Cafe 21 in Colchester

I was so pleased to find this delightful cafe while wandering the streets of Colchester. I enjoyed the day's special of homemade chicken pie and veg. The food and service were perfect and all at a very reasonable price.

What a lovely cafe . The staff are really welcoming and kind and the food is delicious . We enjoyed their cheese n roast veg toasties which came with a really fresh and tasty salad and some crisps . The coffee was good too . We were sorry we didn’t have room for cake . The food being brought out to other customers looked lovely too .

We found Cafe 21 located in Trinity Street colchester,polite,courteous service and food and drink beautifully presented very happy indeed would highly recommend

Had brunch at Cafe 21 while out shopping in Colchester. The welcome was excellent and a table became available after a short wait. The staff were attentive and friendly. The menu was varied and included a good range of gluten free items which pleased my wife. The food and drink was excellent and very good value for money. All in all a very pleasant experience. We will be back!! (From Father Paul)

Beautiful Food ,very friendly polite staff can’t do enough for you Food is always good here and i recommend anyone looking for a bite to eat / meal in Colchester this is the place to go

Had lunch here again today, always go here for lunch when I'm in town! Great food, great service as always. Wouldn't go anywhere else!

Had lunch and cup of tea here at Cafe 21 with my daughter and was lovely though out, Friendly/helpful staff. Will definitely return

I had the worst cup of coffee I think I've ever had, and I note I'm not the only one reviewing who thinks so. I asked for a black americano. When it arrived, my husband thought it was his tea, it was so thin and watery looking. It tasted as bad as it looked. When you then add in a scone that had a hair baked into it, tasteless soup and mediocre service, it really was poor. We prefer supporting local businesses but, they have to do better than this. We won't be back.

Really great for allergens (gluten free) - such a reliable place and loads of options - really lovely girls

This cafe is by far the best one in town centre. The waiting times for a table aren't that long and I usually get served promptly. The staff are quite friendly and accommodating as well. The barista with the stretched septum makes lovely coffee! It has a wide range of vegan and gluten free options that cater to customers' dietary needs and preferences. I'd recommend the welsh rarebit and jacket potatoes with coronation chicken. The dessert menu is quite lush as well, especially the strawberry heaven waffles.

Quite a nice little cafe staff was pleasant the vegan veggie section was quite good but it all had peepers in so could.nt have any of em

Lovely experience at cafe 21. Staff were super friendly and helpful and we throughly enjoyed our full English. Tea and cappuccino also very good. Staff were excellent!! xx

I've been visiting colchester for the last couple of weeks and have spent a fair amount of time in it's amazing independent cafes. Cafe 21 is definitely my favorite. The staff are super friendly and accommodating, the vibe is warm and relaxing and the food is excellent. Their menu is great regardless of whether you are there for breakfast, brunch or lunch. I tend to get a coffee and cake to start while I do a bit of work both of which are always top notch. The lunch options are plentiful and I haven't been let down at all by what I've ordered. If you're a tourist looking to stop by for a drink or place to eat, I can't recommend them more. If you are a local, definitely give them a visit and I'm sure you'll be frequenting them again soon! Lots of love to you guys at cafe 21! Thanks for being such great hosts! X

First time here and firstly a friendly welcome. We were sat by the window but the rear looked just as nice. Our coffees were good and we had a sandwich plus toasties both on granary bread. Now there is supermarket bread and lovely bread, which despite the good prices was the lovely bread. Really enjoyed my roasted veg toastie.

Been here a couple of times. In summer the back garden area is lovely. The staff is friendly and the food fresh and tasty. They always have some delicious quiches on offer. We sat inside this time round and had full English breakfast which was delicious and very filling. Coffee was also a decent size unlike some places. Staff is very friendly and attentive. Highly recommended.

Good, value for money food. Pleasant friendly staff.

