Never one to stay too far removed from what’s popular, Dublin has seen a slow but steady rise in pizza by the slice restaurants. Most only popped up a couple of years ago, but some have been serving the masses for decades. Like New Yorkers discovered before us, it’s an elite way of eating pizza, suitable for all kinds of occasions, and we clearly can’t get enough of it. Without further ado, here are my top spots in the city centre to grab a slice and go.
1. DiFontaines
Location: Parliament Street
Dublin is a city that loves to follow a trend, hence the steady rise of pizza by the slice locations in the last couple of years. However, an old reliable that’s been a handy friend on a walk home, or a quick bite before heading for pints is DiFontaines. Based within the tourist trap Temple Bar, this location could easily be mistaken for an authentic NYC spot, with a classic margherita, a pepperoni, and even a vegan option, and best of all, it stays open late.
More info here.
2. Bambino
Locations: Stephen’s Street Lower, Merrion Street, Smithfield (coming soon)
There’s been a lot of jest and mocking when it comes to this place. Sometime it’s hard to believe the hype surrounding something as quick and easy as pizza, but in Bambino’s case, it’s true. They have queues out the door at all times of the day, and there’s a reason that Dubliners and tourists alike are so drawn to them – they quite simply do an incredible pizza.
Slices range from €4.50 – €6.50, with a great combo deal of two slices and a drink for just €13. I’m this close to buying a t-shirt and adorning it around the city with pride.
More info here.
3. Mani
Location: Drury Street
Now we get into the square pizza slices – a rogue but equally delicious addition to the pizza Dublin empire. Mani serves a range of pizzas with different toppings, as well as suppli and fritti, and even serves cocktails – think your aperol and hugo spritzes – to boot. Mani is home to the cacio e pepe dip also – a must-get when picking up a pizza if you have been obsessed with the cheesy peppery taste ever since it hit our social media feeds about three years ago. Based on the ever evolving Drury Street, Mani has picnic style tables outside which also makes this an ideal location to people watch.
More info here.
4. Squaredish Pizza
Location: Stephen’s Green
The newest location on this list, Squaredish is optimally situated by Stephen’s Green park, and serving the deep-dish style pizza that hails from Detroit. Their bases are delicious, light and crispy, and baked into huge pans, then cut out depending on whether you’re after a slice or a whole pizza – both are acceptable, but Dublin is desperately trying to become a slice kinda city.
Each square is done with house marinara and cheese frico – you won’t find any trendy white bases in this establishment, and you can opt into a 2 for €13 meal, which like Bambino comes with a drink, as well as add a sauce, or three, of which there are six delicious options – including buttermilk ranch, truffle mayo, and garlic jalapeno.
More info here.
5. Doom Slice
Location: Dame Lane
Detroit style pizza, without the 7 hour flight to Michigan. Doom Slice serves a selection of classic pizza toppings, whilst also falling into more modern delicacies like the hot honey drizzle that has become so popular in recent years, and the ricotta flowers. If you’re lucky you will come across the spud and sausage weekly special, which proves coddle should always have first appeared on a pizza.
Slices range between €5 and €6, making this a cheap and cheerful spot for a bite before embarking on a day or night of exploring Dublin city – its proximity to the centre only makes it even more desirable a place to have lunch or dinner.
More info here.
