Dublin has no shortage of great breakfast spots. From cozy cafés serving traditional Irish breakfasts to trendy brunch destinations offering international flavors, the city caters to every type of morning appetite.
After extensive research, countless reviews, and plenty of local recommendations, I've narrowed the list down to ten standout breakfast spots. These cafés and restaurants were selected based on food quality, atmosphere, service, value for money, and overall experience.
Quick List: Best Breakfast Spots in Dublin
Beanhive
Lemon Jelly Café
Tang
Balfes
Alma
Bibi's
Brother Hubbard
Joy of Chá
Keogh's Café
The Pepper Pot Café
Let's take a closer look at what makes each one special.
1. Beanhive – Famous Latte Art and All-Day Breakfast
Located just minutes from St. Stephen's Green and Grafton Street, Beanhive has become one of Dublin's most popular cafés. While many visitors arrive for the café's famous latte art, they quickly discover that the food is equally impressive.
Why Visit?
Beanhive is renowned for its creative coffee presentations. Talented baristas transform cappuccinos and lattes into miniature works of art featuring animals, cartoon characters, and personalized messages.
The café is family-owned and has built a loyal following among both locals and tourists.
What to Order
The Full Irish Breakfast is one of the most popular menu items and includes:
Sausages
Bacon
Fried egg
Baked beans
Toast
For bigger appetites, the Super Breakfast adds:
Black and white pudding
Hash browns
Mushrooms
Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
One major advantage is that breakfast is served throughout the day.
Highlights
Exceptional latte art
All-day breakfast menu
Vegetarian and vegan choices
Edible eco-friendly coffee cups
Friendly service
Things to Know
The café is small and can become very busy, especially on weekends. Seating is limited, and service can sometimes be slower during peak periods.
Best For: Coffee lovers, casual breakfasts, and visitors exploring Dublin city centre.
2. Lemon Jelly Café – Dublin's Crepe Specialist
Lemon Jelly Café has earned a reputation for combining excellent food with efficient, friendly service. Located near Millennium Walkway, it's a favourite among both locals and visitors looking for a reliable breakfast or brunch.
Why Visit?
Although many people associate Lemon Jelly Café with crepes and pancakes, the menu is surprisingly diverse.
Options include:
Full Irish Breakfast
Vegetarian Breakfast
French Toast
Omelettes
Croissants
Smoothies
Specialty coffees
What Makes It Special?
The café serves an extensive selection of sweet and savoury crepes, making it one of Dublin's best destinations for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Popular choices include:
Fresh fruit smoothies
French toast with fruit and syrup
Signature savoury crepes
Vegetarian breakfast platters
Atmosphere and Service
Despite often having queues outside, the staff manage crowds efficiently. Menus are handed out while customers wait, and table turnover is handled smoothly.
The spacious interior helps too, with:
72 indoor seats
60 outdoor seats
Even during busy periods, the atmosphere remains relaxed and welcoming.
Highlights
Excellent sweet and savoury crepes
Large seating capacity
Great vegetarian options
Friendly, knowledgeable staff
Excellent value for money
Best For: Families, groups, and anyone craving pancakes, crepes, or brunch classics.
3. Tang – Healthy Breakfasts with Global Flavours
Tang has become one of Dublin's most respected breakfast and lunch destinations thanks to its focus on sustainability, fresh ingredients, and Mediterranean-inspired cooking.
With locations on Dawson Street, Abbey Street, and Cumberland Place, it's easy to find one nearby.
Why Visit?
Tang combines Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences with locally sourced Irish ingredients.
The result is a menu that's healthy, colourful, and packed with flavour.
Recommended Dishes
Shakshuka
A rich dish of baked eggs served in a tomato, pepper, and harissa sauce.
Mushrooms on Toast
One of Tang's signature dishes featuring:
Tamari-marinated mushrooms
Ginger
Sourdough toast
Fried egg
Lemon yoghurt
Herb oil
Dukkah
Atmosphere
Tang has a relaxed, minimalist atmosphere with large windows, outdoor seating, and an open kitchen where guests can watch their meals being prepared.
