The Bookshelf at The Elysian image

The Bookshelf at The Elysian

Restaurant โ€ข Modern european restaurant

๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ What a find in the middle of Cork. The Avo-Egg is a must try (a little heat so caution if you do not like spice). The hand brew is also delicious and served for 1 or 2. Did I mention the baked goods. Try the almond croissant. There is takeaway and sit down options with comfortable booths. The... People often mention staff, good, delicious, nice, coffee, brunch, service, amazing, recommend, great,


Address

Unit 5, The Elysian, Eglinton St, Ballintemple, Cork, T12 KTD1, Ireland

Website

www.bookshelfcoffee.com

Contact

+353 21 431 1591

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (475 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 8โ€ฏam to 4โ€ฏpm
  • Friday: 8โ€ฏam to 4โ€ฏpm
  • Saturday: 9โ€ฏam to 4โ€ฏpm
  • Sunday: 9โ€ฏam to 4โ€ฏpm
  • Monday: 8โ€ฏam to 4โ€ฏpm
  • Tuesday: 8โ€ฏam to 4โ€ฏpm
  • Wednesday: 8โ€ฏam to 4โ€ฏpm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: staff (17) good (12) delicious (11) nice (11) coffee (11) brunch (9) service (8) amazing (8) recommend (8) great (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 S & J S. 7 months ago on Google
    What a find in the middle of Cork. The Avo-Egg is a must try (a little heat so caution if you do not like spice). The hand brew is also delicious and served for 1 or 2. Did I mention the baked goods. Try the almond croissant. There is takeaway and sit down options with comfortable booths. The service is quick and very nice. I would definitely go back!
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Jessica C. 1 year ago on Google
    I love this place for breakfast/brunch. But the sweet treats and cakes are amazing, really recommend the almond croissant
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 2/5 Claudia F. 1 year ago on Google
    The place in general is nice however the service wasnโ€™t great, specifically from the person who was minding our table. Very dry and never smiled or tried to be nice either. More than once we tried to call this person, and we could clearly see she saw us but just ignored. Because of that we had to get up more than once and go over to ask what we needed (and the place wasnโ€™t too busy by the way). I also called out her attention to the fact that the menu says โ€œBelgian waffleSโ€ (plural) but my plate was brought just with one average sized waffle with the toppings: โ€œitโ€™s just like that, one waffle onlyโ€ was her reply. Not even an apology. The manager / person is charge was nice though. Found it expensive for the service/food we had.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Ana Contreras N. 1 year ago on Google
    A lucky find in Cork City over the Bank Holiday. Food including coffees were excellent.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 amy M. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was amazing. Staff are lovely, the place is very nice looking, and the toilets very clean
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Niamh D. 1 year ago on Google
    Went for breakfast today with my friend, our 1st visit and it was delicious. The staff were friendly and efficient. Will definitely go back! Oh and the best mushrooms I have ever had โ˜บ๏ธ
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Ruth M. 8 months ago on Google
    Great idea! Bottomless lunch to celebrate a big birthday. Perhaps more food and less drink please..... The food was great but would have liked a dessert option instead of rising to the challenge of one more drink..... 37 euros pp and we managed 4 drinks with 1 main course.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Jeremy G. 7 months ago on Google
    Thank you to the Bookshelf team! The food is very delicious! Price is not so expensive (27โ‚ฌ) for coffee latte, benedict eggs and sweet waffle. Enjoy having a good brunch at this pleasant place!
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Alexia T. 9 months ago on Google
    Coffee is amazing! sat outside and enjoyed a cappuccino! The service is also fantastic thanks Mark!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Tudor M. 9 months ago on Google
    I recommend The Bookshelf at the Elysian. We had the lunch on Saturday before the Cirk Marathon. I had Baba Gonush and Benedon Eggs. All the ingredients fresh and delicious. The staff was very useful & polite. Highly recommended ๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Becca D. 8 months ago on Google
    Couldnโ€™t recommend the Bookshelf at the Elysian more. Recently had a private booking for 25 girls to give my beautiful best friend a great send off before her wedding. We had a bridal brunch that was nothing short of fabulous, between the food, drinks, service and setting. Paul and Ciara were amazing, and both could not have been more helpful and accommodating for all our needs. We had a wonderful time, and our bride was delighted. Thank you all so much for the best day.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Luuuseeey 2 years ago on Google
    so yummy the porridge was really good and the staff is friendly aswell
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Harry L. 8 months ago on Google
    Visited here a few weeks ago and really enjoyed the chilli beef bowl. The staff here were very hardworking and helpful, and went out of their way for the customers.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Brendan F. 1 year ago on Google
