I love breakfast, I love lunch, but there is something extra special when the two of them get together – sparks fly, there is wonderful boozy potential if you’re leaning that way and it’s the perfect start to a day.
The food scene in Belfast really is spectacular, our city is fortunate enough to be blessed with culinary genius. Walking amongst us are some incredible chefs and their visions that have come to life and now line our colourful streets with pride and are always in high demand.
If you happen to be in Northern Ireland’s beautiful city of Belfast this summer, you should definitely drop into one of these amazing spots, be it breakfast or lunch. No matter what side of the city you are in, these places span the works. This list names a few of the local favourites that feature on the menu, made with some of the best locally sourced fresh produce and made with love.
French Village
A much loved Belfast gem that is a whole lot, all rolled into one. A restaurant, deli, bakery and wedding caterer. It is easy to see why this French Chic meets Belfast spot is such a local favourite. Running their brunch menu through until 2 pm is just one of the many reasons for the success, priding itself on fresh, local produce, served to you on quirky plates. The menu changes with the seasons of course, but a few favourites that are always headliners on their menu are all of the classics, eggs benedict, avocado on sourdough with the perfect poachers the full (or mini) Irish breakfast, The French Village hash – sautéed potatoes, peppers, chorizo, onion and spinach topped with egg and bread and the fluffiest of pancakes served many ways, but my favourite is definitely the berry compote mix. With unbelievably tantalizing coffee, French Village is an all rounder in my eyes and the eyes of many – you can find this gem on Lisburn Road and Botanic Avenue.
The National Grande Cafe
French brioche toast, brisket hash, eggs florentine, omelettes and just about everything in between. The Grand Nationale cafe is the perfect stopping point to recharge if you are out in town shopping, just a skip, hop and a jump from the glorious Victoria square, their brunch really is to die for and they of course have gone a step further in making the brunch experience that little bit extra, with a dedicated brunch drinks menu, you’ll find favourites like the bucks fizz headlining their menu. Sit back and relax in this upmarket brunch spot, perfect for a stop in a bite or organising an occasion. The staff are exceptionally lovely here and nothing is ever too much. The cherry on top you ask? The fact that the Brunch menu runs until 5 pm means that there is plenty of time and makes sure that no one misses out.
Granny Annie’s
Nothing beats heading to your granny’s house, that home comfort, a cup of tea and great company as you chat about your day. Granny Annie’s is a Belfast hotspot, cosy, comfy, intimate and full of the classic Irish charm that brings in the floods of tourists each year. The brunch menu here is classic Irish, get yourself a Belfast Bap (Belfast’s native bread – chewy and floury bap), think steak sandwiches, grilled fish and club sandwiches that are mind blowingly delicious. This isn’t just a great brunch spot, but also a firm favourite for the night scene – a truly authentic Belfast experience.
Slims Kitchen
Can the real Slim Shady please stand up? Here he is, Slim’s healthy kitchen. What can I say about this place? The answer is not enough. This place is unbelievable, if you are into knowing exactly what is going into your body then this is the place to be. Broken down into easy to digest (pun intended) macros throughout the menu. Porridge bowls that are to die for, sweet potato stacks that dreams are made of and steak sandwiches are among the mammoth menu. If you are feeling like a drink, enjoy their skinny cocktails or if you are on the straight and narrow, dive into their massive juice and smoothie menu that will leave you nourished and energised. Drink and food wise – this place is a win, and also just a quick shout out to their cool, relaxed atmosphere and their genuinely lovely staff, the second you sit down, you feel like your friends, relaxed and fun, they are a credit to the place and all that they stand for.
Town Square
Botanic Avenue is a buzzing hub in Belfast City, the whole avenue is lined with bars, cafes and restaurants, but a shining beacon of brunchy goodness is Town Square, just opposite the train station, this chic restaurant is home to a wood panelled interior, open planned seating and serves up some of the best coffee and food in the city. The award winning baristas here are a testament to everything that coffee is and should be. Perfectly brewed, frothed and served to you with a smile. Whether you are searching for avocado on toast, a traditional fry, pancakes or porridge you can’t go wrong with this hotspot. Walking distance to a number of attractions such as Botanic Gardens and The Ulster Museum and literally a stone’s throw from the train station that will take you anywhere that you would like to go and visit in the city.
Conor
William Conor was a local artist, cafe Conor – hence the name – was once his art studio, a tribute to the history of Belfast is reflected in just about every inch of this cafe. High quality, locally sourced Brunch goodness here in the form of French toast, porridge and eggs benedict, you can go for perfectly brewed coffee and something a little stronger, Brunch is called brunch so that a glass of wine can accompany it. While you are here, visit the Ulster Museum that is across the street.
Maggie Mays
Maggie Mays has three restaurants, two in South Belfast: one at the bottom of the Malone Road and gates of the famed Methodist College secondary school, the other on Botanic Avenue and their newest city centre location. Each place is a tribute to Belfast, showing the history of the city with paintings of buildings and people. Maggie Mays is a Belfast favourite, there is always such high demand and you will often be met with a cue – but that just shows how great they are and the cue moves along quickly. Maggie Mays is famed for their milkshakes and the biggest menu you have ever laid eyes on. Whatever you are looking for you will find it here and you will find it on a budget. Cheap, cheerful and oh so delicious. This is the spot for after a night out, take the millennials word for it, and if you aren’t up to leaving the apartment, they will come to you.
Pretty much what I am saying is that Belfast is kind of the King of Brunch, there is absolutely no shortage of great spots across the entire city and therefore close to our apartments as we also span the citywide. Go boozy or keep on the straight and narrow while you dine in our magical city. We are known for our hospitality here and pride ourselves on that, these places are the creme de la creme of everything that hospitality should be and a testament to food, local culture and well, Brunch.