The topic of the best coffee in Belfast is one that stirs (terrible pun, I know…) up a fine bit of debate online.
Personally, I find myself returning to Established Coffee, Neighbourhood, and Oh Donuts & Coffee more than anywhere else.
However, the beauty of a bustling city like Belfast is that there is no shortage of contenders for your attention.
Below, you’ll find what I think are the best coffee shops in Belfast, with a mix of new and old cafes. Enjoy!
The best coffee in Belfast

Photos via The Pocket on FB
Regardless of whether you need a caffeine-kick after a late night or a pick-me-up before tackling the Black Mountain or Cave Hill hikes, Belfast comes up trumps when it comes to the black stuff.
While many of the best coffee shops in Belfast have been around for decades, there are some recent additions that are taking the city by storm.
1. Established Coffee

Photos via Established Coffee on FB
Opened in 2013, Established Coffee in the Cathedral Quarter has been dominating the Belfast coffee scene for over 7 years.
Opening at 7:00, this place is perfect for early birds needing a caffeine fix. The minimalist interior features a large communal table, adding to its cozy vibe.
The menu offers top-notch coffee, including espresso and filter brews with Colombian and Kenyan beans.
For food, they have everything from classic poached eggs on toast to creative dishes like Crispy Potato Hash Brown and Black Forest French Toast.
2. Neighbourhood Café

Photos via Neighbourhood Café on FB
Arguably one of the most famous coffee shops in Belfast thanks to its recent announcement that it’s opening a cafe in the States is Neighbourhood Café in the Cathedral Quarter.
The coffee menu has all the good stuff, from espressos and flat whites to refreshing cold brews, all made with beans from Calder Coffee.
The food is just as impressive, offering everything from classic porridge and French toast to unique dishes like Turkish Eggs and Neighbourhood Baked Eggs.
If you rock up here when the weather’s in any way good, grab a cup to go and perch yourself on one of the benches outside.
3. Oh Donuts & Coffee

Photos via Oh Donuts & Coffee on FB
One of the funkier cafes in Belfast is Oh Donuts & Coffee on Upper Arthur Street – a must-visit spot for donut and coffee lovers!
Their menu features mouth-watering options like the Madagascan Vanilla Glaze, Salted Caramel & Pistachio, and the Irish Blackcurrant & Apple Crumble.
Vegan choices include the Biscoff & Chocolate and the Mango & Passion Fruit.
Pair any of these with some of the best coffee in Belfast, from espressos to lattes, made with their Oh! Coffee beans.
4. General Merchants

Photos via General Merchants on FB
General Merchants serves up some of the best breakfast in Belfast, along with excellent coffee.
With locations across East Belfast, Ormeau Road, Stranmillis, Antrim Road, and Donegall Place, you’re never too far from one of their spots!
The Ormeau Road location is the best, in my opinion – this venue feature stylish decor with exposed brick walls, plus an outdoor terrace for those often-rare sunny days.
There’s freshly cooked brunch served up all day which includes everything from Korean style chicken burgers to triple cooked rooster spuds!
5. The Pocket

Photos via The Pocket on FB
Located just a stone’s throw from Queens University’s main campus, the Pocket is one of the more popular cafes in Belfast.
It’s tucked away in the Flat Iron Building, right behind one of the most famous pubs in Belfast – Bittles Bar!
Their coffee menu packs-a-punch and it features everything from espressos to iced Vietnamese coffee.
If you’re after a feed, dig into the Chorizo Brunch with poached eggs and Greek yoghurt halloumi, or the Lavender French Toast with berries and meringue kisses.
Related read: Check out our guide to the best bottomless brunch in Belfast in 2025
6. The Lamppost Cafe

Photos via The Lamppost Cafe on FB
Nestled on Upper Newtownards Road, The Lamppost Café is the quirkiest of the many coffee shops in Belfast.
The space is adorned with exposed brick walls, quaint floral decorations and vintage mirrors along with plants, framed artwork, and a delightful array of teacups.
The menu is packed with delicious options like the classic Northern Irish Filled Soda, Poached Egg & Avocado on sourdough, and the hearty Lamppost Fry.
They also cater to vegan and vegetarian preferences with dishes like the Vegan Fry. Don’t miss out on their freshly baked scones and a variety of hot drinks, including specialty coffees and teas.
7. Harlem Coffee

Photos via Harlem Coffee on FB
Located right next to the world-famous Ulster Hall on Bedford Street, Harlem Coffee is another of the quirkier cafes in Belfast City Centre.
The interior here is a blend of vintage decor, lush greenery, and cozy seating. Vibrant plants and retro artwork create a unique, inviting atmosphere.
There’s a big aul brunch menu on offer, here. Enjoy the hearty All Day Irish Breakfast or indulge in the sweet Giant Pancake Stack!
Food and furniture aside, the coffee (and the cocktails!) at Harlem will leave you craving more. Widely regarded as one of the best cafes in Belfast, it’s easy to see why.
8. Kaffe O

Photos via Kaffe O on FB
You’ll find more of the best coffee in Belfast at Kaffe O which began in Copenhagen. The founder, Orla, brought this passion back to Belfast, opening the first Kaffe O on Ormeau Road in 2014.
They serve hand-roasted coffee from Copenhagen, ensuring freshness and rich flavours.
Their house blend combines beans from Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Ethiopia, with notes of liquorice and chocolate and a smoky aftertaste.
Kaffe O now has locations on Ormeau Road, Botanic Avenue, Lisburn Road, and Donegall Square North, each serving Danish-influenced dishes and fresh, homemade food using high-quality, local ingredients.
The best coffee shops in Belfast: Where have we missed?
I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant cafes in Belfast City Centre and beyond from the guide above.
If you’ve recently sipped a cup of what you believe is the best coffee in Belfast, please shout in the comments below!
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.