€10 might not buy much these days, but it will still buy you something good to eat whether in a restaurant, café, at the beach or on a park bench. Here’s our top picks …
The cost of living crisis is making everyone feel the pinch, but happily there is still (some) value to be found when it comes to dining, casual or otherwise. €10 might not buy much these days, but it will still buy you something good to eat whether in a restaurant, café, at the beach or on a park bench. Maybe even a really good memory to look back on in the dreary winter months. These are ten of our favourite ways to spend €10. On food, that is.
Pizza Slice, Bambino, Stephen St, Dublin 2
Committing to an entire pizza can be difficult. A slice, however, is the ideal, perfectly portioned meal for one. With €10 in your pocket, you could even splash out on two slices of excellent New York style pizza from Bambino on Stephen Street. The hot pepperoni slice costs just €5 but for our money, we are going for the square slice with confit potato, roast garlic cream, marjoram, thyme, fontina and pecorino Romano at €6. (If you have an extra €2.50 to spare, Bambino also offer a meal deal of two slices of your choice plus a drink for €12.50, you can’t argue with that!). www.bmbno.ie / instagram.com/bambino_dublin/
Fried Chicken, Franks, Camden Street, Dublin 8
On a recent visit to Franks, the fried chicken (that tasted of actual chicken) with sansho pepper was a hit and at €8 a portion, it made a substantial nibble to pair with any one of the delicious wines on the ever changing list. Also well received was the potato bread with sour cream, roe and chive at €10 and for a total of €18 between two (on food) we left sated, happy and dreaming of that chicken. Whatever you spend on wine, that’s on you. www.franksdublin.com
Tacos from Just Chubbys, Clontarf Road, Dublin 3
It felt like a lifetime coming, but Just Chubbys Taco Truck finally opened its hatch over the summer. The venture comes from the same stable as 147 Deli (and its gravity defying sandwiches) and at €5 each, your crisp €10 note – or the equivalent tap on your phone – will reward you with two of the most talked about tacos in Dublin. Choose from jerk chicken, beef and Guinness birra, lamb barbacoa or veggie, each served with a variety of well-matched fillings. www.instagram.com/justchubbys/
Mussels at La Cave, South Anne Street, Dublin 2
A Dublin institution, the wonderfully atmospheric La Cave wine bar is often overlooked – except by those in the know. Late night wine, afternoon wine classes or exquisite food pairings, La Cave has many strings to its bow. One being its excellent value lunch and early bird menus. That aside, the a la carte menu features a dish of mussels with leeks and cream for €7.95. Yes, it’s a starter portion but I often notice that when it comes to a mussels, a starter portion can often equal a main course portion and when you add a side of frites (or not) this is a substantial dish well within your budget. www.lacavewinebar.com
Kati Roll from Iyers Café, Pope’s Quay, Cork
In Cork, Iyers café has garnered something of a reputation for its excellent food and ever changing menu. One dish to note is the kati roll which comes in at exactly €10 and makes for an excellent hand held lunch or dinner. The filling varies weekly but is always veggie so expect jackfruit, potato, beans and veggie assortments. www.instagram.com/iyerscafe/
Sushi Rolls from Wa Café, New Dock Street, Galway or weekends at the Galway Market
At €5 each for a sushi roll or €8.50 for 5 pieces of sashimi, lunch or dinner from Galway’s highly rated Wa Café is money well spent. The recipient of many glowing reviews, Wa Café are famed for their sushi and sashimi, which, as we all know, is amazingly nutritious while also delivering in the taste stakes. Salmon skin roll anyone? www.wacafe.net
Double Smash Burger from Dash Burger, Kevin St and Capel St, Dublin 1
Never before has an Instagram post prompted me to hastily drive into town to secure the burger of dreams. Until Dash Burger opened, that is. The double smash comes on a buttered potato bun with American cheese, onion, pickles, house sauce and is €9.50. It’s worth every finger licking cent. This can be messy eating so take extra napkins but to my mind, it’s burger perfection. The fact that it’s a manageable size also helps. www.dashburger.ie
Sabich from Mezze, Tramore, Co Waterford
A good sandwich is a glorious thing and as a confirmed carnivore, I would rarely stray from the towering meaty combos that are found these days. The discovery of sabich on a trip to Israel changed all that. At €7.50, the sabich pita from Mezze crammed with hot fried aubergine, egg, chopped salad, zhug, amba and tahini is a bargain. The mezze with falafel is also great value at €8.50. www.mezze.ie
Devilled Kidneys from FX Buckley at Ryan’s, Parkgate Street, Dublin 7
FXB on Parkgate Street holds a special place in my heart, having spent quite a few Sundays there when cooking an entire Sunday lunch was just a bridge too far. There’s lots of value to be found here, the aforementioned devilled kidneys being just one of the hearty dishes for €10 or less. Other contenders include the excellent seafood chowder (€9.50) crammed with fish and seafood and of course, the Bloody Mary which costs just €8 on a Sunday. Perfect. www.thebuckleycollection.ie/parkgate-street
Ice Cream and Sorbet at The Garden Terrace, The Merrion Hotel, Dublin 2
If ever there was ice cream weather in Ireland, this is certainly it and The Garden Terrace at The Merrion Hotel is the most idyllic spot to indulge. Choose from an array of ice cream flavours including vanilla, chocolate chip, strawberry, honeycomb, salted caramel and roasted banana. The sorbet selection includes lemon, raspberry, mango and strawberry. At €4 per scoop it’s the perfect afternoon pit stop – chocolate sauce is optional. www.merrionhotel.com
