23 Best Restaurants in Dublin, CA
This article was written by local contributor Warren Key & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Dublin, California, is often overshadowed by its more famous namesake in Ireland, but it has a charm and culinary scene all its own.
Having lived here for quite some time, I've had the pleasure of exploring the diverse and delicious dining options that our city has to offer.
From cozy cafes to upscale bistros, there's something for every palate and occasion.
I'm excited to share with you some of the best restaurants in Dublin, California.
So, get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey through our lovely city!
Kabul Kabob & Grill
One of my favorite places to grab a meal in the neighborhood is Kabul Kabob & Grill.
The moment you step in, you feel the warmth of a family-run restaurant that serves authentic Afghan food with love.
The husband and wife duo make a perfect team - with the wife cooking up delicious dishes in the kitchen and the husband taking care of serving customers.
What I love most about Kabul Kabob & Grill is that their food has a home-cooked taste, something that's hard to find at most restaurants.
The ingredients are always fresh, and you can tell that they put a lot of effort into making sure every dish is perfect.
I've tried their chicken kabob, Koobideh, and dumplings, and each time, I was blown away by the quality and flavor.
The restaurant is also Halal, which is important for many people in our community.
Three Sheets Craft Beer Bar
I love hanging out at Three Sheets Craft Beer Bar after work.
It's just across the street from the Dublin post office on Dublin Parkway, so it's really easy for me to get to.
They have over 32 different beers on tap, and their small pizza maker is perfect for pairing with a delicious brew.
On Fridays, they host food trucks, which means even more food options to choose from!
The bar has both indoor and outdoor seating, with plenty of tables for everyone.
It looks small from the outside, but there's actually a lot of space inside.
They even have a shuffleboard, darts, and a cornhole area in the back of the room. It's a great place to unwind and catch a game on their sports TVs.
Bagel Street Cafe
One of my favorite places to grab a quick and delicious breakfast or lunch is Bagel Street Cafe in Dublin.
I've been going there for years now, and I can't get enough of their housemade bagels.
They have a great variety of flavors to choose from, and they always taste fresh and flavorful.
I usually order the egg and sausage deluxe breakfast sandwich with an asiago bagel, and it's always so satisfying.
I also love trying their different sandwich options – my current obsession is the bagel street special, which is packed with chicken breast, avocado, and a whole lot of veggies.
It's so delicious and filling!
Visiting Bagel Street Cafe is always a pleasant experience, thanks to their friendly service and the comfortable, casual atmosphere.
There's plenty of parking available, making it super convenient for a quick stop on my way to work or when I'm out running errands.
It's definitely a great spot for families and anyone looking for a tasty, satisfying meal.
Blossom Bee - Crêpe & Thai
Whenever I'm in the mood for some delicious Thai food and crepes, I head over to Blossom Bee - Crêpe & Thai.
It's a small family-owned restaurant that has a charming and intimate atmosphere.
I usually start off with their Thai Basil sauce with rice, which has the perfect blend of spices and flavors.
If I'm in the mood for something a little heavier, I'll go for the red curry - a must-try!
Since it's mainly a takeout place, I often enjoy my meal outside on their porch.
The seating is limited, but it adds to the cozy feel of the restaurant.
One of my all-time favorite dishes at Blossom Bee has to be their mango coconut dessert crepe.
It's the perfect way to end a meal, and I can't recommend it enough.
In addition to their delicious Thai dishes, they also offer a variety of vegetarian options and crepes that are generously stuffed.
Rahma Mediterranean Grill
I've been living in this area for over 20 years and only recently stumbled upon Rahma Mediterranean Grill.
I can't believe it took me this long to experience their delicious food!
I had just returned from a trip to the Middle East, where I enjoyed shawarma almost every day, and my first visit to Rahma brought back memories of that authentic taste.
On one occasion, I tried their mix Shwarma plate, which had both beef and chicken, and a Chicken shwarma plate. Both came with Pita, Hummus, a salad/slaw, and pickles.
The pita was hot, and the food was fresh with robust flavors.
I must say, it was one of the best middle eastern meals I've had in a long time.
Silver Oven & Grill
I recently visited Silver Oven & Grill with my family, and we were not disappointed.
