Dublin has excellent coffee shops throughout the city centre. This guide covers the best cafes in central Dublin, from long-established favorites to new specialty coffee spots. These cafes offer quality coffee, good service, and capture what makes Dublin’s coffee scene unique. Whether you want a quick espresso or a place to spend the afternoon, you’ll find the right spot here.
Discovering Dublin’s Premier Coffee Destinations
Dublin’s cafes offer more than just a caffeine fix; they provide spaces for connection, contemplation, and a momentary escape from the city’s lively pace. Here are ten of the best cafes that define Dublin’s rich and evolving coffee landscape.
1. 3fe Grand Canal
Located on Grand Canal Street Lower in Dublin 2, 3fe Grand Canal stands as a cornerstone of Dublin’s specialty coffee movement. Renowned for its commitment to exceptional coffee, 3fe meticulously sources its beans, ensuring a superior flavour in every cup. Beyond their outstanding brews, the cafe offers an inventive food menu for breakfast, lunch, and brunch, featuring dishes like fluffy pancakes with seasonal fruit and delightful avocado toast. Patrons consistently praise the quality of both the coffee and the food, often citing it as some of the best they have experienced. The atmosphere is inviting, making it a popular meeting point for coffee enthusiasts and even welcoming to dogs. You can visit 3fe Grand Canal Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and on weekends from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
2. Bewley’s Café Grafton Street
A true Dublin icon, Bewley’s Café Grafton Street embodies the city’s rich heritage. As Dublin’s oldest grand cafe, Bewley’s has served patrons for nearly a century, offering a blend of tradition and timeless elegance. The cafe’s interior features picturesque Harry Clarke stained-glass windows, creating a captivating dining environment. Bewley’s provides a rich variety of coffee blends and teas, alongside freshly baked treats, traditional Irish breakfast options, and exquisite afternoon tea. Their commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in their use of Fairtrade coffee. Bewley’s Café Grafton Street welcomes guests Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and on Sundays from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
3. Kaph
Nestled on Drury Street in Dublin 2, Kaph is a popular destination, particularly for its strong specialty coffee. Known for its cozy and inviting atmosphere, it attracts a diverse crowd. Kaph also offers plant-based milk alternatives like oat milk and a selection of vegan pastries. The cafe provides upstairs seating, making it a viable option for those looking to get some work done, though the stairs can be steep. Customers often praise Kaph for its quality coffee and central location. It opens Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
4. Cake Café
A hidden gem situated on Pleasants Place in Dublin 8, Cake Café provides a unique and charming cafe experience. Accessible through The Last Bookshop, this cafe boasts a delightful hidden courtyard, offering a tranquil escape from the city bustle. The cafe is celebrated for its top-notch cakes and croissants, complemented by a selection of coffee, chai lattes, and creative toast specials. It offers a cozy, informal atmosphere brimming with personality. Cake Café operates Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
