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Killeshandra knows Fika 33. The word is out. The aromas of sizzling rashers and freshly brewed coffee have firmly established it in the minds of locals and visitors as the undisputed Best Best breakfast café Killeshandra has to offer. It’s the place you go to start your day right, to enjoy a hearty Traditional Irish Breakfast, or to indulge in a stack of fluffy pancakes.
But what happens when the morning rush fades? What happens when 12 o'clock rolls around and your stomach starts to rumble for lunch?
Here's a local secret that's not so secret anymore: Fika 33's magic doesn't stop at breakfast. The same commitment to quality, local ingredients, and comforting, soulful food extends right into their lunch menu. In fact, Fika 33 is rapidly earning a second, equally prestigious reputation as the top spot in Killeshandra for a perfect midday meal, a light bite, or a savoury snack.
If you’ve only ever been for breakfast, you're only getting half the story.
The Midday Meal Reimagined
Lunch can be a difficult meal to get right. We're often caught in a dilemma: we're too busy for a three-course meal, but we're craving something more substantial and satisfying than a pre-packaged sandwich. We want food that is fresh, fast (but not fast food), and fulfilling.
This is where Fika 33's lunch philosophy shines. They apply their 'fika' concept—of taking a worthy pause—to the midday meal. Lunch here isn't just a pit stop; it's a chance to reset your day.
The menu is a brilliantly curated selection of what can only be described as "perfect comfort food." It’s built around classics, elevated by exceptional ingredients.
The Star of the Show: The Golden Toastie
Let's begin with a universal icon: the toasted sandwich. At Fika 33, the humble toastie is transformed into a culinary experience. This is not the thin, sad sandwich of your childhood. This is a golden, crunchy, deeply satisfying meal.
It starts with the bread—thick-cut, fresh, and sourced from local bakers. This provides the perfect vessel, sturdy enough to hold the generous fillings and capable of being grilled to a perfect, buttery, golden-brown.
Then, the fillings. You'll find the classic, irresistible combination of quality ham and molten, gooey cheese—a simple masterpiece. But the menu often features creative combinations that change with the seasons. Imagine sharp cheddar melted with savoury onion, or a delicious combination of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce around the holidays.
Each toastie is a warm, handheld hug. It’s the perfect partner to a bowl of soup in the winter or a delicious, quick bite on a busy summer afternoon. It's the kind of lunch that feels both indulgent and wonderfully simple.
The Wrap: A Fresh, Flavourful Handful
For those seeking something on the lighter, fresher side, Fika 33's wraps are a go-to. While a toastie is about warm, melted comfort, the wrap is about crisp, fresh flavours.
Think of soft tortillas packed with delicious fillings. You might find a classic chicken Caesar, a spicy chicken wrap that gives a pleasant kick, or a vegetarian option bursting with roasted vegetables, hummus, and fresh greens.
What makes these wraps special is the same thing that makes the breakfast a standout: the quality of the ingredients. The salad isn't an afterthought; it's crisp and fresh. The chicken is tender and well-seasoned. Each bite is a balanced mix of flavour and texture.
This is the ideal lunch for when you're on the move or after a walk around Killeshandra's beautiful lakes. It’s nourishing, delicious, and won't weigh you down for the rest of the day.
Don't Forget the Homemade Bakes and Sweet Treats
Of course, no visit to Fika 33 is complete without acknowledging the counter. While it’s the home of the perfect scone or pastry to accompany your morning fika, it also serves as the perfect "lunch dessert."
Even if you’re not looking for a full meal, this is where Fika 33 truly shines as an all-day café. You can pop in at 2 PM for a latte and a slice of homemade cake. You can meet a friend for a chat over a rich hot chocolate and a brownie.
These aren't mass-produced, cellophane-wrapped impostors. They are homemade bakes, crafted with care: decadent chocolate cakes, zesty lemon drizzles, classic apple tarts, and comforting scones. For many, this is the 'light bite' they were looking for—a sweet, perfect pause in the middle of a hectic afternoon.
The Verdict: Killeshandra's All-Day Haven
It’s an impressive achievement for any establishment to be the best at one thing. To be the Best breakfast café Killeshandra locals flock to is a title well-earned.
But to be the best at breakfast and the top choice for lunch is what makes Fika 33 a true local gem. It proves that their core philosophy—of quality, freshness, and a warm welcome—is not limited to the morning hours.
So, the next time you're in Killeshandra and the clock strikes noon, don't just think of Fika 33 as "that amazing breakfast place." Walk in and discover your new favourite lunch spot. Your perfect midday fika is waiting.