Best croissant in Dublin… It’s a bold claim, but one worth chasing. Whether you’re a fan of classic French butter croissants or crave almond, chocolate, or even savory twists, Dublin’s pastry scene delivers in style. Tucked between leafy neighborhoods and lively street corners, you’ll find cafés and bakeries where flaky, golden croissants are baked to perfection daily.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been tasked (deliciously) with sampling my way around the city’s finest… early morning dashes to bakeries, mid-week café visits, and weekend brunches in comfort food joints, all in the name of research. What did I learn? Croissants aren’t all created equal. Some just crumble beautifully, some melt away in the mouth, and some do a bit of both with smooth fillings and velvety coffee.
If you’re in the market for buttery bliss , this round-up of Dublin’s top croissants has you covered. Arrive early, arrive hungry, and prepare to enter pastry paradise.
Let’s Get Down To Our Business of Finding The Best Croissant In Dublin, Ya!
No matter how you take yours… sweet, savory, or plain old classic… these Dublin bakeries and cafés are layering up some of the city’s greatest croissants. From secret spots to popular hotspots, every destination on this list delivers flaky, buttery bliss… and many times with an equally amazing cup of coffee to go along.
Panem Café & Restaurant
When searching for Dublin’s best croissant, Panem Café quickly emerges on top, and for good reason. With a 4.7 Google rating and TripAdvisor nipping at its heels at 4.5, this riverside bakery is a cult favorite among pastry lovers and caffeine addicts alike.
Get there early if you want a seat by 9 am; it’s usually elbow-to-elbow with loyal regulars and lucky tourists who’ve caught wind. One morning, before a lecture, I almost had the place to myself; the other, I got the last seat just in front of the crush. That in itself says volumes.
And on to the goods: salted caramel croissant, perfection itself. Warm and flaky, with golden edges and a melted center. The cinnamon roll? A spiced, soft cloud. Their coffee is always excellent, strong, rich, and smooth enough to get you through a double shift or a group project.
Panem is now my go-to, a little wedge of sweetness and peace in my day-to-day student slog. It’s unassuming, genuine, and quietly top-notch.
For decent coffee and an early pastry in a nice corner, email info@panem.ie or call ahead to check the crowd.
Bread 41
Bread 41 is at a level of its own… Or so I was told when my pal recommended that I try this place out. With a rock-solid 4.6 on Google and a respectable 4.2 on TripAdvisor, this organic bakery across from Trinity College has drawn in an ardent following of locals, students, and flaky pastry aficionados alike.
I stopped by before class, hoping to grab a quick coffee and a croissant, and found myself with a full tray and no apology. The cruffin, bursting with smooth chocolate custard, completely surprised me in a good way. And best of all, their almond croissant? Simply a dream, still warm, sweetly crisp on the outside, and filled with creamy, rich almond paste. Easily the best I’ve had in the city, maybe even ever.
We also tried the twice-baked ham and cheese croissant, practically a meal in itself, and the sausage roll, hearty enough to count as brunch and lunch rolled into one. The pain au chocolat was a little too dense for my liking, but that almond croissant had me back the very next morning for round two.
Lines are no laughing matter here, they start early and never seem to let up. But the hum, the excitement, and the sheer excellence of the bakes make it all worth it.
For flaky perfection and a pastry case to smile by mouthful after mouthful, Bread 41 is worth its stripes. Call operations@bread41.ie or just roll up early, trust me, the almond croissant doesn’t wait for anyone.
Russell Street Bakery
Russell Street Bakery may very well have Dublin’s finest croissant, no hype. This hidden gem at Behan Square boasts an incredible 4.8-star Google rating (480+ reviews) and 4.9 on TripAdvisor, and it still remains off the radar of more touristy bakeries.
The bakery itself is modest and understated, with a number of outdoor tables perfect for sitting with a quiet coffee and pastry. Staff were friendly, attentive, and happy to provide recommendations based on your taste.
I got the spinach and feta croissant, which was buttery, flaky, and filled with creamy goodness. The chocolate croissant was crazy, so many paper-thin, crispy layers, and a mousse-like dense interior that took it to a whole other level. Some of Dublin’s best croissants, hands down, both texture- and taste-wise.
