50 Minority & Immigrant-Owned Restaurants to Support Always But Especially Now
The impact of racial violence in our own city is increasingly difficult to navigate. The collective heartbreak we feel as the result of yesterday’s violence can feel insurmountable.
Whenever these events occur, it’s important to take stock of what we can actually do to support those most at risk and vulnerable to racism or violence. It can feel like we’re all very powerless, but we are legion and we have agency. One simple way anyone can support marginalised communities is to eat in their restaurants. It can sound trite, but food is the great uniter. Breaking bread together heals.
Diversity builds economic vitality, uplifts communities, and promotes productivity and resilience. For a green economy, holistic sustainability is impossible without the inclusion of all. Supporting Immigrant-owned businesses in turn supports families, employees, and other business owners, as well as attracts community investors who provide banking services, loans, and promote financial literacy–all things that build economic strength. It may seem small but it can bring mighty change.
Here you will find a non-exhaustive list of immigrant-owned restaurants you can support always, but especially now.
01
Kimchi Hop House – 160 Parnell Street, Dublin 1, D01 NF22.
Hop House is a fun combo of traditional Korean cuisine and Irish pubs. You can enjoy dishes like bibimbap, kimchi jigae, and Korean fried chicken, as well as cocktails and Guinness. It is a mid-range option for a casual or lively dinner
02
Pho Kim – 162 Parnell Street, Dublin 1, D01 F5F3.
Pho Kim is an authentic Vietnamese restaurant that serves fresh, vibrant and healthy dishes. You can try their signature pho, a noodle soup with beef or chicken, as well as other dishes like spring rolls, curries, and salads. It is a budget-friendly option for a quick and satisfying meal2
03
Bahay – Currently Warehouse Market
Bahay is a venture by chef Riggz Castillo, who introduces people to punchy and exciting Filipino flavours. You can sample dishes like samsa, a pastry with beef filling, kawap, skewered lamb with spices, and spicy bean jelly, a cold dish with mung bean noodles.
04
Afanti – 3a Cavendish Row, Dublin 1, D01 HR68.
Afanti is Ireland’s first Uyghur restaurant, offering a fusion of Turkish and Chinese cuisines. You can taste dishes like khinkali, steamed dumplings with meat, laghmen, a stir-fried noodle dish with vegetables, and baklava, a sweet pastry with nuts and honey. It is a moderate option for a unique and flavourful experience
05
Ella’s Heaven – 95A Talbot Street, Dublin 1, D01 HR68.
This cafe and bakery specialises in Georgian cheese breads, pastries, and sweets. You can indulge in dishes like adjaruli khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread with cheese and egg, megruli khachapuri, a round bread with cheese, and napoleon cake, a layered pastry with cream. You can also enjoy Turkish coffee and hot food like Georgian dumplings and lamb stew. It is a cheap option for a cosy and delicious treat
06
Ruby’s Soul Food – 1, 1a Baggot Street Upper, Dublin, D04 WN52.
A cosy spot for authentic Caribbean soul food, such as jerk chicken, curry goat, and plantains. Prices are moderate and portions are very generous.
07
Asia Market: 18 Drury Street, Dublin 2, D02 W017.
A supermarket and restaurant that offers a variety of Asian products and cuisines, from Chinese to Thai to Korean.
08
Kalabasa – 60/61 Abbey Street Middle, Dublin 1, D01 H9V9.
A market and restaurant that features food from different parts of the world, such as Mexico, Italy, Greece, and Japan. Prices are affordable and the atmosphere is lively
09
Brazil House – 60 Mary Street, Dublin, D01 CD40.
A restaurant and bar that serves Brazilian specialities, such as feijoada, pastel, and caipirinha.
10
Pastel, Feijoada – 15 Fade Street, Dublin 2.
A small eatery that specializes in pastel de feijão, a crispy pastry filled with bean jam, and feijoada, a black bean and meat stew.
11
Fabis Grill – 1-2 Lower Liffey Street, Dublin 1.
A grill and buffet that offers Brazilian barbecue, salads, and desserts.
12
Wasabi – 4-5 Dorset Street Lower, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 X2W0
A sushi and noodle bar that serves fresh and tasty Japanese food, such as sushi, ramen, and bento boxes. Prices are reasonable and service is fast
13
La Rocha – 6 Ormond Quay Upper, North City, Dublin, D07 H324
A tapas and wine bar that offers Spanish and Mediterranean dishes, such as paella, croquetas, and tortillas.
14
Sabor Nordestino: Moore Street Mall, 58-66 Parnell St, North City, Dublin 1, D01 P688
A restaurant and grocery that serves northeastern Brazilian food, such as tapioca, acarajé, and baião de dois. Prices are low and flavors are rich.
15
Tucano – 11 Moore St, North City, Dublin 1, D01 NY82
A Brazilian steakhouse that offers a variety of grilled meats and salads.
16
Bah – 33 – Unit 3-5, Royal Hibernian Way, Dawson St, Dublin 2, D02 X272.
A barbecue restaurant that serves smoked ribs, brisket, chicken, and more. Prices are reasonable too.
17
Shaku Maku – 192 Rathmines Rd Lower, Rathmines, Dublin, D06 Y3E8
A Middle Eastern restaurant that specializes in Palestinian cuisines, such as Cheesy Batata Harah, Lamb Kibbeh, and Arayes.
18
Zaatar –George’s Street Arcade, South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, D02 DH79
A Lebanese restaurant that offers a range of dishes, such as hummus, tabbouleh, and grilled meats. Very affordable.
