There are no shortage of gems along the seafront.
Recently named one of the world's 14
most under-appreciated travel destinations by Time Out, Bray has always been *the* place to go on a sunny day for anyone in the surrounding area. The postcard-esque seafront, plentiful ice cream shops and amazing walks are enough to have people flocking, but in recent years the town has seriously upped its game in terms of food offerings too.
Whether it's creamy pints, carefully curated small plates or freshly caught seafood there'll definitely be something that tickles your fancy along the seaside prom - here are 12 spots we recommend.
Eat
Dockyard No8
An integral part of Bray's brunch scene, Dockyard is known and loved by locals for its excellent egg dishes, harbour-side location and dog friendly policy. The slow cooked, ham hock eggs benny is the stuff of legend, as are the burgers.
Nine
A relatively new addition to the seaside town, Nine has quickly established itself as a go-to spot for speciality coffee and innovative brunch options. Alongside this, Nine have also recently opened for dinner on a permanent basis after the success of their supper clubs last summer - on the set menu you can expect fine-dining style seafood dishes, immaculately prepared desserts and carefully selected wine pairings to wash everything down with.
Daata
You'll find some of the best Indian food this side of Mumbai at this tasty spot, which has additional seaside locations in Greystones and Glasthule. Creamy curries, fusion brunch dishes and all the Indian sides and small plates you know and love, Daata also recently moved into a larger spot in Bray with more room for big bookings.
Platform
Platform has been open for almost a decade and is a beloved destination for date night, birthday dinners and casual bites. The quirky spot is primarily a pizzeria, but also has a hugely popular selection of wings and cocktails. Sides wise, the mac and cheese is a must.
Drink
The Harbour Bar
The Harbour has appeared on countless lists as a must-visit pub, and for good reason. It's got everything a great bar should - cosy interiors oozing character, regular live music and incredible pints. It's probably already been recommended to you if you're planning a trip to Bray but if not, take this as your definite sign to stop in.
The Palm
Bray's newest bar has an LA vibe about it with swish interiors, a highly Instagrammable outdoor terrace and an excellent cocktail menu. There's also regular live music and comedy - a one-stop shop for a fully formed night out.
O'Sullivans
This bustling bar is located on Bray's Castle Street and promises to have the best pint in town. They combine this with an excellent pub grub menu and regular live music.
The Martello
Famous on the Bray bar scene, The Martello has served locals for decades and its accompanying Koo nightclub is the stuff of legend. The kind of local spot you'd expect to bump into everyone you've ever known at on Christmas Eve, The Martello is great for seaside pints, pub grub and a boogey.
Coffee
Glovers
Like many spots on the list, Glovers is multi-faceted. Great for coffee obviously, but also for brunch and even a cheeky charcuterie board by the sea. Ideal for a wine-fuelled catch up or a silky flat white.
Catalyst
Known for its top-notch veggie and vegan offerings, delicious Imbibe coffee and posh puppucinos, Catalyst is slowly taking over Bray with three locations across the town. Pop in for yourself next time you're in the area and see why.
Copper + Straw
You'll find this cosy café on Bray Main Street serving up a storm with a varied selection of speciality beans, comforting sambos and most importantly, incredible sausage rolls. No café is complete without them, let's be honest.
Contemporary Coffee
Village Gate Arcade, Main Street
The term 'hidden gem' has very nearly lost all meaning in today's society, such is the frequency with which it's used to describe establishments that at this stage, visitors from Mars could tell you about. But by all accounts, Contemporary Coffee earns the title - tucked away in a colourful lane off Bray Main Street and quiet on social media, this neighbourhood spot prefers to focus on more important things like pouring impeccable Roasted Brown brews and welcoming well dressed dogs in for puppacinos.
Did we miss out your favourite haunt in Bray? Let us know!
Header image via Instagram/ Nine Bray / Harbour Bar
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