Breakfast @ Gibson’s, Dublin city centre

I’m not a mad big breakfast fan, and never have been. More of a liquids man in the morning: tea, yoghurt and juice.

But occasionally, I’ll try it out. A few months ago, when I was still in Ireland, I found myself in Dublin city centre at the godforsaken time of Saturday 11am. I decided that the idea of breakfast and a newspaper was only delightful.

Trying somewhere new, I went for Gibson’s on Wicklow Street in Dublin. I really wanted to be tempted by all the American blueberry pancakes with maple syrup (€6), or the croissants (€2.50), or the homemade granola with honey and Greek yoghurt (€5.50) but, because I eat out for breakfast practically never, I went for the full Irish. This included fried eggs (I replaced them for scrambled), bacon, sausages, grilled tomato, bacon, fried bread, mushrooms (which I omitted), and baked beans, for €8. I had a double espresso for €2.60 and a glass of fresh orange juice for €4 (fresh orange juice, rightly or wrongly, being generally expensive). Total cost of breakfast before tip: €14.60. Hmmm…

The breakfast was nice, although the rashers were somewhat lacking and had that slightly off-putting bit of white coating. I personally prefer them crispy, but somehow I find myself talking to many Irish people who disagree. Service was fine, if not exactly warm.

I did enjoy the breakfast, but it wasn’t particularly special or memorable, and I felt it would have been a better sell if the coffee and juice were included in a (slightly more expensive) deal.

I know that Bewley’s on Grafton Street isn’t the greatest breakfast either, but at least you can get a similar breakfast plus tea or coffee and orange juice (albeit from concentrate) for €9.60 all in. Plus, I think I prefer the character and atmosphere in Bewley’s.

Maybe it’s an unfair comparison? Can you give recommendation a good place for breakfast in Ireland? I promise to try it when I get back.