Cafe en Seine is one of the most spectacular cafe-bars in Europe, unique in terms of ambiance and style.  A hidden gem on Dublin’s leafy Dawson street, approximately five minutes from Grafton street.  The stylish cafe will transport you back to the heady days of early nineteenth century Paris, with excellent food and drink from noon till late.

In the early twentieth century, Cafe en Seine housed many different businesses from a piano showroom, a bicycle shop, a bank, an accountants and a solicitors.  By the late 1980’s the last of the insurance companies moved out and like most of Dawson street 39-40 was left abandoned.

In the early 1990’s Liam O’Dwyer pushed back a ceiling tile with the handle of his paintbrush and saw the vaulted ceilings, which planted the seed for what was to become Cafe en Seine.  The original cafe, occupying only one floor opened in July 1993.  Seven years later, after what is said to be the most expensive refurbishment in Dublin, Cafe en Seine reopened in its current form in December 2001.

With a series of bars spanning three floors, and an opulent art deco theme that includes features such as a Louis XIV th bust, a french hotel lift and a glass atrium with 40 ft trees, the cafe is a stunning place to visit.  Big enough to get lost in, overcrowding is never a problem.

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Lunch is served daily from noon with the menu featuring dishes such as delicious soups, gourmet sandwiches and daily specials, with an excellent selection of coffee’s and yummy pastries.

Come evening, the brassiere offers a range of classic to modern dishes, including fragrant Green Thai curry, Dry Aged steak, Daily Market fresh fish catch, tasty bar bites and a range of delicious desserts.

By night Cafe en Seine turns into arguably Dublin’s most stylish bar, offering an extensive range of cocktails and beers and great music entertainment.  Voted Jameson’s bar of the year and Europe’s sexiest bar it is easy to see why.  The dress code is mainly stylish and the bar is full of good-looking people, the Irish being famous for their looks as well as their charm.  To be honest after the experience my husband and I had in Italy, Ireland will always be my favourite place in Europe next to Paris (and that’s not just because my father is Irish).  Dublin is one of Europe’s most down to earth and friendly cities and the quality of food and bar service is outstanding.

From Wednesday to Saturday the drinking and dancing doesn’t stop until 2.30am.  Plus on Sunday’s there’s a jazz brunch from noon to 5pm, followed by music from the LJJ band at 6.30pm.  Cafe en Seine also provides cocktail classes, perfect for hen parties or fun with friends.