Life is brewtiful in these 7 best cafes in Dublin!
Hey, café aficionados! Looking for the perfect spot for your caffeine fix in Dublin? Or are you on the hunt for a cozy little corner in the city to go people watching?
Whether you’re searching for that perfect morning brew or your next go-to brunch destination, you’ll find your cup of tea (or coffee) in Dublin’s vibrant coffee scene!
Don’t be latte to the party! See what’s brewing on our picks of the best cafes in Dublin!
What’s the average cost of dining at a cafe in Dublin?
The average cost of dining at a cafe in Dublin can vary depending on the type of cafe and the items you order. But you can generally expect to pay around €10 – €20 for a meal and a drink.
Meals or light bites typically cost around €5 – €15, while a cup of coffee would generally cost €2.50 – €4, depending on the type of coffee.
How We Chose the Best Cafes in Dublin
1. Jay Kays Cafe
| Menu Selection | 5/5 |
| Ambience | 5/5 |
| Quality of Food and Beverage | 5/5 |
| Location | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 5/5 |
| Pricing | 5/5 |
Jay Kays Café is a modern, family-run café in Dublin city centre designed to offer a relaxed all-day dining experience. It serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch in a contemporary setting that focuses on comfort and quality service.
The café is split across two floors, including a “Tóg go bóg é” lounge upstairs that translates to “Take it easy.” This area is designed with comfortable armchairs to encourage guests to unwind and stay longer.
Food at Jay Kays Café is home-inspired and prepared fresh in-house by the kitchen team. The menu includes hearty breakfast options, sweet crêpes, vegan dishes, and all-day dining choices meant to suit both casual and indulgent visits.
Their café service also highlights a strong beverage program with 3fe specialty coffee, Wall & Keogh loose-leaf teas, and cold-pressed juices and smoothies from The Juicery Dublin. This makes it a well-rounded spot for both casual coffee drinkers and health-focused customers.
Service is family-driven, with the Keegan family involved in both kitchen and front-of-house operations. Guests are welcomed by experienced staff who aim to create a friendly and attentive dining experience.
Convenience is a key part of the café, with indoor seating, off-street outdoor seating, takeaway options, and daily operating hours from early morning into afternoon. It also supports reservations and quick service for customers on the go.
Opening hours typically run from 7:30am to 5pm on weekdays and up to 6pm on weekends, making it suitable for both early breakfasts and relaxed weekend meals. Overall, it positions itself as a flexible café for dine-in or takeaway customers in Dublin city centre.
Customer Reviews
“There was a queue outside but the place is massive so we were seated within around 10 minutes.
The food was stunning. Added bacon to my savoury croissant which took it to the next level.
The caramelised onion on the sausage club was sensational.
Would 100% recommend and come back again.” – Kelly Wagstaff, Google Reviews
“Absolutely no notes for Jay Kay’s, we had a fantastic experience here. Was in the mood for a traditional Irish breakfast but when I saw they had an Irish breakfast burrito I couldn’t resist. We also tried the eggs Benedict on brioche bread as well as the dolce de leche crepe. The burrito was my favorite but everything we had was a 10/10.” – Kayla Flory, Google Reviews
2. Coffee District
| Menu Selection | 5/5 |
| Ambience | 5/5 |
| Quality of Food and Beverage | 5/5 |
| Location | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 5/5 |
| Pricing | 5/5 |
Coffee District is a small specialty café located on James’s Street in Dublin, positioned conveniently near St. James’s Hospital. It is known for serving high-quality coffee from Full Circle Coffee Roasters alongside freshly prepared food in a compact, welcoming space.
The café focuses heavily on its specialty coffee offering, aiming to deliver consistent, well-crafted drinks for both quick visits and relaxed breaks. Many customers are drawn to its reputation for strong espresso-based drinks and carefully made filter coffee.
Beyond coffee, Coffee District places strong emphasis on fresh food made daily, which includes breakfast and lunch options. Their approach is centered on being a reliable stop for both early morning customers and midday visitors looking for something filling.
A key strength of the café is its use of local suppliers for baked goods and pastries, which helps keep the menu fresh and varied. This adds a homemade quality to their offerings that complements their coffee program.
The atmosphere is described as small but inviting, making it more of a specialty “grab-and-stay-a-bit” café rather than a large sit-down venue. It appeals to customers who value quality coffee and simple, well-made food over extensive seating or formal dining.
Service at Coffee District is frequently highlighted as friendly and personal, which contributes to its strong local following. Staff interaction and consistency in preparation are key parts of the overall experience.
