The 5 Cafes in North Belfast So Good You’ll Forget You Came for Coffee

If you’re near Cavehill or Antrim Road and want something warm and cheesy, Hey Darlin’ Café is the place to go. This small café has become a local favorite for one reason—it makes amazing grilled cheese toasties.

The ham and cheese toastie stands out with thick sourdough, ham hock, honey, and homemade pickles. Served with crisps, each meal is filling and delicious. 

The coffee is smooth and pairs well with their traybakes and cinnamon buns. Even with a short wait, it’s always worth it.

The café is small and cosy, with a few outdoor benches. It’s easy to find, dog-friendly, and perfect for a sunny day or a quick stop after a Cavehill walk. Most people grab takeaway, but it’s a great spot to relax too. 

The friendly staff make the place shine. They’re kind, cheerful, and honest about the wait times, so you’ll always know what to expect and feel welcome from start to finish. 

Grilled cheese that’s worth the wait
“Lovely grilled cheese and experimental pickle lemonade! Great little hatch serving hot drinks, grilled cheese and traybakes. About a 20 min wait for food because of a biggish queue but staff were very clear about that before we ordered so no problem..”

Lynsey Richards | Google Review 

5-star cheese and ham toastie
“If you want a 5 star cheese and ham toastie then this is the place for you! Proper door-step toasted sandwich with plenty of filling, homemade pickles and some crisps on the side. It’s a great lunch. Their coffee is up there too.” 

George Stewart | Google Review 

If you’re looking for a cozy café in North Belfast, Works Coffee Roasters on Cavehill Road is a must-visit. It started from a tiny van at Waterworks Park and now it’s a warm, welcoming spot loved by locals.

“The Works,” as regulars call it, feels friendly and relaxed. It’s small but cozy, with the smell of roasted coffee and a sunny outdoor area facing Cavehill, so it’s great after a walk in Waterworks Park. Dogs are welcome too.

They roast their own beans on-site, from fair and sustainable farms. The result is smooth, rich coffee that many say is the best in Belfast.

The food is just as good. The sourdough toasties, onion bhaji sandwiches, and fresh traybakes are local favorites, along with the chocolate Guinness cake and caramel squares.

Easy to find on Cavehill Road, it has free parking and is perfect for a quick stop or a slow lunch. The owners and their team are always warm and welcoming, even when it’s busy.

Made a Belfast visit worth it
“That was simply the best sandwich/toastie I have ever had in my life. Definitely try one. The onion jam, the pickles, the bread I loved everything about it. And I would eat for the rest of my life, sadly I was only there for a visit. That alone made the Belfast visit worth it.”

Justin Holze | Google Review

 

Perfect coffee spot in Belfast
“Perfect little coffee spot. Espresso, pot of tea and two buns (bakewell and lemon/coconut) were super and on point for value. Fantastic atmosphere for a small catchup or business meeting.”

Belfast Hidden Tours | Google Review 

If you’re exploring cafés in North Belfast, Coffee Essence on Cavehill Road is a spot worth returning to. Just across from Waterworks Park, this small family-run café is the kind of place where the owner greets you by name and makes you feel at home.

The coffee here is smooth and rich. Fresh bakes like carrot cake, lemon drizzle, and vegan sausage rolls are local favorites, and the Friday sourdough and focaccia sell out fast.

Its cozy indoor space and sunny outdoor patio make it a great place to unwind. With views of the park, it’s ideal for quiet mornings or chats with friends. 

It’s easy to find and it’s close to bus routes and plenty of parking. If  you’re walking, cycling, or driving in the area, it’s a convenient stop for a quick coffee or a slow afternoon.

Finally, the owner Alan is the heart of the café. His friendly service and genuine care make every visit feel personal. Even on busy days, the warm welcome never changes.

A star in the north of the city
“Having this place on my doorstep is a blessing, Alan is an absolute gentleman who always has a smile on his face and time for a chat. The coffee is delightful and I’m quite fond of a white hot chocolate too! Truly a star in the North of the city!” 

Beasty Magee | Google Review

A jewel of a coffee shop
“Small family run jewel of a coffee shop. Across the road from Waterworks Park, and with cozy indoor and outdoor seating, where you can enjoy me time or a chat with some of the regular customers, Coffee Essence is a great place to start your day.”

Bout Yeh | Google Review

If you’re looking for a quaint café in North Belfast, The Seed & Bean on Ballysillan Road is a top pick. It’s cozy, friendly, and perfect for a coffee after the gym or a quiet lunch with friends.

The café serves excellent coffee, fluffy scones, and hearty breakfasts. Favorites include the Ulster fry, breakfast baps, and sweet traybakes. Prices can be a bit high and items sometimes run out, but the food is always worth it.

Bright, clean, and welcoming, this is a lovely spot to relax or chat. You can sit inside or enjoy the small outdoor terrace on sunny days.

Also, since it’s located across from Ballysillan Leisure Centre, it’s easy to find with plenty of free parking.

Best of all, the staff are warm and cheerful, making every visit feel like home.

Must-visit in the area
“I love to visit this wee coffee shop any time I have a reason to be in the area. I recently had a series of visits to Fortwilliam dental clinic, so my husband accompanied me, as he wouldn’t miss an opportunity to have a wee coffee here.”

Esther Edgar | Google Review

Rare gem with lovely traybakes
“Traybakes are lovely. I moved to Ballysillan a few years ago and people I know in the area don’t seem interested in going to cafés, so please support this rare gem. Update: In March 2025, the latte with oatmeal was delicious and scones soft and fluffy.”

Silver Task | Google Review 

CT15 Café Bistro is a friendly, family-run spot known for its delicious food and warm service. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or small gatherings.

The place is known for its fresh, homemade food made from local ingredients. Breakfasts like the Ulster fry and French toast are favorites, while lunches feature their signature sandwiches, soups, and hot dishes.

Favorites include the chicken burger, scones, and crunchy vegan wrap. The coffee is smooth and always served hot, just how locals like it. 

Inside, the café has a bright, inviting feel. It’s the kind of place where you can meet friends, bring your family, or simply enjoy a quiet coffee on your own. Upstairs, guests can enjoy private events like birthdays and Christmas dinners.

Located on Antrim Road, the cafe is easy to reach from Cavehill or Ballysillan, with free parking nearby. Spaces can fill up, but it’s worth it for the great service. The staff are kind, careful, and always handle things with care.

Good menu, pleasant staff 

“Went there today with my daughter, son and daughter-in-law and I enjoyed the food. There was a good menu to choose from and the prices were very reasonable but what impressed me most was the lovely staff. They were pleasant and very accommodating. I will definitely return in the near future, God willing.”

Anne Hollywood | Google Review

Simple food cooked very well

“So kind and accommodating- made plain pasta especially due to our child’s milk allergy. Simple food cooked very very well. Everything was delicious. Friendly and nice local atmosphere.”

Maire Byrne | Google Review