Looking to try something a little different for your next meal out in Dublin?
Middle Eastern food is up there as one of my all-time favourites. It’s usually super healthy, loaded with spices, colours and flavours, and of course, it’s delish!
There are a handful of deadly restaurants in the city that you need to check out if falafel, chickpeas and hummus tickle your fancy.
Here are some of my faves:
1. Keshk
Rustic and authentic Middle Eastern food can be found in Keshk on Mespil Road.
This is the ideal spot to gather a group of mates together as it’s BYOB and corkage is free (yahoo!)
The lamb moussaka is a contender for the very best in the city.
2. Jerusalem
Jerusalem is a fusion of Lebanese and Palestinian cooking located on the corner of Camden Street. Sitting here, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The venue is friendly and unique and the food is always a winner.
3. Damascus Gate
You can expect some truly great things in this tucked-away local restaurant.
Belly dancers, vine leaves with fresh lemon and handmade baklava make this little spot really stand out. If you’re looking for a unique food experience, this is deffo one to put on your list.
4. Umi Falafel
A serious place to pick up a quick, tasty and healthy lunch.
If you haven’t guessed by the name, the dishes here focus mainly on our favourite chickpea balls. There’s quite a few variations including salad bowls, dipping balls and pitas.
So fresh and wholesome!
5. What The Falafel
This adorable spot can be found on Stephen Street and they produce some of the tastiest falafel around. Their falafels are created using traditional cooking techniques that they learned growing up and have brought to the streets of Dublin.
6. Shakshuka
Pomegranate, sumac, almonds, za’atar, mint, lemons, figs and pine nuts all add to the smell of real Palestinian food, and the gorge interior is like a Bedouin tent merged with pieces from One Thousand and One Nights.
This is quite the hidden gem in Rathmines.
Great food at a superb price, with a sister location by the name of Jerusalem on Camden Street. Don’t leave without trying the gluten-free vegetable pancakes – unreal.
It’s also BYOB with free corkage!
7. Brother Hubbard
Tasty and creative Middle Eastern-inspired grub is the name of the game here, and they’re truly experts at it.
Turkish eggs menemen of eggs scrambled with tomato and paprika-roast peppers, with feta and olive yoghurt, and a herb, chilli and red onion salsa is the must-have brunch dish. YUM.
8. Rotana
This cosy spot in Portobello is home to some of the best Lebanese dishes you’ll find in Dublin. You’ll get a two course meal (with huge portions) for €21 – and not have to splash the cash on stupidly pricey marked-up booze.
Unreal!
9. Shouk
Shouk is one of the coolest veggie restaurants in Dublin right now.
Inside you’ll find an array of benches in cosy nooks, a dedicated pickle counter and a sunny outdoor seating area. The menu boasts a plethora of flavours and dishes inspired by the Middle East. It’s BYOB and is always buzzing with spice-hunters.
Their signature falafels are worth drooling over – seriously, seriously good.
10. Zaytoon
You may think of Zaytoon as the place you visit at 4am after Coppers for a bag of chips but actually, the food served there is pretty delish. Their portions are huge as well, so if you’re starving and looking for something quick and satisfying, this one’s for you.
Anyone else craving hummus?