19
Fujiyama – 11/11a O’Connell Street Upper, Dublin 1.
A Japanese restaurant that serves sushi, sashimi, ramen, and teppanyaki.
20
Umi – Mary Street, Dame Street, George’s Street, Haddington Road, Rathmines, Drumchondra
A falafel and salad bar that provides fresh and healthy options.
21
Downstairs in Moore Street Market – 25 Moore Street, Dublin 1.
A food court that features a variety of cuisines, such as Bolivian, Balkan, Indian, and crepes.
22
Reyna – 29/30 Dame Street, Dublin 2.
A Turkish restaurant that offers doner kebabs, charcoal grill, and mezze.
23
Kopitiam – 53 Capel St, North City, Dublin, D01 E0H2
A Singaporean restaurant that serves dishes like char kway teow, laksa, and chicken rice.
24
Dada – 45 William Street South, Dublin 2.
A Moroccan restaurant that serves tagines, couscous, and pastries.
25
Kinara Kitchen – 17 Ranelagh Village, Dublin 6.
An Indian restaurant that offers a variety of curries, tandoori dishes, and biryanis.
26
Monty’s of Kathmandu – 28 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
A Nepalese restaurant that serves dishes like momos, thukpa, and dal bhat.
27
Pickle – 43 Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2.
An Indian restaurant that specializes in North Indian cuisine, such as kebabs, chaat, and parathas.
28
Matsukawa – 32 Parliament Street, Dublin 2.
A Japanese restaurant that offers omakase dining.
29
Dosa Dosa Grand Canal Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 V9R0
A South Indian restaurant that serves dosas, idlis, vadas, and curries.
30
El Milagro – 57 Manor St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7, D07 XN26=
A Mexican restaurant that serves tacos at their finest.
31
Rotana Café –31 Richmond St S, Portobello, Dublin 2, D02 XN57. A Middle-eastern restaurant that offers a range of dishes, such as hummus, baba ganoush, and shish taouk.
32
Nomo Ramen – 4 Charlotte Way, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, D02 VX20. A ramen restaurant that serves noodles, gyoza, and bao.
33
All Rosie 1 Werburgh St, Dublin 2, D08 HD60.
A Brzillian cafe that sells brigadeiros.
34
Aobaba – 46A Capel Street, Dublin 1.
A Vietnamese restaurant that serves pho, banh mi, spring rolls, and bubble tea.
35
Gorditas – Currently in Arnotts.
A Dublin-based bakery specialising in Argentine alfajores which are called Alfies.
36
La Gordita / Tapas de Lola – 12 Wexford Street, Dublin 2.
Two Spanish tapas restaurants that serve small plates, such as croquetas, patatas bravas, and oysters.
37
Bites by Kwanghi – 83 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin Docklands, Dublin, D02 E3W6.
A fusion restaurant that serves dishes inspired by Asian cuisines.
38
Lee’s Charming Noodles – 43 Parnell Street, Dublin 1.
A Chinese restaurant that serves noodles, dumplings, and hot pots.
39
Mint Cottage – 2A Main St, Raheny – St. Assam, Dublin 5, D05 K3K6.
An Indian restaurant that serves dishes like tandoori chicken, lamb rogan josh, and prawn masala.
40
Pete’s Provisions – 61 St Assam’s Park, Raheny – St. Assam, Dublin 5, D05 W3C8.
A sandwich shop that serves freshly made sandwiches, salads, and soups.
41
Bless Up Unit 16 Belgard Square W, Tallaght, Dublin, D24 F9XV.
A Caribbean restaurant that serves dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat, and rice and peas.
42
Mama Shee – Mansions Foods, Unit 5c Killinarden Enterprise Centre, Whitestown Way, Dublin 24, D24 K280.
A Nigerian food company that serves dishes like jollof rice, egusi soup, and plantain.
43
Bakeology Treats – 43 Meath St, Saint Catherine’s, Dublin, D08 VF76
An Argentinian bakery that serves cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and brownies.
44
The Sugar Dealer – 16 Norseman Place, Stoneybatter, D7, Dublin, D07 VY64.
A high-end dessert shop that serves fancy desserts.
45
Big Fan. 16 Aungier St, Dublin, D02 X044
A Chinese restaurant that serves modern dim sum with an artistic flair.
46
Nan Chinese Unit 1, Drury Hall, Stephen Street Lower, Dublin, D02 NW62
A Chinese restaurant that serves dishes like kung pao chicken, sweet and sour pork, and fried rice.
47
Hakahan 32, 32, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7, D07 X504
A Chinese restaurant in the heart of Stoneybatter, serving Sichuan dishes such as Dou Hua Niu Rou, Suan Cai Yu and Spicy Pork Ribs.
48
Gursha – 7a Poolbeg St, Dublin, D02 R990.
An Ethiopian restaurant that serves dishes like injera, doro wat, and shiro.
49
Han Sung – 22 Strand Street Great, North City, Dublin, D01 K8E8.
A Korean restaurant that serves dishes like Kimchi, Bibimbap, Red rice cakes (tteokbokki) and Bulgogi.
50
Drunken Fish – The Excise Building, Mayor Street Lower, North Dock, Dublin 1
A Korean restaurant that serves Korean fried chicken, Bibimbap, and still has cocktails for a tenner.
And finally, your local Chinese, Indian, kebab shop. These are almost always owned by immigrants and their families. These are the ones closest to you and probably most in need of your support. When you vote with your dollar, you are voting for an inclusive Dublin.
