Brunch is my favorite meal. I realize that just solidified my status as a basic white girl but I don't care. I love eating at all hours of the day but there's something extra glorious about knowing I'm off to go to brunch. I think it's because brunch is a special occasion - I eat breakfast, lunch & dinner every day but brunch is reserved strictly for certain weekend afternoons when I've had a jam-packed week and require an indulgent culinary experience to celebrate the end of it. I never go to brunch and order a fruit plate or egg whites - I want a FEAST chock filled with buttered up goodness. It's the 20% of my 80/20 healthy eating rule (that I'm not the best at following - but always try!)
As much as I love brunch, I have high expectations for it. I do not simply want to pop in somewhere, grab a quick bite and leave, no no - I want the whole enchilada. Delicious food, incredible ambiance, and good service. Granted these are things people strive for in any meal they're going out to have, but brunch in particular needs to meet these requirements as it's a rarer occasion than a quick lunch with a friend or a morning coffee run.
So, my lovely readers, I, Alyse Allain, brunch enthusiast and queen of eggs benedict, have conjured up my list of my favorite brunch spots in the whole of Dublin (with ratings and favorites included!) and I guarantee that if you try one you will not be disappointed!
Sophie's
★★★
Favorite: Eggs Royale
Sophie's is located at the top of the
Dean Hotel, which in itself is worth a visit, but Sophie's is definitely its crown jewel. The atmosphere is fun and lively, the views of Dublin are spectacular, and the food is....good. It's honestly nothing life changing but it's good! I've never had anything bad but I've also never had anything that made my eyes roll into the back of my head. The reason to go here isn't for the culinary experience, it's for the atmosphere. A great place to meet with a larger group of friends!
Herbstreet
★★★★
Favorite: Eggs Florentine
This place is always packed, but for a good reason - the food is amaaaaazing. The atmosphere is also lovely - it's situated right on Grand Canal Dock so it overlooks the water and a main walkway, making it excellent for people watching. Herbstreet is also an eco-friendly restaurant that has a commitment to keep a light carbon footprint - love that. I only took off a star because getting a table here can be a nightmare, especially on the weekends because they don't take reservations! Your best bet is either to go right when they open or right before closing.
WUFF
★★★★
Favorite: Eggs Benedict with crispy bacon / Caesar chips / Warm sweet waffle
If I had to put these recommendations in order, WUFF would win the #2 spot (don't worry, I reveal #1 later!) I've never had anything here that I thought was just "good" - everything is delicious. Definitely a place to indulge! I only took off a star because the atmosphere doesn't meet my high expectations - it's cute, but it's nothing special. Note: WUFF doesn't have an Instagram (weird) so I shared this picture from @yummydublin - she is a champion eater on the Dublin scene and seems to always know the best places to eat, definitely check her out!
★★★
Favorite: Belgium Chicken & Waffles
This place is violently overpriced and the servings are small, but it's also sooooo delicious. The service & atmosphere are amazing (the views of Dublin are unparalleled to any other restaurant) but it's not necessarily somewhere comfortable to visit. The Marker Hotel is very swanky so the people who go here are too (you'll see Dublin's elite with their head to toe designer ensemble at 11am) so if you're ok with somewhere a little pricier where you can't rock up wearing jeans and a tee, this would be my pick.
★★★★
Favorite: Buttermilk fried chicken salad / Beef drip gravy fries
This is a fun place where you can get down and dirty (think opposite of Le Drunch @ The Marker). The portions are massive, the grub is greasy, and the drinks are flowing right when they open. However, the atmosphere is not that of a greasy food joint - it's playful and sophisticated. They have an outdoor patio/beer garden, multiple neon light installations, and loads of colorful art all around that bring it to life. It's also located in Blackrock, which (similar to Dalkey) is a lovely place to have a stroll on a Sunday.
Angelina's
★★★★★
Favorite: Eggs Angelina / Vanilla buttermilk pancakes / Apple, ginger & kale juice
Drumroll please....! This establishment wins my #1 favorite brunch spot in the entirety of Dublin. It matches my 3 requirements perfectly - the food is unreal, the atmosphere is the perfect mixture of beautiful and casual, and the service has never failed me. This gem is located right on the canal, so they have a gorgeous terrace where you can enjoy your pancakes and the water simultaneously (blankets and overhang included in case of rain!) but if you're more of am indoor eater, the interior is very cozy and luscious with lots of cool lighting and greenery. Definitely book ahead, but the space is big so it never feels crowded even if you do a walk-in. All in all, I could not recommend this place more.
Pog
★★★
Update: July 2019
Favorite: Pancakes with peanut butter, coconut cream and choc drops
This place is very Instagram friendly with it's beautifully curated dishes and colorful atmosphere. They are known for their protein pancakes dripping in decadent toppings and their unique lattes. However, they are very health friendly and have some of the nicest salads in Dublin (genuinely!) Rated a 3 because the service is not great, it's ALWAYS busy (book early or prepare to queue) and I know this is a weird one but there are always SO many teenagers eating here that it ruins the ambiance. That could 100% just be me being an old crotchety woman but I had to say it. However none of this stops me from going here for brunch on a regular basis.
★★★★★
Update: July 2019
Favorite: Fresh berry ricotta hotcake
This place gets 5 stars from me all round - amazing food, amazing service, great space. I only wish it was closer to town so I could go more often! Arrive early as it will fill up during the regular busy brunch hours and don't forget to try their incredible coffee!
★★★★★
Update: March 2020
Favorite: Eggs Benedict
Tucked away in the National Print Museum, this little gem has solidified itself as a firm favorite of mine in recent months. Great ambiance, great food, great service. It's not the easiest place to get to and they don't take reservations but if you don't mind the trek and arrive before 11am, you won't regret it!
There are LOADS more brunch spots in Dublin - some I've tried (and hated) and others I have yet to explore! So I'll make sure to keep adding to this list when I find new gems. And please, if you have a brunch recommendation for me please let me know in the comments below! 
No comments
Post a Comment