Breakfast has been said to be the most important meal as it provides us the necessary energy to last for the day. With so many options to choose from, how do we find which establishment offers the best breakfast for you?
In order to help you out, we have listed places around Dublin that offer you the best breakfasts. From your standard sunny side to a more exquisite eggs benedict, here’s the list of Dublin’s best breakfast joints.
How much do breakfasts cost?
Breakfast can cost differently depending on where you get it. It depends on their ingredients, specialties, serving sizes, and many more.
In order to help you plan your trip around Dublin’s breakfast joints, here are the average costs of meals and items. Do take note that these are only approximate prices.
Best Breakfast Joints in Ireland
Choosing the best breakfast option for you is more than just taste. Here are the criteria that helped us choose the joints on this list:
1. Griolladh
| Selection | ★★★★☆ |
| Service | ★★★★★ |
| Food Quality | ★★★★☆ |
| Value for money | ★★★★☆ |
Griolladh is an Irish Quick Service Restaurant renowned for its customizable toasties and commitment to fast, comforting Irish food. With locations across Dublin, including Thomas St, Arnotts, and Central Plaza in Temple Bar, Griolladh has established itself as a go-to destination for delicious breakfast options. Their focus on creating the perfect toastie, with a variety of bases, sauces, and fillings, ensures a tailored and satisfying meal every time.
One of the standout features of Griolladh is their signature toasties, which are grilled to perfection on organic sourdough bread. The combination of a crisp and chewy texture with a unique cheese blend makes each toastie a delightful experience. The ability to customize your toastie by choosing from a range of bases, sauces, and fillings allows for a personalized touch that caters to individual preferences.
Additionally, Griolladh offers a variety of other breakfast options, including lighter big wraps and refreshing salads. This variety ensures that there is something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal or a lighter, healthier option. The inclusion of sides, crisps, pastries, and cold beverages further complements their menu, providing a well-rounded breakfast experience.
However, the focus on toasties might limit options for those seeking a more traditional breakfast. While the customizable toasties are a highlight, the menu could benefit from a broader selection of classic breakfast items such as eggs and bacon. This narrower focus may not fully satisfy those looking for a more conventional breakfast spread.
In conclusion, Griolladh excels in offering a unique and customizable breakfast experience with their signature toasties and diverse menu options. Their commitment to quality and personalization makes them a standout choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
Pros
- Customizable toasties with a variety of bases, sauces, and fillings
- Use of organic sourdough bread and signature cheese blend
- Additional options like big wraps, salads, and pastries
- Multiple convenient locations across Dublin
Cons
- Menu may not appeal to those seeking classic breakfast items
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“My rubbish pic doesn’t do it justice, delicious, quality food and drinks. Daniel was really friendly and also helpful with tips about where to go in Dublin and the music is great, especially the singer, lol. Would definitely recommend for a nice relaxed place to sit and have some good breakfast or lunch.”
“Never had service like it! The staff were really friendly and kind. I left already feeling considerably more upbeat than when I entered, and that was before I even tasted the food! Great coffee and great food. I’d have happily pay many times more than I did for my bacon and egg grilled sandwich!!! Perfectly balanced and seasoned and managed to avoid the stodgy after-effect of most breakfast sandwiches. Had already recommended the place within 15 minutes of leaving.”
2. Chez Max
| Selection | ★★★★★ |
| Service | ★★★★★ |
| Food Quality | ★★★★★ |
| Value for money | ★★★★★ |
Chez Max, founded by Gonzague ‘Max’ de Laloubie in Dublin, has evolved from a small juice bar in 2003 to a celebrated French bistro and café offering an authentic dining experience. The establishment prides itself on using fresh, local products and has garnered recognition for its commitment to quality. Chez Max has also received the esteemed title of “Maître Restaurateur,” highlighting its dedication to excellent customer service and homemade cuisine.
