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Dublin › Ranelagh › Brother Hubbard (South)
Brother Hubbard (South)B+Worth Trying
46 Harrington St, Portobello, Dublin 8, D08 YFN7, Ireland
· Restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Brunch restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (1275 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative, Middle Eastern-leaning brunch spot with standout coffee and baked goods; expect waits, a strict seat-when-complete policy, and some service inconsistency.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Brother Hubbard delivers competitive brunch quality with strong food execution and appealing design, but inconsistent execution—cold dishes, service friction— and cramped seating with inflexible policies limit its standing. The Portobello location and loyal following make it worth visiting for brunch, though it falls short of the area's premier neighborhood destinations.
Restaurant Summary
In Portobello, this cafe hums with weekend energy—warm light, the scent of spices, and the clink of cups. Service can feel brisk, sometimes too much so, but many describe a cozy and welcoming room with quick coffees. One diner summed it up: "Relaxed atmosphere, great food, and friendly service." Expect lines at peak times and a strict complete-party seating rule. The cooking leans modern brunch with Middle Eastern touches—hummus with poached eggs, shawarma spices, and zhoug alongside Irish comfort. It is produce-forward and gently spiced rather than theatrical, with reliable coffee and house bakes. Fans rave about the Full Hubbard and seasonal sweets, though a few found dishes lukewarm or flavor pairings a bit busy. Families will find plenty a kid can navigate: eggs and toast, bacon, crispy potatoes, and simple sandwiches. There is no explicit kids menu, but the basics are covered. Adventurous sides like harissa or dukkah can be skipped, and the seat-when-complete policy may test patience with larger groups or strollers.
At a Glance
- Creative brunch with Middle Eastern accents and excellent coffee
- House-made bakes and satisfying portions
- Strict seat-when-complete and 90-minute table limits
- Inconsistent service tone and occasional lukewarm dishes
- Coeliac cross-contact concern reported by a reviewer
What Sets It Apart
- house_baked_goods
- middle_eastern_brunch_flavors
- cozy_neighborhood_setting
What People Love
- Comforting Full Hubbard breakfast
- Silky hummus and spiced veg with eggs
- Famous cinnamon rolls and bakes
- Rich, well-made coffee drinks
- Cozy neighborhood vibe
Points of Concern
- Seat-when-complete rule frustrates groups; expect to wait until all arrive
- Service tone varies; several reports of brusque or inflexible hosts
- A few dishes arrive lukewarm; occasional bland side salad complaints
- Review patterns are consistent with real diners; owner responses templated but not indicative of manipulation
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€24-32 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose mains €14-17 and add a pastry €4-6 for value; wraps at €11.50 include a side, making them strong budget picks.
Perfect For
- Weekend brunch with friends
- Casual breakfast date
- Solo coffee and pastry midweek
- Locals exploring Middle Eastern-leaning plates
Location Insights
Area: Leafy canal-side Portobello with a mix of residents and weekend brunch crowds; casual, trendy cafe culture.
Safety: Generally safe and well-trafficked daytime area with good footfall and lighting along main streets.
Nearby: Near Grand Canal and Camden/Rathmines corridor; boutiques, pubs, and other cafes draw steady weekend queues.
PortobelloPortobello is a trendy and lively neighborhood with a strong community feel, popular for its canalside walks, independent shops, and a variety of cafes and restaurants. The dining scene is eclectic, featuring casual brunch spots, artisanal coffee shops, and contemporary eateries attracting a mix of locals and visitors.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–15:00
Tuesday08:00–15:00
Wednesday08:00–15:00
Thursday08:00–15:00
Friday08:00–15:00
Saturday10:00–16:00
Sunday10:00–16:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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