I’m not one to turn down a good cuppa, especially when it comes with dainty sandwiches and pastries that look too pretty to eat. But afternoon tea in Dublin? That’s a whole different level of indulgence. It’s not just about the food… It’s the vibe, the setting, the feeling that you’ve stepped into a slower, softer version of the city.
Be it the velvet armchairs or a traditional bus tour with tea on wheels, Dublin has the coziest cup to offer. And, trust me, I’ve done more than I dare confess, all in the guise of research, of course. Some are all about the glamour, some look like your granny’s parlour (in a positive sense of comfy). But then there is the one that ticks all your boxes.
So today, I’m spilling the tea, literally… on my top 5 afternoon tea spots in Dublin. If you’re looking for a treat, a celebration, or just an excuse to eat cake at 3 pm, you’re in the right place.
Old Music Shop Restaurant
For the next spot on my list, my mom and I decided to give afternoon tea at The Old Music Shop a go. It’s a sweet, intimate spot at 3-5 Frederick Street North, which is housed within The Castle Hotel. It’s also super popular with a 4.3 on Google and a 4.2 on TripAdvisor. This place is all about that retro, vintage charm, and is an excellent choice for afternoon tea in Dublin.
I booked online and asked for a window table, and they were very good about it. We even ended up being slightly late, but when we called to say we would be late, they calmed us down, not to worry, in a nice, proper manner. When we arrived, the staff were so pleasant and welcoming, they made us instantly feel like part of the family. I just pray that I was able to get their names down because they were all so concentrated. The room itself is simply gorgeous, full of natural light and that muffled, old-fashioned elegance.
The menu was everything that we had hoped for, and more. We had a great selection of tasty sandwiches, then the freshest scones I’ve tasted for years. They were wonderful! We finished off with a selection of cakes such as chocolate mousse and macarons, all of which were delicious. They even gave us complimentary refills on our tea and coffee.
For the price, the experience was otherworldly. The owner, Finn, even came over to check on us. Not every day you get that kind of personalized service. My mam was beside herself, and it’s a day she’ll never forget for years to come. A gem of a little shop. It’s possible to book a visit by calling them at 018797888 or emailing info@oldmusicshop.ie.
Vintage Tea Trips
To get the real deal, you have to take Vintage Tea Trips. It’s a proper bus tour on a beautiful old double-decker, and it’s an outright hit with an impressive 4.9 on Google and 4.8 on TripAdvisor. The bus leaves from St. Stephen’s Green, and it’s a great way to see the city from a completely different perspective.
My 13-year-old sister and I went, and we had the whole venue to ourselves. The staff were lovely, they upgraded us to the front VIP seats, and we were more than pleased with that! Our guide was brilliant, he was full of wonderful stories about Dublin that were hilarious and fascinating. The vintage bus is beautifully decorated and absolutely sets the tone for a unique afternoon tea.
The meal was just fantastic. The sandwiches were just delicious… the curry-flavoured one being our own favorite. The scones and the cakes were equally so. The staff were very polite and couldn’t do enough for us, always topping us up with tea and coffee. The whole experience was so enjoyable, and it’s perfect for any occasion.
I would 100% recommend this trip to anyone, whether they’re local or a tourist. It’s a pleasant and simple way to have an afternoon out and get a great feed at the same time. If you want to book a trip, phone them on +35312551777 or email team@vintageteatrips.ie.
The Morrison Dublin, Curio Collection by Hilton
Following that surreal bus journey, I was looking for a somewhat more upscale ambience. I’d heard of The Morrison, an excellent hotel on Ormond Quay Lower on the River Liffey. It’s well renowned for afternoon tea, with 4.5 on Google and a whopping 4.6 on TripAdvisor. It’s a very stylish hotel and a good option for the afternoon tea Dublin has.
