The Best Hot Chocolates In Dublin: A Guide To The Cities Most Delicious Drinks

if you’re like me then you absolutely love winter. And winter is the perfect time to divulge into some hot chocolates and warm up. Hot chocolate in Dublin is more than a drink, it’s an experience. Whether you’re strolling along the cobbled streets on a chilly day, seeking warmth in a cozy café. Dublin’s hot chocolate scene is bursting with options. This city is home to hot chocolates that range from traditional favourites to innovative blends topped with treats. It can be hard to find the best hot chocolate spots in the city. So after years of exploring, here are some of the best spots in Dublin to find this winter favourite!

Split Milk Café

Located right in the heart of Dublin city is Split Milk. Once known as Three Twenty they have a reputation as a top spot for specialty coffee and gourmet hot chocolate. Last year their hot chocolate went viral. And no wonder for its unique look and incredible taste and trust me it was viral for a reason. Split Milk’s hot chocolate stands out for its velvety texture and balance of sweetness and richness. Made with real chocolate, they melt down bars of dark and milk chocolate to create a creamy, thick consistency. Now for the crowd pleaser, they add their homemade marshmallow fluff to the hot chocolate. They even toast it right in front of you.

The interior at Split Milk is nice and colourful. If you’re looking to sit in here then you might be a little disappointed as they have very few seating. And when I say few seating I mean only about 4 chairs by the window. They do have a small bench outside but of course if you’re cold or it’s raining this isn’t ideal. The cafe itself can get extremely busy especially on weekends. It’s normal for them to sell out of their marshmallow fluff during the day. I would advise going early to avoid disappointment.

What to Try: The hot chocolate bomb is a must and the biggest crowd-pleaser. For an added touch of indulgence, try the honey comb chocolate bomb. This has everything like the normal but just a little bit of a twist.

My thoughts...

I went in here a little skeptical mainly for how popular it was. I thought most people only liked it for the presentation and not the actual taste but I was definitely wrong! The presentation of the hot chocolate is by far the best part of the whole experience. It just looks incredible but the drink itself was really good. It did take a long time to actually get through the amount of marshmallow fluff there was. I personally found the hot chocolate to be really rich by itself. But when you mix it with the fluff they actually complement themselves really well.

The price for one of their bombs cost €4.90. Which is a bit more on the pricier side compared to other places. But with the size and the amount you get I do actually think this is quite fair.

Café en Seine

Stepping into Café en Seine feels like you’re just hopped on a plane to Paris. Located on Dawson Street. This popular café and bar is known for its Parisian-inspired decor and a menu filled with delicious drinks. The place is truly one of the most incredible cafes/restaurants in the city. Their food and drinks definitely live up to this as well. Café en Seine can be another really popular spot in the city and offers a huge range of seating both inside and outside. I would advise especially on weekends to book a table. Especially if there are a few of you in a group as it can be booked out.

What to Try: The hot chocolate at Café en Seine is as luxurious as the surroundings. Made with rich, Belgian chocolate. It’s thick, creamy, and served with a side of whipped cream or marshmallows for that extra touch. Opt for the signature Café en Seine Hot Chocolate. Which incorporates hints of caramel and sea salt for a unique twist.

My Thoughts…

This is actually one of my favourite places in the city to grab a hot chocolate as I feel for the price and what you get it is well worth it. The hot chocolate itself is absolutely delicious and perfectly blended. The taste isn’t overwhelming at all and the quantity you get is perfect for relaxing and catching up with a friend over a nice hot chocolate. Of course the decor of this place is also worth a visit because there is nothing like it in the city.

Ladurée

Another Paris inspired cafe in Dublin, Ladurée brings French elegance to its hot chocolate. Known for its macarons, this gorgeous café on South William Street also serves a hot chocolate that is as beautifully presented as it is delicious. The cafe has a nice option of seating areas both inside and outside so you can decide whether to enjoy your hot chocolate cozy inside or have some fresh air. Ladurée is another popular spot in the city but most times you will be able to get a seat somewhere regardless of the time of day.

What to Try: Ladurée’s hot chocolate is inspired by the Parisian tradition, meaning it’s thick, rich, and almost dessert-like in its intensity. Made with a high-quality blend of dark chocolate and topped with fresh whipped cream, this drink is perfect for those looking for a sophisticated treat. Pair it with a macaron or two for an extra touch of sweetness.

My thoughts…

This would be another hot chocolate that is a little more on the pricer side and you do get a bit less than some other places charging the same which can sometimes put people off. The hot chocolate is very rich which may not suit most people but I thought it was actually really good! For the amount you get you might be a little surprised but once you taste it you definitely wouldn’t want that much as its just that chocolaty.

The Beanhive

The Beanhive on Dawson Street may be best known for its artistic coffee lattes but their hot chocolate is also a must-try for chocolate lovers. What sets Beanhive apart is the option to personalise your drink with fun designs, colours, and toppings. The cafe itself is really nice and quaint and offers seating both inside and outside. Though I will note there isn’t a lot of seating. The prices here are also really nice and affordable and great for the amount of hot chocolate you get.

What to Try: The classic hot chocolate is rich, made with dark cocoa, and topped with whipped cream and a dash of cocoa powder. If you’re feeling creative, ask for latte art on your hot chocolate for an Instagram-worthy drink that’s almost too pretty to drink!

My thoughts…

I think this is one of the most unique hot chocolates you will find in Dublin as the artwork the staff adds to your drink is amazing! You can sometimes make requests on what kind of art work you would like but most of the time it will be a surpise and all I have to say is the staff are extremely talented. The hot chocolates here are also delicious. They aren’t overwhelming or rich but a more subtle taste with a nice decent size for the price you pay.

Butlers Chocolate Café

Butlers Chocolate Café is a favourite among Dublin locals for its commitment to all things chocolate. With multiple locations around the city, Butlers offers a the perfect option to grab yourself a hot chocolate either on the go or to relax inside. There are so many Butlers cafes around the city and all of the cafes offer a wide range of seating both inside and outside. This is a great spot if you want to grab a hot chocolate and also get some work done somewhere that might be more quiet. Regardless what location you choose there will always be space to sit inside and relax no matter what time of the day.

What to Try: The Butlers Signature Hot Chocolate is a must. This drink is made with a combination of melted chocolate and steamed milk, resulting in a thick, creamy texture that’s rich but not overly sweet. It comes topped with a handmade chocolate of your choice, making it a two-in-one treat. Butlers also offer a range of seasonal hot chocolates so, if you’re interested in trying something new than I would recommend trying one of those.

My thoughts…

Butlers Cafes are a classic and their hot chocolates are always the best tout there and especially for the price. They have a huge range of hot chocolates like classic milk chocolate but even dark and white chocolate which are also delicious. You will also always find a Butlers somewhere near you in Dublin so if you’re craving a last minute hot chocolate and don’t know where to go then this is always the best option.

Final Thoughts…

Dublin’s hot chocolate scene offers something for everyone. From the artisanal, rich flavours at Split Milk to the classic French elegance of Ladurée, each café brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the best hot chocolates in Dublin is a delicious way to experience the city’s charm and culinary diversity.

So grab a friend, cozy up, and indulge in some of the finest hot chocolate Dublin has to offer.