Absolutely delicious breakfast with good quality ingredients. I generally leave the sausage if I eat at a cafe but this one was delicious and clearly not from the cheap frozen section. Coffee that came with was good and service spot on. Less than a tenner and you are onto a winner 🏆

Cute spot! Great afternoon tea&scones. The blackberry jam was delicious 🤩 Great service

Had a lovely cheese scon and cappuccino bear today all girls really friendly and scone lovely and soft and warm nice cappuccino yo recommend and definitely suu u again thank u

This cafe is excellent all round, the staff are friendly, accommodating and very informative regarding their extensive menu. I have a specific dietary requirements as I’m have many food intolerances and on a low fodmap diet. Gluten, onion and garlic are the main ones. Nothing was too much trouble, adjusting the menu to my needs and many choices for me to choose from. I can only congratulate them on the service I received. Thank you Caroline

I ate homemade lasagna and salad with salmon. I drank a cappuccino without caffeine. I liked everything very much. Friendly and smiling waiters, food is prepared very quickly, which is a fundamentally important factor for me.

Food was not too bad. Not a lot of flavour in the chilli. Friendly welcoming staff. It was very noisy whilst we were there. The waitress apologised for this but she wasn't responsible for the volume at which people talk

Nice cafe, good vegan options. A few more would be nice! Friendly, helpful staff. Lovely courtyard garden

Popped in for lunch and sat in the lovely garden, good menu and quick friendly service. My daughter had a Brie, bacon and cranberry sandwich, it was lovely thick bread. I had a prawn flatbread, both were delicious. We got a brownie to take away.

Fantastic. Sat in the garden on this warm autumnal Saturday. Beautiful halloumi and mushrooms sandwich. The bread was so soft and thiccccc, the halloumi far from rubbery and the mushrooms, aplenty. Service is phenomenal. It flows perfectly. Hahaha, just seen Versionfilm's 1* review. Look at their account. They only leave negative reviews. Morons!

Excellent friendly service and yummy brunch x

I have never been to this cafe before and I am so glad I come we sat outside and was greeted with smiles as soon as we came in we had a lovely waitress who’s name was Georgia she was very kind and patient with us and made us feel very comfortable and relaxed, the garden out the back is lovely and shady if it’s to hot would definitely recommend it here and if you have Georgia as your waitress you will have a lovely time !!!!!

I frequently visit Cafe 21 and am never disappointed. Great food, top staff and always a nice atmosphere. Love the garden in the warmer months!

Wanted to find a local cafe in town to go to and came across this place . First off the food was really nice but what was very confusing was we was told when asking for certain food such as chips that they may not be able to provide this as it had something to do with next door which was strange and slightly disappointing especially being a cafe . Also its important to know it is very very very small inside and our table was a table usually fit for one maybe 2 at a push and there was 3 of us including a child which made it abit stressful as we then would have to manoeuvre bits on/off the tiny table. I would revisit alone or with a friend as what we did have to eat was nice but would keep in mind what I now know

Staff are so friendly. Food so tasty .

What a beautiful hidden gem! The food was lovely, and so reasonably priced, with a huge variety, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. Very pretty little garden with plenty of tables and lovely service. We had such a nice lunch, will definitely be back next time we are in Colchester.

Been eating here for years and today the waiting staff really were the worst. We gave up and left! We sat, in the Sun, for 20mins and never even got a menu even though we signalled repeatedly. We even laughed they were so obviously ignoring us! Never mind. Went to the Mediterranean Cafe 20 secs up the road and got a great welcome! Shame after many years as loyal customers. Edit to owner response: We spoke to the younger and older member of staff on entry asking them if there was a seat in the garden. They said there was a table for two, but it's in the sun and go and have a look to see if it would suit. I can't "slip" anywhere at 6ft6inches and thanked them. We waved and asked several times for menus. Then gave up. We did actually laugh at one point because it was so bad. The one thing I do know is, the tone of your answer shows what you're like and how you treat people. And yes, good did come from it, because the Fig and Goats Cheese salad at the Med Cafe was lovely and less expensive to boot. I wish you well at Cafe 21 and I'm sure they will challenge the next people who dare to "slip" into your cafe after asking for a table!

