We went for Sunday brunch and really liked the café itself. It has a lovely atmosphere, the service was good, and it’s a nice spot to catch up with friends.
Unfortunately, the pancakes were a big disappointment. They honestly tasted like they came straight out of a supermarket packet rather than being freshly made. They were bland, not fresh at all, and just didn’t taste good. For €15, I expected something much better. Definitely not worth the price, which was a shame because everything else was lovely.
Nilay Mercan
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05 November 2026
6.0
Nice little Spot with a great choice of foods (breakfast, brunch and lunch). Something for everybody.
TVTV291289
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23 September 2026
10.0
I’m so excited to go back here! I think the price matches the quality of ingredients, staff are friendly and timely as-well as the food. The only negative thing about our 3rd visit was our eggs weren’t runny, that being said - it was delicious. Great coffee and fresh orange juice. I can’t wait to have eggs royale from here again- best I’ve ever had in all of Cork. Also, it would be great to have a cushion on the chair they’re quite hard, feel very office IKEA-like.
Leona O'Brien
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26 August 2026
8.0
Great little place by city hall. Delicious coffee. Open, light filled space with books and artwork. Lovely staff and quick service. Very reasonable prices.
L E B
.
24 August 2026
10.0
The food was out very quickly and it tasted divine I got the orange juice and it tasted like it had just been squeezed out of an orange so fresh I thought the music was a little bit too load but other than that I had a great brunch and most certainly will be visiting again highly recommend
Colm Holland
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24 August 2026
10.0
I always come to Bookshelf for the scones—they’re my favourite in Cork, and I’ve always had a great experience here.
However, yesterday I noticed a very unpleasant smell coming from the kitchen. It was quite strong and made me feel uncomfortable. I’ve never had an experience like this here before, so I hope it was just a one-off and that it can be looked into, as it’s a place I genuinely enjoy visiting.
Stephanie Are
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30 July 2026
6.0
Delicious! I had the more traditional gluten-free grilled-Irish breakfast: GF toast, fried eggs, grilled tomatoes & mushrooms, and bacon (no pudding or sausage due to gluten). I also got the GF coconut and lime cake and a cappuccino: everything was all so good and no gluten-symptoms (I am a celiac, so more serious than preference, no reactions at all)! Thank you, Bookshelf, for taking the gluten-free cross-contamination seriously! Will definitely be returning!
Howard Boyer
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25 July 2026
10.0
Really nice place with a great menu, good service, and the food was savage. Highly recommend!
Peter Burton
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21 July 2026
10.0
Very good place for breakfast/brunch, highly recommend to come and have a great time. Service is fantastic, good amazing and fast. Was a great experience, thank you!! <3
Oleh Pavliuk
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02 July 2026
10.0
Great pancakes and french toast
Océane
.
01 July 2026
10.0
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