    had a breakfast bap - it was top stuff. home made ketchup sealed it. Coffee is excellent. Staff are sound. The space is also cool. All good.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Alex C. 1 year ago on Google
    The food is great. The coffee is consistently very good and the staff are friendly. Mark especially went out of their way to make me feel valued as a customer, which I greatly appreciated. Will be visiting again soon!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 pietro b. 1 year ago on Google
    Really enjoyed this dinner experience with a set menu including some very tasty options in a lovely location with live music during the cork Jazz Festival week. Recommended. My only comment would be in relation to the wine list which is a little too small imho
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Sinรฉad O. 1 year ago on Google
    I went here on Sunday for brunch with 4 friends. Lovely atmosphere, food was delicious. Everyone loved their orders. Porridge was a big hit. My only complaint would be the portion size of the waffles (one waffle) was a little disappointing for โ‚ฌ11 though it was an exceptionally good one waffle!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Laarni Venus Marie G. 3 months ago on Google New
    One of the best brown breads I've had and I never thought pulled ham can taste sooo good. The Bookshelf Benedict is a must try. Cant wait to go back and try the rest of their menu.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 A B. 1 year ago on Google
    A lovely surprise as was a chance booking here. Fabulous brunch and the coffee cocktail was a lovely ending. Thank you for ending our visit to Cork on a culinary high
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Sharon Leahy S. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a beautiful spot with a great Atmosphere.l attended a private function Here last weekend. The food and presentation was just amazing. Well done to Paul and his staff. Highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Brendan O. 1 year ago on Google
    We held a private function here and were delighted we did. We had contacted owner Paul who provided us with a variety of dining options. We decided on a drinks reception and sit down 3 course meal. The cafe was closed to just our family and friends. It was great. Paul and his team were fantastic. I wasn't sure what to expect to be honest but the food was fantastic. Really nicely presented, delicious and great quality. We were delighted with it. Our guests loved it. We had stopped by previously on a number of occasions for lunch or take away coffees to this cafe or their other one on corner of Pembroke St and South Mall and always found the coffee and food good, but this was a different level. Would also have to say the staff there were excellent. Would recommend for a private function. ๐Ÿ‘Œ Paul is extremely helpful and worth chatting to for advice on what he and his team can deliver.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Lin L. 1 year ago on Google
    I love the bookshelf, food is good and coffee is what I love. And the price is reasonable
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Lisa S. 1 year ago on Google
    I've been here two weekends in a row now for brunch. I absolutely love it. Good quality for money and great atmosphere
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 2/5 MJEAM (. 1 year ago on Google
    Two starts for the efforts. Service was quite terrible. For a place like that , which has quite a nice vibe , staff has to be carefully selected. Also Eggs Benedict dish wasnโ€™t as good , too much bread, because slices were way too thick. Poached eggs were over cooked . Coffee was okay.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Susanna B. 1 year ago on Google
    The lemon cake is to die for. It's moist and delicious, and so is the brownie and everything I've eaten here. It's on the higher-priced side but once you've had a bite, you'll understand why. That almond croissant was amazing, too.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Sara B. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved the ambience, with chill/lofi music. The staff was really friendly and the food so good.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Sara A. 5 years ago on Google
    I only have positive things to say about this place! Friendly and very efficient service every time I've been there, even during a rush. The ambience is very nice, can be casual enough for a morning coffee and pastry, but upscale enough for cocktails and dinners in the evening. Their delph and glasses are aesthetically pleasing, as are many of their dishes! While a little pricier than some other cafes, the unique and tasteful menu is worth it, can cater to a broad array of dietary restrictions or preferences. Below pictured is (1-smoothie bowl ๐Ÿ˜, 2-white chocolate and pistachio crรจme brรปlรฉe, 3-Franciscan Wells Chieftan on tap with an Asian salad, tortilla chips, and a latte and almond crossaint).
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Francisco C. 2 years ago on Google
    Tasty brunch with a wide variety of dishes on its menu
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Chris Greer O. 4 months ago on Google
    A fabulous experience here at the bookshelf. My husband and I love these themed supper clubs and try to catch every one as they come along. The food is always delicious and each course so well presented by the most lovely staff. Each member nicer than the next. Lovely atmosphere and the music hits the right notes! A really fabulous night out. Great value, atmosphere and a most enjoyable experience. Looking forward to the next one! Chris.