The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, perfect for a family gathering. I noticed the Halal sign on the wall and paper menus, which is a plus for those who follow a Halal diet.
We decided to try their pepperoni pizza, which was absolutely satisfying and delicious.
It's always nice to support a local, family-owned business.
They even have enough seating for larger families or groups.
Parking was easy to find, though I can imagine it might get a little busy during peak hours since there's another restaurant nearby.
In addition to their pizza, I've heard great things about their falafels, dolmas, hummus, and salads.
This Mediterranean restaurant seems to cater well to vegans as well, which is a nice option to have in the neighborhood.
Tous Les Jours
I must admit, I cannot resist the temptation of indulging in delicious baked goods every now and then.
That's when I head over to Tous Les Jours, a delightful French-Asian bakery in town.
Their selection of breads, pastries, and beverages never cease to amaze me! As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of sweets, I can vouch for their quality and taste.
During my first time visiting Tous Les Jours, I was honestly overwhelmed by the variety they had on offer.
From cream-filled danishes to almond croissants, and even red bean rice doughnuts – there's always something new to try.
The lemon blueberry cake is a personal favorite and definitely worth a try.
While the ambiance of the bakery might seem a bit dark at first glance, don't be fooled by the exterior.
As soon as you step inside, you'll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Torarenbou Sushi Bistro
I've had my fair share of sushi experiences, but Torarenbou Sushi Bistro never fails to impress me.
The Elvis-themed atmosphere may sound quirky, but it adds a unique charm to the whole dining experience. You can check out their website here.
Every time I visit this sushi restaurant, the service is impeccable.
My personal favorite is their generously-sized lunch boxes, which include a variety of delicious options to choose from.
I have a soft spot for their creative rolls and the extensive vegetarian menu with mouth-watering options like the mango roll and avocado and cucumber roll.
My partner, on the other hand, is a huge fan of their Salmon Belly.
Our kids enjoy the udon noodles, edamame, and vegetarian options as well.
We appreciate that the rolls are well priced, and they do not skimp on the quantity.
Hawaiian Poke
I've visited Hawaiian Poke about ten times.
Initially, I loved their poke bowls because of the generous servings and the variety of toppings.
Plus, they offer free Miso soup from 3 pm onwards, which was a nice touch.
Being a fan of Japanese cuisine, I can tell that the fish they serve at times is clearly fresh.
Star Chaat Cuisine
I recently dined at Star Chaat Cuisine, and I have to say that it was an amazing experience.
The traditional Indian dishes served in a relaxed and colorful dining area with classic Bollywood songs playing in the background made for a perfect evening.
We started off with some delicious chaat items, and I particularly enjoyed the pani puri.
The main course consisted of schezwan noodles, veg manchurian gravy, and haryali kebab, which were all flavorful, and the portion sizes were decent, perfect for sharing amongst three people.
For dessert, we indulged in faluda kulfi and gulab jamun, which were both fantastic.
One thing that stood out to me was the cleanliness at Star Chaat Cuisine.
The tables were covered with white sheets, which were changed before we occupied our table, ensuring a clean and fresh dining experience.
Sodam
I recently stumbled upon a hidden gem in my neighborhood called Sodam.
This cozy Korean restaurant turned out to be my one-stop shop for all things Korean food.
I love cooking at home, so finding a place with a great selection of sides, soups, and other ingredients was a dream come true.
My first visit to Sodam was inspired by my partner's craving for kimbap.
As soon as we walked in, we were instantly surrounded by a wide variety of kimchi, pickled vegetables, and other banchan (side dish) items.
We felt like kids in a candy store, taking our time to explore every corner of this small but well-stocked place.
We ended up purchasing their homemade kimchi, which was delicious and not overly salty.
Speaking of kimbap, we decided to try both the beef and fish cake options.
We also bought a bottle of Korean sesame oil, which my partner said has a stronger flavor than the Chinese version and works better for making Korean dishes.
XpressEat
Just the other day, I stumbled upon this fantastic restaurant called XpressEat, and I must say, it was a delightful experience.
I was amazed by the variety of food options on their menu - from burgers and fries to wraps, kababs, and curries.
