Found in Belfast’s leafy south, the Lisburn Road is a vast stretch of the city with lots to choose from. If you are on your way, here are the five best cafes on the Lisburn Road, Belfast, to try.
The Lisburn Road is one of the city’s most popular areas. Nestled in south Belfast, stretching from the city centre as far as Dunmurry, it rattles with the buzz of bustling people, busy shops, and trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants.
It is a fragment of the city that doesn’t disappoint. It runs almost parallel to the affluent Malone Road area, not far from other popular areas such as Stranmillis and Botanic Gardens, and has two miles (3.2 km) to boast.
If a weekend coffee with friends or some quiet downtime in a café is on the cards for you, then Lisburn Road will afford you refuge. Whether it be a hot food menu, delicious coffee, or a bustling café you are after, we have you covered.
Without further ado, here are the top five cafes on the Lisburn Road, Belfast, ranked.
5. Café Mauds – the all-rounder on the list
The first on our list of the best cafes on the Lisburn Road, Belfast, is the fan-favourite Café Mauds. It is an all-rounder that boasts a superb food menu, a truly unrivalled ice cream and milkshake section, and great coffee, hot drinks, and tray bakes.
It will cater to the needs of all your friends or family. The café is often very busy in the evening, but the kind staff will always ensure that you are seated promptly. Indeed, its business is a testament to its quality.
Those with a sweet tooth will bask in Café Mauds, thanks to its crepes, waffles, milkshakes, mix-ins, and other delights. A must-stop on your journey down the road.
Address: 555 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 7GQ
4. Espresso Elements – one of the best cafes on the Lisburn Road, Belfast
The next addition to our list of the best cafes on the Lisburn Road, Belfast, is Espresso Elements, a fashionable café that is locally owned and operated.
Opening through the week and on a Saturday, Espresso possesses an impressive range of coffees at extremely affordable prices, too.
It doesn’t stop there. Espresso also serves a delicious breakfast menu, alongside paninis, pastries, pizza, sandwiches, treats, and pancake stacks. Perfect for a pre-work trip or a weekend feast.
Address: 370A Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 6GL
3. White Field Coffee – for friendly staff and a chatty atmosphere
While located far up on the Upper Lisburn Road near Finaghy, White Field is a sure addition to our list of the best cafes on the Lisburn Road, Belfast.
White Field is a cosy and chatty environment that is always buzzing with atmosphere when you enter. The staff are extremely friendly and always ready to help on hand.
There is also an outdoor area to avail of when the sun is out, made even better by the locally sourced ice cream and milkshakes on offer. Alongside its excellent coffee range, this is a superb café worth a visit.
Address: 144 Upper Lisburn Rd, Finaghy, Belfast BT10 0BG
2. Output Espresso – the trendiest café on the Lisburn Road
For the trendiest café on the Lisburn Road, there is no answer other than the slick Output Espresso. Indeed, Output could easily have taken the crown from the list of the best cafes on the Lisburn Road, Belfast.
Output opens seven days a week and is always a busy hotspot for coffee enthusiasts. Get here early on the weekend, for the citizens of Belfast and beyond will take advantage of your absence.
Output is also home to a varied and stacked food menu. There’s the Mac Muffin, the Vegan or Output Breakfasts, the beautiful Avo Toast, or the Buffalo Burger.
Address: 479 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 7EZ
1. District – spoiled for choice
Taking the top spot on our list of the best cafes on the Lisburn Road, Belfast, is District, with its incredible coffee and delicious homemade food.
District’s all-day menu includes its granola pot, vegan breakfast bap, Belgian waffles, and its very own District Bap. Poached eggs, sausage rolls, and salads also come into the mix.
Not only does District serve excellent coffee, but there are also the very refreshing and newly-introduced smoothies to help wash down whatever food you decide to order. Spoiled for choice.
Address: 469 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 7EZ
Notable mentions
Cafe Melrose: Another all-rounder, this independent coffee shop can feel hard done by to miss out on a spot on our list. It is located near the start of the Lisburn Road and has tasty coffee and a superb food menu to choose from.
Brew & Bake Cafe: Since opening in September 2018, Brew & Bake has morphed into one of the best cafes on the Lisburn Road, Belfast, with delicious bakes and skilled baristas whipping up a great cup of coffee.
Kaffe O: One of the best coffee chains across the city, Kaffe O’s Lisburn Road café is a must-visit for stunning coffee. We highly recommend trying their Oat Flat White!
French Village: French Village could easily have made our list of the best cafes on the Lisburn Road, Belfast. It has a stellar reputation in the city and serves memorable sweet-tasting food, as it is one of the best bakeries in Belfast.
FAQs about the best cafes on the Lisburn Road
Where can you get the best coffee in Belfast?
Thankfully, great coffee can be found in all parts of Belfast. Lisburn Road is in the south, while you also have Cathedral Quarter, Ormeau Road, Upper Newtownards Road in East Belfast, the city centre, Botanic Avenue, Ballyhackamore, and the likes of Hatch in west Belfast.
What are the best cafes in Belfast city centre?
Established Coffee, an independent coffee shop, in the Cathedral Quarter is perhaps among the best on Northern Ireland’s coffee scene. The coffee fanatic can also find refuge on rainy mornings in the likes of Neighbourhood, General Merchants, and Maggie Mays.
What are the most overlooked coffee shops in Belfast?
Napoleon on Ormeau Avenue is a superb café. There is also Sinnamon Coffee on Stranmillis, which offers a great cup of coffee and sweet treats. Coffee lovers will find all sorts of great and quirky coffee shops scattered across the city.
