Brunch in Dublin is more than just a late-morning meal, it’s a weekend ritual that can help you better understand Irish cuisine. From cozy cafés tucked along cobbled lanes to energetic bistros serving up breakfast classics, there are tons of great brunch spots to include in a Dublin food tour.
Award-Winning Brunch Spots in Dublin
Signature must-try Irish foods are a mainstay of brunch in Dublin, and here are some of my favorite spots.
Brother Hubbard
Photo credit: Brother Hubbard
Both of Dublin’s Brother Hubbard locations are consistent favorites on best-of-brunch lists. Both Time Out and Condé Nast Traveler have praised them for their creative Middle Eastern-inspired brunch menu.
The ambiance is bright, relaxed, and minimalist. Their coffee program is impeccable with beans from 3FE and an excellent selection of herbal teas and seasonal juices.
Some of my top brunch dishes include pulled lamb flatbread, Moroccan-style eggs, and the ever-popular Turkish eggs menemen. However, I think their secret gem is the pastries. I adore the fragrant aroma of their cardamom buns and I’m secretly in love with the fudgy moistness of their tahini brownies.
Brother Hubbard (€€€) – 153 Capel St, North City, Dublin, D01 V9V0, Ireland.
Alma
Photo credit: Alma
Named among the best brunches in Dublin by Lonely Planet and Hot Press, Alma brings Argentine flair to the city’s brunch scene. The setting is cozy and welcoming, with earthy tones and an intimate vibe that makes it a favorite among locals
Signature brunch dishes include their dulce de leche pancakes, provoleta cheese toasties, and chorizo-style eggs. Alma’s unique fusion of Latin and Irish ingredients makes it a true standout.
I appreciate how seriously Alma takes coffee in their brunch service. I found their expertly prepared cortado paired perfectly with their homemade pastries.
Alma (€€) – 12 S Circular Rd, Portobello, Dublin 8, D08 XTN5, Ireland.
Popular Brunch Cafés Loved by Locals
In travel it’s said that you can always follow the locals to the best food, and in Dublin that’s surely true with these beloved brunch spots.
Two Boys Brew – Phibsborough
Photo credit: Two Boys Brew
Featured in The Irish Times and loved by locals, Two Boys Brew offers a stylish, Melbourne-style brunch experience with a strong focus on expertly brewed coffee. The atmosphere is urban chic with a laid-back feel, so expect warm service and good tunes.
Standout dishes on the brunch menu include their hotcake stack with honeycomb butter, corn fritters with avocado salsa, and their house-made granola. I found their honeycomb butter to be beautifully aromatic.
The Irish honey they whip into the rich butter embodies the terroir of Ireland. Then perfectly melted into the pillowy pores of the hotcakes. I honestly think syrup would just get in the way of the complex flavors of the honeycomb butter.
Their coffee is some of the best in Dublin, sourced from Cloud Picker and other specialty roasters. They’re also known for inventive seasonal specials and house-made preserves that the locals flock to in late and early summer.
Two Boys Brew (€€) – 375 N Circular Rd, Phibsborough, Dublin 7, D07 FWY1, Ireland.
Bibi’s Café – Portobello
Photo credit: Bibi’s Café
While Bibi’s has multiple locations, it’s Bibi’s Café in Portobello that’s most popular with the locals. It’s a charming neighborhood gem tucked into a quiet street, and not strongly advertised. The vibe is rustic and relaxed, with vintage décor, fresh flowers on each table, and a warm community buzz.
Locals adore Bibi’s for its cozy feel and seasonal, homemade food. Signature brunch dishes include baked eggs with harissa and feta. Locals also rave about the sweet treats, especially their buttery scones and gooey chocolate brownies.
However, I think the secret gem here is their toasted sourdough topped with poached eggs, avocado, and house-made relish. It reminds you that the Irish have truly mastered the art of sourdough toast, with an aromatic depth and crunch that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
Bibi’s Café (€€) – 14A Emorville Ave, Portobello, Dublin, D08 YY66, Ireland.
Best Brunch in South Dublin
South Dublin is known as a hot spot for brunch and restaurants serving mid-morning specialties.
Two Fifty Square
Photo credit: Two Fifty Square
Two Fifty Square is a sleek café and roastery in South Dublin known for its industrial-chic interiors and serious coffee game. The vibe is trendy yet relaxed, making it a perfect weekend hangout spot.
South Dublin locals rave about their pastries, especially the cinnamon buns and almond croissants. Coffee is roasted in-house, and their flat whites are some of the best in all of South Dublin.
The signature brunch dish at Two Fifty Square is their wild mushrooms on sourdough toast with poached eggs. However, I love their decadent French toast topped with seasonal fruit and mascarpone. I consider myself a French toast connoisseur, and the velvet custard texture inside each slice is silken while the richness is perfectly cut by the seasonal fruit compote.
Two Fifty Square (€€) – 10 Williams Park, Rathmines, Dublin, Ireland.
Final Thoughts: Dublin’s Brunch Scene Has Something for Everyone
Dublin’s brunch scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself, offering something to suit every taste. Whether you’re into classic eggs Benedict in a Georgian café or plant-based shakshuka in a trendy local haunt, there are plenty of impressive brunch spots to add to a Dublin food tour.
Exploring a mix of traditional and modern spots lets you truly savor the creativity behind Dublin’s evolving food culture. I find that you can make the most of your midday outing by pairing brunch with a stroll through nearby parks like St. Stephen’s Green, browsing the stalls at a weekend market, or popping into a local gallery. It’s a great way to get a little exercise, experience the Irish capital, and enjoy a world-class mid-morning meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What time is brunch typically served in Dublin?
Brunch in Dublin is usually served between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, with some spots extending service into the late afternoon on weekends.
Where can I get brunch with a view or outdoor seating?
Try brunch at Sophie’s Rooftop for panoramic city views or visit Brother Hubbard for cozy outdoor courtyard seating.
Are reservations required at popular brunch spots?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. As many of Dublin’s top brunch cafés fill up quickly.
What’s the most Instagram-worthy brunch in Dublin?
Two Boys Brew has beautifully plated dishes, natural lighting, and photogenic coffee setups.
Sources:
Brother Hubbard. (n.d.). Brother Hubbard – North & South. http://www.brotherhubbard.ie/
Two Boys Brew. (n.d.). Two Boys Brew. http://www.twoboysbrew.ie/
Alma. (n.d.). Alma Café. http://www.alma.ie/
Bibi’s. (n.d.). Bibi’s Café. http://bibis.ie/
Two Fifty Square. (n.d.). Two Fifty Square Coffee Roasters. http://www.twofiftysquare.com/
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Dublin food tours. https://www.eatingeurope.com/dublin/
Eating Europe. (2021, November 30). Dublin, Ireland: A foodie’s guide to the best eats. https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/dublin-ireland-food/
