Brunching in Dublin city centre can be a stressful affair. Between queueing, sitting too close to the next table and loud music blasting in the background, I've started to prefer making my own and having brunch at home. Am I getting old?
That's said, I was recently delighted to find the perfect spot for a relaxing and delicious brunch: Press. This is quite literally the definition of a 'hidden gem' as you find this place in the corner of a square off Haddington road just behind the National Print Museum in Beggar's Bush.
The café is super bright and tastefully decorated. I loved the mismatched chairs and all the little plants everywhere.
The cookbooks and food magazines on the shelves made me feel at home straight away.
The lunch menu features a few sandwiches and specials while the weekend brunch includes dishes like mushroom on toast, eggs benedict, eggs florentine, homemade granola, scones and more....
They also make their own sweet treats which are displayed at the counter.
I went for their 'Press signature' (€9) which consisted of two toasted soda farls, smeared with creamy crushed avocado and topped with chunks of fried chorizo, two poached eggs and garnished with parsley.
The dish came presented on a slate and I was initially scared my egg yolk would spill beyond the slate but it didn't. Everything was delicious, the eggs and chorizo perfectly cooked, it wasn't a complicated dish but it included all the things I love while being substantial and reasonably priced.
Mr. FFID went for the breakfast stack (€9.50) which was the most photogenic Irish breakfast I've seen in a long time.
It was also very good and included a soda farl with two rashers, two sausages, a portobello mushroom and a poached egg.
The presentation was cute with the homemade chilli jam and the butter served in a mini jar. He also enjoyed an excellent Cloud Picker coffee.
I had a big crush on Press café I have to say. The staff were pleasant, I didn't feel rushed and I could have stayed there forever reading Kinfolk magazine or having a browse of all the different books around. Food was simple, filling and very good value, sometimes it's just perfect that way.
There was no brunch frenzy at all, just people chilling, chatting, reading the papers and enjoying the food, which was so refreshing. This is brunch as it should be!
Press
National Print Museum
Garrison Chapel,
Beggars Bush Barracks,
Haddington Road,
Dublin 4
Website
This is an independent review, I paid for my meal.
