Even the breakfast places tend to get a late start in Dublin, but this café is one of the few open at all hours on weekends and relatively early on weekdays, making it a good place to start your day ­ or end it. Great coffee drinks and good breakfasts served all day, including thick breakfast sandwiches, bagel creations, eggs done several ways, pancakes and sausage. The jukebox plays upbeat tunes and the crowd is diverse.

A coffee lover's dream, a chocolate lover's fantasy! If you love both, you must not miss Butler's. The small shop is lined with freshly made truffles, marzipan, and box after box of creme caramels and petit fours to take home as gifts. But while you are there, order a cappuccino, a latte, or an espresso, and they'll offer you a free chocolate sample to go with it. The Mocca Mocca truffle is sublime, and the creme caramel is a sinful, bite-sized treat. Some of the best coffee drinks in town, too. Even the cappuccino gets a generous dusting of fine chocolate. Free newspapers and a great windowed view.

In the refurbished mansion known as Powerscourt Centre, the best place to fuel up for a day of shopping and browsing is Chompy's, a lighthearted café with tables under a huge skylight and overlooking the upscale shopping center's main floor. This place is known for its good old-fashioned American-style breakfasts, including pancakes, sausage, eggs Benedict, French toast and bagels, all served with good coffee and personable service.

If you like omelets, you'll love Elephant and Castle, where a whole page of the large menu is devoted to eclectic omelet combinations. Served hot, fresh and filling, omelets are served all-day in this casual restaurant in the center of the Temple Bar area, and they're as popular at lunch as they are at breakfast. Traditional midday choices such as burgers, chicken sandwiches, soups and pastas round out the menu. A comfortable atmosphere with light wood tables and benches and a wide-open view of Temple Bar. Casual attire.

Fitzer's has several establishments around Dublin. Each is unique, but the best ambience is in the renowned National Gallery on Merrion Square. The serene, white seating area strewn with greenery is right next door to some of the world's best artwork, some of which is visible from the restaurant. The coffee is fresh, and the dessert selection offers the ideal accompaniment with pastries, pies and puddings to please every palate.