House of Read

4 Parliament St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 DP28, Ireland
+353 87 737 1690
$$$ Cafe
(207 Reviews)
Price Range €1–10

Welcome to the House of Read, a charming café nestled in the heart of Temple Bar, Dublin! This delightful spot at 4 Parliament St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 DP28, Ireland, is more than just a place to grab your morning brew; it’s an experience that tantalizes your senses and warms your heart.

As you step inside, you are greeted by an inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a vintage treasure, enhanced by the soft sounds of old-school music floating through the air. The carefully curated decor exudes a sense of nostalgia, making it a perfect backdrop for a cozy getaway or a quick catch-up with friends.

The menu at the House of Read is a delight for any coffee aficionado. Indulge in their superbly crafted frappes, meticulously prepared to your exact specifications, just like customer Leona Brzezinska experienced: “The taste was great,” she said, praising the service and ambiance alike. Savor the rich, chocolate-covered caramel squares, which drew raving compliments from Moira Donovan, or enjoy a refreshing peach iced tea — perfect for a sunny day!

But coffee is not the only star here; the homemade scones and unique chocolates are must-tries that keep locals and tourists alike returning for more. Mery Grassi, a self-proclaimed coffee shop hopper, emphasizes the café's unbeatable atmosphere and service, noting, “What more can you ask for besides amazing coffee and scones?” Her words speak to the essence of the House of Read; it’s not just about the coffee, but the passion for creating memorable moments.

For those who appreciate artisanal touches, the café also features a selection of craft pottery, making it an excellent place to pick up thoughtful gifts. Friendly and professional staff like Seda, who has been singled out for her kindness in Cissy Dimitrakidou's review, add to the warm, inviting vibe. Each visit promises delightful surprises and a rejuvenating experience that makes it a standout destination in Dublin.

If you find yourself in Temple Bar, make sure to stop by the House of Read. Not only is it a wonderful little café with exceptional coffee and treats, but it’s also a place where friendly faces and charming encounters await. This gem is well worth the visit — as everyone, including Iwona Swisulska, who described it as “lovely,” will tell you!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours

Monday

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

207 Reviews
Leona Brzezinska

31 Aug 2025

I had a coffee there(frappe) and man serving me, made it exactly how I asked him. The taste was great. Inside was really vintage alike -beautifull(as outside!) Atmosphere pleasureable and nice oldschool music was playing. Man with curly hair is a lovely and kind person and is doing a great job. I highly reccomend this place

Moira Donovan

30 Aug 2025

I stopped in off the cuff, and I grabbed a caramel square and a peach iced tea. Both were delicious. The chocolate on the caramel square was incredible. Inside, it is very cute, the decor is clearly intentional and thematic. There are also chairs outside. It’s a small place, but perfect for a quick stop, and it’s a very cute place to recharge! They also have gift items such as tea cups

Cissy Dimitrakidou

01 Aug 2025

Such an amazing coffee shop! Seda is she so kind and sweet and her coffee is just great! We tasted some chocolates too and they were delicious and unique. The shop’s atmosphere reminds me of Edinburgh and it gives old but gold vibes and that’s my absolute favourite place in Dublin. Worth visiting it!

Mery Grassi (Coffee shop hopper)

26 Jul 2025

What more can you ask for besides amazing coffee and scones, a truly amazing service and a chill and very coffee shoppy atmosphere? Well the oldest store in Dublin with the historical elements on a beautiful display would do the trick for me. I am returning to this city and when I do, I will go back to this amazing little coffee shop. As everyone should do!

Iwona Swisulska

16 Jul 2025

Lovely cafe with amazing atmosphere. Very delicious, home made cakes. Great choice of craft pottery ,good as a gift. Very friendly and professional staff. Highly recommended

Yourlocalveganhipster

14 Jul 2025

Very cute and surprisingly many vegan options with! The vegan Sausage roll was so good and well seasoned the only problem was the tea was labelled as loose leaved and instead we got tea bag . Still recommended for some tea and snacks

Stefan Dosanu

02 Jul 2025

Review for The House of Read Café, Dublin I recently visited “The House of Read” in the heart of Dublin with a friend, and we loved it so much that we returned the very next day! This cozy, welcoming spot quickly became a highlight of our trip. The ambiance is perfectly set for a relaxing coffee or meal, with beautiful decor that makes you feel right at home. On both days, we tried the soup of the day served with freshly baked soda bread—so flavorful and hearty, it was just what we needed on a chilly Dublin afternoon. We paired it with their teas and a cinnamon roll that was, hands down, one of the best we’ve had. Everything was so fresh, and you could taste the quality in every bite. The staff were exceptional. On our second visit, the barista (whose name I sadly didn’t catch) surprised us with some complimentary chocolate, which was such a sweet touch and made us feel even more welcomed. The service was consistently warm, attentive, and professional, which made our experience all the more memorable. If you’re in Dublin, I can’t recommend “The House of Read” enough. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’ve found a little hidden gem, and you’ll leave with both a happy stomach and a big smile!

Brett Van Deren

15 Jun 2025

A wonderful place to grab a bite to eat and a delicious coffee. Had the spicy chicken baguette, mozzarella and pesto. Both were fantastic. Chicken was a good spicy! Service was great and a nice clean washroom.

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