Coffee culture has taken over Belfast like wildfire in recent years, but the real question is, what’s your order?
From independent coffee houses to big chains, these are the ten best Belfast coffee shops.
Whether you prefer a simple Americano, a frothy flat white, a decadent frappuccino, or an oat milk latte, Belfast has it all. Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, Belfast’s coffee shops will have something to tickle your taste buds.
With an abundance of baked goods and sweet treats to go along with their delectable caffeinated nectar, coffee shops in Belfast cater to everyone.
In recent years, many have even come up with a ‘puppuccino’ (frothy milk or whipped cream) for our four-legged friends.
So, here are the ten best Belfast coffee shops.
10. Freight – a quirky café
First up on our list of the best Belfast coffee shops is the fantastic Freight.
This quirky café started life as a shipping container in C.S. Lewis Square in East Belfast. Here, they served an amazing range of coffee, brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktail options to suit all diets.
Due to high demand, they have since expanded to open a new location on the Lisburn Road.
Address: C.S. Lewis Square, 402 Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 1HU
9. Curated Kitchen and Coffee – next to one of Belfast’s most iconic landmarks
Curated Kitchen and Coffee beside St Anne’s Cathedral cannot be forgotten when it comes to a decent cup of coffee in Belfast.
Offering fantastic views of one of Belfast’s most iconic landmarks, the food and drinks here are sure to please.
Address: 60 Donegall St, Belfast BT1 2GT
8. The Lamppost Café – inspired by Narnia
As you may have guessed by the name, the Lamppost Café in East Belfast is inspired by the book series Narnia.
C.S. Lewis himself originated from this area, so it is fitting that this quaint little coffee shop took its inspiration from one of the island’s best children’s writers.
What’s more, the food and coffee offerings are delicious here, so you really can’t go wrong! Better still, it’s a dog-friendly café, so bring your pooch along too!
Address: 19 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 3HT
7. Kaffe O – a Scandinavian-inspired spot
With several locations around the city, Kaffe O is always a safe bet for a good cup of coffee.
Inspired by Copenhagen’s coffee culture and design, this spot has a minimalist air to it that will make even the most hectic of days feel calm and serene.
It certainly brings the Nordic Coffee revolution to Northern Ireland. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy a hot cup of delicious coffee.
Address: 411 Ormeau Rd, Ormeau, Belfast BT7 3GP
6. General Merchants – a brunch favourite
A mainstay of the Irish coffee scene in recent years, General Merchants is a must-visit while in the city.
Alongside its coffee menu, this spot offers up a wide range of delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch options.
Plus, they’re super flexible and are willing to adjust their menu to suit any dietary requirements!
With locations on the Newtownards Road, the Ormeau Road and Donegall Place, you can’t miss a coffee here.
Address: 361 Ormeau Rd, Belfast BT7 3GL
5. The Pocket – a modern coffee shop
What was once a staple for students at Queen’s University has become one of the most loved coffee shops in the city.
The pocket is a quirky addition to Belfast coffee shops; it is recognisable from its exposed brick and modern interiors.
Address: 68 Upper Church Ln, Belfast BT1 4LG
4. 5A Lockview Road – popular with walkers and cyclists
Located in south Belfast, 5A Lockview Road is a popular spot among walkers and cyclists making their way along the Lagan Towpath, one of the best and most scenic cycle routes in Belfast.
Known for its tasty treats and fantastic coffee and food, this is a must-visit for your caffeine fix.
Address: 5a Lockview Rd, Belfast BT9 5FH
3. Output Espresso – making waves on the Belfast coffee scene
A brunchtime favourite on the Lisburn Road, Output Espresso has made a name for itself on Belfast’s coffee scene in the last couple of years.
Known for its pink décor, hanging plants, neon signs, and fluffy pancakes, this is a top spot for great food and coffee.
Address: 479 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 7EZ
2. Guilt Trip Coffee and Donuts – for a good quality coffee and a sweet treat
For the ultimate indulgent treat to accompany your coffee, pay a visit to Guilt Trip Coffee and Donuts.
With various locations across Northern Ireland, this popular spot is known for its grunge-style décor. Not to mention its silky smooth coffee and mouthwatering doughnuts.
Address: 4 Orangefield Ln, Belfast BT5 6BW
1. Established Coffee – a Belfast staple
This place really has established itself as one of the best Belfast coffee shops the city has to offer. Did you see what we did there?
Known for its minimalist style, this funky spot in the Cathedral Quarter in the heart of Belfast City Centre is popular with those who know a good cup of coffee.
Offering a fantastic range of food, drinks, and even their own coffee beans, Established Coffee is a coffee shop not to be missed!
Address: 54 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LB
Other notable mentions
Espresso Elements: This is a small independent coffee joint on the Lisburn Road that will cater to all coffee lovers’ needs.
Brew & Bake Café: Brew & Bake Café is a favourite hangout on the Lisburn Road to sit outside on a sunny day and enjoy a delicious bake and an afternoon cuppa.
Harlem Café: If you happen to be visiting the Ulster Hall music venue, pop next door and enjoy a lovely cup of coffee. Better still, they are licensed, so why not make it an Irish coffee?
Café 31: Café 31 is a small coffee shop inside a quaint art gallery right in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
French Village Bakery: Along with their delectable treats, as it is one of the best bakeries in Belfast, they serve a mean cup of coffee.
FAQs about coffee shops in Belfast
How much is a cup of coffee in Belfast?
On average, a cup of coffee is usually 2 to 4 euros (2 to 3 pounds sterling).
Is coffee popular in Ireland?
Coffee has been a growing phenomenon among Irish consumers in recent years with 75% of Irish consumers stating they drink coffee. Seven out of ten of them would have multiple cups a day.