Customer Reviews
“This clean, bright little modern hole-in-the-wall coffee shop was a perfect stop for afternoon coffee and snack. Great pastries and unique cookie options. Also great coffee, which can be hit or miss in Dublin. Glad we stopped here between the Guiness Storehouse and a stroll through Phoenix Park!” – Erik Koepnick, Google Reviews
“lovely spot for breakfast or lunch if you’re planning to head to the Guinness storehouse! not far from the tram stop. can get busy at times but worth the wait! we had black pudding and roasted pear // and the bacon and ballymaloe relish sausage rolls and they didn’t disappoint ! reusable cutlery too. staff were very friendly and it’s affordable!” – Emily Croft, Google Reviews
3. Shoe Lane Coffee
| Menu Selection | 4.7/5 |
| Ambience | 4.8/5 |
| Quality of Food and Beverage | 4.8/5 |
| Location | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.9/5 |
| Pricing | 4.9/5 |
If you’re looking for a cozy little stop for coffee in Dublin, Shoe Lane Coffee is a gem! The best part is, it’s conveniently located near a DART stop on Tara Street, making it easily accessible.
Apart from the accessible location, we appreciate that it’s bicycle and dog-friendly as well.
Their menu looks to be only good for a quick breakfast or light bites in the afternoon. They offer a selection of pastries, hot toasties, and sausage rolls that you can pair with their beverage options that include coffee, espresso, freshly squeezed juice, and tea.
We also love that they have coffee beans, filters, and some cute merch available for purchase. We particularly love their insulated cup which you can reuse when ordering your coffee.
Their pastries are quite good and we love pairing them with their freshly brewed coffee.
Although we noticed that the size of the cups are quite tiny especially if you’re ordering takeaway cappuccino.
Also, while the overall atmosphere is cozy and inviting, the limited seating can be a bit of a drawback, especially during peak hours.
But overall, Shoe Lane Coffee is a great spot for a quick bite and a cup of coffee in Dublin. Just be prepared for a potentially crowded space and limited menu options.
Customer Reviews
A small cosy coffee shop just beside the Tara Street DART Station. They serve very good matcha latte which the Mrs really liked. She is a matcha addict. Quite expensive but I suppose that would be the standard price to get a cup of coffee around Dublin these days. Welcoming atmosphere and staff. Would highly recommend this little coffee shop. – Fazrul Asimi, Google Reviews
Lovely environment and nice people here. Good place to chill and enjoy the slow tempo of the city. – CJ Li
4. Two Boys Brew
| Menu Selection | 5/5 |
| Ambience | 5/5 |
| Quality of Food and Beverage | 5/5 |
| Location | 4.9/5 |
| Customer Service | 5/5 |
| Pricing | 4.8/5 |
Thinking of hitting up a friend for brunch? Two Boys Brew is a perfect place for catching up over a scrumptious brunch and great coffee.
They have a selection of breakfast and lunch items available. Our favorite is their avo toast and pork benny, and of course, we like to save some room for a sweet treat as well.
Apart from their savory bites, they also have an array of pastries available that you can pair with one of their specialty coffees. We recommend choosing the bigger size, especially for the milky and iced options, as you’ll likely want to ask for more.
We also like that you can order in advance through their Click and Collect option, which we find very convenient. Just order through their website so it’ll be ready once you arrive to pick it up.
While Two Boys Brew offers a delightful brunch experience, it’s worth noting that their seating can be limited, especially during peak hours on weekends (which means it’s really a go-to brunch spot for many).
Additionally, their prices might be slightly higher compared to some other brunch places in Dublin.
To conclude, Two Boys Brew is a great choice for a satisfying brunch with friends or family. With its delicious food, convenient online ordering, and pleasant atmosphere, it’s a place worth visiting when in Dublin.
Customer Reviews
Busy on Sat and Sun during Brunch time because everyone flocks here for a good meal. I had the avocado toast once and then Benny Pork on sourdough another time. Food excellent and very filling. The Bakewell slice GF with almonds was the best I’ve had! Iced latte was nice though small in size. Sitting outside is easier for conversations since it gets noisy inside. Thanks TBB! – Skye Nguyen, Google Reviews
Absolutely brilliant, probably our new #1 brunch in all of Dublin. We ordered the Avocado Toast and the Chicken & Stuffed Sandwich. Both mouthwatering. – SGJ, Google Reviews
5. Lemon Jelly Cafe
| Menu Selection | 5/5 |
| Ambience | 5/5 |
| Quality of Food and Beverage | 5/5 |
| Location | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.9/5 |
| Pricing | 4.9/5 |
Lemon Jelly Cafe is one of the best cafes to try in the heart of Dublin. It’s easy to spot as it’s located along a lovely pedestrian walkway and it’s just a 5-minute walk from the bustling Temple Bar.
If you’re looking for a more quiet and cozy spot in the city center, then this cafe is the perfect spot. Even better, they can accommodate more customers as they have ample seating available both indoors and outdoors as compared to other local cafes.