Went to this cafe yesterday and the food looked amazing. Ordered quickly, no problems, drinks arrived and then other people started arriving. Still sitting with our drinks…. Waiting. And then the other new customers food started appearing but we still had nothing. After 45 minutes I asked how long our food was going to take as I had noticed other more recent customers tucking into their food. The waitress returned to apologise that she had not put our ticket through correctly and the kitchen would rush it through now!! We left and grabbed a sandwich somewhere else. Such a shame they are not keeping a better eye on their customers and checking they are boring taken care of. Won’t be returning g.

My favourite place for lunch in Colchester. The staff are really friendly and helpful and the food is excellent. The garden area out the back is fantastic. I highly recommend a visit!

We took our friends for the first time and we were throughly impressed. We sat in the lovely garden and the service and food were great. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff also. We will definitely return, thank you!

Lovely food and atmosphere. The prices are great value for the quality and staff were friendly.

Quite popular cafe in Colchester high street.

Impromptu lunch with my lovely friend. Pretty little garden area out the back. Extensive menu and chose the welsh rarebit which was delicious. Would recommend

Lovely cafe and perfect for lunch with my mum after shopping. The food is great value for the quality, and we were really impressed with the options available. We sat in the garden which was very relaxed and nicely decorated.

Lovely lunch, staff very helpful, such a quaint spot in the town.

The cafe offers gluten free options on most of the menu, as well as special gluten free hot meals. They offer homemade gluten free waffles (both sweet and savoury dishes), and ours were light, fluffy, and perfect. Toppings were generous, especially for the price. There are also plentiful vegetarian and vegan (and therefore dairy/lactose free) options. The staff were helpful, and there was clear communication about the dietary requirements to the kitchen. Overall, the staff were wonderful. We'll definitely be returning.

Always use Cafe 21 when in town, wouldn't go anywhere else to eat. Food always excellent and always greeted by friendly helpful staff! Considering its always busy I have always been served quickly and given the same great service every time no matter how busy they are!!

Lovely cafe with so many choices of foods & drinks all freshly prepared. Definitely reccomend.

Great food, friendly staff and lovely surroundings. A real quirky atmosphere gives this place a real character.

Greasy cheap food, half buttered toast, weak coffee (i'd rather have instant) served in a glass for some reason.

Excellent yummy food for a really good price we didn’t have to wait long and for the price you get quite abit of food i would defo recommend to others .

Excellent food and service from staff member Freya, All for a great price.

The service at this cafe is amazing! The staff are very friendly, and our food came extremely quickly. I had the loaded cheese scones, which I would highly recommend!

There are a lot of competing places in Colchester, this one is ok. One of the downsides is that the kitchen is in the middle of the cafe, and to keep the warmth, they keep the doors and windows closed.The choice of teas is very good, I had a latte, which was ok. Hot chocolates looked better I think. The choice of food is good. Service was friendly, though there was a small mixup with us, but they were happy to resolve it. Atmosphere could be a bit better (perhaps if you are used to the polished look of 'Costa') but if you just would like a place to eat this is fine though. Would I go back? Maybe, but I'd try other cafes too in the area.

Lovely little cafe. Great food options and wonderful service. Kids meals were a very good size and quality.

Have been coming here for years and miss it if I don't come for a while! A lovely little café with a very cute courtyard to eat outside in the warmer weather where you are surrounded by trees & shrubs. There are vegetarian curries, shepherd's pie, sandwiches, jacket potatos with a variety of fillings, & the Welsh Rarebit is AMAZING!! Very filling with 2 eggs on top ! Yum ! 😋 Absolutely delicious cheese scones & usually a fab range of homemade cakes & excellent coffee/latte/cappuccinos & good quality soft drinks of course. I do miss that you don't sell egg mayo sandwiches any more though!

