Lisburn Road is Belfast’s unofficial caffeine highway with numerous cafes lining the street left and right.
This bustling extension of the “Golden Mile” is popular for its array of upscale boutiques and eateries. It’s also where coffee connoisseurs and brunch enthusiasts come to caffeinate and celebrate.
If you don’t want to miss out on what’s brewing, hop on the espresso express and explore the best cafes Lisburn Road has to offer!
What’s the average cost of dining at a cafe on Lisburn Road?
The average cost of dining at a cafe on Lisburn Road can range from £8 and £15 per person, depending on what you order.
Since Lisburn Road is more of an upscale area, the pricing of food and beverage items might be slightly higher than other areas in Belfast. A cup of coffee can cost around £2.50 to £4.50, while food items can range from £5 to £10.
How We Chose the Best Cafes on Lisburn Road
1. Output Espresso
| Menu Selection | 4.7/5 |
| Quality of Food and Coffee | 5/5 |
| Atmosphere | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 5/5 |
| Pricing | 4.9/5 |
Output Espresso has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. What makes them stand out in Belfast’s coffee scene are their carefully crafted espresso drinks and artisanal approach to coffee.
Thus, they’re highly praised by caffeine aficionados, which is a good sign. Customers consistently praise the quality of the coffee, highlighting the rich flavors and perfect crema achieved by the skilled baristas.
Their commitment to sourcing high-quality, ethically produced beans is definitely evident in every cup.
We also appreciate the cozy, minimalist ambiance that creates an ideal environment for relaxation and catching up with friends.
When it comes to their menu, they have a small selection of light bites, brunch items, sweet treats, and a wide array of coffee and other beverages. We love their Maple Bacon Lost Bread and Satay Benny paired with a cappuccino.
Although their food menu might be a bit limited, we appreciate that they’ve still managed to include some vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Plus, all of the brunch staples like avo toast, benny, and pancakes are all available.
It’s great that they’re open daily, however, you might encounter long queues during peak hours as seating is limited.
But overall, we recommend Output Esspreso to coffee aficionados and even purists who are on the hunt for some of the best brews in Belfast.
Customer Reviews
I had read a few reviews on this place and really wanted to try it. I ordered Apple Crumble Lost Bread, which was absolutely gorgeous!! I also had a cappuccino, which was made to perfection. You really need to check this place out! – Tasha, Google Reviews
A coffee gem. Output knows what they are doing. Baristas are knowledgeable and skilful, the latter swan was quite well done. Latte struck a good balance between milk and coffee, without either of them dominating the taste. The Brazilian filter was well made and well selected, being the only option they offer. It is not too acidic and not too dark, a little chocolatey and a little fruity too. A people pleaser (and rightfully so). – Alexander Serikov, Google Reviews
2. Brew & Bake
| Menu Selection | 5/5 |
| Quality of Food and Coffee | 5/5 |
| Atmosphere | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 5/5 |
| Pricing | 4.9/5 |
Brew & Bake has been a beloved fixture on Lisburn Road since 2018 and is one of the most loved cafes in Belfast. This is because of its charming atmosphere and scrumptious baked goods that’ll make you crave for more!
Customers rave about the cafe’s signature cinnamon rolls, which have become somewhat of a local legend, which we can attest to!
Apart from their legendary cinnamon rolls, you can indulge in a full menu of delectable morning and midday fare. Then pair them with their selection of teas, coffees, and other sweet treats.
It’s important to note that Brew & Bake has two locations along Lisburn Road. Just to avoid confusion, the one at 489 Lisburn Road is the cafe and the one at 336 Lisburn Road (the original cafe) has been converted into a bakery.
We love that they’re located within a short walking distance from each other and you can enjoy more baked goods that you can take home from the bakery.
However, dog owners might be disappointed to learn that pets are not allowed inside, though outdoor seating is available.
When it comes to pricing, it might be on the steeper side, but the portions and quality of food and beverages make it well worth the price.
Customer Reviews
I was here for brunch on a weekend. The place was pretty crowded (not complaining). We got seats within 2 minutes. Cafe Feels like a cute cozy spot. Perfect for coffee dates and breakfast. We ordered cinnamon French toast and spicy beans toast and of course their famous hot chocolate. Everything we ate was delicious. Enjoyed till the last bite. Definitely coming back to try some more soon. – Vydurya Raghu, Google Reviews
Came here for brunch and was lucky we didn’t have to queue for too long. We shared the Christmas bap and the cinnamon French toast and of course got their famous hot chocolate. Everything was beautiful. Glad we shared the dishes so we got the best of the sweet and savoury! – Helen, Google Reviews
3. Oliver’s Coffee Bar
| Menu Selection | 5/5 |
| Quality of Food and Coffee | 5/5 |
| Atmosphere | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 5/5 |
| Pricing | 4.9/5 |
What we love about Oliver’s Coffee Bar is its warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements its quality beverages and food offerings. This charming cafe has become a go-to spot for coffee lovers and casual visitors alike.
