Are you the type who cannot function without coffee running through your veins? I totally get it—there’s nothing quite like that first sip of a perfectly brewed cup to kickstart your day or provide a much-needed pick-me-up.
After sampling countless brews across Belfast, I’ve found some exceptional spots that serve great coffee and offer a cozy atmosphere to unwind. I’m excited to share my go-to cafes for a coffee break in the city in this guide.
Whether you’re a regular coffee drinker or just looking for a new spot to try, these hidden gems will satisfy your caffeine cravings. Let’s dive into my top picks and discover where to find your next favorite brew!
1. Established Coffee
Media credit: establishedcoffee
Website: http://www.established.coffee/
Address: 54 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LB, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442890319416
Operating hours: 7 AM–4:30 PM
Pricing: €€
Established Coffee’s minimalist design gives it a modern yet cozy feel. I love the wooden accents and vibrant plants, perfect for some me-time or catching up with friends.
They offer various seating options, from quiet nooks for some alone time to communal tables for group gatherings. I enjoy spending a leisurely afternoon there with a good book and a perfectly crafted flat white.
What’s great about this café is it hosts fun events like latte art workshops, which add an educational and interactive element to the experience.
And let’s not forget about their artisanal coffee and delicious light bites made with locally sourced ingredients, which showcase the best of Belfast’s culinary scene. My personal favorite is their avocado toast topped with poached eggs.
To top it all off, they often have seasonal specials and occasional discounts on certain drinks, which makes it an even more attractive destination for coffee enthusiasts like me.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of their communal table not just for seating but also for conversation. Chat with fellow coffee lovers or the staff; you might discover hidden gems in Belfast’s food scene or get recommendations on the best local brews.
2. Neighbourhood Café
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Website: http://www.neighbourhood.cafe/
Address: 33 Donegall St, Belfast BT1 2FG, United Kingdom
Operating hours: 7:30 AM–4 PM
Pricing: €€
Neighbourhood Café has a modern design with wooden accents. The café is about specialty coffee, and its brunch menu is divine.
What I enjoy about this place is the laid-back vibe. It’s walk-in only, which adds to its casual charm and makes it feel so welcoming. I appreciate that they use fresh, locally sourced ingredients in their dishes.
My favorite way to start the day here is with a rich coffee and one of their freshly baked pastries. It’s the ultimate indulgence! Plus, they often host special events and offer discounts, so there’s always something fun going on.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting during peak hours, consider going slightly earlier or later to avoid the rush; this way, you can truly savor your meal in peace while soaking in the café’s charming
3. Oh Donuts & Coffee
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Website: https://www.ohdonuts.co.uk/
Address: 55 Upper Arthur St, Belfast BT1 4HG, United Kingdom
Contact details: +447720392198
Operating hours: 8 AM–4 PM
Pricing: €
Oh, Donuts & Coffee has a mix of modern design with comfy touches that set the scene. And let’s talk about the amenities – they’ve got it all from a comfortable seat inside or prefer to enjoy your treats outside.
One of the best parts about this place is its coffee-tasting events. It’s such a cool experience to learn about different brewing methods while enjoying fresh coffee paired with their amazing donuts.
Oh, and they even host special events like “Donuts & Beer” nights, which add a fun twist to your typical café outing. Plus, keep an eye out for their seasonal discounts and promotions—they make indulging in these sweet treats even more enjoyable.
Pro tip:
The Irish Blackcurrant & Apple Crumble donut is a must-order, which beautifully balances sweet and tart flavors, making it a standout choice that keeps patrons coming back for more.
4. General Merchants
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Website: http://www.generalmerchants.co.uk/
Address: 361 Ormeau Rd, Belfast BT7 3GL, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442890291007
Operating hours: Monday, 8 AM–5 PM
Pricing: €€
General Merchant has a charming vibe with its stylish architecture and cozy atmosphere. The blend of contemporary design and rustic elements creates a welcoming ambiance.
They serve some of the finest coffee and Antipodean-inspired brunches in Belfast. The best part? They’ve got comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and even a selection of specialty goods for purchase, like coffee beans and artisanal products.
The café perfectly balances casual and chic; its menu is a brunch lover’s dream. Think avocado toast, fluffy pancakes, and hearty sandwiches. My go-to order is their signature flat white paired with the delicious sweet potato cakes.
And that’s not all – they often host special events like live music nights and seasonal promotions with discounts on select menu items.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting on a weekend, arrive early to secure a good spot, as it fills quickly. Also, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for their daily specials; they often feature unique dishes that showcase local ingredients!
5. The Pocket
Media credit: thepocketcoffee
Website: http://www.thepocket.coffee/
Address: 68 Upper Church Ln, Belfast BT1 4LG, United Kingdom
Operating hours: 8 AM–3 PM
Pricing: €€
The Pocket is housed in a beautiful Victorian building that dates back to 1888, which gives it a unique and charming atmosphere. The architecture is stunning, with intricate stonework and large windows that flood the interior with natural light.
Inside, it offers a comfortable and inviting space with seating arrangements for solo visits and group gatherings. They even provide free Wi-Fi, making it an ideal spot for remote work or catching up on emails while enjoying breakfast.
The soft music playing in the background adds to the inviting decor, and the contemporary café fare is simply delicious. Plus, they host special events like “Coffee & Cake Wednesdays,” where you can enjoy discounts on pastries with your drink.
Pro tip:
Be sure to visit during the quieter morning hours for a more peaceful experience and fully appreciate the café’s ambiance.