They serve a wide selection of all-day breakfast and lunch meals which are available until 7pm. They also have an array of beverages available such as coffee, tea, juices, and milkshakes.
It’s a perfect place to enjoy a scrumptious and comforting meal with their selection of savory and sweet crepes, omelets, ciabatta, salads, and soup.
While Lemon Jelly Cafe offers a delightful dining experience, it’s worth noting that their prices might be slightly higher compared to some other cafes in the area. Additionally, their service can sometimes be slow, especially during peak hours.
To sum it up, Lemon Jelly Cafe is a great choice for those seeking a cozy and inviting atmosphere with a wide variety of delicious food and drinks.
Customer Reviews
Had a lovely breakfast here. Location was nice and secluded away from the hustle and bustle. I had the full Irish and a lemon crepe along with a chai latte. Everything was great! The environment was clean, the food was delicious, and the wait staff was very kind and friendly. I would definitely come back here again! – Rebecca Morgan, Google Reviews
A very quick queue for a Monday morning in September. Extremely friendly staff and a menu that is varied enough for all. The goat cheese, spinach and pesto omelette was scrumptious as was the cappuccino. – Dawn Fernandez, Google Reviews
6. Beanhive Cafe
| Menu Selection | 5/5 |
| Ambience | 5/5 |
| Quality of Food and Beverage | 5/5 |
| Location | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 5/5 |
| Pricing | 5/5 |
Beanhive Coffee deserves a lot of buzz as it’s one of the most charming cafes that you’ll find in Dublin! This is primarily because of their amazing coffee art!
Coming here would truly be a memorable experience because of their signature coffee designs and one of the main reasons why people keep coming back.
But apart from that, cafe goers also enjoy their tasty fare of all-day breakfast, sandwiches, and wraps that come in generous servings, too.
We particularly love getting their Queen Bee which you can order in a wrap or ciabatta, or the Irish Breakfast that’s also served in huge portions. It’s great that they have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options as well.
Since it’s a popular spot and the space inside is limited, the cafe is usually crowded especially during peak hours and on weekends. So if you wish to grab a seat, you may have to wait in line.
It’s worth noting that they actually have two locations, so it’s good that you can have options especially if one location is too crowded. The other cafe is on Baggot Street which is just a 10-minute walk from the Dawson Street branch.
Beanhive Coffee is a must-visit for coffee lovers and a great place to bring the family for those seeking a delightful dining experience with a great cup of coffee.
Customer Reviews
Finally got to try this place today. We were so happy – Only just went for the coffee art. Went on 3 different occasions, and they were completely full. Amazing and very polite staff. Thank you. Coffees are amazing and the element of surprise is just fabulous… Thank You. – Marriyam Hussain, Google Reviews
Lovely cafe with fun coffee art and delicious food! The baristas were very friendly and welcoming. Terrific vegan and vegetarian food options! This is the best coffee cafe we’ve been to in 3+ weeks of traveling across Europe and the UK!! – Lauren Hartman, Google Reviews
7. The Fumbally
| Menu Selection | 5/5 |
| Ambience | 5/5 |
| Quality of Food and Beverage | 5/5 |
| Location | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 5/5 |
| Pricing | 4.9/5 |
The Fumbally is one of the coolest cafes in Dublin as the space is very versatile with an open-floor plan, high ceilings and large windows that welcome the light in.
Their space is one of the things that sets them apart from other cafes that typically feel a bit cramped. This is because they have high ceilings that make the place feel more spacious and airy, which is a huge plus.
Another thing that makes them unique is that they have a little deli and bakery where customers can shop.
It’s worth noting that they use locally grown, fresh ingredients and they work with local farmers that practice organic and regenerative farming. This is good to know as you are ensured of the quality, fresh, and sustainably sourced ingredients available.
There’s just so much to love about this cafe, we haven’t even gotten to the food yet! But as expected, the food quality and menu selection doesn’t disappoint.
It’s a great spot for brunch and we particularly love their Fumbally Eggs and Arancini Plate. They also offer coffee, tea, fermented drinks, juices, and wine.
Although the drinks are slightly more expensive, the food is well-priced, especially considering the quality.
The Fumbally is definitely a must-visit cafe in Dublin if you’re into that hipster and boho vibe. Just take note that they’re closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Customer Reviews
I absolutely adore this place. Definitely my new favourite spot for coffee and chill. It’s a combination of deli market, food and coffee spot. Just fab! Live the cozy ethnic-boho atmosphere. Highly recommended! – Sissy Dimitrakidou, Google Reviews
Ultimate food spot in Dublin. Everything is homemade, super fresh, super delicious. They have fun with food and experiment with ferments… cool shop to browse around also. The staff are so nice too 🙂 Coffee is also so good. – Jer Long, Google Reviews