Even though many cafes around Trinity and Temple Bar may claim to be the best coffee shops in Dublin, I’m not the type to go for the word alone. And no, I’m not undermining or anything. Trust me, this city knows how to do coffee right.
From hidden indie gems to well-loved city staples, Dublin’s coffee scene can refreshingly wake you charge you up with top-tier brews and welcoming atmospheres. Whether you’re a flat white purist, a pour-over devotee, or just in need of a solid morning pick-me-up, there’s a spot in Dublin that’ll hit the mark.
The past few months have found me utterly swamped in work and so in need of many cups of coffee. Fair to say, on breaks, I was all over seeking out cafés that don’t merely serve a great cup but make you feel the cozy vibe to rest your mind and energize before starting fresh.
From the low-key charms to the artisanal love at Proper Order, and even an airport gem well-hidden at Cloud Picker T2, this list of mine has Dublin’s finest coffee experiences lined up for you. Just a read away.
What’s the wait then…let’s get reading ya?
Let’s Get Through My Bucket List of The Best Coffee Shops In Dublin, Ya!
Kaph
Kaph on Drury Street is Dublin’s best go-to coffee shop for those who like their coffee black and brewed to perfection. Having a respectable 4.4 stars on Google (1,143+ reviews) and 4.3 on TripAdvisor (181+ reviews), this independent coffee shop keeps things simple, no gimmicks, no fuss, just great coffee and a relaxed, low-key vibe.
You remember those days when you don’t want things complicated, just a nice cup of coffee and some peace? That’s Kaph in a nutshell. I’ve had a flat white (€4.40) and it was all it could be: silky, rich, strong, and balanced. Purist in want? Espresso (€3.80) or Americano (€3.90) if you fancy. Feeling fancy and wanting something special? Try to taste their matcha latte (€4.50), mocha or dirty chai (€4.70).
From outside, the shopfront appears tiny, but go upstairs and there’s a peaceful, cozy seating area that’s perfect for curling up and reading, or watching the world go by, or tapping away on your laptop. The atmosphere is minimalist but friendly, and they even put up a “Song of the Day” and “Song of the Month” on the wall, which provides that slightly offbeat, wonky touch that the regulars love.
They’ve also got a neat selection of desserts, like vegan brownies and sponge cake. It’s not a brunch café, but if you want something sugary with your cup, you’re in luck.
Kaph is successful because it doesn’t mess about, a nice, standalone café with great coffee, friendly staff, and space to chill. If you’re in the city center and require an easy caffeine fix, this is the one. To find out more, you can contact them at +353 1 613 9030 or email info@kaph.ie.
Proper Order Coffee Co
Proper Order Coffee Co. on Smithfield is probably one of the best coffee shops in Dublin. Tucked away in Unit 1 of The Distillery Building, this low-key café receives a nice 4.6-star rating on Google (944+ reviews) and 4.3 on TripAdvisor (56+ reviews). With great coffee, chill vibe, and space to chill out or get some work done, it’s a local and student hotspot, and a must-visit for visiting coffee aficionados.
I originally stopped by for a jump-start on the caffeine front, but the serene, open environment here made me stay longer than I’d planned. If you’re meeting someone or sitting there solo with your computer, it’s the kind of café that makes both feel at home. Staff were friendly and attentive, striking just the right balance between professional and relaxed, no attitude, just strong coffee skills.
I got an iced latte (€5.25), and it was just what I had been looking for, smooth, creamy, and clearly lovingly prepared. There is also iced black coffee (€5), and some playful matcha flavors, such as elderflower and strawberry (high-end ones are up to €6.50–€7). Pastries? Yes, they do have a nice little assortment, and all of what I had was good.
The best part? It just works. The space is wheelchair accessible, dog-friendly, and cozy but not overly styled out. There is complimentary Wi-Fi, neat seating, and a relaxed vibe that invites you to stay a while.
If you’re serious about good coffee, not the flashy stuff, but the kind that’s made right, then Proper Order is well worth the detour. For more info or to get in touch, visit their website.
Brew Lab Specialty Coffee
If you’re serious about coffee, Brew Lab Specialty Coffee on Redmond’s Hill might just be your next favourite spot. With a sky-high Google rating of 4.8 (701 reviews) and a perfect 5.0 on TripAdvisor, this place doesn’t just serve coffee, it elevates it.
I stopped in on a muted weekday morning and was immediately struck by how polished and sleek the service was. Smiling faces, rehearsed rituals, and not a single hint of snobbery, just people who genuinely love what they do and want you to love it too.
Their menu is seriously impressive. They have silky flat whites, clean and bright pour-overs, and precisely drawn espresso shots to fit every coffee style. You can tell the beans are carefully chosen, and the team is always happy to talk origins, flavour profiles, or brewing methods, without ever overwhelming you.
The space is casual and trendy with a warm, relaxed vibe. It’s laptop-friendly too, so perfect if you’re looking for a quiet place to work or just want to sit with a cup and take it slow. It’s also wheelchair-accessible and easy to find just off Camden Street, a short stroll from the city centre.
For anyone on a mission to discover best coffee shops in Dublin, Brew Lab deserves to be awarded a spot on the list. It’s the type of café that keeps standards high without singing and dancing about it, just consistently excellent, every time. You can reach them via Instagram, and they’re located at 17 Redmond’s Hill, Dublin 2.
