The Vaults Cafe -Dublin Cafe

Before entering Dublin Castle for our tour I caught sight of the Queen of Tarts across the street and with a name like that who could resist. We had plans to look over their goods as soon as we completed the tour. So much for great plans. When the tour finishes, you have to walk through the Vaults Café to get to the gift shop and the exit. A brilliant concept. One look at the desserts in their case and we forgot all about our plans and grabbed a tray.

Service is cafeteria style with seating in several rooms, it is much bigger then a cursory look would suggest. We knew we were going to have dessert here but when we saw the soup we decided that it was worth a try. I ordered the carrot and orange soup and Joe had the tomato basil. Both bowls were served with a good size grainy roll and butter. It was very good soup, thick and rich and full of flavor and though I thought mine was by far the best, Al decided that the tomato was the winner (what does he know?).

We all agreed that these were the best desserts that we had all trip. I ordered the mango and blackberry tart. Juicy, sweet, tart, and accompanied by the whipped cream it was perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing. Al had apple strudel which he deemed the best he has ever had. Joe had the mixed berry strudel and he certainly wasn’t complaining.

We finished off with pots of hot tea and for a very reasonable price we were ready to continue our touring.

I highly recommend this restaurant, the staff is friendly and they cleared off any plates that we emptied in a very timely manner. The tables and chairs are wooden and the vaults offer an atmospheric appeal and in the warmer weather, there are tables outdoors for those who wish to smoke.

This restaurant was no longer open when we visit in 2015.