Chez Max’s breakfast menu features a delightful array of dishes that combine classic French flavors with fresh, local ingredients. Some standout options include:
- Natural Yoghurt and Fruit Compote (€4.50)
- House Nuts Granola
- Croissants, Pain au Chocolat, and Pain au Raisin (€2.50 – €3.00)
- 3 Eggs Omelette with Spinach, Goat Cheese, and Onions (€11.50)
- Avocado Tartine with Fried Egg and Pickled Chili
- Eggs Benedict on a Croissant with Ham or Salmon
Breakfast is served Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 10:15 AM, ensuring a dedicated time for this delightful meal. Chez Max offers a genuine French dining atmosphere, complete with music and attentive staff, making it a unique breakfast destination in Dublin. The café emphasizes using fresh, locally sourced products, ensuring that each dish is prepared with care and high standards.
Their menu caters to various tastes, offering sweet and savory options. From traditional pastries to hearty omelets, there’s something for everyone. Furthermore, the café’s recognition as a “Maître Restaurateur” and other accolades highlight its commitment to excellence and quality service.
All in all, with a heated and covered terrace, Chez Max provides a pleasant dining environment that enhances the breakfast experience.
Pros
- Authentic French Experience:
- Quality Ingredients
- Diverse Breakfast Menu
- Recognition and Awards
- Charming Atmosphere
Cons
- Busy During Peak Hours
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“My rubbish pic doesn’t do it justice, delicious, quality food and drinks. Daniel was really friendly and also helpful with tips about where to go in Dublin and the music is great, especially the singer, lol. Would definitely recommend for a nice relaxed place to sit and have some good breakfast or lunch.”
“Never had service like it! The staff were really friendly and kind. I left already feeling considerably more upbeat than when I entered, and that was before I even tasted the food! Great coffee and great food. I’d have happily pay many times more than I did for my bacon and egg grilled sandwich!!! Perfectly balanced and seasoned and managed to avoid the stodgy after-effect of most breakfast sandwiches. Had already recommended the place within 15 minutes of leaving.”
3. Lovinspoon
| Selection | ★★★★★ |
| Service | ★★★★★ |
| Food Quality | ★★★★☆ |
| Value for money | ★★★★★ |
Lovinspoon is a cafe in Dublin that specializes in breakfast meals to provide you with heartwarming and stomach-filling meals at any time of the day.
What we love about Lovinspoon is that they offer and specialize in breakfast items such as coffee, sausages, omelets, and other meals for you to enjoy. From their menu, you can find and make your own breakfast meal to fully enjoy.
Another thing to love is that their service is very much personalized. From their chefs personally checking on customers and their staff helping you to choose your meal is one of the edges that Lovinspoon has to offer.
Their meals are available for dine-in and take-out, although it would have been better if they provided store delivery services. Either way, you can always check a third-party delivery service to take some grub on the road.
However, Lovinspoon is entirely focused on breakfast meals that’s why their menu is limited to these specific items. They do not have items for lunch or dinner, but if you enjoy breakfast food all day, then there would be no problem at all.
Overall if you are looking for good food around Dublin to energize your day, then definitely check Lovinspoon out!
Pros
- Dine-in and take-out available
- All-day breakfast option available
- Customer service is good
Cons
- No Sunday operations
- Limited to breakfast items only
- No in-store delivery service
Customer Reviews
Lovely Little Place in Dublin
“Lovely little place in Dublin away from the touristy areas. The staff was very friendly despite staff’s absence. Delicious vegetarian breakfast and very reasonably priced for Dublin. Plenty of toast too!” – Daniel RJ Spillman, Google Review
Great Food, Great Service
“Food was awesome, from the coffee to the Poached eggs. Great friendly service, enjoyed watching them work. Thank you for breakfast.” – Dual Anderson
4. The Bakehouse Dublin
| Selection | ★★★★★ |
| Service | ★★★★★ |
| Food Quality | ★★★★☆ |
| Value for money | ★★★★☆ |
If hearty meals and coffee are what you are looking for, then The Bakehouse Dublin is here to provide you with the best breakfast and cafe items option for you to enjoy.
