Best Breakfast Belfast: 7 Top Spots in 2024

You’ll get the best breakfast in Belfast City Centre in either The Pocket or Maggie Mays.

With that being said, Northern Ireland’s capital is far from a one-horse-city when it comes to a fine bitta breakfast fare.

The Belfast breakfast scene has gone from strength-to-strength over the last decade, with a mix of new and old eateries vying for your custom.

Below, you’ll find where I think does the best breakfast in Belfast City Centre, based on many (arguably too many…) visits!

The best Breakfast in Belfast City Centre

As is the case with my guide to the finest brunch in Belfast, this guide is in no particular order aside from the top three spots!

Below, you’ll find everything from casual places to nip into after a night spent in some of the best pubs in Belfast, to more refined eateries that go toe-to-toe with some of the finest restaurants in Belfast.

1. The Pocket

In my opinion, you’ll get the best breakfast in Belfast City Centre at The Pocket on Upper Church Lane (just off Victoria St.) 

This is a cozy café known for its industrial chic design with its exposed brick walls, large arched windows that let in plenty of natural light, and high ceilings adorned with plants and contemporary light fixtures.

The menu features standout dishes like the Chorizo Brunch which comes with toasted sourdough, a poached egg, chorizo, sun-dried tomato sauce, and crispy kale.

Another favorite is the Lavender French Toast, a combination of fluffy French toast rolled in cardamom and cinnamon sugar, topped with lavender-infused caramel and macerated berries.

2. Maggie Mays

One of the more iconic places for breakfast in Belfast is Maggie Mays – a hugely popular family-run café, known for serving traditional homemade Irish food since 1995.

With three bustling locations – Botanic Avenue, Malone Road, and Belfast City Centre – you’re rarely too far from Maggies.

The café offers an extensive all-day breakfast menu, featuring the likes of Bumper Frys with two fried eggs, bacon, sausages, potato bread, soda bread, a pancake, hash browns, mushrooms, beans, tomato, and chips.

Another favourite is the Irish Breakfast, which includes 2 eggs, bacon, sausage, a veg roll, black and white pudding, mushrooms, tomato, beans, and toast.

3. Panama Belfast

Panama Belfast is another of the more popular places for breakfast in Belfast City Center, and you’ll find it on McClintock Street (around the corner from the Grand Opera House).

The interior features a lively interior with colorful decor, plants, and warm lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Their menu boasts a variety of mouthwatering dishes, like the Vanilla French Toast with orange mascarpone cream, strawberries, and blueberry compote.

There’s also the Huevos con Chorizo, which includes sautéed chorizo, fried egg, avocado, and pico de gallo on toasted sourdough.

It’s also one of the few pet-friendly spots in this guide, so you can bring the pooch to enjoy some of the best breakfast in Belfast City, if you like!

4. Established Coffee

Next up is a buzzy spot that’s known to knock up some of the best coffee in Belfast. I’m talking, of course, about Established Coffee in the Cathedral Quarter.

Opened in 2013, Established Coffee has become a cornerstone of Belfast’s coffee culture and, with an opening time of 07:00, it’s perfect for early risers looking for a feed.

Inside, you’ll find a minimalist, cozy setting complete with a large communal table. My go-to on the breakfast menu is the Crispy Potato Hash Brown with salt and chili asparagus.

If you’re after something sweet, the White Chocolate French Toast, with lime mousse and spiced Belgian biscuit, is a clear winner.

5. Harlem Café

Another spot dishing up some of the best breakfast in Belfast City Centre is Harlem Café on Bedford Street which has been keeping bellies happy since 2009.

This place blends fabulous food with vintage vibes and the result is a unique and inviting atmosphere.

The interior is decorated with eclectic, vintage decor, lush greenery, and cozy seating.

The Harlem’s All Day Irish Breakfast is a hearty feast featuring smoked bacon, butcher sausage, free-range fried egg, black pudding, potato bread, soda bread, mushrooms, and baked beans.

For a sweet treat, the Giant Pancake Stack offers indulgent options like Nutella with strawberries or maple syrup with bacon.

6. General Merchants

General Merchants is one of the more popular places for breakfast in Belfast, and there are locations in East Belfast, Stranmillis, and the Antrim Road.

However, it’s the Ormeau Road location that I tend to head to, mainly due to it’s proximity to Ormeau Park.

Some standout dishes include the Granola Bowl with maple and pecan granola, and the Huevos Rotos, featuring triple cooked rooster potatoes, grilled chorizo, and fried eggs.

Another firm favourite is the Pink Lady, which comes with smashed avocado, marinaded beetroot, pink whipped goats cheese, and poached eggs on toasted sourdough​.

7. The Lamppost Café

I’ve saved some of the best breakfast in Belfast for last. If you’ve visited any of my other Belfast food guides, you’ll have seen me rave away about The Lamppost Café.

It’s situated on Upper Newtownards Road and it’s arguably best-known for its unique interior, featuring vintage decor and a very quirky setting.

Highlights on the menu include the classic Northern Irish Filled Soda with back bacon, pork sausage, and fried egg, and the Vegan Fry with vegan sausages, bacon, and a Spanish omelette.

Their Poached Egg & Avocado on sourdough, topped with walnuts and basil oil, is also a must-try.

What Belfast breakfast spots have I missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally missed out on some great places for breakfast in Belfast City in the guide above.

If you have a favourite Belfast breakfast spot that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments section below.