If I were you, no morning ever really starts without a decent breakfast — and when it comes to the best breakfast in Dublin, the city doesn’t let you down. From cozy old-fashioned cafes and real Irish pubs to hip modern brunch places serving up shakshuka and pancakes, there are more than enough great morning options here.
Recently, it’s been my personal goal to find Dublin’s hottest breakfast spots. Whether a weekend brunch with mates or a lone visit for a deadly coffee and fry-up, there’s something about Dublin’s breakfast that just feels different. Cafes such as Tang and Alma serve up vibrant, bold plates
Here’s Where You’ll Find The Best Breakfast in Dublin To Start Your Morning!
If you’re in the market for a classic and indulgent full Irish, creamy poached eggs, or best pancakes in Dublin, then this breakfast scene can be a must check options. From city-center cafes to cozy neighborhood mainstays, these are the spots consistently serving up the best breakfast in Dublin — because every great day starts with a good breakfast.
Tang Cafe
My friend from the office was going on about Tang on Dawson Street doing the best breakfast in Dublin — so naturally I had to go have that myself last Sunday morning. It’s that kind of Middle Eastern-style café where you’re welcomed as soon as you enter, with the aroma of freshly baked flatbreads and coffee.
I sat down at a window table and ordered their shakshuka with feta sprinkled on top, and my friend had buckwheat pancakes with Greek yogurt, berries, and almond butter. Both came to the table resembling they were plucked right out of a food magazine — colorful, plentiful, and strewn with fresh herbs and spice. Shakshuka was excellent comfort food: rich, warming tomato sauce, just-cooked eggs, and feta that delivered the absolute perfect wallop of saltiness. The pancakes were equally wonderful — light, lightly nutty from the buckwheat, with a pungent berry counterpoint.
I paired mine with a flat white and, no exaggeration, it was one of the best I’ve had in the city. They clearly care about the coffee as much as the food here.
The vibe inside is relaxed and friendly, and it gets properly lively at the weekends. Prices sit around €10–20 per person, and worth every cent for the quality you’re getting. Also, special mention to the staff — genuinely some of the kindest, chattiest folks you’ll find in a busy city café.
If you’re in the mood for dropping by, you can find them at 23C Dawson Street, Dublin 2. Call (01) 873 3672 or check their website for more information. No reservation, but it’s worth the wait — this is a gem of a restaurant.
Beanhive Coffee
A few weekends back, when I wandered around Dawson Street searching for a half-decent morning snack, I ducked into Beanhive Coffee — a name whispered in some breakfast-brained quarters as doing the finest breakfast in Dublin. It’s a small, friendly spot, and even though it was packed to the gills, the friendly staff found me a seat at a table within minutes.
I went straight into their Full Irish Breakfast Plate, and I have to say, it did not disappoint. Sausage was crisped up nicely on the outside, and nice and juicy on the inside, rashers properly salty, and the beans were actually good — none of that plain, watered-down crap you sometimes get other places. Scrambled eggs were light and airy, and the toast was exactly as it should be: golden, and properly crunchy. My companion ordered the Breakfast Buzz Ciabatta, sausage, egg, and bacon inside, and that was a winner as well.
The one thing that really surprised me however was their coffee — I ordered a cappuccino and it was topped with some neat latte art. It’s a small nice touch you don’t always see in breakfast joints, and it made the entire experience feel a bit more upscale.
Prices are €10–20 per person, which is fair for central Dublin and the portion sizes. It’s not a huge one, so don’t anticipate it being bare, but the atmosphere is good and the service is quick and friendly.
If you’re after no messing old-fashioned breakfast with a bit of character, Beanhive Coffee at 26 Dawson St, Dublin 2 is the place to go. Ring them on +353 1 677 4685 or book online if you don’t mind waiting — it’s one I’ll be putting on my weekend list.
Stage Door Cafe
A couple of weekends ago, a birthday celebration prompted five of us to manage The Stage Door Café in Temple Bar — and what started as a speedy breakfast quickly transformed into one of the most side-splitting, most friendly meals I’ve had in Dublin. This isn’t really so much an establishment for food as it’s the sort of homey café where you’re greeted with real Dublin banter the second you step through the door.
We began with menus in hand and within minutes, the whole café was joining in on our joking with the staff. It was a wonderful start to the day. I went for their Full Irish Breakfast, which met all the requirements — crunchy bacon, properly fried egg, meaty sausages, and a pile of toast. Another friend had the Cheese and Bacon Omelette, which was fluffy and full of fillings.
Of course, you might find a couple of grouchy reviews about an off day in the kitchen, but both times we stopped by (we returned the next morning), the food was piping hot, cooked to perfection, and satisfying in all the right ways. The coffee deserves mention here too — rich, smooth, and served exactly the way I adore it.
Prices are circa €10–20 per person, good value for Temple Bar, and you’re paying as much for the experience as for the breakfast itself. If you’re in the mood for good craic and one of Dublin’s best breakfasts, The Stage Door Café at 11 Essex St E is a necessary visit. No need to book — just turn up with your wits about you and your sense of humour turned on. I’ll be back next time I’m in the area, no question.