Cloud Picker Cafe – T2 GATE 409
Airport coffee never sticks in the mind, usually overpriced and underwhelming, but Cloud Picker Café at Gate 409 in Terminal 2 completely flips that on its head. With a 4.7 on both Google (1,118 reviews) and TripAdvisor, it is a little gem of a secret that seriously plants some firm ground in the debate for one of the best coffee shops in Dublin, even if it is in an airport.
After all those hours of flying and what felt like a marathon of airport terminals, finding this café was like stumbling into a small oasis. The vibe was chill, some mellow music was playing, and plenty of comfortable seating out of the way of the food court chaos upstairs. I was tired, but their coffee? Perked me right up. It was that good, in fact, that we ensured we went back there again on the way home through Dublin. Without a doubt, the best coffee of the whole trip.
I had a silky flat white (£4.50-ish), and it was absolute perfection, smooth, rich, and spot-on roasted. My egg salad sandwich was also spot on, and the pastries in the fridge were fresh and well-thought-out. Staff were extremely friendly and courteous, and I appreciated how they described allergens on everything so clearly. You can tell quality matters here, from the beans to the staff serving them.
What makes Cloud Picker stand out even more is how unexpected it is for an airport café. This isn’t some slapdash counter; it feels more like a proper specialty coffee shop that just happens to be inside Terminal 2. If I’m honest, I’ll be planning future layovers through Dublin just for the excuse to grab a coffee here again.
You’ll find Cloud Picker Café situated right beside Gate 409 at Dublin Airport Terminal 2. Wheelchair friendly, laptop okay (a blessing for independent travelers like myself), and just generally feels a light-year away from terminal hustle. If you’re arriving, departing, or just passing through, it’s absolutely worth stopping by, especially if you’re on the hunt for excellent coffee.
Coffeeangel
If you’re the kind of person who can taste the difference between good coffee and truly great coffee, Coffeeangel on Anne Street South might just be your new favourite. With a solid 4.6 on Google (714 reviews) and 4.5 on TripAdvisor, this no-fuss local chain puts all the focus where it should be, on the brew itself.
I’ve been here so frequently that they can likely call my order by the sound of my approach. The workers always greet me with a warm hello as if they’re old friends, and nine times out of ten, my oat latte is already in production before I’ve even had a chance to say anything (a dream come true if you’re socially anxious pre-coffee). That level of personal service, along with always excellent coffee, is exactly why Coffeeangel is my choice of one of Dublin’s best coffee shops.
I popped in on a recent call for a quick flat white (€4.20, a tad expensive, but worth city centre) and, as ever, latte art was immaculate. The flavor? Smooth, balanced, and punchy enough to get me going without ever tasting harsh. I’ve also had a double espresso here that blew me away, bright grapefruit notes, but naturally sweet, no sugar needed. It’s that kind of precision that keeps locals loyal and makes tourists rave about it.
There’s something about the energy of this place, too; even when it’s busy, it never feels overwhelming. The staff keep the atmosphere friendly and upbeat. Our friends from Taiwan and Nepal (didn’t catch the names) were buzzing after their first sip, and honestly, that sums it up.
You’d find Coffeeangel at 16 Anne Street South, Dublin 2, a cozy, quiet spot ideal for lone coffee lovers, laptop writers, or just anyone needing a pick-me-up. The coffee is fair trade and locally roasted, and they’ve also got fares, treats, and tea. Free Wi-Fi, wheelchair accessibility, and a hip but not snobbish atmosphere, the ultimate quality and comfort combination smack in the middle of the city.
Mish.Mash Art Caffè
If you’re looking for one of Dublin’s best coffee shops that’s more akin to a warm hug than a caffeine fix, try Mish. Mash Art Caffè on Capel Street. Tucked away in the city centre, this cozy little café is a true hidden gem with a 4.7 rating on Google (316 reviews) and a solid 4.6 on TripAdvisor.
My visit here was meant to be a flying coffee stop, but I stayed longer due to the welcoming smile of the woman who served me. The coffee itself was top-notch, rich, smooth, and just what I required. But it was the warm geniality that brightened my day. It’s not every day that a cuppa comes with that sort of kindness.
The café itself is small but full of character, with a trendy, relaxed vibe. This is well-suited to solo eating or low-key catch-ups with friends. It’s the kind of place where time stops. I even overheard some diners saying it’s their go-to post-flight spot, and I can see why. The staff go out of their way to accommodate dietary needs (IBS-friendly and vegan dishes are available).
I didn’t get to try any treats this time, but I’ll be back for a sweet slice next round. Mish. Mash feels like countryside comfort dropped into the middle of Dublin, relaxed, friendly, and full of character. Bonus points for being dog-friendly outside and a great little spot to work on a laptop without feeling rushed.
Mish. Mash Art Caffè is located at 66 Capel Street, Dublin 1. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and sweet treats, and cater to vegetarian, vegan, and organic diners very well. They are dog-friendly (outside seating area). Also it’s an ideal place for tourists, quiet rendezvous, or just someone needing a break from the city buzz. For more details, they can be reached at +353 85 136 3638.
A Few Words on Dublin’s Coffee Shops
From Kaph’s no-frills espresso to Brew Lab’s cutting-edge craft, Dublin coffee culture is an ideal mixture of quality, whimsy, and neighborhood feel. Grabbing a rush cup or passing an entire morning curled up in a corner, these cafes are more than spots to get a caffeine fix; they’re tiny havens scattered throughout the city.
With friendly baristas, thoughtful rooms, and consistently sublime coffee, each one makes its special contribution to Dublin’s café culture. Go ahead and treat your next world-class craving at the chains and check out these local gems instead; they’re serving up some of Dublin’s finest coffee.