I don't know about you, but an espresso and baked treat is an ideal breakfast situation for me. Am I the only one? If morning snacks are your love language, then Dublin is about to win your heart (and caffeine-fueled soul). The city’s coffee, bakery, and brunch scene has leveled up in recent years, bringing its morning game on par with other European heavyweights like Copenhagen, Stockholm and Berlin. With a fresh wave of independent cafés, pastry wizards, and all-day brunch spots, you'll be starting your days in Dublin off right.

Whether you’re hunting for a third-wave coffee shop or a flaky croissant that tastes like it flew in from Paris, Dublin delivers—warm, toasty, and full of flavor.

From cozy neighborhood gems to hip spots where the avo toast comes with a side of vinyl records and artfully poured cortados, Dublin knows how to brunch like it means it. Across my 6 trips to Ireland in the last 3 years, I have spent several mornings (okay, and some lazy afternoons) taste-testing my way through the best spots for your morning fix—and let me tell you, Dublin's rising and shining like never before.

Where to Find Dublin’s Best Coffee, Bakeries and Brunch Spots

Coffee

Brew Lab

With its sleek, minimalist vibe and baristas who could moonlight as coffee sommeliers, Brew Lab is the epitome of coffee quality. This specialty coffee shop is all about precision brewing and showcasing the best of small-batch Irish roasters. The baristas here are true coffee nerds—in the best possible way—and they’re always happy to walk you through the tasting notes of your single-origin pour-over or recommend the perfect milk for your flat white. 

• Address: 17 Redmond's Hill, Dublin, D02 E034, Ireland
• Website: https://www.instagram.com/brewlabdublin/

Vice Coffee Inc

Part café, part music venue, Vice Coffee lies on a somewhat seedy stretch of road on the north side of the river. Don’t let the location put you off. The award winning drink menu at Vice Coffee will have you wanting to stay the entire day, drinking all of the caffeinated concoctions your heart can dream of. There are iced drinks, hot drinks, spiked drinks and tea options, as well as a full bar. I love their cold brews and espressos, while my husband was obsessed with their Irish Coffees. His favorite was the Fancy Frankie, made with Teeling small batch whiskey, espresso, and charred orange with a light foam on top.

• Address: 54 Middle Abbey St, North City, Dublin, D01 E2X4, Ireland
• Website: https://www.vicecoffeeinc.com/

One Kinda Folk

On a quiet street near the Ranelagh neighborhood lies One Kinda Folk, perhaps the cutest little coffee shop in all of Dublin. Tucked inside ivy covered walls, their secret coffee garden is the most charming thing I ever did see. They specialize in third wave coffee prepared to perfection. The shop has a Bryon Bay inspired aesthetic as well as an assortment of healthy yet decadent snacks, like the addictive peanut butter balls.

• Address: 28A Dartmouth Rd, Ranelagh, Dublin 6, D06 HV20, Ireland
• Website: https://onekindafolk.ie/

Proper Order Coffee

Located in the trendy Smithfield neighborhood, Proper Order Coffee is known for its exceptional specialty coffee. I think this is probably the best espresso I had in Dublin. This café has gained a reputation for its expertly crafted espresso drinks along with high-quality pastries. It is mostly a take-and-go sort of place, but there are a few small tables and counter seating if you’re looking to hang out.

• Address: Unit 1 Distillers Building, Smithfield
• Website: http://www.properordercoffeeco.com/

Copper + Straw

For coffee lovers who take their brews seriously, Copper + Straw is a great spot for your morning caffeine fix. There are a couple of locations around Dublin, but the Ashton Quay spot is SO convenient for travelers exploring Dublin’s key tourist attractions. Their espresso drinks are great—and yes, their pastries are just as good as their flat whites.