Alma
Last Sunday, having wandered around Portobello in search of somewhere nice to get brunch, I finally got around to Alma — that long-on-my-radar spot owing to all the rave breakfast reviews. Tucked away on South Circular Road, it’s one of those cozy, bustling cafés where the aroma of coffee precedes you even before you’ve reached the door.
The place fills up fast, and I mean fast. All the tables were occupied by ten minutes after opening — luckily, I’d booked ahead. I began with a caramel latte that, no joke, is quite possibly the best breakfast in Dublin I’ve ever tasted. Rich, smooth, and just sweet enough.
For food, it was their famous Winter Turkish Eggs for me, and wow — silky, spicy, herby yogurt with perfectly poached eggs and sourdough to mop it all up. My mate went for the Dulce de Leche Pancakes and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, they’re mandatory. Fluffy, generously topped, and dangerously addictive.
The ambiance at Alma is also wonderful: warm, relaxed, and filled with locals and students lingering over coffees and stacks of pancakes. The service could not have been more friendly — genuinely welcoming, efficient, and clearly proud of food they’re serving.
Budget €10–20 per person, which is appropriate to the quality and serving sizes. If you’re after Dublin’s best breakfast with an Argentinian and Middle Eastern twist, this one’s a winner. Just make sure to book in advance — it’s popular for a reason. You can ring them on 086 815 8324 or email contact@alma.ie. I’ll be back for round two of those Turkish eggs in no time.
One Society
One morning during the week, I at last visited One Society at Gardiner Street Lower to find out what everyone makes a big fuss about regarding their breakfast. The place was quiet when we arrived — a mere few early risers scattered throughout — and I figured we’d be done in no time. Unfortunately, the service was slow in light of the quiet period. It was about 20 minutes before our food came, which would have been fine if the restaurant was full.
That aside, when the food did come, it mostly was well worth the wait. I had ordered their Brisket Reuben, and it was all I had hoped for — tender, juicy brisket topped with strong pickles and sour sauce on toasted bread. Just amazing. My wife wasn’t so lucky. Her special meal of the day was laced with Tobasco, and even though it wasn’t marked as spicy, there was a deadpan seriousness to the kick. She does enjoy a bit of heat but this went too far for her, making her unable to finish the whole thing.
We’ve also tried their cloudy pancakes and the breakfast bun with roasties before — both absolute standouts. If you’re a brunch person, this place is a solid call. Great coffee, chilled vibe, and when the service is on point, it’s one of the better breakfast stops in Dublin.
Expect to spend around €10–20 per person, which is fair for the generous portions and quality. For reservations, ring (01) 537 5261 — especially on weekends when it gets packed. Even with the odd hiccup, One Society is still a spot I’d return to for another crack at those pancakes and that killer Reuben.
Urbanity (Smithfield)
On a cold Smithfield morning, I dropped into Urbanity on Coke Lane — a sleek, modern café I’d been dying to try out for ages. What struck me straight away was how they obviously label allergens on the menu, a rare and much-appreciated consideration for anyone struggling with dietary restrictions. Even better, there were plenty of gluten-free options, so my friend could order with ease, without worry.
I started with their scrambled eggs on organic sourdough tartine, topped with buttered greens and chives, and it was absolutely faultless. The eggs were cooked just right — creamy, fluffy, and with a perfect amount of seasoning. The side of crispy bacon was thick, smoky, and beautifully cooked, easily some of the best I’ve had for breakfast in Dublin. My friend went for their gluten-free bread option with scrambled eggs, veg, and bacon, and was equally impressed.
One small but pleasant detail: they have jugs of cold water infused with mint and orange on the tables — so refreshing, and such a simple thing to do that adds to the experience. Coffee here is also worthy of a mention, freshly roasted in-house and full of flavor.
Prices are moderate, at about €3–€15 per person, which is one of the good value propositions for quality breakfast in Dublin. The serving staff were accommodating, polite, and even friendly, which helped with the casual vibe.
If you want to go, book ahead by calling (01) 874 7288 or emailing them at hello@urbanity.ie. I’ll definitely be back — that scrambled eggs tartine is worth returning just for itself.
Two Boys Brew
On a foggy Friday morning, my friend Julie and I entered Two Boys Brew on North Circular Road — a café that has achieved cult status for its speciality coffee. Julie had been on the hunt for Dublin’s finest porridge, and she could have found it in here. She had the banana and berry compote porridge and hasn’t stopped talking about it.
I went with the house granola over yogurt and fresh berries, and it was exactly as described — crunchy, ever-so-slightly sweet, and well-presented. We couldn’t resist adding a couple of freshly baked scones and a round of cappuccinos, which were served up nicely foamed and rich. The environment itself is super-texaxed-out minimalist decor with friendly staff that didn’t bat an eye when our raucous one-year-old joined us.
