They say that the early bird catches the worm but you can't work on an empty stomach, right? If you want to grab a coffee and a bite to eat en route to Showcase at the RDS here's our inside guide to the best places in the area.

Avoca, Ballsbridge

Avoca is one of Ireland’s most familiar cafe and retail brands with 13 locations renowned for their excellent fashion, gifts and food. At Avoca Ballsbridge you’ll find a terrific food store and grocery as well as plenty of takeaway morning options. If you prefer to sit down to breakfast you can visit the Fodder Restaurant which serves breakfast and lunch Monday to Friday and brunch at the weekend. An ideal spot for a meeting too. 

Press Cafe at The National Print Museum, Beggars Bush 

Press is an independent cafe located in the National Print Museum - a short walk from the RDS. All the food is lovingly homemade using fresh ingredients from Irish suppliers. Try one of the daily chalkboard specials or a cup of delightful Cloud Pickers coffee - roasted and pressed in Dublin. It also has a seriously good selection of design and culture magazines to peruse while you enjoy your food.

Art of Coffee, Ballsbridge

The Art of Coffee is a great place to grab a good coffee and pastry or cake as well as a savoury option such as smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel or meatball ciabatta. Popular with locals for its pleasing interiors, friendliness and cleanliness. 

il Valentino, Dublin Docklands

If you’re staying in the popular Dublin Docklands area then il Valentino at Grand Canal Harbour is the place to go for great pastries, cakes, sweet treats and breads. With a focus on using the simplest of ingredients to create the best of food you’ll know this place by the queue out the door most mornings.

Foodgame, Beggars Bush 

A tiny neighbourhood spot popular with locals including business people and mums on the school run, Foodgame has a small but well executed breakfast menu which includes pastries, granola pots, porridge and great coffees. 

Strand Fare, Sandymount 

If you’re staying in Sandymount in the vicinity of Ballsbridge, deli and grocery Strand Fare do the best coffees in the neighbourhood along with fresh morning pastries.

Bread 41, Dublin City Centre

Bread 41 is a bit further away from the RDS but we’ll make an exception for this place which has quickly garnered something of a cult following since it opened. Located on Dublin’s Pearse Street, you’ll spot the queue outside first. This is an organic bakery with strong CSR credentials specialising in ‘amazing baked goods’ such as long fermented breads and some of the best pastries in the city. The new eatery next door serves an all day brunch too.

Featured Image: Foodgame