Ladurée

You'll spot the mint-green storefront from a mile away on South William Street, where Parisians have been perfecting the art of the macaron since 1862. The Dublin outpost delivers the full French fantasy - pristine glass cases displaying rows of jewel-toned macarons, delicate pastries that look too beautiful to eat, and that unmistakable Ladurée elegance that makes you feel like you're having afternoon tea in the Champs-Élysées. Expect to pay proper money for the privilege - we're talking €3+ per macaron and €25+ for afternoon tea - but the quality is spot-on. The hot chocolate is particularly brilliant on a drizzly Dublin afternoon, thick enough to coat a spoon. Yes, it's a tourist magnet, but locals know to pop in for special occasion treats or when you need to impress someone who appreciates the finer things.