The Bakehouse Dublin offers a great variety of breakfast items while providing you choices with cafe items that their shop specializes in. You can expect breakfast meals like bacon and pancakes, sausages, and more, to cafe items like coffee and pastries.
One thing that caught our attention is they offer a full Irish breakfast for people to enjoy. If you’re a tourist looking for an authentic Irish breakfast in Dublin, we absolutely recommend trying theirs out!
The Bakehouse Dublin’s cafes provide pastries that should complete our breakfast cravings. Customers also reviewed that their servings are definitely filling and the taste is right for their price.
However, we think our dining experience could have been better if the available seats were improved. Getting takeaways would be much easier for their customers instead of dine in because of their new interior layout.
The Bakehouse Dublin is a solid choice in choosing your first meal of the day as you enjoy your day ahead in Dublin.
Pros
- Provides cafe items to complement breakfast items
- Hearty serving sizes
- Offers to dine-in, take-out, and delivery
Cons
- Menu for breakfast items can be quite limited
- Breakfast and cafe sets are also limited
Customer Review
Delightful
“I ordered a Bakehouse Meal of cottage pie Mac and Cheese and pastries with Wine for my nephew and his wife as a birthday gift. His feedback was great and he is currently in a good coma with delight. Well done Bakehouse.” – Mary McGuire, Google Review
Cozy and Comfy
“I was there this morning with my friend… The place was so cozy and comfy that we spent about three hours chatting away. The two waitresses were very polite and professional and the food was just as tasty as affordable. I’d definitely recommend it.” – Stefany Imthurm, Google Review
5. Keogh Cafe
| Selection | ★★★★☆ |
| Service | ★★★★★ |
| Food Quality | ★★★★☆ |
| Value for money | ★★★★☆ |
DIshing out on Irish classics and local and seasonal ingredients, Keogh Cafe serves homemade simple, delicious, and wholesome breakfast for its clients.
We adore Keogh as it advocates community empowerment as it actively connects with local farms and small businesses to handcraft its menu. Partnered with farms and businesses, Keogh prides itself in putting people and the community first.
Breakfast meals come with different plates where you can choose from having toast, mushroom, egg, sausage, and bacon and house special blood sausage. Dishes come in generous serving sizes where you will surely enjoy hearty meals.
Aside from its meals, Keogh offers breakfast pastries such as scones and muffins which are perfect to pair with their homemade jams. Their coffee selection is also ideal with meals and pastries.
However, it would have been better if they invested more in their full breakfast plate. Some customers shared with us that it could be improved through the inclusion of season specialties and other items.
With its heartwarming atmosphere that offers both inside and outside dining, a warm meal to fill your stomach, and coffee, Keogh Cafe offers you a solid breakfast experience in Dublin.
Pros
- Amenities for inside and outside are available
- Handcrafted coffee and breakfast pastries
- Homegrown and supplies are from local community
Cons
- Limited breakfast plate
- Waiting lines can be long, especially on peak hours
Customer Review
Really Worth the Visit
“The Irish breakfast is really good and the scones are amazing! I had the MINI breakfast and pear and vanilla scone but all of them look tasty af. The staff is really friendly and it’s totally worth the visit” – Maria Jose dela Peña, Google Review
Fantastic Breakfast!
“Fantastic breakfast! Full Vegetarian was at least as good as the full ‘regular’ and the (decaf) coffee was perfect. Didn’t have space left for the incredible-looking pastries. The owner is magnificent and the locals as warm as one would expect from such a place.” – Rlaxd Travlr, Google Review
6. Wooden Whisk
| Selection | ★★★☆☆ |
| Service | ★★★★☆ |
| Food Quality | ★★★★☆ |
| Value for money | ★★★★☆ |
Wooden Whisk is our black sheep on this list. Instead of primarily serving heavy and hearty breakfast meals, they specialize in breakfast pastries and coffee, which can be different from the other joints.
Breakfast pastries such as scones, muffins, and pancakes are the star of the shop which we highly recommend ordering. Paired with their specialty fruit jams, they’re an absolute treat for anyone wanting a different breakfast experience!
