A long day of classes or hours in the library calls for a much-needed study break at one of the many delicious spots around campus. Luckily, Trinity is right in the city centre, surrounded by coffee shops, cafes, fast food spots, and sit-down restaurants to match whatever mood you’re in. Whether you’re looking for a new study nook, a place to catch up with friends, a quick bite before class, or somewhere to celebrate the end of a long week, you’ll find plenty within a five-minute radius of campus.
White Rabbit:
Located near the end of the Nassau St stretch of coffee shops, White Rabbit is a quaint cafe offering a variety of sweet treats, beverages, as well as homemade wraps, sandwiches, and salads. White Rabbit is not trying to be overly trendy or flashy, it simply delivers consistently delicious food and drinks. It is the perfect spot to grab something on the go. Their sandwiches and wraps are all pre-made and ready to go, though you’ll likely have a hard time passing up one of their mouth watering sweets on display. If you’re not in a rush, there is a small cozy seating area, though it can get busy, and on a warmer day there is seating outside. There’s a wide range of options: several vegetarian choices, toasted or untoasted, focaccia bread or lighter breads, and hearty salads. Plus, they offer a soup-and-sandwich deal for €10. Without the soup, salads, sandwiches, and wraps range from €7 to €8.50. Price for a sweet treat varies, but if you happen to make your way over there, the brownie is a standout.
Chaplin’s:
We know it, and we love it. Just across the street from campus lies a cozy yet lively pub. Its warm and inviting interior makes it the perfect spot to gather your friends for a pint after class. What makes Chaplin’s so beloved by Trinity students? For one, its convenient location makes it an ideal meeting point, and whether you’re heading out afterwards or calling it a night, you won’t be far from much. Given its proximity to campus and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a great place to bond with your coursemates or new friends. Downstairs, there is likely to be a bustling crowd around the bar, but there’s plenty of more secluded seating where you can cozy up in a booth or around a table. Upstairs, you may stumble into a Trinity Society event, but if not, there’s usually plenty more seats and space to move about.
Tang:
A classic Dublin lunch choice. You’ve probably seen the line wrapping around the block, and the TikToks and articles telling you to give it a try, because it really is that good. It’s just a short walk down Dawson St, you’ll spend more time in the queue than you will getting there. The menu is simple, but the flavours are not. Each day they offer a different salad combination, packed with fresh, filling ingredients. You can customise your salad or flatbread with whatever toppings and sauces you prefer. They also serve a daily soup with a lovely homemade flatbread, along with a variety of sweet treats and beverages, including a homemade green juice and pressed orange juice. Despite its organic and health-forward vibe, the prices are still reasonable. Flatbreads come in at €8.75 and salads start at €8.95. Of course add-ons may increase the price, but it is well worth it for a healthy and filling meal. Additionally, the restaurant is impressively sustainable with no plastic and limited packaging for takeaway orders. Even their homemade juices come in reusable glass jars. They also offer a breakfast service and recently launched a menu, both equally delicious.
The Ramen Bar
This one might not fall into the day-to-day budget of a university student, but it’s the perfect place to treat yourself, or someone else. The Ramen Bar, located just steps from George’s St Arcade, has a vast menu with plenty of Ramen choices as well as appetizers, rice bowls, and desserts. There truly is something for everyone, which can be difficult to find at such a high quality restaurant. It’s a great spot for a group dinner, date-night, or visiting family—especially if they’re footing the bill. The vibe inside is dark and moody, but still lively with people chatting and enjoying their meals. It’s also quite central, surrounded by lots of pubs and bars to keep the night going.
Dunnes
The characteristics used to describe the sublime, can be attributed to the feeling of descending down the escalator at St Stephens shopping center to the Dunnes food selection. The opportunities are endless, the future is bright, the experience is nothing short of spectacular. The vibrant colours bouncing off the shelves, the sweet smell of fresh baked goods dancing past your nostrils, and the excited chatter booming from the busy queue for a fresh meal on the go. Sure, there are plenty of amazing cafes, and restaurants around Trinity, but let’s not forget the true provider: Dunnes. Maybe you’re super hungry and in need of a quality meal, but your friend just wants a sweet treat, your other friend needs caffeine, and someone else needs to pick something up for dinner before heading back home. Good news, Dunnes has it all. Your only obstacle is Grafton St, but the end destination and pure joy in your soul makes it all worth it.