I’ve visited twice for afternoon tea, once with my mam and again with my partner, and both occasions were superb. The hotel is a beautifully refurbished hotel, a bit of luxury in the middle of the city centre. We were lucky enough to get a window seat over the Liffey, which made it feel even more decadent. The staff were so friendly and just so efficient.
On my first visit, I had the “Fancy Pants” tea, and it was heavenly. The pastries and sandwiches were so tasty and dainty. My partner and I returned a second time and ordered the “Gentleman’s Tea,” too, this time which was also an excellent decision. It was a hearty meal with offerings like steak sandwiches and whiskey chocolate truffles, and both of us loved it. The food is quality, and the presentation is nice.
The whole experience was simply lovely, from the great food to the friendly service. You can see they’ve put a lot of thought into both the traditional and the more modern options. I’ll definitely be back, as it’s a great central location to meet. You can book a table by calling them on 018872400 or emailing info@morrisonhotel.ie.
Silk Road Cafe
A friend of mine from abroad came over to see me the other day. And, yes. You’ve guessed it right. She wanted to take me out on an afternoon tea tread, had a venue in mind already too: Silk Road Cafe, which is located inside the Chester Beatty Library of Dublin Castle. It has a good 4.4 on Google and TripAdvisor, and for the alternative feed type, it’s a good choice for afternoon tea in Dublin.
When we first came, I was a little apprehensive. The tables looked a bit dull, such as any cafe, for that matter. But after announcing that we had a reservation, we were led to a special table, all dressed up to a whole different level, all for having afternoon tea. The staff were simply fantastic and so exceedingly helpful. I announced that I was dairy intolerant, which was new information for them, but they didn’t bat an eye.
The staff swapped out my meals in minutes, explaining to me what was what and how they’d modified the food to be dairy-free. The portions were gigantic, which was a lovely surprise. We had heaps of delicious Middle Eastern food, like cheese-free moussaka and falafel. I was provided with a decaf oat milk latte, and even the baklava was modified for me. The food was simply scrumptious and great value for money.
It’s really a gem in secret, and it’s perfect if you don’t want something so regular, sandwiches and scones. The food is clean and has plenty of flavour. It’s fantastic as a catch-up or treat. You can book beforehand by calling them on 014070770 or emailing info@silkroadcafe.ie.
Pink Restaurant
You see, for the last spot on my list, I had to pick somewhere that was a little different. I went to Pink at 34 William Street South. It is an experience unto itself. It carries a respectable 4.0 on Google and a 3.3 on TripAdvisor. It is not your typical spot, but it’s a great and contemporary choice for afternoon tea in Dublin.
I have been there for a birthday, and there is a really special vibe to the place. It’s just stunning inside, with a very quirky and Instagram-friendly aesthetic. There are loads of spots to take pictures, which is a bit of fun. The staff are organized and nice, and they’re always rushing about, so you have to be a bit proactive if you want something.
The actual tea was classy. We were presented with a lovely booklet on how to conduct tea like the high class, which was a laugh. We had both sweet and savoury, five of each. I loved all the savoury morsels… everything was so fresh and delicious. The sweets were nice, but I feel the savoury was the real star. The presentation was first-class, much superior to any other afternoon tea I’ve been to.
It’s a bit pricey at €45 a head, but for as exclusive and special the experience is, right in the middle of the city, it’s not terrible at all. You can tell they only work with the finest ingredients. It’s perfect for a celebration or if you need a proper special treat. You can book a table by calling them on 015313818 or on their website.
So The Last Drop Is
Afternoon tea in Dublin isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience. a chance to slow down a bit, enjoy a few bites at leisure, and catch up with somebody you love or even catch up with yourself, too. Whether you’re sipping champagne at an upmarket hotel or laughing with a friend over scones and stories, you’re creating a moment that’s special and decidedly Irish.
So, find a spot that speaks to you, settle in, and let the city’s gentle pace envelop you. And if you’ve got a hidden gem I’ve missed, send it my way. My cup is always ready for another story.