Aside from breakfast pastries, Wooden Whisk also offers a wide selection of cakes that you can opt to take out or try in-shop.
Wooden Whisk also has special and filling sandwiches and toasts that pair well with their special and handcrafted coffees. Their brunches are highly innovative as they offer brunch desserts where reviews highly recommend their Mango Chocolate Cake.
The shop would have been perfect if they offered small breakfast meals to add to their roster of breakfast stuff. But seeing that their specialty lies in sweet and breakfast pastries, it is their niche that makes them a place worth a try for a different breakfast experience.
If you are looking for a sweet refuge to fill up your day, the Wooden Whisk is here to provide you with the sweetest and most filling breakfast experience in Dublin.
Pros
- Innovative breakfast and brunch desserts
- Wide selection of cakes and handcrafted coffee
Cons
- Limited to deserts and sandwiches
- Some items on the menu are pricey
Customer Review
Best Breakfast in Dublin
“Where have you been all my life? Best breakfast in Dublin. It was raining so waited until hungry enough for brunch dessert. Mango chocolate cake sooo good! Mocha perfect balance of choco coffee. Eggs bene truly special/soup & sandwich super fresh! Highly recommend” – Lisa Federico
Highly Recommended!
“The first inviting thing about this cafe is that it has an amazing selection of cakes. Even if you’re not having cakes, this is an excellent place for both food and drink. I and my mum came here for brunch, where I had scrambled eggs on toast along with hot chocolate. The scrambled eggs tasted great, as they used artisan toast which was delicious. The hot chocolate was also excellent as it has a real taste of melted chocolate. The place itself and its toilet facilities are clean and up to standard. While you’re enjoying your drink or meal you have a lovely smell to be treated with. Would highly recommend it!” – Angus Davidson, Google Review
7. Balfes
| Selection | ★★★★☆ |
| Service | ★★★★☆ |
| Food Quality | ★★★★☆ |
| Value for money | ★★★☆☆ |
Although Balfes isn’t known as a breakfast joint, their breakfast meals are well-thought of, that is why this bistro is included on our list.
Balfes is a vibrant, all-day bistro that offers both indoor and a 20-seater outdoor terrace that will surely pique your appetite before your breakfast is served. Their open kitchen prepares beautifully dishes that change seasonally according to their specialties and ingredients.
Breakfast at Balfes opens from 8:00 AM until 10:45 AM where you can enjoy brunch meals such as pancakes where their Oat Pancakes with Blueberry and Bacon is highly recommended. Their menu for breakfast offers traditional breakfast staples that everyone can enjoy.
With their solid and wide selection of breakfast meals and specialty coffee, the experience here is definitely a must-try.
A lot of patrons note, however, that prices are relatively higher than the others and you should expect that seats are always filled. But you can always book a table ahead for you to enjoy their meals while skipping the line.
As an all-day bistro that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Balfes ensures that each meal is made with quality. That’s why Balfes and their breakfast period are highly anticipated by customers.
Overall if you are looking for a good place with a luxurious feel to it and breakfast meals to jumpstart your day, Balfes is here as your best choice.
Pros
- All-day bistro
- Wide array of breakfast meals that changes according to season
Cons
- Long waiting lines
- Relatively more expensive than the other joints on the list
Customer Review
Posh Resto
“Awesome, yet a bit posh restaurant. Not as expensive as I expected but the food was great. The names for the courses are a bit posh as well, but essentially you’re getting just regular dishes you would anywhere, only better (healthier, tastier, etc). Note that we only had breakfast/brunch there and not dinner.” – Sander Spoelstra, Google Review
You Won’t Regret
“Brunch here is always good. Even though they changed the menu, I’m happy they kept the BodyByrne pancake, it’s one of the best in town. I need to say thank you for changing the topping from the other pancake coz that’s the way I used to eat before, the oat pancake with blueberry and bacon. It’s not on the menu anymore but thank you for doing it. It’s the best one and I highly recommend it. My husband got a ham omelet he loved it, recommend that as well. You won’t regret getting your brunch here.” – Alessandra Dianin, Google Review