-down meal. Tasty brunch, lunch and dinner dishes are available, with our favourites being their eggs Menemen topped with spiced tomato-çeymen paste and feta yoghurt, as well as their Mezze dishes. Notably, if you’re heading here in the late afternoon, you can pop in for their early-bird Middle East Feast for a memorable dinner. Make sure to grab one of their many homemade desserts on the way out!

Krewe

A taste of New Orleans is never that far when you’ve got Krewe! A popular and much-loved restaurant in Dublin, Krewe is based on Capel Street and would be a perfect spot for a meal post-shopping. A vibrant spot perfect for a pick-me-up, we really love the Nola Benedict if you’re in here for brunch, but for lunch and dinner, any of their fried chicken options are delicious. Krewe’s Bang Bang shrimp tacos are equally as delightful, and we highly recommend their Beignets for a sweet treat. Their cocktails are unique, refreshing, and will have you ordering more, so certainly give these a try.

Dundrum

Jamie’s Italian

Jamie’s Italian serves delicious, simple fare that is perfect for some post-shopping refuel. Some antipasti favourites like creamy burrata and squid fritti are to be expected, with fresh pasta and tasty pizza available too. If you’re feeling a little hungrier, mains like steak and fish and chips are always a crowd pelase and will certainly satisfy. A great choice for a bit of lunch or dinner after a day of Christmas shopping!

Brown’s Brasserie in Brown Thomas

Surrounded by the luxurious offerings of Brown Thomas inside Dundrum Town Centre is the fabulous Brown’s Brasserie. This spot is all about supporting local producers with a French-inspired twist. With friendly staff and quality food, you’ll be impressed by the array of creative dishes on offer here. You can enjoy one of their decadent French Toast options, or opt for their amazing Legrand, which is their take on an eggs Benedict. You won’t be disappointed.

The Port House Ibericos

The Port House Ibericos is great for anyone who wants to slow things down after a busy day of Christmas shopping. Drop the bags down and enjoy the cosy atmosphere of this cosy tapas restaurant perfect for anyone who wants to try a little bit of everything. The Port House has an extensive menu of delicious small plates with plenty of Spanish flair and an extensive wine list to unwind with after notching up an impressive step count.

Loft at Donnybrook Fair

Led by Head Chef, Chris Allen, who has worked at some of Dublin and London’s most exclusive restaurants, the Loft is certainly a wonderful spot to visit post-gift buying. This stylish restaurant sits upstairs in Donnybrook Fair, serving locally sourced food with a modern Irish twist. A great place to unwind after a morning of shopping, opt for brunch classics or a decadent burger for your refuel.

Brickyard

A gastropub by trade, Brickyard offers casual, hearty fare alongside a wonderful selection of beers, wines, cocktails and everything in between. With enticing lunch, brunch and dinner menus, choose from tempting small plates like corn ribs and yellowfin tostadas, large plates like Korean chicken and waffles, or try one of their many decadent burgers. We must note their inclusivity for gluten free options! Their desserts are not to be missed, and with Brickyard only being a short walk from the Dundrum shopping centre, you’ll be delighted here for brunch, lunch or dinner with some beers on tap.

Blanchardstown

Musashi

Musashi branches can be found dotted around Dublin, and perfectly located in the Blanchardstown shopping centre. Musashi has something for everyone, from chicken katsu curry, to ramen, and of course, an impressive selection of fresh to order sushi! Some traditional Japanese teriyaki dishes are also available, so if you’re picky, you will certainly enjoy whatever you choose here.

Bunsen

What sounds better than one of Dublin’s best burgers after a day of Christmas shopping? Bunsen are known for their small but mighty menu of burgers and fries, and that’s how you know that what you’re getting is going to be amazing. After rushing around getting your last minute gifts, there’s nothing better than a cheeseburger, some shoestring fries and a decadent milkshake – the ultimate comfort food!

Liffey Valley

The Hudson Rooms

Elevate your shopping experience with a meal at The Hudson Rooms in Liffey Valley. If you’re after comfort food of the highest quality, look no further. ‘Tis the season for cosy dishes like bangers & mash and fish and chips, but their Hereford steak sandwich with mushroom Duxelle and crispy onions is certainly catching our eye. Christmas has come early too – if you’re after a roast dinner before Christmas day, their 3 course menu has all the elements of an incredible Christmas dinner! They also serve brunch during the week, if you’re getting some midweek Christmas shopping done too.

Hogs & Heifers

Get the party started post-gift buying at Hogs & Heifers. This bar-restaurant certainly sets the mood for a fun-filled afternoon, with tasty pub grub, great drinks and a guaranteed good time. Chicken wings and burgers are the stars of the show here, but you can switch it up with tacos, fajitas, and finish your meal off with an indulgent dessert.

Kildare Village

Though technically Kildare Village is not in Dublin, it is only a short drive away, and it’s always a go-to for Dubliners when Christmas shopping!

Griolladh

A place dedicated to the art of the cheese toastie, Griolladh started out at festivals before moving to their now permanent locations in the city centre, and now, they’re in Kildare village for your post-shopping refuel! A mishmash of textures, flavours, and electric pink garlic dip, whatever toastie you choose, you’ll be guaranteed satisfaction. If you’re looking for an extra special sandwich, you must try their Beefo – 12-hour cooked brisket, topped with its cooking jus and a house pastrami spice – sounds incredible. Of course, since it’s Christmas, their Christmas sambo is a natural choice too!

Dunne & Crescenzi

This multi-award winning restaurant certainly will make your Kildare Village visit worth the trip. Dunne and Crescenzi is all about authentic Italian hospitality and demonstrating their love for simple cooking with their delicious Italian food. With comforting dishes, high quality ingredients, bright interiors and an array of wines to choose from, this is a great place to wine and dine after a day of shopping for your friends and family.

I’m a Palestinian who grew up in Cyprus and moved to Dublin in 2013, so I’ve had a mishmash of different cultures and cuisines surrounding me my whole life. I’m an avid foodie, and after realising that life as a lawyer was not for me, I studied media and became a radio host for Dublin City FM. I’m now writing for TheTaste full time, but I also have my own food blog where you can find a mixture of restaurant reviews and the occasional recipe. I talk a lot about being Palestinian; to be honest, I talk a lot in general. That’s why I did radio!