Queen of Tarts lies on the edge of Temple Bar and is one of the city's finest cafes. Everything on the menu is home-made on the premises, and the cafe specializes in excellent cakes, scones and crumbles. Tasty breakfasts, delicious savoury tarts and good coffee are also on offer. Queen of Tarts has built up a considerable reputation for fine food and courteous service after only a few years in business; and has now established a branch in the newly refurbished City Hall, right across the road.
If you feel the need to worship at the great temple of the Gods of Chocolate, forsake all diets and come to Butler's. On entering, be prepared to kneel at the divinities that are Bewley's chocolates, Alannah chocolates, Katie Mac's chocolates, and, of course, Butler's own range. Also resident within the shop are lesser divinities such as the danish pastry and muffin, as well as the nectar of the chocolate gods, coffee.
This modern, formal restaurant is located in a vaulted cellar beneath the Dublin Writers' Museum. The Gate Theatre is also close by, and a pre-theatre menu is available and proving very popular. The menu changes regularly, seafood being a constant favourite of chef/proprietor Ross Lewis. Dishes such as Dublin Bay prawns in garlic butter or seared scallops and fennel are possibilities. Stop by after the theatre for coffee and dessert.