Creative brunch cafe in a restored bank with standout Turkish eggs and XO folded eggs, generally warm service and excellent coffee, but occasional slow service and value gripes.
Sani delivers exceptional food quality anchored by standout dishes like Turkish eggs and XO eggs that earn repeated praise, paired with a striking restored-bank setting overlooking O'Connell Street. Service attentiveness and coffee knowledge are solid, though speed during peak hours and occasional inconsistencies in execution prevent a higher tier. Strong loyalty and creative brunch positioning make this a worthwhile destination for inner-north Dublin diners.
Housed in a former bank, Sani feels warm and bustling without slipping into chaos. Exposed brick, soft light, and a steady hum of coffee grinders set the tone. Reviewers rave about easygoing staff on good days, noting "service was friendly and quick," while a few report slower patches when the room gets busy. The space opens toward O'Connell Street and invites lingering over another flat white. The cooking leans multicultural and creative rather than classic bacon-and-eggs. Turkish eggs arrive with tangy labneh and crisp borek, XO folded eggs bring umami heat and prawns, and wild mushrooms deliver deep flavors on excellent bread. Coffee is a point of pride, though a small minority found a drink or two off the mark. Portions trend sensible over huge, and pricing is premium for a brunch cafe, but many diners feel the quality and thoughtfulness justify it. Families are covered with a real kids menu—eggs, avocado toast, and waffles—plus familiar sides like chips and toast. Adventurous options dominate the adult menu, but there are still approachable picks (fish burger, tonkatsu, pasta specials). If your crew prefers simple flavors, scan the menu first; otherwise, young eaters can happily stick to the kids list and sweets.
Area vibe: Lively inner-north strip mixing cafes, bars, and boutiques; strong brunch culture and creative crowd.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked daytime corridor with good lighting and steady foot traffic.
What's nearby: On Lygon St near O'Connell St outlook; close to other eateries, shops, and residential streets.