
Quick info
About Harlem Cafe
Harlem Cafe is a cafe at 34 Bedford St in Belfast, open daily during the daytime only. Breakfast and lunch both come with a full gluten-free menu, and there is a vegan breakfast option as well. An Irish breakfast sits alongside the eclectic bistro menu. Cheese and charcuterie boards and cream teas complete the food. The space is filled with art, and music plays in the room. Breakfast is the busiest stretch, with a queue on Saturday mornings.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention irish breakfast, gluten free options, vegan breakfast and steak sandwich.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention irish breakfast, gluten free options, vegan breakfast and steak sandwich.
Customer Review Summary
Breakfast draws most of the praise at Harlem Cafe, and the Irish breakfast is the dish reviewers name most, one calling it really nice and another recommending it for a group. Close behind are the steak sandwich, French toast with fresh cream made for one diner, and a vegan breakfast. One reviewer with food allergies calls the attitude toward allergies a staggering difference from home, and another notes a full gluten free menu for breakfast and lunch. Reviewers describe a fun, eclectic room with music, comfy seating and plentiful portions, and several call the staff friendly and helpful. The complaints concern service. One reviewer found a barista sassy after drinks for a table of five took ages with only one barista working. Another found the staff unfriendly, was seated beside the food prep area despite a booking, and had slightly burnt sourdough. Neither plans to return. One reviewer also describes a long queue on a busy Saturday morning. Another recalls staff bringing a free shot to a bride-to-be while playing Going to the Chapel.
Customer Review Summary
Breakfast draws most of the praise at Harlem Cafe, and the Irish breakfast is the dish reviewers name most, one calling it really nice and another recommending it for a group. Close behind are the steak sandwich, French toast with fresh cream made for one diner, and a vegan breakfast. One reviewer with food allergies calls the attitude toward allergies a staggering difference from home, and another notes a full gluten free menu for breakfast and lunch. Reviewers describe a fun, eclectic room with music, comfy seating and plentiful portions, and several call the staff friendly and helpful. The complaints concern service. One reviewer found a barista sassy after drinks for a table of five took ages with only one barista working. Another found the staff unfriendly, was seated beside the food prep area despite a booking, and had slightly burnt sourdough. Neither plans to return. One reviewer also describes a long queue on a busy Saturday morning. Another recalls staff bringing a free shot to a bride-to-be while playing Going to the Chapel.
Featured reviews
- Abbie
“We visited here this morning - 8 of us. Lovely setting, surroundings. The music, the food, the staff were excellent! HIGHLY recommend if you’re taking a trip to Belfast! We had the steak sandwich and it was 11/10.”
- Vienna Peel
“Nice interior but some of the staff kinda sassy which was uncalled for. We were a table of 5 and ordered 4 coffees and one tea and they took ages to come because there was only one barista (not her fault!) but when she brought them over felt like it was our fault with how she spoke to us. Had the Irish breakfast and it was really nice. The waiting staff were lovely and helpful. Not sure I’d go back though”
- Louise Clifford
“Harlem is the best restaurant we have eaten at. The staff was fantastic and the food was even better. I recommend this place to anyone who loves great food and amazing service. They made me fresh cream for my French Toast. Lu from 🇨🇦”
- kim jimenez
“We were recommended this lovely place by the front desk lady at our hotel, and we’re so glad we listened. The Harlem Belfast restaurant was one of our favorite places that we visited in all of Ireland/Northern Ireland. It’s so unique and you can tell that Fay, the owner, has poured her heart and soul into her restaurant. She was a delight to meet, and to talk to. 17 years of amazing food, beautiful people, creative baristas, and true Irish friendliness. Don’t miss out on visiting this heavenly Belfast oasis.”
- Keith Seibold
“Full menu of gluten free options for breakfast and lunch. Food is incredible and good value. Exceptional service. Good coffee. Fun atmosphere with lots to watch. I’d be coming here every morning if I could. Highly recommend.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Eclectic bistro menu, plus cheese and charcuterie boards and cream teas, in funky, art-filled space.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating · Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Location
Cafes near Harlem Cafe
- Linen Hall Cafe4.31210.2 mi£10–20Vegetarian optionsVegan optionsWi-Fi
coffee, views over city hall, open chicken sandwich
- Roasty Toasty4.8990.3 miOutdoor seatingVegetarian optionsDelivery
toasties, coffee, breakfast sandwiches
- Café Red4.82000.4 mi£1–15
ulster fry, fresh ground coffee, porridge
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harlem Cafe | 4.42,221 | — | — | irish breakfast, gluten free options, vegan breakfast |
| Linen Hall CafeVegetarian options · Vegan options · Wi-Fi | 4.3121 | 0.2 mi | £10–20 | coffee, views over city hall, open chicken sandwich |
| Roasty ToastyOutdoor seating · Vegetarian options · Delivery | 4.899 | 0.3 mi | — | toasties, coffee, breakfast sandwiches |
| Café Red | 4.8200 | 0.4 mi | £1–15 | ulster fry, fresh ground coffee, porridge |
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