Octagon Bar in Dublin

11/01/2026: Great little gem out the back entrance of a wonderfully chaotic second hand bookshop. The cakes were delicious and the staff helped create a friendly atmosphere. Note: it’s better to enter through the bookshop over the strange back alley route.

23/12/2025: A truly special, tucked-away cafe with gorgeous cakes and scones and other treats baked on site. Food portions are large, hospitality is warm and generous, and it's a peaceful spot to spend an afternoon. Abundant courtyard seating (with heaters) for the warmly dressed (my first visit was in December). Highly recommended for people who want a Dublin oasis within an easy walk of Grafton/St. Stephen's/etc. Also of note: While the cafe has been in business for a couple of decades, it changed hands this year and the new owner, Julio, was on site, very warmly welcoming, and seems to have a happy staff working for him. UPDATE: Just noting after several more visits that my first impression has only cemented into a conviction that this is a world-class cafe and people who take the time to seek it out will leave feeling like the luckiest and best-liked customers who have ever visited.