Their coffee is one of our go-to’s on Lisburn Road. Pair a cup with one of their signature scones and it’s absolutely heavenly!
It’s also good to know that the cafe is committed to sourcing high-quality beans and maintaining exacting standards in their preparation. This has earned them a loyal following among Belfast’s discerning coffee drinkers.
Beyond great coffee, Oliver’s has garnered a reputation for their delectable food menu. From hearty breakfast options to light lunch fare, the cafe offers a diverse range of choices to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
Their scones and traybakes are must-tries and one of the best ones you can find in the city! We also like to commend their friendly and attentive staff who significantly contribute to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
But like any popular establishment, expect the cafe to be quite busy from morning to lunch time. The space is also a bit limited so there might be long queues and slow service at certain times.
But to sum up, Oliver’s is a Lisburn Road gem and a must-visit for anyone who loves quality coffee and a hearty brunch.
Customer Reviews
Oliver’s was such a delight that we went both mornings of our time in Belfast. Raspberry white chocolate scones are unbeatable!! Delicious cappuccinos too. – Claire Mercer, Google Reviews
Best coffee on the Lisburn Road and such a chill environment to enjoy your coffee! Recommend the brownies or cinnamon scones – both 10/10. – Ryan Loughran, Google Reviews
4. Cafe Mauds
| Menu Selection | 5/5 |
| Quality of Food and Coffee | 4.9/5 |
| Atmosphere | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.8/5 |
| Pricing | 4.7/5 |
If you’re a fan of cold, sweet treats after a hearty brunch meal, then Cafe Mauds is a must-try! They’re a beloved local institution, blending the charm of a traditional ice cream parlor with the comfort of a modern cafe
This establishment, an offshoot of the renowned Mauds Ice Cream brand, offers visitors a unique dining experience that goes beyond its extensive selection of frozen treats.
Beyond ice cream, Cafe Mauds has successfully expanded its menu to include a range of savory options. We found their breakfast and lunch offerings, such as sandwiches, paninis, and light bites, tasty and fresh.
When it comes to its ambiance, we love that it’s warm and inviting, with decor that pays homage to Mauds’ long-standing history in Northern Ireland.
Just some drawbacks are its high pricing and slow service at certain times. Many customers say that the ice cream is a bit too expensive for a few scoops, which would make frequent visits less feasible for most.
Meanwhile, the slow service can be frustrating as some line up for a long time just to get inside and will have to wait longer for their orders to be taken and served.
Despite some issues, we recommend Cafe Mauds for those searching for a taste of authentic Belfast ice cream culture.
Customer Reviews
Outstanding service and a lovely range of food makes Mauds a lovely hidden gem on a road with plenty of competition. Was really impressed with my breakfast this morning and the staff couldn’t have been more attentive and helpful. – Tina Lauro Pollock, Google Reviews
Love this place. Staff are friendly and attentive and the food is fantastic. We always come here for breakfast and it never disappoints. – Eamonn Carlin, Google Reviews
5. Mad Hatter Cafe
| Menu Selection | 5/5 |
| Quality of Food and Coffee | 5/5 |
| Atmosphere | 4.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.7/5 |
| Pricing | 5/5 |
Many locals and tourists have tumbled down the rabbit hole of the quirky Mad Hatter Cafe with its whimsical Alice in Wonderland-inspired theme and diverse menu offerings.
If you’re looking for a tasty breakfast at a budget-friendly price, this cafe is one of the best go-to spots in the Belfast city center. Just note that it’s actually located on Eglantine Avenue near the corner of Lisburn Road, so it’s still easy to find.
If you’re particularly looking for the best ulster fry in town, Mad Hatter’s is one of our best bets. In fact, a lot of customers keep coming back for their scrumptious and not so greasy ulster fry.
What’s more, they serve big portion sizes so they offer excellent value for money, and that’s why they have numerous returning customers. Apart from their ulster fry, their pancakes are also a big hit with kids and adults alike.
Beyond breakfast, they also offer a selection of lunch and midday bites such as sandwiches, salads, wraps, fish and chips, pies, and more.
However, due to the cafe’s popularity, it can be busy especially in the morning for breakfast and toward lunch time. So expect long waiting times and potentially slow service during these hours.
But to conclude, Mad Hatter Cafe is an excellent choice for those looking for a tasty, hearty, and budget-friendly breakfast in Belfast.
Customer Reviews
Called in here this morning for breakfast, had the vegetarian breakfast and my other half ordered sausage and egg soda. Portions were huge and food was amazing. The nicest breakfast I have had, our eggs are so fresh. Will most definitely be back and try lunch options some time. Definitely worth a visit, staff are also very attentive and, I must say, know how to have good banter. 10 out of 10 for all. – Heather Redmond, Google Reviews
Amazing food and the staff are so kind, we have been going here for 12 years. Best fry on Lisburn Road and reasonable prices. – Gary Cowan, Google Reviews