Weekday breakfasts lean towards egg, oats, and light snacks with more on offer at weekends. I tried the Hotcake, much heralded elsewhere, on a later visit — a sumptuous, verging-on-dessert affair topped with fresh fruit and crème fraîche. For €16.50, it’s a luxury, but a tasty one.
Prices are €10–20 per person and the coffee itself is a trip worth taking at €3.50 for an Americano. They also keep the premises clean — even the toilets warrant a nod-worthy remark.
If you’re looking to make a trip, email info@twoboysbrew.ie or pop in early, as it’s normally really busy at weekends. It’s one of Dublin’s premier breakfast destinations for quality grub and also for a relaxed modern atmosphere.
Lemon Jelly Cafe
On a bright morning last week, I made my way to Lemon Jelly Café on Millennium Walkway after hearing far too many rave reviews from tourists and local friends. Renowned for its laid-back vibe and top-notch all-day breakfast, it appeared to be the perfect midweek indulgence.
I went straight for the Full Irish Breakfast, while my friend opted for their avocado toast with scrambled eggs. Both arrived beautifully plated and hit the spot. The breakfast was hearty and well-executed, though I’d echo a small gripe I’d heard before: the bread, butter, and jam option came with two slices of bread, but just a tiny amount of butter and jam. A little more generosity here would go a long way.
The real standout for me, though, was the banana shake — thick, creamy, and fresh — one of the best I’ve had in Dublin. My friend couldn’t stop raving about her almond croissant, perfectly balanced between fluffy and crisp, with a delicate hit of cinnamon that took it to the next level.
Service was exceptional, with a particular nod to Cesar and Nathalia, whose welcoming, attentive manner added to the experience. While the café does get extremely busy — there’s normally a line during prime hours — it goes quickly and is well worth the wait.
You can expect to spend around €10–20 per person here. If you’d like to book a table, you can reach them on +353 1 873 5161 or info@lemonjelly.ie. If you want one of Dublin’s top breakfasts, with great coffee and in a bright, airy setting, this is somewhere I would recommend.
Spread Café
Earlier this week, driving to Smithfield, I made a breakfast break at Spread Café on Benburb Street after a friend wouldn’t stop talking about their Breakfast Bap. Spread out in a charming corner off the Luas stop, this café has built a reputation for hearty breakfasts and smooth coffee — and didn’t disappoint.
I ordered the Breakfast Bap immediately, and ah — that pork sausage and leek is worth returning for. My friend had the tuna melt special, which was no less terrific, full of flavor and toasted to perfection. The service was attentive, warm, and prompt despite the steady morning crowd.
I noticed a few good-looking choices such as the breakfast wrap and American pancakes with bacon and syrup. Generous on the Nutella as well, if that’s your pleasure. The oat cappuccino dusted with chocolate was excellent — rich and smooth, just the way it needs to be. It’s the sort of neighborhood café where the employees recognize your order and stop by to ask how it was.
The arrangement is simple: order at the counter, grab a number, and your food appears neatly on your table. The ambiance is casual and perfect for an early morning breakfast while headed to the office or a weekend relaxed gathering.
Expect to pay around €10–20 per person. If you’re nearby or hopping off the Luas, it’s a breakfast worth stopping for. Book in advance on weekdays via info@spreadcafe.ie or drop by for a weekend walk-in. If you’re hunting for one of the best breakfasts in Dublin, Spread Café comfortably earns its spot on the list.
La Pausa Caffe
At the weekend, walking along Blessington Street on a cold morning. I eventually entered La Pausa Caffe after friends mentioned good things one too many times. This small Phibsborough gem is one of those places where the interior hits you immediately. Quaint, dark woods with cozy character, and an outdoor area glassed in for Dublin’s changeable weather.
I ordered their veggie omelette, stuffed with spinach, mushrooms, and rich, stringy cheese. It was a generous portion — in fact, it kept me going until long after lunch. My friend ordered the full Irish breakfast, and it looked perfect: crispy bacon, sausages, eggs, and all the usual trimmings.
The stand-out is the attention to detail. Even the crockery is ideally Irish, and the coffee was amazing — I had a cappuccino that included beautiful latte art. No wonder this place gets crowded; it strikes the right balance of friendly staff, great food, and affordable prices.
You will expect to pay between €10–20 per head. The option available is staggering as well — from breakfast baps and Belgian waffles to salmon bagels and a heavenly tiramisu coffee.
If you’re craving one of Dublin’s finest breakfasts in an easy, informal setting, La Pausa Caffe is an addition to make to your list. You can book in advance at +353 1 830 8375, but it’s just as handy to drop by — though be prepared to queue at Saturday and Sunday brunch hours.
Wrapping It Up
And that’s about it — a solid hitlist for the best breakfast in Dublin. From Alma’s Turkish eggs to Tang’s shakshuka and Two Boys Brew’s legendary hotcakes, the city’s full of places that are worth rolling out of bed for.
The majority of these establishments offer fantastic food along with relaxed, friendly ambiances. Then get a friend, rise early, and get to work ticking off these breakfast gems from your list.