And, of course, they also had boba drinks and coffee.
I decided to try the veggie roll and garlic fries, which were absolutely delicious.
After my meal, I had an enjoyable time playing a game of pool, and I noticed that they had multiple games available for kids too.
Recently, I attended a group dinner at XpressEat with 40 people, and the experience was just as pleasant.
We were well taken care of, and the food was excellent.
Market Tavern Dublin
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Market Tavern Dublin, and let me tell you - it exceeded my expectations.
My partner and I were looking for a place to have a nice dinner, and we decided to give this American restaurant a try.
We started our meal with some delicious oysters on half-shell and then shared the amazing King Salmon, which was cooked to absolute perfection.
The flavors in this dish were simply out of this world, and I must admit that I've never tasted wild mushrooms or grape tomatoes this good in my life!
We finished off our meal with a seasonal pear ginger cake that we couldn't put our forks down and an affogato to complete the experience.
The overall atmosphere of Market Tavern Dublin is perfect for date nights or special occasions, and they even offer refrigerated to-go meals if you're in a rush for lunch.
One of my favorite aspects of this hidden gem in Dublin is the outdoor seating area with beautiful fire pits, which adds to the relaxing and romantic vibe of the place.
88 BaoBao
I recently decided to try out 88 BaoBao, a Chinese restaurant I've heard a lot about from friends and acquaintances.
I must say, it did not disappoint!
The restaurant can be found online and is known for its dim sum specialties, rice dishes, and noodle dishes.
The eatery is small and unassuming, but it's always bustling with people.
I went there on a Saturday morning and ended up waiting for about 15-20 minutes to get a seat.
Once inside, I found that the service was attentive despite being swamped with customers.
I ordered a variety of dishes, including xiaolongbao, beef roll, pan-fried bao, and fried rice.
The xiaolongbao and beef roll were definitely the highlights of the meal, both boasting great flavors and textures.
The pan-fried bao's taste was also enjoyable.
Zac's Cafe
One of my favorite spots for a delicious breakfast is Zac's Cafe.
I often stop by here for a quick meal before heading to work.
The old-school diner feel of this place is really charming.
I usually opt for their breakfast sandwich, which never disappoints.
Above all, it's the friendly atmosphere and their consistently good food that make it a go-to spot for me.
The Habit Burger Grill
I always appreciate a good burger joint, and The Habit Burger Grill happens to be one of my favorites in the area.
The modern interiors and well-designed space make it a comfortable place for a quick meal.
I remember the first time I tried their burger, it was flavorful, albeit a bit messy - but that's what you expect from a good burger.
The self-service condiment bar is a nice touch, allowing you to customize your burger with extra pickles, jalapeños, and peppers.
Yafa Hummus
I recently dined at Yafa Hummus, and I must say it was an incredible experience!
The Mediterranean food was the best I have ever had, and the menu had so many delicious options to choose from.
My friends and I ordered a variety of dishes, including spicy hummus, pesto hummus, pita, and baklava.
Every dish was perfect, and I especially loved the soft pita bread.
The spicy hummus is a must-try, as it was packed with flavor and just the right amount of spice.
The fries were also a great addition to our meal; they were thin, crispy, and seasoned to perfection.
For dessert, the baklava options were delightful. They offered walnut, cashew, and pistachio baklava, and you could even add Nutella to any of them!
What stood out the most during my visit to Yafa Hummus was the amazing customer service.
The location is clean and offers plenty of parking nearby, making it a convenient choice for a delicious meal.
My go-to order at Yafa Hummus has become the Steak Shawarma bowl with white rice, Greek salad, classic hummus, and tahini.
Everything is always fresh and flavorful, and I love how the Greek salad adds a refreshing touch to the meal.
The soft and fluffy pita bread is the perfect accompaniment to the delicious hummus.
Yanagi Sushi & Grill Dublin
One of my favorite spots to grab a bite and unwind after a long day is the Yanagi Sushi & Grill Dublin.
As a sushi lover, I can vouch for the freshness of their fish and the quality of their rolls.
The Sunshine Roll is a personal favorite of mine, along with the tuna sashimi and sea urchin.