We also sampled the almond croissant, the cinnamon bun, and their fresh sourdough. Each was perfectly baked. Even their vegan potato, garlic, and rosemary focaccia was a hit, creamy, soft, and subtly fragrant.
Their coffee paired well with the pastries, smooth, well-balanced, and perfect for sipping slowly in the morning sunlight.
Located at Unit 2, Russell Street, Dublin 1, this bakery is a secret paradise for the pastry lover. They have no website but can be reached or followed on Instagram at @russellst.bakery.
If you are searching for Dublin’s finest croissant, Russell Street Bakery is a place you must try. Skip the queues elsewhere and treat yourself to something really special.
Elliot’s in Phibsboro
I have researched this extensively and one of the best I’ve found is, Elliot’s in Phibsboro is a game-changer. With a near-perfect 4.8-star rating on Google and a growing fan base, it outshines many of the more crowded, overhyped spots in the city.
Concealed in the corner of Behan Square on Russell Street, this bakery delivers big flavor from a small, unassuming spot. There is barely any outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a warm croissant during morning sunlight.
Service was wonderful, warm, friendly, and spot-on with their recommendations. You can tell they’re passionate about the craft, and it comes through in every bite.
The feta and spinach croissant was buttery, flaky, and rich with perfectly balanced creamy filling. The chocolate croissant? On another level. It was layered with crackly bits that shattered in the mouth and mousse-like in texture far beyond anything normal. It’s unquestionably one of Dublin’s best croissants.
We also tasted the vegan potato, garlic, and rosemary focaccia, soft, flavourful, and slightly aromatic. And of course, the coffee was excellent, smooth, powerful, and the perfect pairing to a sweet treat.
You can visit Elliot’s at Unit 2, Russell Street, Dublin 1, and the best way to reach them or check out their latest bakes is through Instagram: @elliots_dublin.
Strudel Artisan Bakery
With a 4.7-star rating on both Google (240+ reviews) and TripAdvisor, this small-batch bakery named Strudel Artisan Bakery in Dún Laoghaire has built a loyal local following, and it’s easy to see why.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with friendly staff and a true neighborhood vibe. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee or stocking up on baked goods, you’ll feel right at home here.
Their croissants are in a league of their own. Flaky buttery perfectly toasted, especially the pistachio and almond ones. Cinnamon rolls are dense and gooey but not overly sweet, and the sourdough bread is nirvana for anyone who has ever longed for authentic, crusty artisan breads.
We have been told by regulars that students from the local St. Patrick’s Street college pop in frequently, and it is no wonder. Rumor spreads when the pastry is this good. Special thanks from Peter and Ruth for Sam, your generosity obviously did not go unnoticed.
The prices are a little steeper than your average bakery, but the quality clearly warrants it. Just make sure to get there early, things disappear fast for a reason.
You can phone at 105 Patrick St, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, A96 RX31, or phone 01 280 8695 and enquire. Give ’em a try will’ya. It’d be the best €3 you ever spent.
The Bretzel Bakery & Cafe
The Bretzel Bakery & Café in Portobello is a hidden gem that could quite possibly give you the croissant you were looking for a best flaky sweetness. Standing at 4.5 stars on Google (650+ reviews) and a 4.4 on TripAdvisor, this established bakery offers serious quality with each bite.
I phoned in during my lunch break for take out and was greeted with cheerful smiles and calming Italian café sounds blaring in the background. The ambience was so relaxing, and I wished I could linger long enough to sit and enjoy the experience.
I had an almond croissant, baked cheesecake, and cappuccino. The cheesecake was incredibly creamy with a biscuit base which melted in the mouth. The coffee was good and smooth. And the croissant, so beautiful I didn’t want to actually eat it. Flaky layers, perfect texture, and rich almond filling made it a legitimate challenger for Dublin’s best croissant.
Prices are reasonable by Dublin standards, and the quality is great value. From pastry to service, it was all thought through and at leisure, a gem in a thriving city.
You can find them at 1A Lennox St, Portobello, Dublin 8, or phone at 087 380 0211 or orders@bretzel.ie for special orders or advice.
For those on the lookout for artisan bakes, warm atmosphere, and the winner of Dublin’s best croissant, The Bretzel Bakery is well worth a trip.
