The Best Delicatessens In Dublin

If ‘you are what you eat’, then the Irish must be getting better. The Irish food scene is definitely going through an exciting time, as the nation’s chefs continue to reawaken an interest in simple, high quality ingredients. Earlier this year, even the New York Times took notice, declaring that ‘hearty sandwiches are Dublin’s answer to a recession’. These five delis are evidence of the city’s foodie renaissance.

The Pig & Heifer

The Pig & Heifer is almost unanimously considered Dublin’s best delicatessen. Established in 1996 by the son of a butcher, this New York-style deli prides itself on having been the first in Ireland to serve ‘the real pastrami on rye.’ They’re now at three locations in the city, with an additional tapas restaurant in Dún Laoghaire. Their deli offers classic sandwiches like meatballs with melted mozzarella, turkey clubs and a New York Reuben, as well as specialities like their hot Italian hoagie – consisting of Spanish chorizo with tomato and melted blue cheese.
The Pig & Heifer, 6, Guild Court, Amiens St, Dublin 1, Ireland +353 1 836 5542
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1. Fallon & Byrne

Grocery Store, Dessert, Pastries, Fast Food, Street Food, Vegetarian

The Fallon & Byrne food hall and wine shop on Exchequer Street is a firm favourite with Dublin foodies who love to cook, stocking only the purest, best quality ingredients, from freshly caught fish to seasonal fruit and vegetables. At their deli counter, the same ethos is applied – using simple but delicious ingredients to make their sandwich selection, fresh every morning. They use only free-range chicken in their menu, alongside aged Irish Angus beef and Howth-smoked salmon.

2. Donnybrook Fair

Grocery Store, Bakery, Dessert, Pastries, Fast Food, Street Food

The family-run Donnybrook Fair deli benefits from a Ballymaloe Cookery School-trained head chef, the Irish gold standard of culinary training. Naomi Gillespie runs the kitchen of the original Morehampton Road premises like a well-oiled machine, ensuring that their shelves are always stocked with tasty treats. The company has opened four sister stores over the past ten years, bringing organic fruit and vegetables, Irish pasture-reared beef and lamb, and fresh baked goods to Dublin residents.