Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in Dublin

"Brother Hubbard is a recent addition to trendy Capel Street and they're setting the bar high. Coffee and tea is sourced from two of the best Dublin suppliers, 3FE and Wall and Keogh and their homemade drinks including orange and lemon barley water and rose, raspberry and apple are refreshing and different. In recent months they have really stepped up their sweet treat offerings and there are now a range of baked goods from scones to friandes as well more dessert-style items."

"Described on Tripadvisor as a ‘fusion of the casual elegance of a Parisian brasserie with the dynamism of a New York eatery’, this gorgeous city centre bar and restaurant has a fantastic brunch menu. They serve buttermilk pancakes with either apricots, Greek yoghurt, orange blossom honey, and pistachios, or with bacon, blueberries, and maple syrup. And if you’re looking for something healthier, they also have oat pancakes with organic nut butter, banana, cacao nibs, and toasted pecan."

"This bright and airy brasserie boasts a chic aesthetic to please even the pickiest of Instagrammers. With lofty ceilings, marble tables, and a sunny outdoor terrace, Balfe's is one of the best restaurants in Dublin, offering everything from weekend brunches through to date night dinners."

"Balfes brasserie in The Westbury Hotel is all about a plush dining experience. No plastic cutlery in here, oh no. Expect beautifully presented cuisine, marble tables, deep leather booths and very flattering lighting – perfect for that post-meal selfie."

"San Lorenzo's in one of the city's premiere Italian spots that isn't relying on the homely, rustic style that is the usual hallmark of Italian restaurants. The aim is modern cuisine that fuses classic Italian ingredients with a New York style of cooking. The interior is dark with light wooden benches in booths."

"If you're looking to indulge early on the weekend, look no further. San Lorenzo's can be described (and is) as a modern Italian, NYC style. Some say this is the #bestbrunchindublin and I'm finding it hard to argue that myself."

"Comes with salt caramelised bananas, peanut butter, mascarpone whipped cream and Belgian chocolate sauce. You'll probably have to go back to bed after this."

"Hidden in Dublin’s cultural quarter, just off the bustling South William Street is where you will find Coppinger Row, a restaurant that promises a culinary experience of the highest order. Amazing food in generous portions coupled with friendly helpful staff make this a firm favourite among Dublin diners so booking in advance is advised. Oh, and their cosy terrace is ideal for eating and people watching in the summer!"

"Located on a buzzy pedestrianised cobblestone street in Dublin’s stylish Creative Quarter, Coppinger Row is well regarded as one of the coolest and most stylish dining experiences in the city. A favourite of visiting celebrities and locals alike.Coppinger Row is known for delivering consistently...See More"

"Order any type of cocktail (or three) you desire and get stuck into their epic menu. And if you're not in the mood for a full meal, just share a cheese and / meat board with a nice bottle of white."

"Nestled in between Camden Street and Pleasants Place, The Cake Caf� is one of Dublin's hidden gems. Every aspect of this building has been thought through from the solar paneling that powers the caf� to their ethical coffee and, most importantly, their food and cakes. If you're looking to sample baked goods of the highest order, order a cake or small treats for any occasion, or simply enjoy lunch using fresh, local ingredients then this is the perfect place to slip into."

"At Michelle Darmody's dreamy little Cake Café local, organic, and seasonal are the words to live by, where you can chow down on simple savory...Read More"

"You can’t go wrong with any of the offerings in The Cake Café. We have a special fondness for the lemon yoghurt cake, though."

"I’ve always loved Carluccios’ Italian fare (I am partial to their ravioli) and my kids now love it too. To families, they offer a kids menu with the possibility of picking the pasta shape you want and the sauce of your liking: a simple thing that makes kids feel engaged and makes eating with fussy eaters immensely easier (especially if the fussy eaters in question are very opinionated about pasta type like my two!). Address: 52 Dawson Street, Dublin 2"

"With a menu that changes based on seasonality, Platform 61 remains fresh and hip as one of Dublin’s best brunch spots. They do traditional dishes such as Eggs Benedict and Huevos Rancheros, but they also do slightly different plates such as Shallot and Pea Ravioli and The Stun Bun, a grilled chicken sandwich served with guacamole and roast potatoes. Platform 61 are open for outdoor dining on South William Street."

"You’d be forgiven for walking past Platform 61 and not knowing what you’d missed. This underground eatery, tucked away on South William Street, is inspired by New York’s Track 61, a secret underground passageway for VIPs that was built in 1913 and is thought to still be in use. Platform 61 opened in 2015, but is a little-known Dublin gem."