Shoe Lane Coffee
Before grabbing a bus out of the city, I stopped at Shoe Lane Coffee for a minute, and am I ever glad I did. Hidden away on Tara Street, this little coffee shop boasts an impressive 4.7-star rating on Google (1,100+ reviews), with rave reviews for top-notch coffee, chilled-out atmosphere, and really excellent pastries.
I took a cappuccino and a chocolate croissant to go, and quite frankly, the combination was ideal. The croissant was buttery, crispy on the outside, and literally packed with decadent, chocolatey goo. In no doubt, it is one of the best croissants in Dublin, particularly for an instant, satisfying snack.
I developed the habit of stopping here every week in college. The almond croissant became a staple, flaky, sweet, and filled to perfection. Their pastries are freshly baked all day long, and pride in their work is apparent from first bite to end.
The coffee? Smooth, bold, and perfect every time. With the laid-back music, friendly staff, and high-end treats, the spot gets comfort and quality with no hassle.
You can spot Shoe Lane Coffee at 7 Tara Street, Dublin 2, and contact them at hello@shoelanecoffee.ie. It’s wheelchair-friendly, laptop-friendly, and the perfect place for solo drops-ins or low-key meetups.
For the best coffee and possibly the best croissant in Dublin, Shoe Lane is the way to go. Highly rated, especially if you’re in a hurry but want something superlative.
Two Pups
Too often the best coffee shops are those you just happen to find yourself at, and that’s how I found Two Pups. Parking along Saint Patrick’s Cathedral block on a weekend afternoon, my friend and I ducked into it. It ended up being one of the day’s biggest surprises.
The vibe is energetic, cozy, and vibrant. As we walked in, the staff were warm and inviting, and we had a fine premonition of a fantastic experience. I started with a strawberry croissant to pair with my eggs on toast, and it was the perfect sweet beginning, flaky, bright, and just sufficiently decadent.
My friend had an almond croissant and would not stop talking about how tasty it was. I had a bite and thoroughly concurred, hands down Dublin’s best croissant. Flaky buttery pastry with a rich almond filling that wasn’t overpowering. Just great.
The eggs on toast came with a warm glow of spice that sliced through the sweetness of the croissant and coffee. Every dish was tasted thoughtful, fresh, and lovingly prepared.
Two Pups is at 74 Francis Street, The Liberties, Dublin 8, right next to the cathedral. It’s wheelchair accessible, dog friendly, and ideal for groups or solo brunchers.
With great coffee, a bustling but subdued atmosphere, and arguably the best croissant in Dublin, Two Pups is the kind of café you’ll be glad you didn’t walk past.
Copper + Straw Specialty Coffee
On our final morning in Ireland, my sister and I discovered Copper + Straw, and it delivered the best coffee of our whole vacation. This specialty coffee shop has earned a 4.8-star Google review (620+ reviews) and is rated 4.9 on TripAdvisor, located in the midst of Temple Bar on Aston Quay.
The atmosphere is casual and chic, perfect for a quick caffeine boost or a leisurely morning with a pastry. The staff is really five-star-authentic, friendly, and efficient without being hasty. Their matcha latte was expertly made, and their Cold Brew was smooth, thirst-quenching, and full of flavor.
I had a veggie roll that was robust and tasty, and my sister had an iced latte with their house butterscotch syrup, sweet, smooth, and just rich enough. She had it with a chocolate croissant that was crunchy, flaky, and yummy.
Although the almond croissant fell a bit short for me, drier than others, it’s apparent their pastry game is still on point. For chocolate aficionados and coffee aficionados, it’s still one of the best in the neighborhood.
Copper + Straw is located at 14–18 Aston Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Call them at 087 810 2634 or hello@copperandstraw.ie with questions or to place an order.
From their standout drinks to rich pastries, Copper + Straw is a strong contender for the best croissant in Dublin, especially if chocolate’s your go-to. A cozy gem worth returning to.
Bottom Line Is
By now, you’ve already guessed that Dublin’s croissant game is really strong. Some might even say it’s the most authentic home of baked goodies. Regardless, you’re a local brunch hunter or a traveler after the city’s best bites, these spots offer the kind of pastries that stop conversations mid-bite. And best croissant in Dublin is one of them without a doubt.
Pair your choice with a rich coffee like mine, take an available sunny corner table, and treat yourself to what might become your new morning ritual. Or… you might even find your favourite outdoor workspot at some sunny corner.
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