Surrounded by the sea, Dublin City offers exceptionally fresh fish, from complex and expensive lobster dishes to on-the-go fish and chips. You may be surprised to learn that Ireland has a slightly different take on this traditional type of fast food. Is it better than the British version? That is up to you to decide after exploring the best chippers in Dublin. In this guide, we will take a look at the best locations, investigate our personal top picks for the tastiest fish and chips Dublin has to offer, as well as explore the lesser-known locations.
What Makes Dublin’s Fish and Chips Unique?
What makes the best brunch in Dublin? Of course, a generous portion of the delicious and crispy fish and chips. Although fish and chips are considered a British dish, Ireland actually took a slightly different approach to this famous chipper food. Due to its unique culture, location, and culinary tradition, Irish fish and chips offer distinct elements that set it apart from its English chippy counterparts.
An island surrounded by waters, Ireland is the perfect spot to prepare the freshest fish specialties. Dublin Bay allows for fresh catches every day, with local anglers bringing fish every morning to maximize the fresh flavor. In fact, there is so much fresh fish available that local chippers can be quite selective in their purchasing power and buy only the freshest cuts.
Another distinctive feature of Irish fish and chips is the batter. Unlike the British version, the batter is light and crisp integrating Irish stout and ale into the mixture. As a result, the pieces turn out golden brown and extra crisp adding to the irresistible flavor and texture.
The chips are also slightly different from the British or French standard typically appearing thicker. The chips are commonly pre-fried until almost done and refried to the customer’s request to achieve the perfect crunch. The combination of extra crispy fish and thicker fluffier chips creates an iconic flavor making them an incredible snack.
The dish is then served with either the classic malt vinegar or sweet curry as well as a slice of lemon and a side of peas.
Our Top Picks for Fish and Chips in Dublin
While embarking on walking tours in Dublin, you need to make a stop at one of the city’s chippers to experience the best snack in the country, fish and chips. Let’s take a look at the best locations this city has to offer.
Leo Burdock
A truly iconic Dublin fish and chips location since 1913, Leo Burdock is a chain of fish and chips shops spread across Dublin city center with the original eatery in Christchurch. Their signature batter holds a generous cut of the fish which is then fried until perfectly crispy. Their chips are also incredible with a fluffy texture on the inside and a crispy exterior. The sauce consists of vinegar and seasoning that remains unchanged for decades.
Leo Burdock is a staple of the Dublin food scene with each location proudly displaying endless pictures of celebrities that stepped foot into their establishment.
Address: 2 Werburgh St, Christchurch Pl, Dublin, D08 HC82, Ireland
Opening Hours: Every day from 12:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Fish Shop
The Fish Shop is situated in Smithfield and takes a more contemporary approach to making this delectable dish. This fish and chips restaurant offers batter made with local craft beer creating a unique yet light and crispy texture. The menu at this eatery continues to evolve on an almost daily basis depending on the catch of the day and season. They tend to divert from the traditional fish and offer alternatives like hake and pollock. The venue also prepares a variety of homemade sauces as well as pickled vegetables to complement the hearty crispy treats.
Keep in mind that the Fish Shop is a tad more upscale compared to most vendors so expect a slightly elevated atmosphere and higher prices.
Address: 76 Benburb St, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 X3PN, Ireland
Opening Hours: Every day from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm, Tuesday closed.
The Kingfisher
Another traditional chippy, The Kingfisher is a small shop on Parnell Street in Dublin City offering the authentic best fish and chips in Dublin. The venue is popular due to its generous portions, friendly service, and consistent quality allowing it to preserve a great reputation throughout decades. The treat is prepared in accordance with Dublin tradition with thick cuts of cod fish and a perfectly golden coating creating an irresistible crispy bite. Once here, don’t miss out on the iconic curry sauce adding delicious sweet and spicy aftertaste.
Address: 166-168 Parnell St, Rotunda, Dublin, D01 DX43, Ireland
Opening Hours: Every day from 12 pm to 9 pm.
