Vegan Dublin: Best Places for Plant-Based Food

You might be surprised to hear that Dublin has some of the best vegan restaurants and eateries with plant-based menus in all of Western Europe. This is due in part to the way the Irish capital embraces international culinary trends, as well as the richness of the Irish soil and its bounty.

I can happily say that if you have plant-based dietary preferences, you’ll be able to find some great vegan restaurants on a Dublin food tour.

Where to Eat Vegan in Dublin: Top Restaurants, Cafés & Bakeries

Dublin has an impressive number of vegan restaurants along with cafes and bakeries with tasty plant-based must-try foods.

Glas Restaurant

Photo credit: Glas Restaurant

Located on Dublin’s Chatham Street, Glas offers an upscale, contemporary dining experience with a minimalist aesthetic quality that feels as clean as the vegan dishes they serve. The menu is largely modern European with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced produce.

This gives the plant-based dishes an earthy terroir that reflects the best that the Irish soil has to offer. On my last visit, I had a roasted celeriac dish with truffle and hazelnut that really brought out the earthy umami. However, it was the beetroot carpaccio starter that really blew me away, with a natural redness that visually connected to the original meat-based version of the dish.

As one of the best fine-dining restaurants with a vegan menu, Glas requires reservations to ensure you can get a table at peak times.

Glas (€€€) – 15/16 Chatham St, Dublin 2, D02 FV50, Ireland.

Cornucopia

Photo credit: Cornucopia

You’ll find Cornucopia Whole Foods Restaurant on Wicklow Street, where this long-standing vegan restaurant offers a cozy, homely atmosphere in a Georgian townhouse setting. They offer traditional Irish dishes that have been reinvented or reinvigorated with plant-based ingredients to be purely vegetarian and vegan.

While they serve an impressive array of salads and plant-based desserts, it’s their vegan take on Irish stew that I fell in love with. It had a heartiness that you expect in a traditional Irish stew and a plant-based broth that had all the umami of a beef broth. All perfectly accented by the earthy flavors of Irish-grown root vegetables.

Cornucopia (€€€) – 19-20 Wicklow St, Dublin, D02 FK27, Ireland.

Vegan Fast Food & Street Eats in Dublin

Vegan food is also strongly represented on the streets of Dublin with many restaurants and takeaway shops offering plant-based items of an exclusive vegan street food menu.

The Saucy Cow

Photo credit: The Saucy Cow

The Saucy Cow offers some of the best plant-based comfort food in all of Dublin. It’s located in Temple Bar and boasts a vibrant, yet casual setting perfect for a laid-back meal.

Many of the vegan items on The Saucy Cow’s menu are comfort foods given an American diner twist. This includes beloved items like richly flavored vegan burgers, and loaded fries, that will make you weak in the knees.

However, I think the secret gem on their menu is the indulgent milkshakes made with plant-based alternative dairy. Even something as simple as the classic vanilla milkshake I had, tastes like it was made fresh at a 1970s carhop.

The Saucy Cow (€€) – 19 Crane Ln, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 R891, Ireland.

Umi Falafel

Umi Falafel is a Middle Eastern vegetarian and vegan chain of restaurants with multiple locations throughout Dublin. However, I’m partial to the Umi Falafel on Dame Street, which has a contemporary and hip atmosphere with both takeaway and dine-in options.

Of course, their most popular option is the fresh falafel wraps, but they also offer a truly authentic-tasting hummus, baba ghanoush, along with a variety of fresh salads and meze. I like to grab one of their falafel wraps and eat it on the go. I think they spice it perfectly to accent the chickpea flavor, without making it so spicy that I’m desperate for a drink of water in the middle of a walking tour.

Umi Falafel (€€) – 13 Dame St, South City, Dublin, D02 HX67, Ireland.

Final Thoughts: Dublin Is a Hidden Gem for Plant-Based Food Lovers

While Dublin may not be the first city you think of for plant-based cuisine, it’s quietly blossomed into a haven for vegans and vegetarians alike. From upscale tasting menus at elegant restaurants to bold, flavor-packed street food, the city offers an impressive variety of experiences for a Dublin food tour.

Dublin offers some must-try vegan food that starts with plant-based Irish classics and includes global fusion dishes and even Middle Eastern falafel wraps. For the best plant-based experience, I think it’s best to mix high-end dining with casual food trucks, and takeaway vegan delis. You’ll leave not just full but inspired by the city’s growing plant-based movement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Dublin vegan-friendly?

Yes, Dublin is increasingly vegan-friendly, with a growing number of fully plant-based restaurants, cafés, and bakeries. You’ll even find vegan options at traditional pubs and fast-food spots. The city caters to all tastes and budgets, from casual bites to fine dining.

Are there vegan options in traditional Irish pubs?

Many Irish pubs now include vegan-friendly dishes such as vegan stews, like plant-based burgers, or veggie pies. While not all pubs are fully accommodated, it’s increasingly common to find at least one or two quality vegan choices on the menu. With some dishes, your server might be able to make vegan or vegetarian substitutions for your order.

Where can I find vegan fast food in Dublin?

Look for vegan-friendly spots like Umi Falafel for wraps and mezze boxes. Whereas a place like Blazing Salads offers a wide range of plant-based takes on deli classics. Food markets and events often feature vegan food trucks and restaurants like The Saucy Cow offer delicious vegan takeaway options.

What’s a good vegan brunch spot in the city?

Cornucopia is a local favorite for vegan brunch classics. You’ll also find great options at cafés like Blazing Salads which focus on fresh, flavorful plant-based plates.