Nothing hits like a sausage roll. Today's artisanal are far from the anaemic sausage rolls of our youthhood. These bad boys have hit Bowie-level glam rock. Chonky, flaky, and bold as monochromatic dressing, the sausage roll is the hero we need and deserve.
Though its origins lie in 19th-century France, Ireland has fully adopted and transformed them into one of our own. Kind of like we did with the spice-bag-ification of Chinese Food. The same thing that makes croissants French or cars American. Invention is one thing; becoming integral to and/or identified with a culture is another thing altogether. Either way, I'd argue that sausage rolls these days are far more intrinsically Irish than French. Sorry, Frogs, but also, thanks for the inspo.
When Cuisine de France landed in the form of the deli counter, sausage rolls came hard and fast for the hungry people of Ireland. In some ways, that bag of a million for a € 2's success has a lot to do with the puffed-up options we now have all around our fair city.
Posh sausage rolls are all about the sausage. Irish sausages are juicier and more flavourful, thanks to a higher fat-to-meat ratio and a generous mix of traditional spices like marjoram, fennel, and black pepper. Marjoram, in particular, confusingly, seldom features in British cooking compared to Irish cooking for whatever reason.
Sometimes, they get a little sprinkling of black pudding. Sometimes, they'll go full vegan, but the thing that unites all the best in the city is they don't rely solely on the pastry to do the heavy lifting.
Now that said you can't have a bomb AF sausage roll without a proper high quality party. But there is more than one way to skin this particular cat. You can go for the rough puff, the laminated, or even the shortcrust and not upset anyone.
Since this golden age of bakeries began in Dublin, the sausage roll has become a gastronomic battleground. Yes, it's a quieter fight than the 'best croissant' brigade, but that's just because it's actually a harder fight to win. When you make a sausage roll, you contend with a lot more variables than a croissant.
Sausage rolls are the ultimate litmus test of a baker's prowess, demanding precision, balance, and creativity to get right. The perfect roll requires impeccably seasoned, juicy sausage meat with just the right fat-to-meat ratio, encased in flaky, buttery pastry that doesn't overwhelm or underdeliver. The filling-to-pastry ratio must strike a razor-sharp balance, while careful assembly ensures no splitting, spilling, or soggy bottoms.
From achieving a golden egg-washed crust to mastering the venting and baking process, sausage rolls leave no room for error. Nail them, and you've proven your worth in the baking world; stumble, and the flaws are impossible to hide.
With all this in mind, here's your definitive guide to the 10 best sausage rolls in the greater Dublin area.
Okay this is technically Wicklow; but we would high tail it down the N11 to Greystones/Delgany go stockpile these if the end times were coming. Let's keep it straight up, no messing around – its a solid yes from us for these big boys. Like, just look at that pastry!
Black pudding in a sausage roll? Absolute genius. Grove Road has nailed the combination, creating a roll that's rich, savoury, and completely addictive.
You'll want Lott's and Lott's of these. Pun very much intended, because it's true.
Greenville Deli have a range of tasty dishes that you need to try. But the winning dish in our eyes is their very own sausage rolls. Their ‘Full Irish’ sausage rolls are made with sausage, bacon, black pudding and onions. It comes with their homemade spicy ketchup too; you really cannot go wrong.
If you're in Inchicore, Rigger's D8 is non-negotiable. Loved by locals, their sausage rolls are the stuff of legend. They're properly satisfying.
Tucked away on Aston Quay, Copper & Straw might be better known for their coffee, but their sausage rolls are a real star. With flavours that rotate regularly, they're keeping things exciting. Pair one with a flat white, and you've got yourself the ultimate morning pick-me-up that'd challenge any dated notion of what you think a sausage roll should be.
Every office worker in Dublin 2 knows about Green Bench Café's legendary "Sausage Roll Friday." These are a lifeline for the masses. Bold flavours, hearty portions, and a vibe that screams "essential." If you know, you know.
Quirky, cool, and delicious, Joli takes sausage rolls to another level. Their offerings are packed with high-quality ingredients and creative flair. They've got vegetarian options that hold their own against the meaty classics. If you're in Stoneybatter, Joli should be your first stop.
Bread 41 is the powerhouse of pastry, and their sausage rolls are no exception. The meat-to-pastry ratio is spot on, and the seasoning is impeccable. Be warned, though: these sell out fast, so get there early if you want a taste of their perfection. Eoin Cluskey has crafted a sausage roll that fervent anti-porkers would be tempted to abandon their morality for.
Did you just drop a fiver for a sausage roll? Maybe. Was it a life-changing bite? Absolutely. Did it make you question everything you thought you knew about life as we know it? Without a doubt. And all of that from a handheld meat pastry? Who'd a thunk it? But it is just that staggeringly good.
We have arrived at the tippy top: Fallon & Byrne is the undisputed ruler of Dublin's sausage roll scene. Any discerning sausage roll enthusiast knows this. Perfectly seasoned sausage meat encased in buttery, golden pastry—this is sausage roll royalty. It's impossible to walk out with just one.
Hangover cure? Mid-morning treat? Full-blown lunch? Fallon & Byrne has you covered. Whatever their sausage meat mix is, it is the best in the city, hands down. If they released a book of recipes that had this in it, I reckon it would be the fastest-selling sausage roll book of all time.
Dublin City Centre has become the land for the best sausage rolls in quite possibly the world. So, what are you waiting for? The best sausage roll of your life is out there, and Dublin is the place to find it.