  • 5/5 Rรณisรญn 6 months ago on Google
    I had the bookshelf benedict. It was delicious. The eggs were the right amount of runny and the brown bread had a hint of what I think, nutmeg or cinnamon. It paired nicely with the basil and Parmesan hollandaise sauce. Staff were so kind, it really enhanced our experience there. I also had a caramel iced latte and hands down, the best coffee Iโ€™ve had thus far. Will definitely be back.

  • 5/5 Mido E. 2 years ago on Google
    Went for brunch yesterday. We received a lovely welcome, all Covid requirements were visibility apparent. Flat white was perfection and I ordered the oatmeal pancakes, others ordered porridge, poached eggs, bacon with sour dough bread. Service top class. If I could just suggest one recommendation, the background music was a little loud, and choice of music wasnโ€™t the best and at times we had to compete with it. Definitely will be frequenting the bookshelf again, looking forward to it already highly recommended ๐Ÿ‘Œ ๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ˜€ ๐Ÿ˜„ ๐Ÿ˜Š ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ‘Œ ๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ˜€

  • 5/5 Ladies wear red For straight a. 4 months ago on Google
    We were hugely impressed with our visit this evening to this amazing restaurant. 5 star โญ๏ธ food, atmosphere, staff and an incredible Manager also. Highly recommend and canโ€™t wait to return.

  • 3/5 Luzia L. 2 years ago on Google
    The food was really nice, however we were really surprised they didn't have any decaff. The staff was not nice simply putting, it almost felt they were doing us a favor. Would go back for the food, but the service could get some improvement.

  • 1/5 mary o r. 1 year ago on Google
    It was my first and last time I would ever eat here! The service was absolutely shocking, 40 minutes we were waiting for or food to arrive, even though we had a table booked and it was only breakfast we were having, plus the place wasnโ€™t very busy. The staff were also quite rude.Three times I asked three different staff members for a glass of water that never arrived, in the end I just had to go and get it myself. Plus the food was cold on arrival,the music was so loud also.

  • 5/5 Kevin M. 4 months ago on Google
    Great spot for a takeout coffee and pastry. Coffee is very good and the pastries Iโ€™ve tried have all been delicious. I havenโ€™t tried the full menu yet, but I look forward to it. Thereโ€™s a nice seating area and an upstairs (I think with seating too?). There is some outdoor seating as well. Definitely stop in if youโ€™re in the area.

  • 1/5 Ella H. 11 months ago on Google
    Rude staff, we were only having a coffee and were told they were closing in 20 minutes. It was only a coffee! Which was then served to us in paper cups. I asked for more sugar and the server looked at me like I was odd for asking for more than a spoon full of sugar for 3 people. Music was also uncomfortably loud. Not a worthwhile experience for the cost.

  • 5/5 Isabella S. 2 years ago on Google
    What a lovely place! I recommend to have lunch/brunch here as their offer is super delicious! I still dream about the toesast with egg and hollandaise sauce

  • 1/5 SMC C. 10 months ago on Google
    Fiod is desperate. The eggs benedict are herby and the white of the egg was gooey underneath. The ham was manky aswell. Service is soooo slow but staff are nice

  • 1/5 Paola Velasco H. 2 years ago on Google
    The food was good and coffee too, but they have a 75min max stay policy that they didn't let me know when I sat down and asked me to pay and leave my table after 60min not even respecting their own policy. It was very disappointing.

  • 5/5 matthew S. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was absolutely amazing, very tasty, the cold brew was super refreshing and the staff were extremely friendly. Lovely spot for lunch, the prices are very fair for the quality of the food! Would highly recommend to anyone thinking about stopping here!


Call +353 21 431 1591 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • โœ“๏ธ Dogs allowed outside
  • Parking
    • โœ“๏ธ Paid parking lot
    • โœ“๏ธ Plenty of parking
    • โœ“๏ธ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • โœ“๏ธ Debit cards
    • โœ“๏ธ Credit cards
    • โœ“๏ธ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • โœ“๏ธ Beer
    • โœ“๏ธ Wine
    • โœ“๏ธ Coffee
    • โœ“๏ธ Alcohol
    • โœ“๏ธ Spirits
    • โœ“๏ธ Cocktails
    • โœ“๏ธ Small plates
    • โœ“๏ธ Vegan options
    • โœ“๏ธ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • โœ“๏ธ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • โœ“๏ธ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • โœ“๏ธ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • โœ“๏ธ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • โœ“๏ธ Lunch
    • โœ“๏ธ Brunch
    • โœ“๏ธ Dinner
    • โœ“๏ธ Dessert
    • โœ“๏ธ Seating
    • โœ“๏ธ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • โœ“๏ธ Dine-in
    • โœ“๏ธ Takeaway
    • โœ“๏ธ Outdoor seating

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