Marks & Spencer

You know exactly what you're getting when you duck into the M&S café after battling the Grafton Street crowds. It's not trying to be the coolest spot in town, but sometimes that's precisely what you need. The coffee is proper strong, the sandwiches are fresh, and their selection of cakes and pastries hits the spot when you're flagging mid-shopping trip. The upstairs seating gives you a decent perch to people-watch the Grafton Street theatre below, and the staff are efficient without being rushed. Sure, it's a chain, but it's a reliable one that does the basics well. When everywhere else nearby is rammed or you just want something straightforward without the fuss, this place delivers exactly what's promised.