"The Jame Joyce Centre is located on North Great George's Street in the North Georgian Quarter and was built in the late 18th century. While Joyce himself never lived in this establishment he was connected to it through the Dance School that was run by Prof. Dennis Maginni, a character who appeared several times in Joyce's novel Ulysses. Joyce's family lived in a house not dissimilar to this Georgian building and it contains all of Joyce's addresses, an interactive tour of Joyce's Ulysses, Joyce's death mask and a range of documentaries and artefacts from Ulysses that will satisfy any diehard fans needs."

"One of the most famous Dublin born writers is James Joyce who wrote the 20th century classic Ulysses (free on Kindle), and the James Joyce Centre (fee*) is dedicated to the author and his writings. Here you can learn all about both the life of James Joyce, as well as his famous novel, told via film and exhibits. The museum also has the front door from No. 7 Eccles Street on display, which readers of Ulysses will know as being the home of protagonist Leopold Bloom."

"The Martello tower in the seaside village of Sandycove, about 7 miles from Dublin’s City center, is where Irish writer James Joyce spent six nights in 1904. Known as the James Joyce Tower and Museum, it left such an impression on Joyce that inspiration for the opening scenes of his novel, “Ulysses,” came from there. The bedroom in the James Joyce Museum."

"Going to the Guinness factory and taking the tour is about as touristy as you can get- but for good reason. It's a fun, interactive tour and you get to drink at the end. The rooftop bar also has a great view."

"Gallery Zozimus, art gallery, in the centre of Dublin’s Arts and Antiques Quarter of Francis Street, is ideally situated in the centre of a triangle…"

"Located in the food loft at Jervis shopping centre, J2 is the perfect spot to grab some lunch at your break between all that shopping. All the fish and meat that sushi restaurant J2 uses for its dishes are locally sourced from Ireland. The food is very reasonably priced for what you get."

"Sisu Izakaya is a relatively new venue, having only opened in late 2018, but it quickly established itself as one of the best places for sushi in Dublin. With a large, authentic menu on offer, Sisu Izakaya serves some really fresh and flavourful dishes with prices that won't break the bank. View this post on Instagram"

"The simple yet elegantly beautiful interior of Aoki Sushi Noodle Bar is a perfect reflection of the food on offer. They offer a wide range of excellent nigiri, sushi, and sashimi at very reasonable prices, and accommodate BYOB for wine only for a corkage fee of €6. Location: Unit 4, 63 Richmond Street, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin"

"Located outside Dublin city in Dun Laoghaire, this museum aims to preserve and present the many aspects of marine life in Ireland."

"There are few buildings that reflect the changing and often turbulent political history of Ireland better than Dublin Castle. A castle has stood here for nearly 900 years, with most of the current building dating from the 18th century, and until the Anglo-Irish treaty of 1921, it was the seat of the English and British governments in Ireland (the building itself witnessed several major events in the struggle for independence). Since then, it has hosted the inaugurations of Irish presidents, and also welcomed thousands of visitors as one of Ireland’s best tourist attractions."

"Dublin Castle is right in the heart of the city - and it’s a great location if you’re a Dublin Music Photographer too. It’s right opposite the Olympia, so any bands that might need a quick portrait for tomorrow’s papers with a scenic backdrop are in luck. Again, you probably shouldn’t be tearing around the place with all your gear if you don’t want to get thrown out, but this is another ideal spot for a prime lens and reflector set-up."

"It would be almost blasphemous for me to make a “Best Castles in Dublin” list without including Dublin Castle. Right in the heart of the city, the castle was originally built in 1204 as a residence for the British monarch’s Irish representative. From then on until 1922, Dublin Castle has served as the seat of British rule in Ireland."

"Wax museums provide the unique opportunity to rub shoulders with celebrities and famous figures, but Dublin’s version offers much more. Discover exhibits dedicated to important scientific discoveries and the history of Ireland, as well as life size statues of music legends like Phil Lynott and Elvis Presley and iconic Irish writers such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde. Daytime tickets cost €16.50 per person but if you’re visiting as a family you can get 2 adults and 2 children in for just €45."

"This privately owned waxwork museum is up there with the best kid-friendly things to do in Dublin. With various attractions, from Father Ted’s Room to great Irish writers, music and entertainment to time vaults, the National Wax Museum is a great place to spend the afternoon. Address: The Lafayette Building, 22-25 Westmoreland St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 EH29, Ireland"

"Enjoy Irish history and walk through the Hall of Irish Legends and encounter some of the most famous faces who have helped shape the history of our great island. In addition, there’s fun to be had for all the family in the children’s zone of discovery. Plan you visit to the Wax Museum today!"