Sometimes the best places are the ones you discover by accident. While wandering through Portobello on a sunny spring morning, I spotted a crowd gathered outside a small café near the Grand Canal. Curious to see what all the fuss was about, I joined the queue. That café was Alma, and I now believe it to be the best coffee shop in Dublin.
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My First Visit to Alma
I didn’t plan to find my favourite coffee shop that day, but as I strolled along the canal in Portobello, I spotted a small café with a queue outside. I went in, and a server showed me to a seat by the window. From there, I could see a cozy bench area, perfect for watching the street and the people passing by.
While I waited, I took in the atmosphere: the space was simple, with white walls, wood, plants and soft morning light. The bench seating area, perfect for people visiting on their own, gave me a view of the street. As I looked around, I couldn’t help noticing the incredibly vibrand and colourful dishes arriving at nearby tables.
When my dolce de leche pancakes arrived, they were exactly as I’d hoped. Fresh and thick pancakes piled with seasonal berries, almonds and mascarpone, all generously drizzled in dulce de leche. I also ordered a matcha, which came with a lovely design on top, making it feel really special.
As I ate, I could see why people returned again and again. It wasn’t just the food; it was the whole feeling of the place. By the time I left, and I knew I’d be back soon to try more of their delicious dishes.
What Is the Food Like at Alma?
One thing I like about Alma is that the menu is surprisingly small. Rather than offering dozens of options, the café focuses on a handful of carefully prepared dishes. There are fewer than 15 main brunch options, which makes choosing much easier than in some Dublin cafés where the menu feels longer than a novel.
Alma was founded by four Argentine sisters and brings South American influences to Dublin’s brunch scene. The café’s name means “soul” in Spanish, but it also comes from the initials of the sisters’ names: Anabella, Luciana, Macarena and Agustina.
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savoury, Alma offers a good mix of both. Vegetarians have plenty of choice, and there are also vegan options available. It’s the kind of place where everyone can find something appealing without having to search the menu for hours!
Alma is more than just a sit-down brunch spot. The takeaway counter is often busy with locals picking up coffees and pastries on their way through Portobello. Even if you don’t have time for a full meal, it’s an easy place to grab something and continue exploring the area.
Tips for Visiting Alma
If you’re thinking of visiting Alma, the best coffee shop in Dublin, I would recommend booking in advance, especially at weekends. The café is not particularly large, and the limited indoor seating means tables can fill up quickly. During my visits, there was already a queue forming outside, which is a good testomy as to how popular the place has become.
If you do make a reservation, make sure you arrive on time as tables are only held for a short period. Alma also works with timed seatings during busy periods, so don’t be surprised if your table is allocated for around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, which I usually find to be plenty of time for a relaxed brunch or lunch.
Exploring Portobello After Brunch
One of the things I love most about Alma is its location. Once you’ve finished brunch, you’re already in one of Dublin’s most charming neighbourhoods. I recommend taking a stroll along the Grand Canal and admiring the colourful houses. You can read more about these iconic Dublin doors in my guide.
If you’re planning to spend more time in the neighbourhood, make sure to check out my complete guide to Portobello, as it includes my favourite walks, cafés and and hidden corners I’ve discovered over the years. If you’ve enjoyed Alma, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy exploring the rest of the neighbourhood just as much.
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