On this side of the Liffey, restaurants, pubs, or any other eatery, whatever you might visit, you’ll get the vibe of laid-back Irish old culture more than a hyped vibe. Now don’t get me wrong, I love North Dublin too… full of love, life, craic, fun, and whatnot. But, you know, sometimes you just need a break from the hype for a change. And of course, on those days, what can be better than enjoying the best breakfast in South Dublin, where the laid-back vibe is the daily usual.
And that’s how I ended up making a list of where I’d visit again when I want to enjoy the laid-back old vibe. From my list today, I’m gonna tell you about the 6 spots I loved the most. I’m sure you’re gonna love them too. What’s the wait, then let’s get read-in ya!
The Ivy Dawson Street
First on my list is The Ivy Dawson Street. It’s a beautifully decorated restaurant right in the city center at 13-17 Dawson Street. It’s well-liked by groups and visitors, and it’s easy to understand why, with a thundering 4.2 on Google and 3.4 on TripAdvisor. For a breakfast that’s just a little bit special, it’s one of South Dublin’s best breakfasts.
I went with a friend hoping to find a cream tea, and although it can be deceptively hard to track down, The Ivy saved the day. The ambiance is this gorgeous, classy atmosphere that makes you feel like the king of the world. The server was so friendly and pleasant, and the entire experience was just wonderful.
The cream tea was exactly what I was looking for. We had three scones that were freshly prepared with clotted cream and strawberry jam. They were fantastic and the perfect amount of food. My friend had the avocado toast and pastries, and it was also fantastic-looking. I even noticed they had a full Irish breakfast, which looked so fantastic that I’ve put it in my memory for my next visit.
In general, this establishment exceeded all expectations. It’s trendy, the service is great, and the food is totally spot on. If you’re looking for a nice, classy breakfast spot, look no further. You can reserve a table by calling them on +35316950744.
Bewley’s Grafton Street
My second recommendation is somewhere familiar to everyone in Dublin: Bewley’s on Grafton Street. It’s an institution and an absolute must-go for anyone looking for the best breakfast in South Dublin. Based at 78-79 Grafton Street, it’s a huge landmark with a humongous 4.3 on Google and a 3.9 on TripAdvisor.
The atmosphere is what makes it so special. It’s a beautiful, historic café with mahogany and stained glass everywhere, and the fire just makes it so warm and homely. We were so lucky to have a table in front of the stained glass windows by the fire. It was perfect. The staff are lovely and so friendly, and our waiter Aoife was an absolute gem, so helpful and obliging.
The food is consistently of the highest standard. My wife and I popped in to have a feed with our tea, and plates were left empty at the end. My dad opted for the full Irish breakfast, and it was, you know, magnificent-looking, and I had the Eggs Benedict, which was glorious-tasting. They’ve got a really good range on the menu from large breakfasts to lovely pastries and so on.
It might be a bit pricier than anywhere else, but honestly, for the meal, the service, and the whole atmosphere, it’s every penny worth. It’s not a café; it’s a beautiful slice of Irish heritage and an absolute must-visit for a great experience.
Cornucopia – Wicklow Street
You see, I was looking for a good breakfast that wasn’t meat-based, something that was going to feel nourishing. That’s when I remembered Cornucopia at 19-20 Wicklow Street. This is a Dublin staple for vegetarians and vegans, and it’s a solid 4.6 on Google and 4.4 on TripAdvisor. For a plant-based breakfast, it’s one of the best breakfasts in South Dublin with ease.
The environment inside is so friendly and welcoming, a nice little respite from city chaos. It’s self-service, which I quite like, actually, because you see all the food before you choose. The portions are huge, and the prices are more than fair for what you get.
I had the vegetarian sausage with delicious Irish sauce, half-and-half beans, and scrambled tofu. It was so flavorful and filling, just what I needed to start the day. I downed it all with a comforting pot of Irish tea. The food is hearty and has a lovely, old-fashioned flavor. They even do great takeaway wraps; the “chicken” Caesar salad one was amazing.
It’s a great spot for a quick bite, and they have loads of options for everyone. I’ve been five times in a week when I was really busy, and the food was simply wonderful each time. It’s a vegan restaurant with a lot of heart, and I’d recommend it to everyone. You may ring them at +35316777583 if you’ve any questions.
3fe – Grand Canal Street
Following that wonderful feed in Cornucopia, I was in search of a good cup of coffee and a bite to see me through a working day. That is when I dropped into 3fe at 32-34 Grand Canal Street Lower. A hugely popular spot for students and coffee aficionados alike, it boasts a cracking 4.4 on Google. It’s not just a coffee shop, it’s an excellent spot for a bite to eat and quite possibly one of the best breakfasts in South Dublin.
The interior is modern and comfortable, and it’s a great place to sit with your laptop and get some work done. The service is so warm and quick, even when the cafe is packed. I liked that they have one queue for takeaway orders and one for people who want to sit, so you’re not waiting forever.
The food is just great. I got the veggie sandwich, and it was so good, I could taste that the vegetables were sweet! The sourdough bread was soft and went so well with the hummus. My friend got the toast and eggs, and the poached eggs were perfect. The side of broccoli and almonds was also surprisingly good. The only thing and only thing I wasn’t upset about was a small, beautiful scone I had on a second visit, but the entrees are perfection every time.
It’s a sure thing for a great breakfast or lunch, any day of the week. The food is delicious, the coffee is top-notch, and the environment is great. You can even buy coffee beans and brewing devices there. I’d be happy to go back anytime. You can reach them at hello@3fe.com.
Tang Café (Dawson Street)
Alright, for the last spot in my list of the best breakfasts in South Dublin, I’ve picked the Tang Cafe. It’s located on Dawson Street, just opposite St. Stephen’s Green, and is pure genius for a last-minute breakfast. It’s got an excellent reputation with 4.8 on TripAdvisor, and Google makes it a great venue to visit at first glance. Now let me tell you what the actual story is.
We got there at opening and were lucky enough to be seated. The restaurant is just too cute, with such a cozy atmosphere. The host was a character; he sat us in the makeshift section near the flower bed to get us started, and we loved it so much we just stayed where we were. Service was quick and servers were great. Our server, Lilly, was great… she was so friendly and even made a couple of accommodations to the meal for my two-year-old, which is no easy task.
The food was absolutely yum. We had the mushrooms on toast, the shakshuka, and some yogurt, and the whole lot was top class. The mushrooms on toast were the best, just superb! The hot drinks were all great, too. The taste and value were so much nicer than your typical breakfast chains, and the food is so wholesome and honest.
It’s the kind of place you’d keep going back to over and over. The staff are lovely, the food is terrific, and the ambiance is just perfect. It’s a nice place to take a stroll through St. Stephen’s Green afterwards, too. I highly recommend it. Find them at 23C Dawson Street or phone hello@tang.ie.
So, the Moral of The Story Is
If you sometimes feel the need to run away from the city hype to hide away within the old but authentic Irish culture, these places specializing in the best breakfast in South Dublin are your getaway. I found my peace quite enjoyable there. But who knows… probably by the time you’re reading, they’ve gotten even better at serving you. If you are planning to pay them a visit or find some other hidden gems I may have missed, make sure to let me know, ya?
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