New York style bagels, trendy new brunch spots and a pizza pastry party not to be missed …
Neighbourhood Café, 61 Donegall Street, Belfast
The beloved Neighbourhood Café has moved to new premises in the Cathedral Quarter after a fire destroyed their first location in 2022. This new hot spot for coffee, locally sourced baked goods and Scandi-style interiors has made a triumphant comeback thanks to owners Oisin McEvoy and Ryan Crown. Designed by Crown Creative, the new space has a real community vibe, with an island bar taking centre stage for locals to converse. The warm hues, natural oak and rustic brick layers, with rich green textural tones synonymous with the Neighbourhood brand, make the place feel homely. Think Turkish eggs, chorizo hash and banana bread French toast, along with artisan pastries and Irish speciality coffee. Yum!
Ada Coffee and Bagels, 29 Thomas Street, The Liberties, Dublin
Very new and very well received. Ada Coffee and Bagels is already going viral on TikTok, with 4.8 stars out of 5 on Google reviews. One happy customer said, “My new go-to place. Bagels, pastries and amazing coffee. Staff are very friendly and helpful too!” while another said, “Lovely busy coffee shop. My chicken bagel was delish. Lovely staff, very friendly. Great value for money, will be back!” Open from 7am to 4pm on weekdays and 9am to 3pm on weekends, this brand new favourite serves New York style bagels and schmear, coffee and matcha.
Fat Baby Bakes, Ringsend, Dublin 4
If you’re looking for more bagels, Fat Baby Bakes is worth a visit. This micro-bakery run by New Yorker Kieran Clifford – known locally as “the bagel queen” who’s lived in Dublin for 25 years – makes authentic New York bagels, taking orders twice a week. Options range from the everything bagel to poppyseed, onion, garlic and rosemary parm, while schmears include jalapeno and honey fig. Honourable mention to Bodega Bagels in Belfast, who will be your bagel-fix when in the area.
Vada, Stoneybatter 30 North Brunswick Street, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7
Founded by Ballymaloe alumnus Sarah Boland, Vada is one of Dublin’s best new brunch/lunch and coffee stops. Vada was created out of a passion for sustainability, helmed by head chef Hannah O’Donnell, formerly a chef at Kai in Galway. Menus change according to the season, crafted from local suppliers’ fresh produce. The menu at the moment features Vada hash, forest mushroom or zhoug avocado toast, a morning bowl with Turkish cereal, labneh, plum and spiced caramel, French toast, and freshly made cakes and sweet treats. And, of course, great coffee! Open Wednesday to Friday from 8am to 4pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm.
Bambino X Scéal Bakery Party, Scéal Bakery, Greystones, Co Wicklow
Two pillars of the Dublin food to-go scene and dough experts, Bambino and Scéal, have joined forces for an evening party on March 2 from 5pm to 10pm at Scéal bakery in Greystones. The full menu is due to be released soon, so keep an eye on their social channels, but we can expect deliciously big pizza slices, Bambino style with its coveted toppings, crafted with Scéal’s famous dough. Wines will be served from Sip Wine Cans and there’ll be Scéal tiramisu for dessert … if you can fit it in! @bambino_dublin @scealbakery
Do you know about any new openings that deserve a mention? Email details to digital@thegloss.ie