6. The Lamppost Cafe
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Website: http://thelamppostcafe.com/
Address: 19 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 3HT, United Kingdom
Operating hours: 9 AM–4 PM
Pricing: €€
Inspired by C.S. Lewis, the Lamppost Cafe transports you to the world of Narnia. The architecture and decor have this whimsical 1930s tea shop vibe that’s just so enchanting.
It’s a family-run cafe that won the Eastside Award for Foodie Destination in 2018, and it’s easy to see why. The cozy downstairs area is perfect for enjoying tea, while the upstairs Writers Room is a peaceful escape resembling C.S. Lewis’s study.
The food is delicious – they serve everything from hearty breakfasts to light lunch options. My favorite is their Seasonal French Toast with fresh raspberries and white chocolate shavings – it’s a real treat!
And get this—they’re dog-friendly! They even have water bowls and treats for furry friends, which is awesome. Plus, if you ever need a spot for a private event, they offer event rentals for intimate gatherings.
Pro tip:
Visit during off-peak hours to fully appreciate the serene atmosphere in the Writers Room. Here, you can enjoy coffee while reading one of the many books on their eclectic bookshelf.
7. Harlem Cafe
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Website: https://www.harlemcafebelfast.com/
Address: 34 Bedford St, Belfast BT2 7FF, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442890244860
Operating hours: 9 AM–2 PM
Pricing: €€
Harlem Cafe’s art-deco facade is inviting, and once you’re in, the vibrant interior just lifts your spirits. The eclectic decor, with plants, mismatched antiques, and colorful artwork, creates a warm and welcoming vibe.
The food is all about hearty comfort with a twist. They serve an all-day breakfast and a great selection of lunch options. I’m a big fan of their red velvet pancakes and the generously sized sandwiches.
What’s cool is that they also host private events, adding to the venue’s charm. It’s such a versatile place for celebrations. The ambiance is relaxed and vibrant, ideal for casual meet-ups or cozy brunches.
Pro tip:
If you have time, try to visit during their weekend brunch hours. They often feature live music, adding more enjoyment to your meal.
8. Kaffe O
Media credit: kaffeo
Website: http://kaffeo.coffee/
Address: 73 Botanic Ave, Belfast BT7 1JL, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442890319977
Operating hours: 7:30 AM–4:30 PM
Pricing: €
Kaffe O has a modern yet cozy vibe with large windows that let in so much natural light. I love that they offer free Wi-Fi, making it a great place to work or study.
My friends and I often visit to enjoy their delicious freshly baked pastries and artisanal sandwiches. Oh, and their weekend brunch is a must-try! The energy there is so lively, and the food is just amazing.
The café has a vibrant yet relaxed vibe that I can’t get enough of. It offers a great selection of coffee, including single-origin brews and expertly crafted espresso drinks, and its light bites and sweet treats are delightful.
My go-to order is their signature flat white with a slice of their homemade carrot cake – it’s seriously a match made in heaven!
What’s cool is that Kaffe O also hosts special events like coffee-tasting evenings and art displays from local artists. It’s a fantastic way to unite the community and offer patrons unique experiences.
Pro tip:
Grab a seat by the window for the best people-watching experience while sipping your coffee. It’s also worth asking the barista about their seasonal specials; they often feature unique flavors that are not on the regular menu!
9. Bread Street Bakery
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Address: Great Northern Mall, Great Victoria St, Belfast BT1, United Kingdom
Operating hours: 7:30 AM–4 PM
Pricing: €
Bread Street Bakery has a modern design and a touch of rustic charm. I loved the exposed brick walls and wooden beams, giving the space so much character and a cozy feel.
The bakery offers fresh artisan bread, pastries, and coffee, making it a perfect spot for breakfast or a midday snack. I especially enjoyed sitting at the communal tables, where the friendly staff encouraged conversations among patrons.
The relaxed and inviting ambiance, along with the casual yet stylish decor, really made the experience enjoyable. The bakery’s cuisine offers a modern twist on traditional fare, like flaky croissants and hearty sandwiches.
They often host special events like baking workshops and seasonal promotions. Also, remember to check out their loyalty program, which offers discounts on select items after a certain number of purchases.
Pro tip:
Be sure to arrive early in the morning to snag some of their freshly baked items before they sell out! Additionally, consider enjoying your coffee outside if the weather permits; the street view adds charm to your experience.
10. The Bobbin Coffee Shop
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Website: http://www.loafcatering.com/
Address: May St, Belfast BT1 5JD, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442890502068
Operating hours: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Pricing: €
The Bobbin Coffee Shop is located within the stunning Belfast City Hall. Its beautiful architectural design reflects the area’s historical charm. The shop is named after the city’s linen industry, paying tribute to its heritage.
Managed by Loaf Catering and Cafes, The Bobbin is committed to social enterprise, providing training and job opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities and autism. You should visit if you love supporting businesses with such a positive mission.
The café offers free Wi-Fi, making it a great place for casual meet-ups or getting some work done. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with bright interiors that create a relaxing environment for catching up with friends.
The diverse menu offers hearty hot snacks as well as lighter options like salads and sandwiches. I couldn’t resist their rich hot chocolate paired with a slice of homemade cake—it was an absolute delight.
Pro tip:
Be sure to take your coffee outside and enjoy it on the beautiful grounds of City Hall. The gardens are perfect for a stroll, allowing you to soak in the stunning architecture while savoring your drink.