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Dublin › Ranelagh › Alma
AlmaB+Worth Trying
19A Curzon St, Portobello, Dublin 8, D08 ND82, Ireland
· Brunch restaurant, Argentinian restaurant, Breakfast restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (1863 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Destination brunch with creative, generous plates and strong coffee; book ahead and expect time limits and a bustling room.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Alma delivers exceptional food quality with signature dishes like dulce de leche pancakes and poached eggs that draw loyal regulars, supported by attentive service and efficient pacing. However, inconsistent execution and tight quarters with time-limited seating prevent a higher grade—peak-hour rushes and occasional cold dishes are real concerns for typical weekend diners. The restaurant excels at what it does, but operational constraints and reliability gaps keep it from grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
Set in Portobello, Alma feels warm and bustling from the moment the host greets you. Plates are vibrant and generous, and service is often cheerful and efficient, though peak hours bring firm time limits that some find too rushed. A guest summed it up: "We left full and happy, but the room was buzzing the whole time." The cooking leans modern brunch with Argentinian accents and globetrotting touches rather than theatrics. Expect dulce de leche pancakes worth sharing, poached eggs with salsa criolla, and savory options like choripan or harissa eggs—creative but still comfortingly familiar. It suits diners who want layered flavors and thoughtful plating more than a basic fry-up, with portions that are decidedly hearty. Families will find plenty kids will actually eat—pancakes, eggs on toast, and simple sandwiches—though there is no kids menu. Given the compact space and turnover policy, weekend visits with little ones are smoother if you book ahead, arrive on time, and plan to share a pancake for the sweet finish.
At a Glance
- Big, flavorful plates with creative accents
- Signature dulce de leche pancakes draw regulars
- Time-limited seating and occasional early bill drops
- Small, noisy space at peak times
- Book weekends; walk-ins often turned away or seated outside
What Sets It Apart
- signature_dulce_de_leche_pancakes
- argentinian_accents_on_brunch
- generous_portions_in_small_space
What People Love
- The dulce de leche pancakes that feel celebratory
- Poached eggs cooked just right with bright toppings
- Welcoming hosts who find a spot even when busy
- Coffee drinks that complement rich plates
Points of Concern
- Strict time windows can feel rushed, with bills presented before guests finish during peaks
- Occasional cold dishes or over-salted items reported amid many positives
- Walk-ins face long waits or refusal due to space constraints
- Review patterns are consistent with high-demand enthusiasm; mostly authentic but monitor superlative-only posts
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€30-42 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a savory egg dish with one pancake order to share; add a flat white or dulce de leche latte for balance
Perfect For
- A destination brunch with visiting friends
- A sweet-and-savory brunch date sharing pancakes
- Coffee-focused catch-up in a lively spot
- Locals who like bold flavors and generous portions
Location Insights
Area: Leafy canal-side neighborhood popular with young professionals; energetic weekend brunch scene.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked by day; standard urban awareness at night.
Nearby: Near Grand Canal, Camden Street dining strip, residential streets and indie cafes.
PortobelloPortobello is a trendy and increasingly popular neighborhood with a strong community feel. It offers a variety of independent cafes, brunch spots, and restaurants, attracting locals who appreciate a relaxed yet stylish dining environment. The area is known for its canals, boutique shops, and a lively but laid-back atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–16:00
Tuesday08:00–16:00
Wednesday08:00–16:00
Thursday08:00–16:00
Friday08:00–16:00
Saturday08:00–17:00
Sunday08:00–17:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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