Kalbos Cafe

26 North St, Gortnaclohy, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, P81 FX43, Ireland
+353 28 21515
$$$ Cafe
(170 Reviews)
Price Range €10–20

Welcome to Kalbos Cafe, a charming little gem nestled in the heart of Skibbereen, County Cork. Located at 26 North St, Gortnaclohy, this intimate café is a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, celebrated for its warm ambiance and exceptional fare.

Upon entering Kalbos Cafe, you're greeted by a cozy atmosphere that invites you to relax and unwind. The decor is thoughtfully curated, striking a perfect balance between rustic comfort and contemporary style. With friendly staff always ready to make you feel at home, you're set for a delightful dining experience. The café is particularly acclaimed for its breakfast and sweet treats, making it an ideal spot for brunch lovers.

The menu boasts a variety of delectable options, but the highlights definitely include the breakfast toastie, showcasing Irish gubeen bacon paired with a perfectly fried egg, all enveloped in warm, toasted bread. Sip on one of their standout hot chocolates, hailed as one of the best in town. As one delighted customer, Liam Anderson, noted, it’s hard to find a better combination of comfort and flavor—his enthusiasm for the 'seriously good' hot chocolate is shared by many who have had the pleasure of trying it.

For those with a sweet tooth, Kalbos also serves an array of cakes that are simply irresistible. The blood orange polenta cake, as described by Milou Kraayenbrink, is a must-try, melding rich flavors that linger delightfully on the palate. Coffee aficionados will be pleased to know that the café offers an impressive selection of brews, perfect to complement any sweet treat. Louise K particularly enjoyed her lemon polenta cake with a delicious cup of coffee, raving about the impeccable service and cleanliness that further enhance the experience.

Kalbos Cafe isn’t just a stop for a quick bite; it's an experience that lingers. Gary Li, a regular visitor, swears by the café for its unbeatable combination of helpful staff and excellent fare that brightens his trips to Skibbereen. Whether you’re here for a casual lunch or a leisurely coffee break, the welcoming spirit of Kalbos will have you coming back for more.

Overall, Kalbos Cafe is a slice of culinary delight—offering great food, excellent service, and an inviting atmosphere. Whether you're a local or just passing through Skibbereen, make sure to stop by and treat yourself to one of their many goodies. Your taste buds will thank you!

Service options
Offers takeout
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has restroom
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy
Crowd
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free street parking
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

170 Reviews
Photography by Liam Anderson

27 Sep 2025

I have to say I actually was going to Benedict's when I found out they had closed, look across the st and there was Kalbos. Lovely small intimate cafe. Serves good food and good prices. Breakfast toastie with gubeen bacon and fried egg in a toasted sandwich and had a seriously good hot chocolate. I will say it was definitely one of the better hot chocolates and toasted sandwiches I've had in a while. Really good job. And the staff are lovely. Also asked for ketchup with no bother at all. I asked for the Wi-Fi after I entered it wrong and they spelled it out for me even though it was there. All the little things count. Very happy and will definitely get the toastie and hot choc for a 10er again.

Milou Kraayenbrink

10 Sep 2025

Nice little place, with absolutely amazing cakes. Had the bloodorange-polenta cake. Wish I lived closer so I could go more often

Louise K

02 Aug 2025

Had a delicious coffee with lemon polenta cake. Friendly and clean. Service excellent.

Gary Li

01 Aug 2025

Always stop here for coffee, sweet treats or lunch if we visit Skibbereen. Very helpful staff and great service.

Cathal Crowley

29 Jul 2025

Pasta and focaccia breads were delicious. Pizza only ok I thought. Staff were very good.

malcolm benson

17 Jul 2025

Lovely cafe with friendly staff, interesting, comfy atmosphere with home cooked, excellent food. Highly recommended.

John Minihane

15 Jul 2025

A gem, cracking coffee and loads of yummy delicious stuff , please ignore calorie restrictions and go for everything

Lou Cork

14 Jun 2025

Honestly at first I thought this cafe was going to make me an average cappuccino, staff didn't seem to be doing all the fancy things that most coffee shops do these days like messing with the steamer, swirling the coffee , banging the jug ect but boy was I so wrong it was an AMAZING CAPPUCCINO . As a coffee lover it was one of the best cappuccinos I've had in a long long time. Staff were lovely. I was only visiting skibbereen but will certainly make it my business to call again.

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