There’s a moment, standing in a Dublin chipper queue, when the smell of salt and vinegar hits you and you know you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a local chasing a weekend ritual or a visitor ticking off a bucket-list meal, finding the best fish and chips in Dublin can feel like a quest with too many contenders.

4 related posts

Oldest Chipper: Leo Burdock (since 1913) ·
Celebrity Favorite: Leo Burdock (visited by U2, Tom Cruise) ·
Top Suburb for Seafood: Howth ·
Popular City Centre Streets: O’Connell Street & Parnell Street

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Leo Burdock is Dublin’s oldest chipper, established in 1913 (Leo Burdock website)
  • Reddit users in r/Dublin (2024) praised Matt the Thresher as the best fish and chips (Reddit r/Dublin)
  • Irelandbylocals.com reviewed Fish Shop in Howth as the best in the city (The Irish Road Trip)
2What’s unclear
  • Which chipper is objectively the best overall – depends on personal taste
  • Whether Leo Burdock is still the top celebrity haunt compared to newer restaurants
3Timeline signal
  • Leo Burdock has been operating since 1913, making it Dublin’s longest-running chipper
4What’s next
  • Expect more Howth chippers to gain city-wide attention as day-trip popularity grows

Five key facts, one pattern: Dublin’s fish-and-chips scene splits between historic city-centre institutions and fresh-catch harbour spots in Howth, with Reddit communities acting as the most vocal arbiters of quality.

The table below captures the top recommendations across sources.

Label Value
Oldest chipper Leo Burdock (1913)
Reddit top recommendation Matt the Thresher
Howth top pick Fish Shop
Celebrity favorite Leo Burdock
City centre busy streets O’Connell Street, Parnell Street

What is the famous chippy in Dublin?

Leo Burdock: Dublin’s oldest chipper

  • Leo Burdock has been serving fish and chips since 1913, making it the oldest chipper in Dublin (Leo Burdock website).
  • Located on Werburgh Street in Dublin city centre, it remains a go-to for classic battered fish and chips.

Celebrity endorsements and fame

  • Leo Burdock appears on Yelp’s list of top celebrity restaurants in Dublin, with famous visitors including U2 and Tom Cruise (Leo Burdock website).
  • The chipper’s website states: “Our secret has long been out, that Leo Burdock Fish & Chips is the best, attracting people far and wide.”
The upshot

Leo Burdock’s century-long run and A-list clientele give it an unmatched reputation, but newer chippers are challenging its crown with fresher approaches and modern settings.

The implication: Leo Burdock owns the legacy slot, but the “famous” label alone doesn’t guarantee the best plate today.

Where’s the best place to get fish and chips in Dublin?

Reddit user recommendations

  • A Reddit user in r/Dublin (2024) wrote: “Matt the Thresher served me the best fish & chips I’ve had in my life a couple weeks ago” (Reddit r/Dublin).
  • A 2025 thread in r/AskIreland suggested Kingfisher on Parnell Street and Fusco’s on Meath Street as top Dublin options (Reddit r/AskIreland).

Top-rated chippers on review sites

  • Visit Dublin’s 2026 guide highlights Embassy Grill as a city-centre option known for smoked cod and thick milkshakes (Visit Dublin guide).
  • The Irish Road Trip’s 2026 guide frames the topic as a mix of casual cafes, chippers, and restaurants (The Irish Road Trip guide).

Best in the city centre vs. suburbs

  • City centre: Leo Burdock (Werburgh Street), Kingfisher (Parnell Street), Embassy Grill.
  • Suburbs: Howth chippers like Fish Shop, Beshoff Bros, and Baily Bites dominate the conversation.
The trade-off

City-centre chippers offer convenience and history, but Howth’s harbour-side spots deliver fresher fish and a seaside atmosphere that’s hard to beat.

The pattern: Reddit crowds consistently favour Matt the Thresher and Kingfisher, while official guides lean toward Embassy Grill and Fish Shop – a split between community taste and curated recommendations.

Where do famous people eat in Dublin?

Leo Burdock’s celebrity clientele

  • Leo Burdock is frequently visited by celebrities such as U2 and Tom Cruise, according to Yelp’s list of top celebrity restaurants in Dublin (Leo Burdock website).
  • The chipper’s long history and central location make it a natural stop for touring musicians and actors.

Other celebrity-frequented restaurants in Dublin

  • While Leo Burdock is the most famous chipper for celebrity sightings, other Dublin restaurants also attract famous faces – though specific fish-and-chips competitors are less documented.
What to watch

Celebrity visits don’t guarantee quality on any given day. Leo Burdock’s fame draws crowds, which can mean longer queues and variable freshness compared to less-hyped chippers.

