Capel Street, Dublin is full of fantastic food

Go for a wander on Capel Street while you’re hungry - thank me later

I found myself on Capel Street as a result of just going for a wander in Dublin’s city centre a while back and getting a little lost. It’s my favourite thing to do whenever I’m in a city I don’t know very well - it’s the only way to find those unique, hole-in-the-wall kinda places. And that’s exactly what happened when I was wandering around Capel Street - and I found multiple hidden gems on this relatively short street. I’ve revisited all of these places more than once, and they’ve been killer every single time. And I’m really only scratching the surface here, as there are plenty more spots on this street I haven’t discovered yet. I think I’ll be updating this blog post as I find new places I love, because it’s inevitable that that’ll happen.

All right, let’s talk food.

Mish Mash

Easily one of the nicest cafés I’ve ever come across. The owner has always been so welcoming and lovely, and the coffee is insane. The atmosphere is super relaxed too, considering how central it is in relation to the rest of the city. Go here to do some work, to read a book, have a catch-up with a friend - essentially, come here to chill out and drink some damn good coffee.

Ayla Turkish Foods

I’ve never been to Turkey, but I can’t imagine baklava being better than what you can get in this gem of a grocer. It’s not too sweet, it’s not soggy, it’s got the perfect ratio of honey vs. filo pastry vs. pistachios, and it’s just perfect. I’m legit obsessed. I’ve also tried some of the savoury pastries that sit in the window, and can confirm they’re bloody delish.

Padoca

This Brazilian bakery caught my eye during the summer. They serve traditional Brazilian pastries, sweet and savoury alike, and everything looks delicious. I especially loved their coxinha, which are stuffed croquettes, and I think I also tried some cheese bread which was so tasty. If the savoury stuff isn’t your thing, get the churro cake!! Good God, this stuff is insanely delicious. It’s got the texture of tiramisu, but is filled with dulce de leche and cinnamon, and is honestly to die for. (Important to know, every time I’ve been, they’ve only taken cash, so don’t expect to be able to pay with card.)

Aobaba

Authentic Vietnamese food. Get the char siu bun, and the chicken pho or wonton soup, and also maybe the bahn mi. So delicious, so comforting, and so damn filling. Arrive hungry! (Pretty sure this place is also cash only.)

Little Dumplings

Legit the perfect spot for an afforable lunch. It’s on a side street off of Capel Street, but it still counts! I’m obsessed with their beef dumplings, but do be warned, they are quite rich. The miso soup is also a big highlight, and also the fried rice - it comes with a little spoon of Kimchi on top. Dine in if you can, the atmosphere is great.

Camerino Bakery

I think I bought the best muffin I’ve ever had in my life from this shop. I wasn’t in a great headspace mentally at the time, and this muffin brought me just the sweetest flash of happiness when I needed it most. It was this gorgeous mixed berry flavour with a crumble topping, and I’m honestly drooling thinking about it. You can see everything up for grabs through their front window - buy whatever catches your eye the most.