Kaph — Restaurant in Dublin

There are 101 coffee shops in every town in Ireland these days. Visit Dublin city centre and that figure jumps to 1001. From the generic Starbucks to the quirky roadside kiosk, Dubliners are spoilt for choice. With the coffee boom in play though it makes choosing one hard, and choosing a good one even harder.

Enter Kaph. Kaph opened it's doors in late 2013 on Drury street and is quite well known for being one of the best (if not the best) coffee spots within the city's creative quarter. But for those who don't spend their time strolling around town trying the latest hotspots, Kaph may have gone under the radar for some.

When you first walk up to Kaph it's quite understated. No bright lights or flashy logos that one would be used to, but more of a subtle, clean and inviting shop front with a big open window. You can see from first glance whether it's buzzing or not - and it always is (one of the best signs when trying to decide whether a cafe is good or not). The general clientele are exactly what you would expect for this area: trendy, artsy type young adults (which isn't a bad thing at all, they tend to know their stuff). The staff greet you with a smile, they welcome chat and are more than happy to advise you on their coffee selection. Apart from their drinks, they've a small range of pastries, cakes and even Paleo treats. Something for everyone to match with their coffee of choice.

When I visited I ordered a flat white and headed upstairs. The vibe is a little quieter here, away from the noise of the coffee machines below. People working on their laptops. Friends chatting. A small pocket of calm inside the city. One of the things I liked most was the wall covered in art. Some of it even looked as if it was handdrawn at the table next to it and stuck up by the customer on the way out (and a very talented customer at that).

Most importantly though, the coffee is great. I'm not to one to be able to really get descriptive with coffee, I'm not a connoisseur in the slightest. However I can be quite picky when it comes to what I like, and these guys have really hit the nail on the head. I'm not the only one who thinks this though - LovinDublin voted it the No. 2 coffee shop in Dublin (as the sign says when you walk in). They've rave reviews from newspapers and bloggers both at home and abroad.

All in all, Kaph is a great spot. It might not be in your normal route around the city, but if you've got the extra 10 minutes to spare or simply want to try something new, definitely pay them a visit. You can...

When you walk in you’re greeted by two mythos grinders and a beautiful Victoria Arduino machine. Optimistic. This calibre of equipment means this shop is serious about coffee.

‘What can I get you?’ ‘What beans have you got on today?’ ‘A blend and a single origin’ ‘Single origin sounds good what is it’ This is where the disappointment started to set in. I like a barista to tell me about the beans they’re serving. Taste notes, processing method etc... it shows me they’re passionate and interested about what they’re serving. Instead.... ‘There’s information on that card about the single origin’ Maybe I’m being picky, but when I’m paying €3.40 (no mention of the single origin costing 50 cent more than the blend) for an espresso I want to feel engaged and informed by a passionate barista about what I should expect, not read from a card. The espresso was bland and lacking any real clarity, not what I would expect from a top quality single origin from 3fe. I took my cup, drank it outside and brought the empty cup back in. This is where I like to be asked ‘how was the espresso’ so I can engage in conversation about taste notes (or lack of), body & clarity but no, nothing. Just a forced smile (you must smile at all customers) when handing the cup back.

I will give them another chance because from speaking to other coffee lovers they rate Kaph as amongst the best. Maybe I got here on a bad day or maybe I’m just asking...

If you’re in Dublin and searching for an exceptional coffee experience, Kaph on Drury Street is a must-visit. This specialty coffee shop has earned its reputation for outstanding brews and inviting atmosphere.

Kaph’s house blend, crafted from a unique selection of beans, delivers a rich and satisfying flavour that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a fan of classic espresso or adventurous lattes, their menu caters to all tastes.

Beyond the coffee, Kaph offers a selection of delectable pastries, including vegan options like brownies and sponge cakes. Don’t let the small shopfront mislead you it has a second floor to sit and chat - The minimalist decor and relaxed vibe make it an ideal spot to unwind or catch up on work.

Adding to its charm, Kaph curates a ‘Song of the Day’ and ‘Song of the Month,’ displaying them on their wall for patrons to enjoy. This thoughtful touch enhances the ambiance, allowing customers to discover new tunes while savoring their coffee.

In a city brimming with coffeehouses, Kaph stands out as a must-visit destination for any coffee...