Why this matters: For visitors hoping to spot a star, Leo Burdock is the safest bet. For locals, the celebrity angle is a fun footnote, not a reason to queue.

What are the best fish and chips in Dublin city centre?

O’Connell Street options

  • O’Connell Street and Parnell Street are known for fish and chips shops, including Kingfisher on Parnell Street (Reddit r/AskIreland).
  • Beshoff Bros also has a city-centre presence, though its main locations are in Howth and other suburbs (Beshoff Bros website).

Parnell Street options

  • Kingfisher on Parnell Street is repeatedly recommended in Reddit threads as a very good Dublin option (Reddit r/AskIreland).
  • Fusco’s on Meath Street is another Reddit favourite, though slightly off the main Parnell/O’Connell axis.

Hidden gems near the city centre

  • Embassy Grill, highlighted by Visit Dublin, offers smoked cod and thick milkshakes – a modern twist on the classic chipper (Visit Dublin guide).
  • Matt the Thresher on Wexford Street is a Reddit top pick, offering an upscale venue with fresh fish (Reddit r/Dublin).

The catch: City-centre options are convenient but often pricier and more tourist-oriented than suburban chippers. For a quick lunch, Kingfisher or Fusco’s deliver solid value.

What are the best fish and chips in Howth?

Why Howth is famous for seafood

  • Howth is a fishing port and frequently recommended for excellent fish and chips, with its harbour-side location ensuring fresh catches (The Irish Road Trip guide).
  • A 2025 Reddit post in r/BestInDublin framed Howth as a day-trip destination with some of the best fish and chips in Dublin (Reddit r/BestInDublin).

Top-rated chippers in Howth

  • Fish Shop in Howth is highly rated by Irelandbylocals and considered the best in Howth (The Irish Road Trip guide).
  • Baily Bites on West Pier was described in a 2025 Reddit thread as the best fish and chips in Howth, though a bit more expensive (Reddit r/CasualIreland).
  • Tripadvisor’s Howth fish-and-chips listing ranks The Pier House as the top-rated option (Tripadvisor Howth).
  • Other Howth recommendations include Crabby Joe’s, Dorans, Beshoff Bros, and O’Connell’s Howth (Reddit r/BestInDublin).
The paradox

Howth has the highest concentration of top-rated chippers in Dublin, but the sheer number of options means visitors risk choosing a mediocre spot if they don’t research ahead.

The trade-off: Howth chippers offer fresher fish and a scenic setting, but they’re a 30-minute train ride from city centre and often pricier. For a dedicated foodie day trip, it’s worth it.

“Matt the Thresher served me the best fish & chips I’ve had in my life a couple weeks ago.”

— Reddit user in r/Dublin

“Our secret has long been out, that Leo Burdock Fish & Chips is the best, attracting people far and wide.”

— Leo Burdock website

For anyone searching for the best fish and chips in Dublin, the choice is clear: stick with Leo Burdock for history and celebrity cachet, head to Matt the Thresher or Kingfisher for Reddit-approved quality in the city centre, or take the DART to Howth for Fish Shop, Baily Bites, or The Pier House. The best plate depends on whether you value tradition, freshness, or convenience – but Dublin’s chipper scene has something for every craving.

Related reading: Visit Dublin’s best fish and chips guide · The Irish Road Trip’s Dublin fish and chips guide

Additional sources

yelp.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, facebook.com, reddit.com

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Frequently asked questions

What is the average price for fish and chips in Dublin?

Prices typically range from €10 to €18 for a standard fish and chips meal, with Howth chippers like Baily Bites on the higher end due to their premium location and fresh fish.

Do any Dublin chippers offer gluten-free batter?

Some chippers, including Beshoff Bros and select Howth spots, offer gluten-free batter options. It’s best to call ahead to confirm availability.

What type of fish is most commonly used in Dublin fish and chips?

Cod and haddock are the most common fish used in Dublin chippers, with cod being the traditional favourite for its flaky texture and mild flavour.

Are there any chippers open late in Dublin city centre?

Leo Burdock and Kingfisher on Parnell Street are known for late-night hours, often open until 11 PM or midnight on weekends.

Can I order takeaway from Leo Burdock?

Yes, Leo Burdock offers takeaway from its Werburgh Street location, and it’s a popular option for locals and tourists alike.

Is Howth worth visiting just for fish and chips?

Absolutely. Howth’s harbour setting and concentration of top-rated chippers make it a worthwhile day trip for fish and chips enthusiasts, especially if you pair it with a coastal walk.

Which chipper has the longest history in Dublin?

Leo Burdock, established in 1913, is Dublin’s oldest chipper and holds the title for longest continuous operation.