Canal Bar in Dublin

20/07/2026: An excellent casual lunch spot with a relaxed atmosphere, and far better than you might expect from a museum café. We visited while exploring the Chester Beatty and found it to be one of the pleasant surprises of our time in Dublin. The menu offers a tempting range of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, with plenty of fresh, vibrant flavours. Everything we ordered was well prepared and satisfying, showing that this is much more than a convenient place to grab a quick bite. There is also an impressive selection of cakes and sweet treats, making it an ideal place to linger over coffee after lunch. The café has a bright, welcoming feel and provides a welcome break from sightseeing. Whether you’re stopping in before or after visiting the museum, it’s a relaxing place to unwind without feeling rushed. The staff were friendly and efficient, helping create a warm and enjoyable experience from the moment we arrived. Service was prompt, and the whole venue felt well organised despite being quite popular. Even if you have no particular interest in visiting the Chester Beatty, this café is worth seeking out for the food alone. It’s an excellent example of how a museum café can exceed expectations, offering fresh, flavourful food in a comfortable setting. I’d happily return on a future visit to Dublin, both for another meal and to sample more of the delicious cakes.

28/06/2026: Not immediately obvious to passers-by this cosy cafe with calm and laidback atmosphere sits in a bright atrium-style space inside the Chester Beatty Gallery building. It serves Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired food, including Palestinian moussaka, Moroccan tagine, various salads, and daily specials, along with something sweet like homemade cakes & baklava. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. Our choice: Meat moussaka and chicken with rice Check for two (only mains, tap water provided): 33 EUR Overall verdict: 8/10 — a good option for a quick, healthy, and hearty lunch, but not somewhere I would go specifically go unless I was already visiting the museum. And definitely a must do after visiting the Chester Beatty exhibitions.