5. Proper Order Coffee Co.
Located in the Distillery Building in Smithfield, Dublin 7, Proper Order Coffee Co. is a multi-awarded cafe that places a strong emphasis on roast perfection. Their expertly crafted espresso drinks are made with carefully sourced beans, and their baristas are highly skilled. Beyond coffee, the cafe offers a creative array of seasonal pastries, such as their popular Cardi B cardamom bun. The bright and generally quiet atmosphere makes it suitable for focused work. Proper Order Coffee Co. is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
6. Brew Lab
Situated on Redmond’s Hill in Dublin 2, Brew Lab is a standout for its vast selection of specialty coffee. With award-winning baristas, this cafe ensures every cup, from rich espressos to silky flat whites, is prepared to perfection. The interior features a chic, minimalistic design that puts the focus squarely on the coffee. In addition to their exceptional brews, Brew Lab offers gourmet handcrafted delights, including savoury rolls. It opens Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
7. Soren & Son
On Dean Street in The Liberties, Dublin 8, you find Soren & Son, a small yet stylish cafe with a distinct Hygge-inspired interior. This cozy spot offers excellent specialty coffee, including pour-over brews made with Costa Rican beans, alongside delicious pastries like almond croissants. Patrons consistently rave about the quality of both the coffee and the baked goods. While intimate, its inviting ambiance makes it a lovely place for a quick visit or a moment of reflection. Soren & Son is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
8. Copper + Straw
Located on Arran Quay near Smithfield in Dublin 7, Copper + Straw is a trendy and iconic cafe known for its industrial-style aesthetic and talented baristas. Their specialty coffee, particularly their famous flat white made from Guatemalan beans, is a highlight, often described as bursting with fruity undertones. The cafe also offers vegan pastries and savoury dishes, and provides free filtered water refills. With a relaxed vibe and a great location next to the river, it serves as an ideal spot for a quality coffee experience. Copper + Straw opens Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and on weekends from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
9. Clement & Pekoe
Found on South William Street in Dublin 2, Clement & Pekoe is celebrated for its passion for quality, offering a wide selection of fine teas and specialty coffees. The cafe boasts a vibrant atmosphere with high ceilings and ample space, making it suitable for both quick meet-ups and more relaxed visits. Patrons often commend their excellent cortados and fluffy flat whites, as well as their premium craft Kombucha and delicious sandwiches. Clement & Pekoe is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
10. The Stage Door Cafe
Situated near the Olympia Theatre on Dame Court, Dublin 2, The Stage Door Cafe offers a charming and quirky escape. This vibrant cafe is known for its delicious breakfast and lunch offerings, including hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, and a variety of hot dishes. They serve quality coffee and a selection of teas in a friendly, bustling atmosphere. Its theatrical theme and central location make it a popular spot for both locals and theatre-goers seeking a convenient and satisfying meal before or after a show. The Stage Door Cafe typically operates with extended hours to cater to the theatre crowd, generally open Monday to Sunday from early morning until late evening (specific hours may vary, checking their website or Google Maps for current times is recommended).
Frequently Asked Questions about Dublin Cafes
What is the best time to visit cafes in Dublin for a quieter experience?
For a quieter experience, consider visiting cafes during off-peak hours, generally between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM or after the main lunch rush, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Weekday mornings, just after opening, also tend to be less crowded.
Is it common to work remotely from Dublin cafes?
Yes, many cafes in Dublin welcome remote workers and offer amenities like Wi-Fi. However, it is courteous to purchase drinks and snacks, especially if you plan to stay for an extended period. Some cafes, like Kaph, have specific areas conducive to working.
What is the tipping etiquette in Dublin cafes?
While not mandatory, it is common to leave a small tip for good service in Dublin cafes. You might round up the bill or leave 10-15% for particularly attentive service.
Are there many cafes offering plant-based milk alternatives?
Yes, the vast majority of Dublin’s cafes, especially specialty coffee shops, offer a wide range of plant-based milk alternatives such as oat, almond, and soy milk, reflecting a growing demand for these options.
Can I find gluten-free or vegan food options in Dublin cafes?
Many cafes in Dublin now offer gluten-free and vegan food options, you can filter for coffee shops that offers gluten-free and vegan options using our online cafe directory https://cafenearme.ie/locations/dublin/, particularly for pastries and light bites. It is always best to check with the staff about specific offerings and cross-contamination policies. For example, Cake Café offers gluten-free options like carrot cake.
What is a “flat white” and why is it so popular in Dublin?
A flat white is an espresso-based coffee drink prepared with steamed milk. It has a microfoam layer, which is finer and less airy than that of a latte, giving it a velvety texture. Its popularity in Dublin stems from its rich, strong coffee flavour balanced by the smooth milk, appealing to those who appreciate high-quality espresso.
Are Dublin cafes generally dog-friendly?
Some cafes in Dublin are dog-friendly, especially those with outdoor seating or specific designated indoor areas, some of them can be found using the coffee shop filter in our enrich cafe directory https://cafenearme.ie/locations/dublin/. It is always a good idea to check the cafe’s policy or look for visible signs before bringing your dog inside. 3fe Grand Canal is noted as being dog-friendly.
