If we are to believe the experts, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Here in Northern Ireland we try to be a little more diplomatic when it comes to our food - we believe that every meal is important but there’s no doubt, there’s nothing like a good brekkie to get you off to a flyer. Of course as the home of the Ulster Fry we have a bit of a love for our bacon, sausages and fried eggs sunny side up but we also know a thing or two about lighter morning indulgences. And there is always time for a brunch trip as well. So let’s get stuck in.
Two Twenty Coffee House, Portrush
220 Ballybogey Rd, Portrush BT56 8NE
This hidden gem is located on a holiday home site, just a 5 minute drive from Whiterocks Beach. Despite it's unassuming location, the food here is top tier. Fresh coffee, brunches, lunches and bakes, all handmade daily. The all-day brunch menu features Smoked Salmon on Sourdough, Buttermilk Pancakes and a Bruschetta Mozzarella Flatbread. The cosy barn-style café will make you feel right at home.
Bothy, Bushmills
164 Whitepark Rd, Dunseverick, Bushmills BT57 8SS
Just around the corner is a north coast favourite, Bothy Coffee. It's rustic interior and delicious menu are sure to delight. As it's namesake suggests, this is the perfect place to rest with a roof over your head; a shelter from the Northern Irish weather. They have great coffee and an even better brunch menu: Pancakes with crispy chicken, poached eggs with maple syrup and hot honey halloumi on sourdough. Yum!
Halt, Belfast
373 Beersbridge Rd, Belfast BT5 5DT
Halt Café is known for putting its own spin on classic menu items. A quick look at their Instagram will show you that they clearly go above and beyond. The menu features eggs on rosti, Protein seed granola and a hearty fry. Next time you are in East Belfast, 'Halt' what you're doing and give it a try.
The Green Cat Bakery, Eglinton
36A Main St, Eglinton, Londonderry BT47 3AD
This thriving little cafe and bakery in Eglinton village has been changing the brunch game. Carmelised Pear French Toast, Nutty Banana and Maple Berry Pancakes are all offered until 12noon. And if you want something small, we can't recommend the scones enough. You can even order a Breakfast platter for morning brunch at home.
Bolt Deli, Belfast
62 Boucher Rd, Belfast BT12 6HR
Tucked behind the Land Rover showroom on Boucher Road, Bolt Deli is a 120-seater café and restaurant bringing the soul of a New York deli to Belfast. Their extensive all-day breakfast menu is guaranteed to give you an authentic taste of New York’s vibrant energy mixed with a hint of flavours from Northern Ireland. When we say they are good, we aren't joking. Their brunch dishes will have you coming back for more: The Brooklyn Brunch, Smash breakfast and The Big Apple Stack are a few examples to get you inspired.
The Kitchen, Omagh
This a place that excels at all things breakfast. And their new brunch menu has some really quirky dishes for you to discover: Cilbir Chilli Eggs, Breakfast Tacos and the Beef Birria Taco. The food is so wonderful and unique, you'll feel just like this review left by a satisfied customer - "I only wish I could press a button to empty my stomach to have something else in the menu".
The Grand Café, Belfast
Located on the ground floor of the Grand Central Hotel, in Belfast, The Grand Café is an everyday place with an easy-going elegance and one of the best breakfasts in Northern Ireland. It will catch your eye as you walk by and when you step inside you’ll want to stay for a fry...or a spot of brunch (served each Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from 12pm - 3pm). Choose from a range of divine options including, Eggs benedict, Smashed Avocado on sourdough or Brioche French Toast with cinnamon cream and blueberry compote. Breakfast served until 11am daily.
The Thatch at Ballydougan, Portadown
171 Plantation Rd, Portadown, Bleary, Craigavon BT63 5NN
Start your day off with a tasty breakfast at Ballydougan Pottery, before heading hiking in the Mournes, out for a shopping trip or if you just fancy indulging in some me time. Breakfast is served from 9 - 11:30am. The produce is served on handmade Ballydougan pottery - why not join in one of the classes and bring your own home with you!
The General Merchant’s, Belfast
361 Ormeau Rd, Belfast BT7 3GL
You’ll find soul satisfying breakfast in the General Merchant’s at one of their impressive five Belfast locations. This funky place is run by an Aussie who’ll get you off to g’day mate with his fine cooked breakfasts and, for the late starters, tasty brunches served all day!
Some great choices at St George’s Market, Belfast
12 East Bridge St, Belfast BT1 3NQ
If you prefer to get out and about, you can always get a quick breakfast in Belfast at St George’s Market. Grab a coffee from the Drop Hopper and a croissant from Mamó Patisserie before you sit and watch the world go by inside this wonderful space. Those looking for something more filling should take this chance to try a Belfast Breakfast Bap from the Belfast Bap Co. A traditional Belfast bap loaded up with bacon, egg and sausage. Don't be intimidated by it's size. We did say we love for our bacon.
An Creagán, Omagh
186 Barony Rd, Creggan, Omagh BT79 9AB
Before you tackle one of the many trails in the beautiful Sperrin Mountains why not fuel up at An Creagán near Omagh. Sit and relax outdoors overlooking the pond while your brekkie is prepared using local produce garnished and flavoured with herbs and vegetables from the gardens. (breakfast served 10am - 12noon)
Lost and Found, Portstewart
3 Berne Rd, Portstewart BT55 7PA
On the north coast, coffee lovers will adore The Lost and Found Café in Portstewart. This is a beautifully modern and hip space with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. More importantly they have great morning coffees and super breakfast dishes. Choose from the brunch brioche, granola bowl or avocado toast. Here, you’ll find the best artisan breads, seasonal ingredients and the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans wafts right through the easy air.
The Jolly Sandwich Bar, Enniskillen
3 Darling St, Enniskillen BT74 7DP
The award-winning Jolly Sandwich Bar in Enniskillen is run by the one and only Hazel Johnston who serves up the best in hospitality, food and service. With an extensive breakfast menu offering homemade delights made with local ingredients and the finest warm welcome, you might just have to come back again for lunch.
That’s us sorted for breakfast and brunch so. Let’s get crack on and see the rest of Northern Ireland and if you don’t agree that these are indeed the best spots in Northern Ireland, let us know where you’ve found that’s even better!
The Grand Central is more than a hotel. It’s an ode to a city. Standing tall in Bedford Street, this impressive jewel combines glamour and grandeur with a uniquely Belfast spirit. Head to the 23rd floor to discover The Observatory Bar, an awe-inspiring cocktail lounge with spectacular views of Belfast and beyond.
St George’s Market one of Belfast’s oldest attractions and is one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland. It has been voted for numerous local and national awards for its fresh, local produce and great atmosphere.
Set in breath-taking surroundings you can recharge your batteries and enjoy one of the many walks and cycle trails on the grounds and take in the sights and sounds as you pedal or walk through the open landscape and forest trails. Or perhaps just enjoy the beauty, peace and quiet and relax in the picnic area by the community garden and pond.
