Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Belfast

"The self-proclaimed best cafe in Europe, Town Square is on a mission to create a space for people of all walks of life to get together, share ideas, and create art. Head chef Robert Wisniewski is at the core of the restaurant. It’s the place to be for modern cosmopolitan spins on traditional Irish breakfast foods."

"One of the best places to eat in Belfast, Town Square is a top spot for all your brunch and dinner needs. The café and bar has got a fantastically varied menu for all times of day, including a breakfast avo on toast, some lunchtime tacos and evening cocktails."

"Town Square is a seriously cool café and bar on Botanic Avenue. Get your fill of first-class scran throughout the day, with banana pancakes, veggie katsu and incredible desserts - think DIY smores, chocolate fondue and affogato - all up for grabs."

"The Bullitt Hotel has its priorities in check when it comes to service versus price. As one of Belfast’s newer hotels, its remarkably simple philosophy has changed the hospitality market forever. In each of its 32 rooms, which come in Dinky, Comfy and Roomy, you will find a king-sized bed, clothes rail and rain shower, along with funky wooden decor and lighting – which won’t cost you an arm and a leg."

"The latest jewel in the crown of Belfast hospitality king Bill Wolsey, the man behind the five-star Merchant Hotel and a host of right-on pubs. He’s a Steve McQueen fan, hence the name, and Bullitt has nailed the McQueen vibe of laid-back, effortless cool."

"Not too far from The National is the newly opened Bullitt hotel. Just like the hotel, Bullitt’s beer garden couldn’t feel further removed from a typical hotel vibe. This excellent beer garden has become very popular with visitors and locals alike."

"One of Belfast’s most bohemian bars, Muriel’s Cafe Bar, is a recommended stop-off point for LGBTQ+ and straight visitors alike. Its decor is individual, and has included lingerie on a washing line, the drink and food class – there are good cocktails – and the ambiance is well, ambient. Its sister bar, the Spaniard, is equally boho, permanently full of people keen on good conversation (it’s quite an arty crowd), good wine, olives and food."

"Around the corner from Bootleggers is Muriel’s Cafe Bar, which also knows how to serve a stellar cocktail. Among their drinks menu is the Flaming Zombie, as much a show as a drinks order. Instead of string lights, Muriel’s has challenged its inner hipster and decorated the ceiling with underwear and lingerie along with red lighting, giving the bar a quirky atmosphere without feeling gimmicky."

"The brunch here is similar to what you would find in Australia – which makes sense, as the owner used to live there. A seasonal menu of local ingredients means there’s always a new dish to try, but firm brekkie favourites are key here. Must-eats include the Irish porridge and the ‘Manwich’ with Clonakilty black pudding and Ballymaloe relish."

"General Merchants work closely with some of Europe’s best coffee roasters to bring a range of seasonal coffees to Belfast. This progressive café combines local produce with the Antipodean hospitality mentality to provide top quality coffee and exciting food. It has locations in East Belfast, Forestside, Stranmillis and the Ormeau Road."

"The architecture of the Metropolitan Arts Centre is a piece of art itself. The semi-abstract basalt tower demands the attention of those in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Often called the art hub of Belfast, the MAC’s only permanent piece of artwork – ‘The Permanent Present’ by Irish artist Mark Garry."

"The Mac can also be a good shout for a few photographs as it can have art exhibitions on. Snap a picture of yourself in front of the artwork and voila, Instagram material!. This awesome colour feature is also well worth a visit."

"Al Gelato pride themselves on their homemade Gelato, made fresh on-site and using local ingredients. Flavours include Nutella, Biscoff, and Kinder Bueno. They also have vegan-friendly flavours and a range of sorbets."

"If you happen to be visiting the famous Ulster Hall music venue, pop into the Harlem Cafe next door, situated on Bedford Street between South and Central Belfast. It may be hard to call this place cafe, as it’s everything from a wine bar to a bistro. The interior resembles a late Victorian household, from the pillared structure to the candelabras dotted around the coffee tables."

"This charming bistro only does brunch on Sunday, but it’s well worth the wait for it. A full breakfast plate is piled high with locally produced pork sausage, oak smoked bacon, free range egg, grilled tomato, sauté mushrooms, potato bread, soda bread, pancake & black pudding. Order the French toast if you feel like something sweet."

"This eclectic and whimsical joint is light and airy, making it a great place for a casual meeting or working in a comfortable space. Set in historic Ulster Hall, the coffee shop is outfitted with antiques and smells glorious thanks to the daily baked goods. Order a sweet treat to go with your macchiato."

"Inspired by The Pantry on board White Star Line vessels where passengers ate together in a sociable setting, this eatery within Titanic Belfast showcases the very…"

"Tony and Jen's was created by two nutritionists who, between them, probably know all there is to know about health, fitness and eating well. So you can rest assured that when it comes to vegan options, they've got the right touch. What vegan food should I try?"

"Deane also recommends Bo Tree Kitchen, found in Belfast’s student area of the Holylands. It’s a reincarnation of the renowned Chiang Mai Kitchen in Oxford that has successfully managed to crack the (occasionally a little staid) Belfast food scene without compromising on flavour with authentic Thai dishes. Opened by Helen O’Malley and head chef Suthat in 2017, it’s hugely popular with the residents of the area, but should definitely be on a visitor’s radar."

"Delicious, authentic Thai food in the Queens university area, Bo Tree has been acclaimed by foodies throughout the city - it also has an excellent, extensive vegetarian/vegan menu. What vegan food should I try?. Gaeng Kaeng Kheaw Wan (Vegetable Green Thai Curry)"

"We often like to eat ethnic food when we travel, and Belfast is no exception to this rule. During our visit, we found plenty of little Chinese eateries near the University on Ormeau Road. Eating cheap Chinese food is an excellent way to experience a city while saving money for the more special restaurants like the ones detailed above."

"Catalyst Arts Gallery is Belfast’s premier artist-led organisation. Run by volunteers, Catalyst Arts is known for challenging the formal and expected structures of curatorship. By materialising projects and exhibitions of an experimental nature, the gallery suggests that art should be something to consume, rather than merely mused upon."

"Another top artist-led gallery and project space, Catalyst Arts opened in 1993. Located at College Court, it’s open Tuesday- Saturday from 11-5pm. The arts space was the brainchild of a group of artists determined to make a mark in Northern Ireland’s arts scene, and that’s what they continue to do."

"There’s a colossal number of art galleries in Belfast for the size of the small city. This plays to the benefit of those who appreciate true art!. The MAC is the biggest and most popular art gallery in Belfast and there are many reasons why!"

"Belfast’s coolest concept restaurant had kept visitors returning every six weeks for a taste of a new menu since its opening last year. Six by Nico is an altogether unique dining experience in the heart of Belfast city. Basically, visitors will be treated to six small plates based around the restaurants current theme, which lasts six weeks."

"As far as affordable date night ideas go, Six by Nico is up there. While you can easily make it a big night with multiple courses and wine pairings, you can also keep things cheap with 6-courses at just £29."