We LOVE brunch in Irish Country Magazine. It’s the best meal of the week and there isn’t weekend that goes by without one of the team enjoying a good brunch, and then subsequently telling the rest of us all about it, in epic detail, during our Monday morning catch up.
We’ve brunched in all corners of the country, but as we all live in Dublin, we have a pretty good idea of the best places to visit for a delicious weekend meal. Here’s our top list:
1. San Lorenzo’s, South Great George’s St, Dublin 2
Two words – Chicken Tacos. Actually, no, Lobster Benedict. Actually, no, French Toast. Hmm, okay so there’s more than a couple of dishes that we love on the San Lorenzo’s menu (the French Toast we’re referring to is made with Coco Pops). The atmosphere is great and the service is always reliable – just be sure to book or prepare to queue. www.sanlorenzos.ie
2. Whitefriar Grill, 16 Aungier St, Dublin 2
This place is always jam packed and with good reason. The staff are amazing and the menu is what brunch dreams are made of. The huevos rancheros are to die for and if you’re in the mood for cocktails, this is a perfect spot for that, too. www.whitefriargrill.ie
3. Dillinger’s, 47 Ranelagh, Dublin 6
This Ranelagh spot is hugely popular for brunch and there’s plenty of reasons why – the food is delicious (Louisiana chicken & waffles, anyone?), they make an epic Bloody Mary, and the atmosphere is always inviting and relaxing. If you need more reason that that, just check out their Instagram feed. www.dillingers.ie
4. Cleaver East, 6 Essex St E, Dublin 2
This buzzy spot is usually packed with big tables of friends having a catch up over brunch while pop tunes blast, and with the option of bottomless mimosas for just €15 you can see why it’s so popular. Menu options include Sloppy Joe Tacos and Sunday Roast Burger, so come hungry (and thirsty). cleavereast.ie
5. Brother Hubbard, Capel St & Harrington St
Both the Northside and Southside locations have a really cosy neighbourhood café feel to them, and they do classic brunch dishes really well. Get the Turkish eggs mememen with avocado, you won’t be disappointed. brotherhubbard.ie
6. The Exchequer, Exchequer St, Dublin 2
The Exchequer does a lovely classic brunch, but the Sunday roast for four is something everyone should try once. You have to order it in advance, but you get your own personal carvery with all the trimmings and a bottle of wine for €60 – we suggest strategically planning this for the day after a big night out. www.theexchequerdublin2.ie
7. Gourmet Food Parlour
With cafes in Swords, Malahide and Dun Laoghaire, and as the resident restaurant in 37 Dawson St and House on Leeson St, there’s plenty of places to get this tasty brunch offering at the weekends. The Huevos Rancheros are especially good, as is the Hearty Farmhouse Plate. gourmetfoodparlour.com
8. Angelina’s, 55 Percy Place, Dublin 4
There’s probably nothing that a Bloody Mary and a stack of vanilla buttermilk pancakes in Angelina’s couldn’t fix. A great place for a fun, relaxed atmosphere and people watching. angelinas.ie
9. The Pigeon House Cafe, 11b Vernon Ave, Clontarf, Dublin 3
This stylish little café has lots to offer, it’s worth the trip out of the city to the seaside village. It has all the classics of good brunch menu so you won’t be disappointed by your favourites being excluded, but here it makes it its own is by pairing great ingredients together. Here’s one of our favourites: Gubbeen Chorizo, Scrambled egg, spring onion, smashed avocado, tomato salsa, rocket and toast. pigeonhouse.ie
