Part of Trinity’s appeal is its central location. The hubbub of the city, proximity to shops and cultural spots – and the great eateries! From fast-food counters to relaxed restaurants, burgers to Chinese street food, there are many options on our doorstep for students to sink their teeth into.
And while costs may have risen all over the city in recent years, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still good deals to be had (particularly with your trusty student card)! Here are the best food options that won’t break the bank just a stroll away from campus.
1) Wowburger
Where: Mary’s Bar, Wicklow Street, Dublin 2 / John’s Bar & Haberdashery, Thomas St, Dublin 8 / The Giddy Dolphin, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Wowburger has several locations across Dublin city centre, meaning you’re never far from some hot cheesy goodness! Burgers here start from just €8.30, with as many free toppings as you like. You can also get chicken tenders, as well as a range of sides. For something more filling, the Wowburger student meal deal gets you any burger (meat or veggie / vegan) with your choice of toppings, fries, and a drink for just €11.95! If you wanna go even fancier, garlic fries as a side is life-changing!
https://www.instagram.com/officialwowburger/?hl=en
2) Mongolian BBQ
Where: 7 Anglesea Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Mongolian BBQ has long been a favourite for Trinity students, located just a hop, skip and jump away from Front Arch. The restaurant provides a unique dining experience, as you choose a selection of meats, vegetables, noodles or rice, and spices in a bowl, which the chef then cooks up for you on a large open grill. From 12pm-4.30pm each day, their Lunch Bowl deal will only set you back €10.90. With the portion sizes, you won’t be hop, skipping, and jumping back to class either!
https://www.instagram.com/mongolianbbqdub/
3) KC Peaches
Where: 27-29 Nassau St, Dublin 2
The Nassau Street branch of KC Peaches is always packed with Trinity students looking for a coffee with friends or a quick bite. They have a variety of sweet and savoury brunch options, as well as wraps, salads, and hot food – all below €12. They have several student discounts too, including 50% off hot food an hour before closing, and a 66% discount on a ‘surprise bag’ of food that would otherwise go to waste. Chow on some of Dublin’s nicest café food while also saving the planet!
https://www.instagram.com/kcpeachesdublin/
4) Carluccio’s
Where: 52 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Students may see ‘Carluccio’s’ and balk at the thought of pricy coffees enjoyed by well-heeled Grafton Street shoppers. But Carluccio’s also offers a range of affordable sandwiches, alongside its new lunchtime special – takeaway pasta. Coming in two sizes and with limited choices, the restaurant has opted for quality over quantity, going big in the flavour department. Fresh, hot pasta in a delicious sauce AND you’ll get change from a tenner? Better join the queue early!
https://www.instagram.com/carluccios/
5) Sprout
Where: 3 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Likely the healthiest entry on this menu, Sprout specialises in salads and goodness bowls made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. This means their range of options is aways rotating with the seasons, giving hungry students the chance to get their five-a-day all at once. Sprout may be on the pricier end of the scale — the salads and bowls come to €11.50 — but it’s worth it for a balanced diet. You can also build your own bowl or salad from their large collection of meats, grains, and vegetables.
https://www.instagram.com/sproutandco/?hl=en
6) Japanese Kitchen by J2 Sushi
Where: 1 Poolbeg Street, Dublin 2
Probably the go-to place near Trinity’s main campus for high-quality and affordable Japanese food. You can get a Bento Box and most Don rice bowls for €10, while Japanese Kitchen also offers a range of sushi, sashimi, and gyoza options for less than €10 if you are feeling more like a snack. And, at less than 5 minutes away from the Trinity’s Printing House Square gate onto Pearse Street, it’s the ideal spot for a quick lunchtime meal between classes!
https://www.instagram.com/j2sushidublin/?ref=BRIN10
7) Hanley’s Cornish Pasties
Where: Merchant’s Arch, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Tucked away down an alley in Temple Bar is Hanley’s Cornish Pasties, an authentic piece of the English West Country. Although the sausage rolls and other savouries are tasty, it’s no surprise that pasties are the star of the show. From old classics such as steak and gravy to more unusual flavours like chicken tikka (as well as vegetarian and vegan options), there is something for everyone. And, for just €6, you can get your hands on a piping hot pasty and a soft drink. Now THAT’S value.
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/312368068/hanleys-cornish-pasties/
8) Mama’s Revenge
Where: 12 South Leinster Street, Dublin 2
Dublin has a wide variety of options when it comes to burritos, but Mama’s Revenge has gained cult status among Trinity students. A burrito, nachos, or a quesadilla all come in at under €10 and you can customise your meal to suit your own tastes – in particular, your personal spice tolerance! And for the brave (or foolhardy) eaters? For €11.50, you can design your own burrito with anything from counter, as long as it fits into 12” tortilla wrap!
https://www.instagram.com/mamas_revengedublin/?hl=en
There are many more insights on the ins-and-outs of student life at Trinity in our blog. Discover what makes Trinity such a unique place to be by reading more today.
