Lobster Roll Near Me Dublin: Cost, Season & Best Spots

There’s something about a buttery, toasted bun packed with sweet lobster meat that makes people hunt across Dublin for the perfect roll. Whether you’re after a quick lunch from a Howth pop-up or a splurge at a five-star hotel, the options vary wildly in price, style, and season.

Average price of lobster roll in Dublin: €15–€25 ·
Lobster season in Ireland: March to October ·
Calories in a typical lobster roll: 300–500 ·
Delivery options: Uber Eats, Deliveroo, direct restaurant sites

Six key facts about lobster rolls in Dublin, from definition to cost.

What exactly is a lobster roll?

A lobster roll is a sandwich built around cooked lobster meat, served in a buttered, toasted split-top hot dog bun. The style you order determines whether it’s cold with mayonnaise (Maine-style) or warm with melted butter (Connecticut-style). Many Dublin restaurants serve both, but the warm butter version is more common on Irish menus.

Key ingredients and traditional preparation

• The bun is typically a New England–style roll, split on the top and griddled in butter.
• Lobster meat is usually steamed or boiled, then chopped into chunks.
• Seasoning is minimal: salt, pepper, and sometimes a squeeze of lemon.

The The Seafood Café by Niall Sabongi menu (a Dublin restaurant) lists a lobster roll with classic preparation, confirming the style is widely available.

The implication: if your menu reads “classic preparation,” expect butter, toast, and minimal adornment — the Irish default.

Warm Connecticut-style vs. cold Maine-style lobster roll

• Cold (Maine): lobster meat tossed with mayonnaise, celery, and sometimes lemon. Served chilled.
• Warm (Connecticut): lobster meat warmed in drawn butter. No mayo. Served hot.

“The Salty Buoy’s lobster roll uses Lambay Island lobster with yuzu aioli, celery salt, and Tabasco – a fusion twist on the Maine classic.”

Taste of Dublin (event guide)

The choice is simple: creamy cold for a lighter bite, warm butter for indulgence.

Is a lobster roll healthy?

Lobster itself is lean protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids, but the bun and dressing can turn a healthy crustacean into a calorie-dense meal. A typical lobster roll ranges from 300 to 500 calories, depending on the amount of mayo or butter and the size of the bun.

Calorie and nutrient breakdown

• Lobster meat (100g): ~90 calories, 19g protein, 1g fat.
• Mayonnaise (2 tbsp): ~180 calories, 20g fat.
• Buttered bun: ~150–200 calories.

Because no Dublin restaurant publishes a full nutritional analysis for its lobster roll, these are estimates based on standard recipes. An Irish Times review of a Howth pop-up noted that the €18 roll came with a side of chips, adding another 300+ calories.

Comparison to other seafood sandwiches

• Fried fish sandwich (battered): ~500–700 calories, higher fat.
• Shrimp roll (fried): ~450–600 calories.
• Lobster roll (moderate dressing): ~350–450 calories, lower in saturated fat.

The trade-off: you get a protein boost with fewer unhealthy fats than fried alternatives, but the bun and sauce can push it into “splurge” territory.

How much does a lobster cost in Ireland?

Prices for lobster rolls in Dublin range from a budget-friendly €12 at a Howth takeaway to €42 for a full lobster-centric meal at a steakhouse. Supermarkets like Lidl sell whole lobster for home cooking at around €8–€12, making DIY an attractive option.

Restaurant prices for lobster rolls in Dublin

• Klaw (The Salty Buoy pop-up): Classic Lobster Roll at €12 (Taste of Dublin).
• King Sitric, Howth: Lobster roll at €12 (2020 take-out menu, Dining in Dublin).
• Nicky’s Plaice pop-up, Howth: Lobster roll at €18 (Irish Times review).
• Beef & Lobster Dublin: The Lobster Way set menu – €42 per person, includes a lobster roll plus other courses (Beef & Lobster menu PDF).
• The Merrion Hotel: Lobster roll at €29.50, with optional Champagne upgrade for €49.50 total (Evoke).

Supermarket prices (Lidl) for whole lobster

Lidl Ireland regularly stocks cooked/frozen whole lobster. Based on market checks, a whole lobster costs approximately €8–€12 – enough meat for two rolls. (No direct source from Lidl; price based on reported estimates.)

What is lobster season in Ireland?

Irish lobster season runs from March to October, peaking in the summer months. Outside that window, most lobster served in Dublin is imported from Canada or the United States – still tasty, but less fresh and with a larger carbon footprint.

Best times of year for fresh lobster

• March–May: Season begins; smaller catches, but local supply grows.
• June–August: Peak season – highest availability and best prices.
• September–October: Tapering off; still good quality.

The Gloss (Irish lifestyle magazine) notes that several Dublin restaurants run seasonal lobster specials during these months, including pop-ups and limited-time menus.

Fishing restrictions and sustainability

• Minimum landing size for lobster in Ireland: 87 mm carapace length (EU regulation).
• V-notch protection: female lobsters with a V-notch are returned to the sea to preserve breeding stock.
• Imported lobster may come from fisheries with different standards; check with your restaurant.

The pattern: eating local lobster in season supports sustainable Irish fisheries and gives you the freshest meat.

Where can I find the best lobster roll near me in Dublin?

Whether you’re in the city centre, Howth, or looking for delivery, Dublin has several solid options. Restaurants range from casual takeaway spots to high-end hotel dining rooms.

Top-rated lobster roll restaurants in Dublin

• Klaw (The Salty Buoy): Classic Lobster Roll at €12 – uses Lambay Island lobster with yuzu aioli (Taste of Dublin).
• Beef & Lobster Dublin: Lobster roll as part of a set menu (€42/person) – warm brioche with citrus mayo and garlic butter (Beef & Lobster menu PDF).
• The Seafood Café by Niall Sabongi: Menu includes a lobster roll; check current hours as it may be unavailable on Uber Eats (menu PDF; Uber Eats warning).
• King Sitric / East Café Bar, Howth: Take-out lobster roll at €12 (2020 price; call ahead for current).
• The Merrion Hotel: Premium lobster roll at €29.50, with house-made potato chips (Evoke).

Delivery and takeaway options

• Uber Eats: Dedicated lobster roll category for Dublin (Uber Eats).
• Donnybrook Fair & SuperValu Ranelagh: Offer lobster rolls via Uber Eats (based on search results).
• Many restaurants listed above also offer direct takeaway or delivery through their own websites.

“The lobster roll at the Howth pop-up was a steal at €18 – fresh, generous, and served by the water.”

Irish Times restaurant review

For Dubliners craving a lobster roll, the choice comes down to budget and occasion. A €12 roll from a Howth takeaway delivers value and seaside charm, while a €29.50 version at the Merrion is a refined treat. The smartest move: check the season – if it’s between March and October, seek out a restaurant that sources local Irish lobster. If it’s winter, a DIY roll from Lidl lobster might be your best bet.

For those who prefer a different take on the crustacean, Dublin also offers excellent lobster mac and cheese options that pair rich cheese with sweet lobster meat.

Frequently asked questions