There is some really exciting things happening in Ireland and particularly Dublin at the moment. Every few weeks or months there are new, healthy, hipster and quirky cafés and coffee shops opening up. I have a number of favourites across the capital, some old regulars and some exciting newbies!
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Blazing Salads – I’ve lost count of how many loyalty cards I’ve clocked up in this place! Plus while you’re there you can grab a tub of Nobó (i.e.: the best ice-cream ever!!). Located on Drury St, opposite George’s St Arcade.
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Kaph – the best matcha lattes in town, plus the added bonus of an excellent people watching spot thanks to their location opposite Blazing Salads. Pull up a bench outside or a cushion in the window and have some banter with their fun and friendly staff. Plus they stock Paleo Man Foods paleo treats like Banana & Walnut cake, Chocolate Coconut Brownie & Carrot Cake!
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Staple Foods – with an original location in Temple Bar and a brand new ;ocation on Grattan St, Dublin 2, these guys do hands-down the best vegan Sweet potato soup I’ve ever tasted – scratch that, the best frikkin soup I’ve ever tasted! So many vegan/vegetarian options here and also stockists of Paleo Man Food treats.
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The Fumbally – a little off the beaten track on Fumbally Lane, is always whipping up interesting new dishes in one of the coolest, chilled out venues in the capital. I love their falafel and black sesame milk!
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Fallon & Byrne – located on Exchequer St is where I go when I am seriously hungry! Or don’t feel like cooking and get a dinner to take home. My favourite is the Fish Stew served with your choice of 2 sides.
Pictures courtesy of @fallonandbyrne & lovindublin.com
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Rustic Stone – on George’s St, works with a leading nutritionist so the entire menu is coded – wheat, gluten, sugar, dairy free, contains nuts, superfoods, – you name it! and there are tons of healthy options. The smell when you walk into the restaurant is also amazing from many diners cooking their own meat or fish on the stone at their tables.
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Brother Hubbard – on Capel St was a regular of mine during my time working in nearby Arnotts department store. I’m delighted to see the guys doing so well and what started as a one-roomed café has now expanded into 2 buildings, 2 floors, an edible garden and a sister café which I’ve yet to visit!
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For some finer dining..
Forest Avenue – located on Sussex Terrace was one of the most enjoyable meals I’ve ever had. My visit was some time ago but it must be mentioned for the level of customer service and standard of food provided. Staff went above and beyond to cater for my dietary requirements. Sourcing wheat free bread specifically for me that night and ensuring no wheat or lactose was in any of the 6 courses of dishes prepared for me. As my companion and I opted to try one of every dish between us there was one fish dish which the chef felt it would be a shame for my friend not to have the dish as was designed with a dairy-containing sauce, so they thoughtfully added the sauce to only one half of the dish allowing me to sample the other half. I love how open yet relaxed the kitchen is and how the chef often brings dishes down to the table.
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The newbies on the block..
These two new-comers to Baggot Street are much too conveniently located between my sister’s house and my agency, Morgan the Agency in Dublin making them the ideal breakfast, lunch – oh and snack stop! on my journeys in and out of town.
Cocu – Order and go style take-out counter with healthy warm and cold salad boxes – think brown rice, quinoa, sweet potato, spinach, avocado and all other sorts of goodness. The concept is simple, you choose your base, choose your main then choose your ‘sprinkle’. They also have delicious healthy sweet offerings.
Pictures courtesy of @cocokitchen
Eathos – 3 words – The Paleo Muffin. Oh gosh. Muffin aside, there are bountiful bowls of salads and plenty of naughty treats as well as a healthy vegan cake. Pricey but one for a treat!
Pictures courtesy of @eathosdublin
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A little further astray..
OK so not technically Dublin but The Happy Pear in Greystones, Co.Wicklow, is only a short but extremely beautiful DART trip from the city centre. The trip alone is worth going to Greystones for! Or hop off at Bray and walk the coast from Bray-Greystones to build up an appetite (approx. 1hr walk). Don’t fancy that? Well you can always stroll on the beach conveniently located next to the station in Greystones.
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The Cinnamon Fiend 