Beshoff Bros
Another Dublin staple, Beshoff Bros has been one of the best chippers in Dublin since 1939 and has evolved from a single location to a wide chain of fish and chip shops. The business is family-run and emphasizes their commitment and dedication to quality and fresh fish. The seafood is delivered every morning to deliver the highest standard on a daily basis. The Beshoff Bros locations also prepare a curry sauce but tweak it to maintain their unique recipe. Aside from traditional fish and chips, the menu boasts such classics as fish pie and lobster allowing you to taste a variety of iconic Irish seafood treats.
Address: 12 Harbour Rd, Howth, Dublin, D13 X4P8, Ireland
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Friday to Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm.
Fish Shack
Fish Shack started out as a humble food truck in Sandycove and grew into one of Dublin City's major fish and chips shops and seafood restaurants. Using tempura-style batter, this eatery achieves the most perfect crispy coating while maintaining the lightness and fluffiness of the fish. The selection of good fish is also contingent on the catch, ranging from cod and haddock to less popular ones. The chips are hand-cut and fried until golden brown paired with homemade tartar sauce to balance out the flavor.
Address: 1 Martello Terrace, Sandycove, Dublin, A96 XY75, Ireland
Opening Hours: Wednesday and Thursday from 12 pm to 7 pm, Friday to Sunday from 12 pm to 8 pm, Monday and Tuesday closed.
The Best Chip Shops (Chippers) in Dublin You Should Not Miss
Let’s now take a look at the best fish & chips restaurants and cafes in Dublin offering these mouth-watering delights.
Embassy Grill
Right in Dublin City, you will find Embassy Grill, a local chippy known for exceptional smoked cod and delectable milkshakes. The fish and chips is the signature dish of the establishment made with light and crispy batter and sweet curry sauce. Embassy Grill is also known for its generous portions and high-quality fish allowing the restaurant to maintain its popularity and relevance throughout decades. Despite its central location, the venue offers affordable prices and welcomes guests from across the globe.
Address: 172 Pembroke Rd, Dublin, D04 WK27, Ireland
Opening Hours: Every day from 12 pm to 11 pm.
Kelly & Coopers
Kelly & Coopers is a fish and chip shop right by the sea which sets them apart from more city center locations. The salty and fresh air make the best fish and chips in Dublin extra delicious while the beer batter creates a crispy golden crust. The chips are also outstanding and properly fried until a crispy exterior is achieved. This tastiest eatery pairs its treats with homemade tartar sauce and coleslaw.
Address: 39 Main St, Newtown Blackrock, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94 C7W0, Ireland
Opening Hours: Monday and Tuesday from 4 pm to 11 pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 12:30 pm to 11 pm, Friday from 12:30 pm to midnight, Saturday from 1 pm to 11 pm.
Macaris
A bit outside Dublin's city center, you will find Macaris, a locals' favorite location for birthday parties and late-night fish and chips. Having been one of the best chippers in Dublin for over 50 years, Macaris serves delectable fresh fish with a distinctive light batter and generous portions of thick and golden brown chips. In fact, locals state that Macaris’s fish and chips manage to stay fresh and crispy even after a journey home. You can choose between the special vinegar sauce or sweet curry to complement your dish.
Address: 13 Tyrconnell Rd, Inchicore, Dublin 8, D08 YF2D, Ireland
Opening Hours: Monday and Tuesday from 14 pm to 11:30 pm, Wednesday to Sunday 12 pm to 11:30 pm.
McGuinness Takeaway
McGuinness Takeaway is another central chippy catering to everyone, including visitors with various allergies and even vegans. They separate their cooking into different ovens and fryers to ensure that people will receive their fish without any allergens. The extra-crispy batter makes the dish impossible to skip while the fish is super fresh and delivered from the nearby Dublin Bay. Chips are also exceptionally crispy complemented by homemade curry or tartar sauce. McGuinness is an incredible fish and chips vendor delivering delicious treats for anyone and everyone.