The compact menu reflects the café's focus on quality rather than quantity.
Highlights
Sustainable food philosophy
Excellent vegetarian options
Fresh, seasonal ingredients
Open kitchen concept
Healthy but satisfying meals
Best For: Health-conscious diners and anyone looking for something different from a traditional Irish breakfast.
4. Balfes – Stylish Breakfasts in the Heart of Dublin
Located beside The Westbury Hotel, Balfes combines elegant surroundings with a menu that balances indulgence and healthy eating.
Why Visit?
Balfes offers something for every appetite.
Whether you're looking for protein-packed breakfasts, classic brunch dishes, or fluffy pancakes, you'll find plenty of choice.
Recommended Dishes
Buttermilk Pancakes
Served with honeycomb butter, these have become one of Balfes' signature breakfast dishes.
BodyByrne Breakfast
Created with fitness-focused diners in mind, this breakfast includes:
Eggs
Avocado
Turkey
Tomato
Black pudding
Atmosphere
The restaurant features:
Outdoor terrace seating
Stylish bar area
Open kitchen
Modern interiors
The atmosphere feels sophisticated without being overly formal.
Highlights
Excellent healthy breakfast options
Beautiful dining room
Great brunch menu
Strong service standards
Ideal city-centre location
Things to Know
Breakfast service ends at 10:45am on weekdays, while weekend brunch extends into the afternoon.
Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends.
Best For: Brunch dates, business breakfasts, and stylish weekend mornings.
5. Alma – Argentine Flavours in Portobello
Alma has quickly become one of Dublin's most sought-after brunch destinations. This family-run café brings Argentine influences to the city's breakfast scene while focusing on high-quality ingredients and creative presentation.
Why Visit?
Every dish at Alma feels carefully crafted. Even simple breakfast staples receive special attention.
Signature Dishes
Poached Eggs
Served with:
Smashed avocado
Garlic mushrooms
Feta cheese
Salsa criolla
Organic sourdough
Dulce de Leche Pancakes
A decadent favourite featuring:
Buttermilk pancakes
Dulce de leche
Orange mascarpone
Seasonal fruit
Toasted almonds
Choripán Argento
An Argentine-inspired sausage sandwich served on sourdough bread.
Atmosphere
Located in Dublin's charming Portobello neighbourhood, Alma offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating.
On sunny mornings, outdoor tables are particularly popular.
Highlights
Unique Argentine-inspired menu
Outstanding pancakes
Fresh, high-quality ingredients
Friendly service
Online reservations available
Best For: Food enthusiasts, brunch lovers, and anyone looking for something unique.
6. Bibi's – Dublin's Coziest Brunch Café
If comfort food and a welcoming atmosphere are priorities, Bibi's is hard to beat.
Located in Dublin 8, this small neighbourhood café combines Irish hospitality with Mediterranean influences to create one of the city's most beloved brunch experiences.
Why Visit?
The menu may be small, but every dish is prepared with exceptional attention to detail.
Popular choices include:
Squash Eggs
Hummus Toast
Toasties
Homemade cakes
Fresh pastries
Atmosphere
Warm interiors, rustic décor, and a genuine neighbourhood feel make Bibi's a place where many visitors return again and again.
Highlights
Cozy atmosphere
Excellent vegetarian options
Fresh seasonal ingredients
Homemade baked goods
Outstanding coffee
Best For: Relaxed brunches and slow weekend mornings.
Final Thoughts
Dublin's breakfast scene has evolved dramatically over the last decade. Whether you're looking for a traditional Irish fry, specialty coffee, Middle Eastern flavours, healthy brunch dishes, or indulgent pancakes, there's something for everyone.
If you're visiting Dublin for the first time, start with Beanhive, Alma, or Brother Hubbard. For traditional breakfasts, Keogh's remains a reliable choice, while Tang and Balfes are perfect for modern, health-conscious dining.
No matter which café you choose, arriving early is usually a smart move—many of Dublin's best breakfast spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
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