When traveling to Dublin, you’re likely geared up for the extensive pub scene, scenic views, and numerous pints of Guinness. But have you thought about breakfast? I absolutely love the city of Dublin. On my most recent trip, the theme could be boiled down to I came for the food, I stayed for the people. People in Dublin are so kind and genuinely want you to enjoy their city. So, if you’re not sure where to go while visiting, I encourage you to ask a local. If you’re feeling shy in the beginning, I’ll start you off with some of my favorite breakfast spots in this city.
The people of Dublin are proud of their country and their food. I was reminded of this so many times when tasting farm fresh produce, artisanal breads, and pastry crafted with time and care. If you make time to slow down, sit, and enjoy a meal or a glass of Guinness you’re likely to be greeted by a friendly local open to having a chat. If you end up having a few too many pints, any one of these breakfast spots will put you right in the morning with a cup of something hot and a breakfast that will make you rethink the reputation of Irish cuisine.
5 Best Breakfast Spots in Dublin
Brother Hubbard
Brother Hubbard is a great example of the current dining scene in Dublin. They use fresh local ingredients and hand make everything. This means their menu changes often to highlight what is in season. This is what you want in Ireland. In a country that takes great pride in its agriculture, notable restaurants focus on showcasing produce seasonally. My fluffy scrambled eggs were topped with beautifully sauteed leeks and pepitas atop warm sourdough bread with as much butter as possible. This café has a modern comfortable feel with a lovely outdoor seating area for nice days. Do not sleep on the pastries here. We started our breakfast with a scroll which was a delightful pastry similar to a sticky bun, fiiled with sticky sweet walnuts and goes perfectly with a cup of tea.
Taste Food Company
39-40 William St S
This was possibly my favorite breakfast in Dublin, though it’s very hard to choose. Again, we started with a pastry. This time it was a scone chock full of dried fruit that had the soft interior and crunchy exterior that I rarely find in a scone. Served with berry compote and fresh cream, we devoured the scone with tea.
For my main breakfast, I went with the smashed avocado and peanut rayu, served with soft poached eggs and meaty mushrooms. The combination of the sourdough bread, avocado, soft eggs and spicy chili oil was something I wanted to make at home. My husband ordered the Irish eggs benedict which was served with a local black pudding. Black pudding, or blood sausage, is a popular breakfast item in Ireland and is definitely worth a try. At Taste Food Company, it was soft and savory with a pleasant chew from the rice mixed into the sausage.
The Pepper Pot
59 William St S
I ate a lot of great bread in Dublin and The Pepper Pot is one of those places that is doing things old school with traditional techniques and using time as an ingredient to develop flavor. Of course, we had to start with a pastry. We shared a flaky croissant filled with prosciutto, cheese, and pear that made me wish for one more bite. This is another café with an ever-changing menu, especially when it comes to the pastries. If you see something you have to try, order it. They consistently offer a breakfast plate of beautifully scrambled eggs over sourdough toast and your choice of accoutrement.
While this was tempting, I had to try the poached eggs served with garlicy yogurt and a punchy pickle salad. The yogurt and eggs created the perfect sauce for dunking garlicy sourdough. Plus, the salad offered the acidity needed to cut through the richness. The Pepper Pot in located inside Powerscourt Centre which deserves a trip for the architecture alone. While inside, check out some of the shops and other restaurants. The knitting store next to the café has an incredible selection of Irish wool.
Mannings Bakery
39/40 Thomas St, The Liberties
Mannings is a family owned breakfast spot in Dublin known for its cakes, but they do a solid breakfast as well. If you’re looking for a spot to load up on pastry, this would be a good one, but you have to go early for the best selection. We shared a scone with butter and jam and a breakfast sandwich that would cure any hangover. Their breakfast sandwich is on a homemade bagel with egg, sausage, and bacon. It’s a hearty and delicious breakfast that will keep you going if you plan to walk the city for a day. While you’re ordering, you may want to grab an éclair or another sweet treat for later.
Herbert Park Market
Herbert Park
Yes, I am sending you to a farmers market for breakfast. If you are lucky enough to be in Dublin on a Sunday, wander over to Herbert Park Market. It’s open from 11-4, and you can make yourself a picnic from the many fine vendors in attendance. This is honestly one of the best farmers markets I’ve ever visited. It’s also a perfect example of the kindness you will encounter with Dubliners.
We found the best strawberries and raspberries from a local farmer who insisted we take an extra container of strawberries because, according to him, they weren’t all ripe. We ate every strawberry in that bag and there was not an under-ripe candidate in the bunch. Next, we found flaky, savory sausage rolls from a prolific baker who also has scones, pies, quiche, cakes, and beautiful breads. You could get lost trying to decide, but I really must recommend the sausage roll. For something sweet, we bought half a dozen exquisite custard tarts from a man who will welcome you to Portugal as you step up to his tent. I laughed until I bit into the pastry and was truly transported. Half a dozen of these little gems was not enough.
Story by Kirsten Chervenak