• Address: 14 - 18 Aston Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 FV38, Ireland
• Website: http://copperandstraw.ie/

Legit Coffee Co

Tucked into the heart of the historic Liberties district, Legit Coffee Co is a small independent café where serious specialty coffee and homemade brunch collide in the best way possible. Founded in 2015 by French-Brazilian duo Jay and Damien, Legit combines locally roasted Baobab beans (with guest roasts from as far afield as Bonanza in Berlin) with French pastries, hearty sausage rolls, and creative brunch dishes. It feels like a neighborhood gem with friendly staff and cozy vibes. 

• Address: Meath Mart, 1 Meath St, The Liberties, Dublin, Ireland
• Website: legitcoffeeco.com

Bakeries

Bread 41

Specializing in an assortment of sourdoughs, Bread 41 is located on a busy street just north of the Trinity College campus. You can pick up loaves and pastries to go at the counter (if you are in a hurry), or you can snag a table at their café to get the true experience. Their pastry selection is utter perfection, as I share on my TikTok video about the experience. You’ll find beautifully layered sourdough croissants, raisin buns and a rotating selection of focaccias. The full café menu is equally as attractive, complete with a breakfast sandwich, eggs benedict or toasts.

• Address: 41 Pearse St, Dublin 2, D02 H308, Ireland
• Website: https://bread41.ie/

Bakeology

Tucked away on a quiet street in the Liberties district of west Dublin, Bakeology is an artisanal Argentinian bakery. The bright yellow exterior is like a burst of sunny energy on Ireland’s infamously cloudy days. You’ll find a wide assortment of savory empanadas or if you’re more of a sweet tooth person, their pastry case will have your mouth watering. The Alfajores, or stuffed short bread cookies, are especially delightful. Bakeology is the kind of spot where everything feels handmade with love. You’ll likely leave with a pastry in one hand and a box of “just one more” in the other.

• Address: 43 Meath St, The Liberties, Dublin, D08 VF76, Ireland
• Website: None

The Rolling Donut

With multiple locations around Dublin, the prime location for Rolling Donut is on O'Connell Street just north of the Liffey River. This spot is famous for its wide variety of over-the-top gourmet donuts. From classic flavors to innovative creations, this beloved donut shop offers a sweet treat for every taste. They are super rich and beautifully decorated! I am a big fan of the caramelised biscuit donut, which is filled with caramel creme.

• Address: 34 Bachelors Walk, North City, Dublin 1, D01 YN15, Ireland
• Website: https://www.therollingdonut.ie/

Brunch

The Pepper Pot

Located inside the refurbished Powerscourt Warehouse, this is one of my favorite spots in all of Dublin. The Pepper Pot Café has a great view over the light filled glass atrium, looking down from a narrow balcony over the ground floor. Plus, they've got some of the best bagels and pastries in the city. Their espresso is particularly nice.

• Address: 59 William St S, Dublin 2, D02 CH28, Ireland
• Website: https://www.thepepperpot.ie/

One Society

Offering a modern brunch menu and excellent espresso during the day, One Society switches over to an Italian tapas restaurant at night. You can enjoy woodfired pizza & pasta or healthy toasts depending on when you go. I went for a weekend brunch, and loved the fried kale toast. It came atop a sourdough bread with pesto, two soft poached eggs, and a light chili & sesame salt topping. On a sunny day, the patio is alluring but the street noise is fairly loud. Opt to dine inside. 

• Address: 1 Gardiner Street Lower, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, D01 P9Y1, Ireland
• Website: https://www.onesociety.ie/

Fumbally

I genuinely loved the chaotic but cozy atmosphere at Fumbally. There was a community feel to it. Half the space is a café with a quirky gallery wall where each painting is slightly off-kilter. The other half of the space is a farm-to-table grocery store with high-end imports and specialty products. On a Saturday morning like when I went, the staff were hurriedly running between tables and shoppers, while a raucous assortment of patrons chowed down on delicious brunch cuisine. There is an impressive wine list, many of which are natural wines or Irish wines, and you can buy the bottles to go as well.

• Address: Fumbally Ln, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 HFF2, Ireland
• Website: https://thefumbally.ie/cafe/

Have thoughts or questions about this Dublin coffee & bakery guide? Tell me in the comments!