Café La Bella

You'll spot the queue before you see the café itself — that's always a good sign on Ormond Quay. The Italian owners have nailed that perfect balance between efficiency and warmth, getting commuters their morning fix whilst still making time for a proper chat with regulars. The coffee is consistently excellent, pulled with the kind of care that makes you wonder why you ever settle for chain shop swill. The pastries arrive fresh each morning and disappear fast — their cornetti are particularly brilliant if you can get here early enough. Grab a seat by the window if you're lucky and watch the Liffey flow by whilst nursing your cappuccino. It's become the kind of place that locals guard jealously, though the secret's clearly out given how busy it gets.