The cafe scene in Dublin is lively, competitive, and always changing, but occasionally a new location opens up that changes people’s perceptions. Enter Blooms Cafe Dublin, a patisserie-focused sanctuary that has turned Costa Coffee, which was once generic, into a destination that focuses on desserts and is visually stunning.
A place where style and taste collide in the most delightful way, Blooms boasts beautifully designed interiors and a patisserie menu that would look right at home in a Parisian boutique. However, does this highly anticipated cafe actually live up to the hype? We came by to inquire.
Blooms Cafe Dublin: Fast Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cuisine Type | Patisserie, Brunch, Specialty Coffee |
| Specialties | French Pastries, Faux-Fruit Cakes, Maritozzi Buns |
| Ambience | Chic, Minimalist, Instagrammable |
| Location | 13 Redmond’s Hill, Dublin 2 |
| Signature Dishes | Coconut Chocolate Shell, Glazed Pear Cake, Matcha Layer Cake |
| Pricing | €3.40 – €12.50 |
| Opening Hours | Check local listings for updates |
A Visual Extravaganza, But Does It Please the Taste Buds?
With its delicate lighting, immaculate white walls, and pastries so exquisitely arranged that they appear more like works of art than food, Blooms Cafe Dublin is like walking into a carefully manicured Instagram feed.
However, aesthetic appeal is only one aspect of any cafe. Delivering an experience that transcends aesthetics is the key to true success. Even though Blooms does a lot of things correctly, there are still some things it could do better.
The Brunch Conundrum: Appearances Can Be Deceptive
One would think that a cafe that bills itself as a destination for brunch and pastries would be able to compete with its savory offerings. But the truth is a bit less thrilling.
Despite its promising appearance, the sausage roll (€3.40) ended up falling flat, with a refrigerator-cold center that masked the flavor and texture. Although it lacked the depth of flavor that distinguishes truly excellent patisserie-style croissants, the ham and cheese croissant (€6.50) was noticeably better—flaky, buttery, and warm.
The French toast (€12.50) lacked the perfect harmony of crisp and soft textures, leaning too much toward the custard-like category. Its nearly soufflé-like consistency may appeal to some, but others may find it too rich and contrast-deficient.
The Patisserie Selection at Blooms Cafe Dublin Is Where It Really Shines
If we were unsure about the brunch options, the pastries soon convinced us otherwise. Here is where Blooms’ knowledge is undeniable.
- Faux Fruit Cakes: An Eye-Catching Selection
Blooms Cafe’s exquisitely detailed faux fruit cakes, which combine culinary genius and artistic skill in equal measure, are one of its main attractions.
With a crunchy chocolate shell that gives way to a colorful, mango-infused filling, the coconut chocolate shell (€6.80) is a stunning dessert. The tropical fruit provides the ideal amount of sweetness and acidity, making it a masterwork of balance.
The delicately crafted green shell of the glazed pear cake (€6) is stuffed with white chocolate cream and has a burst of stewed pear at its center. It provides a delightful interplay of textures when placed on top of a shortbread base, demonstrating that Blooms’ pastry chefs are highly skilled.
- Maritozzi: The Hype-Worthy Cream-Filled Delight
Blooms Cafe’s signature dish is maritozzi, the brioche buns filled with whipped cream that have become a European sensation.
We decided to try the strawberry (€6) version instead of the pistachio version since it was sold out. The brioche is light, airy, and incredibly soft; it practically melts in your mouth, and the cream and fresh fruit offer a cool contrast.
- The Matcha Cake: An Essential Item for Fans of Green Tea
The matcha layer cake (€6) is a must-try for anyone who appreciates matcha’s rich, earthy flavor.
This dessert completely embraces the unique umami notes of matcha, providing a strong, slightly bitter contrast to its underlying sweetness, in contrast to some matcha-flavored desserts that mellow them out. It may not be as ornately decorated as other pastries, but it demonstrates Blooms’ skill at precisely balancing flavors.
Does Dublin’s Blooms Cafe Live Up to the Hype?
✔ You must go for the pastries. Blooms Cafe Dublin is a must-visit if you enjoy elaborately decorated desserts that are as delicious as they look.
✖ Don’t eat brunch. The savory dishes aren’t bad, but they don’t have the same level of sophistication as the patisserie selection.
Blooms Cafe’s emphasis on exquisitely designed desserts has allowed them to carve out a niche for themselves in Dublin’s cafe industry. Although it might not be the best option for a full meal, Blooms should definitely be on your list if you’re searching for a memorable dessert in an idyllic setting.
