Irish food isn’t exactly known for being the most vegan-friendly in Europe. Some of the country’s most popular dishes include meat stews, shepherd’s pie, and seafood chowders, many of which also contain copious amounts of butter and cream. While it’s true that many traditional Irish dishes are heavy on animal products, that hasn’t stopped the Irish capital from embracing the plant-based trend in recent years. Dublin has become a hub of vegan cuisine ranging from veg-friendly takes on Irish classics to innovative new dishes inspired by other global cuisines. Read on for some of our favorite vegan Dublin eateries.
Cornucopia
Cornucopia was plant-based before it was cool, having opened its doors as Dublin’s first vegan market and cafe in 1986. Today, the restaurant remains a 100% family-run business offering a simple, nourishing menu full of whole food plant-based dishes. We love their tofu scramble on toast with a vegan caesar salad on the side.
It’s a Trap
For coffee, pastries, and light bites, be sure to check out It’s a Trap, a tiny coffee shop and grocery store offering a wide variety of vegan goods from around the world. Their vegan Reuben and Korean BBQ wraps are our favorites for lunch, and a shot of espresso alongside one of their classic cinnamon buns makes for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
The Saucy Cow
Don’t let the name fool you—no cows were harmed in the making of any of The Saucy Cow’s food. This restaurant in the city’s Temple Bar neighborhood offers plant-based versions of fast food favorites. Keep it simple with a mushroom burger, or spice things up and try their vegan pulled pork tacos.