Address: 84 Camden Street Lower, Dublin Southside, Dublin 2, D02 DH36, Ireland
Opening Hours: Sunday, Tuesday to Thursday from 5 pm to 2 am, Friday and Saturday 5 pm to 4 am, Monday closed.
Presto Chipper
Another waterfront fish and chip shop, Presto Chipper is a beloved eatery serving crispy and light traditional snacks. The proximity to the sea guarantees the freshest fish while their batter recipe is light refraining from overwhelming the dish. The chips are cut in decent chunks creating a perfect balance of crunch and delight. If visiting in the summer, be prepared for longer lines as the area gets flocked with tourists and locals looking for a sunny day at the beach.
Address: 8 S Lotts Rd, Dublin, D04 WN77, Ireland
Opening Hours: Every day from 12 pm to 11 pm.
Tips for Enjoying Fish and Chips in Dublin
Although a simple fast food, there is a whole science to creating and consuming perfect fish n chips. First of all, timing matters, with the prime hours around lunch and dinner when the foot traffic is high and Dublin City chippers are ready with the freshest fish and crispiest snacks. Secondly, the ideal way of consuming traditional fish and chips is when they're hot. Try to avoid taking the dish to another location as they will cool down and become soggy. If you must take it, don't fully close the wrapping bag to maintain crispiness.
Additionally, dabble in different varieties of fish and chips, from classic malt vinegar to unique sauces. Don’t hesitate to properly season them as per local tradition and use that lemon wedge to elevate the fish’s flavor.
Finally, select a street vendor who cooks the fish right in front of you and ensure they swap their oil regularly to avoid a greasy texture. Longer lines of locals are also usually indicative of good-quality fish and chips. Also, don’t forget to bring cash as many chippers don’t accept card payments.
Bonus: Off-the-Beaten-Path Recommendations
Among the free things to do in Dublin is to explore less touristy neighborhoods and try different local snacks. In this section, we will explore the lesser-known locations that serve delectable fish and chips.
Ezio’s Takeaway
Ezio's Takeaway is not a typical fish and chip shop but a hidden gem in North Wall offering a large selection of fresh fish. The uniqueness of this location is highlighted by the peculiar combination of traditional Irish fish and chips recipes with Italian hospitality. Ezio’s is especially popular among the dock workers providing hearty snacks at an affordable price range. The portions are generous, the batter is crispy golden, and the chips are perfectly crunchy: what else does one need?
Address: 40 Amiens St, North Wall, Dublin, D01 YH42, Ireland
Opening Hours: Every day from 5 pm to 11 pm, Sunday closed.
Antonio’s Fish and Chips Fairview
Antonio's is another authentic chippy with mouth-watering fish n chips made with homemade sauces. The staff at the eatery is incredibly warm and welcoming while the prices are quite affordable. The meal is prepared with light and crispy batter while keeping the fish inside fresh and flavorful. The venue also serves exceptional ice cream, a perfect dessert to cleanse the palette and freshen up on a sunny day.
Address: 61a Ballybough Rd, Ballybough, Dublin, D03 W289, Ireland
Opening Hours: Every day from 4:30 pm to midnight.
Bruno’s Takeaway
Our final off-the-beaten-path chipper is Bruno's Takeaway, a neighborhood's favorite fish and chip shop. Serving a range of delicious meals, this Dublin City restaurant largely focuses on traditional fish and chips offering high-quality ingredients. Bruno's is known for extra fresh fish and golden crispy chips with homemade sauces. Although the area of Stoneybatter is becoming more gentrified, it remains authentic and local for the time being.
Address: A Oxmantown Rd, Stoneybatter, Dublin, D07 P406, Ireland
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 12 pm to 2:30 pm and 4 pm to midnight, Saturday and Sunday from 4 pm to midnight.