Their menu doesn't stop at sushi; they have a great selection of grilled items too.
I've tried the barbecue chicken skewers, and they were simply delicious.
Khyber Pass Kabob
Just last week, I had the pleasure of dining at Khyber Pass Kabob - an exquisite Afghan restaurant in Dublin.
The moment I walked in, I was welcomed by the warm and inviting atmosphere.
The comfortable low tables, colorful pillows, and multicolored curtains definitely set the stage for an enjoyable and relaxing meal.
As someone who has been to several Afghan restaurants, I can say without a doubt that Khyber Pass Kabob has some of the most delicious and authentic dishes I've ever tasted.
The aushak, chapli kabab, and lamb were all incredibly flavorful and cooked to perfection.
What I loved most about this restaurant was the fact that it's family-owned and operated.
This made the whole dining experience feel even more personal and genuine.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to sit in their traditional Afghan-style seating area, which was an amazing experience in itself.
Taqueria Los Pericos
Whenever I get a craving for authentic Mexican food, I always find myself at Taqueria Los Pericos in Dublin.
Their unlimited chips and salsa are the perfect starter while I wait for my meal. T
he different types of salsas available are simply amazing.
I usually visit during lunchtime, and I'm not the only one, as the place is always packed with people who know where to find delicious Mexican food.
The generous portions at Taqueria Los Pericos never disappoint.
I've shared two dishes between three people, and with the chips and salsa, it's more than enough.
My favorite dish has to be the chicken asado soft shell taco plate, but I've also tried the hard shell carne asada a la carte and loved it too.
Fresh ingredients, delicious chips, and a large menu selection keep me coming back here.
Shangrila Chinese Cuisine
I've always been a fan of Chinese cuisine, so when I found out about Shangrila Chinese Cuisine in my neighborhood, I knew I had to give it a try.
I decided to go with a friend, and we were not disappointed at all.
The venue was decent and had a warm and welcoming vibe.
We started off by ordering the hot & sour soup, which had a slightly bitter taste, to my liking.
For the main course, I opted for the Honey Walnut Prawns and asked for broccoli on the side.
It was delicious, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I wasn't charged extra for the broccoli.
My friend ordered the Sheng hai dinner, and she was more than satisfied with her choice.
The portions were huge, and definitely worth the price.
During our meal, we couldn't help but notice the speed of the service and how great the food tasted.
The salt and pepper tofu was a standout dish, and we both agreed that we would be coming back for more.
On my next visit to Shangrila Chinese Cuisine, I decided to try General Tso's Chicken, which turned out to be one of the best I've ever had.
Burma Burma
One of my favorite spots to satisfy my craving for Burmese food is Burma Burma.
As a local, I've visited this restaurant multiple times, and it never disappoints when it comes to the delicious flavors and authentic taste of Burmese cuisine.
The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with a small patio, making it perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with friends and family.
I particularly love their tea leaf salad, which is full of flavor and texture.
If you're a vegetarian, make sure to let them know so they can prepare it without shrimp.
Their pepper tofu dish is also a personal favorite, and I recommend adding their spicy sauce for an extra kick.
Another dish that has become a must-have for me is the homemade fried rice with lentils.
It's a unique take on fried rice that I haven't found anywhere else.
Pacific Catch
I recently dined at Pacific Catch with my family and was pleasantly surprised by the diverse and delicious seafood options inspired by the flavors of the Pacific Rim.
The casual atmosphere was perfect for a laid-back evening, and the sports TV at the bar added a lively touch.
We chose a few different dishes to share, and every single one was beautifully plated and filled with unique flavors.
What really stood out to me was the outdoor seating area, which was not only spacious but also accommodating for our puppy.
They even provided water and snacks for him, making this a perfect spot for pet owners to dine.
The ample parking nearby was also a plus!
Final Thoughts
Dublin, California, is truly a food lover's paradise with a wide variety of cuisines to explore and savor.
The city is filled with delightful surprises, from mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes at Rahma Mediterranean Grill to the exquisite sushi at Torarenbou Sushi Bistro.
I've personally enjoyed countless meals at these fantastic establishments, and I can attest to both the quality and variety they offer.
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