With some places, it’s their fabulous desserts that make them worth a 30-minute walk. With others, it’s the stylish decorations and the well-thought-out design. Some places are renowned for their long history, or their pictures of the famous people who have visited in the past.
We can confidently say that Cafe Noto is none of the above. This does not, however, mean that you should dismiss it. What makes it attractive are the basic things it does well. Noto, located on Thomas St, Dublin 8, is a good place to come and relax, as it’s very spacious and light. Big windows and high ceilings, combined with light, simple design give it a different feel to the majority of places in Dublin, more reminiscent of continental cafes. I often visit to do some studying or just to catch up on news at the weekend. The atmosphere is tranquil, and there is always the right balance of customers inside – it is never too crowded or too empty.
In terms of the food and coffee it offers, I’ve had the opportunity to try several things so far, and must admit that the carrot cake is definitely my favourite. Not only is it my cake of choice in Noto, but it is also possibly my favourite in this part of Dublin. It is moist and rich, but at the same time not overly sweet. The consistency of it is just right, so it is an ideal afternoon treat. In terms of coffee, it is of a high quality (at least with the Americano and iced Americano that I have had a chance to try so far). Its sandwich selection is quite standard, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but in general, it has some good variants for quick lunch. I chose chicken and roasted peppers several times, and it did not disappoint.
In general, Cafe Noto is a good idea for those who are looking for a quiet spot to catch up with friends or read a book. While there is nothing revolutionary about this place, often a good cup of coffee is all that is needed.
