Nothing beats a post-night-out spice bag — the chili flavours and warmth escaping the bag, teasing your taste buds and warming your frigid fingers. But some nights, you might be hit with the devastation of discovering that your local spice bag spot is closed, or perhaps your cravings are guiding you elsewhere. This redirection might typically route you to the nearest kebab shop, but now there’s a new contender vying for your attention: pizza.
Let’s be honest: Dublin has never been known as a pizza capital, but recently, more and more places are gaining popularity. Each spot offers something unique, whether you’re looking for a formal dinner, a quick slice on the go, delivery, or a late-night snack. The diversity is refreshing, and it’s clear the city’s pizza scene is evolving to match its eclectic food culture.
Bambino is the perfect spot for when you’re between classes, need a quick bite before heading out, or simply can’t decide what to eat. By no means is Bambino the best pizza in Dublin, but it doesn’t aspire to be anything over-the-top or gourmet. What you see is what you get: a fast-food-style slice shop. The pizza has a thin crust cooked slightly crispy, distinguishing it from Roman-style pizza. The menu is simple yet playful, featuring some unique options like the Hot Pep, which includes pickled jalapeños and hot honey. You can grab a slice or commit to a massive 20-inch round. It’s reliable, affordable, and quick — ideal for students and anyone on the go.
Similarly, Mani on Drury Street serves its pizza from the counter, with all the slices proudly displayed. Their pizzas lean toward a crispy Roman style, and while the flavour combinations are promising, the crust left me slightly underwhelmed. It’s flat and airy, resembling a crisp pastry more than the pillowy doughiness you’d expect from a Roman or Pinsa-style base. Still, the lively atmosphere and group-friendly vibe make it a great spot for casual outings. The energy is infectious, and while the pizza may not steal the spotlight, the overall experience makes it worth a visit.
Sano Pizza is a haven for Neapolitan pizza lovers. Their homemade sourdough crust is delightful, with a lovely chewiness and a hint of tang. However, the center is quite thin, and with the generous toppings they pile on, the result can be a bit soggy. This is typical of Neapolitan pizza, though, and easily remedied if you’re ordering to-go — just pop it in the oven for a few minutes to crisp it up. The menu is straightforward but inclusive, offering vegan and gluten-free options, making it an excellent choice for a diverse group. Whether dining in or taking away, Sano delivers on quality and authenticity.
DiFontaine’s brings New York-style pizza to Dublin, serving up oversized slices and full pies alongside calzones and vegan options. The thin crust — while iconic to this style — can verge on soggy, thanks to the sheer amount of grease on each slice. Some might find this comforting, others might find it excessive. The vibe is casual, and it’s a dependable choice for delivery or a quick slice when the craving strikes. However, it feels more like an afterthought — something you’d grab in a pinch or when nostalgia hits, rather than a pizza to write home about.
Overall, Dublin offers a wide spectrum of pizza experiences, from kebab shops with pizzas that’ve sat in the window for who knows how long, to upscale Italian restaurants with dim lighting and white tablecloths. Whatever your mood or budget, you’ll find a spot that fits the bill. But here’s the real question: can pizza steal the crown from the kebabs and spice bags for late-night supremacy?
The reality is that pizza simply can’t compete with a late-night kebab run or the beloved spice bag. For one, most pizza places close before midnight, automatically ceding the late-night crowd to kebab shops. Additionally, the best pizza tends to come from specialised pizzerias, meaning your whole group has to agree on one thing — a rare feat after midnight. Kebab shops, on the other hand, thrive on versatility, offering everything from chips to wraps to curries, satisfying all tastes at any hour.
That said, pizza occupies a different niche. It’s a staple in student diets and at social gatherings, and the restaurants listed here offer a livelier atmosphere for hanging out with friends compared to the rushed energy of late-night takeaway spots. Places like Bambino and DiFontaine’s shine for their convenience and simplicity, while restaurants like Sano and Mani cater to those seeking quality and ambiance. And as Dublin continues to grow as a foodie destination, the rise of gourmet pizza with inventive toppings and styles shows no sign of slowing down.
So while kebab shops and spice bags will always own the night, pizza remains a strong contender for other occasions. Whether you’re grabbing a slice on your lunch break or savouring a carefully crafted pie at dinner, Dublin’s pizza scene proves there’s plenty of room for it in the city’s culinary lineup.
