The Best Belfast Cafes | TOP 10

The top 10 Belfast cafes for 2024 have been meticulously ranked based on the volume of reviews they have received on Google Maps. This list was compiled in an effort to showcase those establishments that have not only captured the hearts of locals but have also impressed visitors from around the globe. By examining the number and quality of reviews, these cafes were identified as the most celebrated in Belfast. Each venue’s unique ambiance, quality of coffee, and customer service were factors contributing to its placement on this prestigious list. The rankings are intended to guide both residents and tourists to the best coffee experiences the city has to offer, as determined by the collective voice of the cafe-going public.

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Maggie May’s

Maggie May's

Since its establishment in 1995, Maggie Mays has been passionately run by a family, dedicated to serving traditional homemade Irish cuisine in Belfast. Known for its extensive menu that caters to a wide array of taste preferences, the café has earned a reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s most beloved spots for home cooking. With three strategically located cafes across Belfast – at Botanic Avenue, Malone, and the city center – Maggie Mays offers an inviting atmosphere for students, families, and friends to enjoy not only all-day breakfasts and fantastic lunches but also an extensive dinner selection, along with the option for customers to bring their own bottle (BYOB). Distinguished by its commitment to quality food, exceptional service, and great value, Maggie Mays

Rating: 4.4/ 5 — 1802 Reviews
Address: 50 Botanic Ave, Belfast BT7 1JR, United Kingdom

Harlem Cafe

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Belfast, Harlem Cafe offers a unique dining experience that combines delectable cuisine with a vintage ambiance. Renowned for its extensive menu that features everything from an all-day Irish breakfast to mouthwatering Malaysian curry, the cafe ensures that patrons leave with satisfied appetites. Its eclectic decor, filled with a mix of plants, statues, and antique furnishings, provides the perfect backdrop for any gathering, whether it’s a casual brunch or a special celebration. Distinctive for its commitment to hearty meals and a welcoming atmosphere, Harlem Cafe stands out as a beloved destination where both the food and the setting promise a memorable experience. With accolades from patrons and critics alike, this cafe is celebrated not just for its culinary delights

Rating: 4.3/ 5 — 1657 Reviews
Address: 34 Bedford St, Belfast BT2 7FF, United Kingdom

Established Coffee

Established Coffee stands out as a premier destination for coffee enthusiasts, offering a diverse selection of high-quality coffee beans sourced from around the globe, including Costa Rica, China, Brazil, Colombia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Renowned for its commitment to excellence, the company provides free shipping across the UK & Ireland for orders over £25, making its meticulously curated coffee collection accessible to a wider audience. Beyond coffee, Established Coffee enriches the coffee culture experience with home brewing classes, stylish merchandise, and practical brewing kits, catering to both novices and connoisseurs. Unique offerings such as the exclusive KeepCup range and gift cards set the brand apart from its competitors, embodying a blend of innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction at its core

Rating: 4.6/ 5 — 1529 Reviews
Address: 54 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LB, United Kingdom

The National

Set in a strikingly renovated Victorian building, The National Belfast stands out as a sophisticated fusion of café dining and vibrant nightlife. Renowned for its industrial chic design and minimalist aesthetics, this destination offers a unique space where guests can unwind and socialize. Specializing in bold, simple menus featuring local ingredients, alongside pared-back cocktails and robust coffee, The National caters to both casual daytime gatherings and lively late-night escapades, with an upstairs bar and club that remains open until 3am on weekends. Distinctive for its commitment to showcasing the best in local live music, DJs, and artists, The National seamlessly transitions its patrons from relaxed afternoon lunches to engaging evening socials, underscored by a rotating selection of seasonal specials and exclusive events like

Rating:4.2/ 5 — 1401 Reviews
Address: 62 High St, Belfast BT1 2BE, United Kingdom

Maggie Mays Belfast Cafe

Established in 1995, Maggie Mays has become a cherished family-run café, offering a taste of traditional homemade Irish food within the heart of Belfast. Renowned across Northern Ireland for its extensive menu that caters to every palate, the café stands out for its all-day breakfasts, sumptuous lunches, and expansive dinner offerings, along with the unique option for patrons to bring their own bottles. With three strategically located cafes in Botanic Avenue, Malone, and Belfast City Centre, Maggie Mays has expanded its reach, including a dedicated takeaway and delivery service via Maggie Mays Chippy, which delights customers with classic café dishes and chip shop favorites. Esteemed for its commitment to quality, service, and value, the café has garnered

Rating: 4.3/ 5 — 1343 Reviews
Address: 2 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 5BN, United Kingdom

the pocket

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland, The Pocket is an independent bistro with a deep-rooted passion for crafting exceptional coffee and high-quality fresh food. Its establishments, located opposite the stunning Queens University Belfast and in the city center’s iconic Flat Iron Building, offer a serene atmosphere for enjoying meticulously prepared beverages and meals. Dedicated to excellence, The Pocket stands out with its commitment to friendly service, making it a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. By embracing a philosophy that equates the love for coffee and food with a zest for life, this bistro ensures every guest experience is both memorable and satisfying. The Pocket’s distinct charm is further enhanced by its focus on community, making it a unique gem in Belfast’s culinary

Rating: 4.6/ 5 — 925 Reviews
Address: 68 Upper Church Ln, Belfast BT1 4LG, United Kingdom

Cafe Mauds

Rating: 4.4/ 5 — 903 Reviews
Address: 555 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 7GQ, United Kingdom

General Merchants

Nestled in the heart of Belfast, General Merchants is revered as a local neighborhood eatery distinguished by its exceptional Antipodean brunches and exquisite coffee offerings. With locations strategically placed on Ormeau Road, Antrim Road, East Belfast, Stranmillis, and Donegall Place, it is celebrated for its commitment to supplying a diverse range of goods and provisions. Unique to the Belfast area, General Merchants sets itself apart with its introduction of new oat milk and its signature housemade pork griskin sausage patty, catering to the evolving tastes of its patrons. The brand is deeply rooted in the community, offering not just a meal, but a meticulously curated experience designed to delight and satisfy. Engaging with its

Rating: 4.5/ 5 — 870 Reviews
Address: 481 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 3LL, United Kingdom

Maggie Mays Belfast Cafe

Since 1995, Maggie Mays has been cherished by the Belfast community as a family-run café known for its traditional homemade Irish food. With three convenient locations across the city, including Botanic Avenue, Malone, and the Belfast City Centre, it has established itself as a go-to spot for a diverse clientele ranging from students and families to those looking to host private functions. Distinguished by its commitment to quality, service, and value, Maggie Mays offers an expansive menu featuring all-day breakfasts, sumptuous lunches, and comprehensive dinner options, all within a BYOB setting. Additionally, the establishment has expanded its offerings with the Maggie Mays Chippy, providing both takeaway and delivery services for classic chip shop favorites. This combination of traditional

Rating: 4.4/ 5 — 828 Reviews
Address: 44 Castle St, Belfast BT1 1HB, United Kingdom