The wife and I started using cafe 21 about 8 weeks ago, we found the food cooked to a really good standard and the staff are very friendly and helpful, we would really recommend this place to everyone,

Usually brilliant, this was very disappointing , too busy, should have said no to me, I could gone somewhere else Coffee cold, breakfast inedible, jacket cold and uninteresting. May give another chance, however plenty of competition

Beautifully decorated place, good food and high quality coffee. A fair price and the service was outstanding. My table of 3 was mainly handled by a new member of staff called Charlene who was extremely accommodating and kind. I would 100% come again.

Had a lovely breakfast, Charlene was especially helpful and very friendly. 10/10 would eat and chat again.

Good food, staff very friendly (especially the young ones). Great little back lane cafe.

Very friendly, helpful service. I had a lovely pot of tea, with skimmed milk and a very large slice of carrot cake, which was delicious. I thoroughly recommend this cafe.

Lovely home made, fresh food at really good prices.

A busy little cafe, in the heart of the "city" centre. There are several rooms and a pretty, enclosed garden area (not open in Winter, or at least on my visit). The odour of cooking does fill the indoor rooms, since the kitchen is central on the ground floor Service is prompt and friendly. Food is tasty and the portion size is good. Recommended.

Just amazing really can't say anything more.

We love it here and always pay a visit in in Colchester shopping, food is lovely.

Lovely little cafe, outside seating is quiet and peaceful. Food is fantastic and very competitive pricing.

Excellent Food and Service. Great Menu.

Quick service. Good reasonably priced food. Been here a lot over the years . Never had any bad experiences

Welsh rarebit is to die for,go with all trimmings for proper taste sensation. Plus location is an oasis of calm in the town centre, great for garden dining

We had christmas dinner here yesterday for 10 people. The service was excellent, the food, every course was superb, everything was fresh and cooked to perfection. Everyone commented how lovely the food was. I would without hesitation recommend, I simply cannot fault it.

Lovely place for brunch or lunch, staff are friendly and helpful, Christmas decs look nice, food fresh and tasty and drinks were great too. We will return.

First time of being here. Food and service were both very good. Good value for money. Wide range of choice on the menu.

Great English breakfast and lovely people!

Good food, value for money and cosy atmosphere in a nice hideaway.

Really friendly staff and good food, I chose the Halloumi and mushroom flat bread. It wasn't too crowded and still warm enough to sit outside in the garden.

Friendly helpful staff, beautiful garden area lots of tables, excellent food!

Exceptional service coupled with amazing food 👌

Went here on a Saturday at midday for a late breakfast. Couldn't fault this cafe at all. Was very busy and staff/service was still fast, polite and efficient. I had eggs Royal with avocado which was delicious. Lots of variety on the menu and prices are very reasonable. Tables outside were slightly small outside but the garden area overall is very nice. Will be coming back for breakfast soon!

Lovely cafe, great food, good choice of menu and lovely friendly staff.

Highly recommended for try tea selection ❤️ Lovely place and very good breakfast selection. Perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Lovely setting, found us a table in the shade in the garden despite us being a couple and the table would be good for 6, much appreciated friendly service

Myself & a friend had lunch at Cafe 21 for the first time today, we loved the decor which made the place felt like it had ambience & having dining in the shaded outdoors too. We were pleasantly surprised at how reasonably priced our lunch was, good value for money. Staff friendly & attentive

Good quality food, friendly service. Lovely old building. Quiet garden right in the centre of town

Great options for both food and drink

Great waffles, had a really good time, only negative we were outside, wobbley table and a bit messy lots of leaves on ground.

Lovely place, beautiful garden, very serene. The food was nice but the filling in my sandwich was dissapointly low. Shame as other food coming to other tables looked lovely. In summary I'd go again just order anything else.

Just called. To ask for availability they ruduly said they are busy. Can’t even tell if the food is good or not. The service on call wasn’t

We were very excited about trying this place as it looked lovely! Service was lovely but unfortunately we never received our food after waiting 45 minutes as our ticket didn’t make it to the kitchen… However we would be keen to try this place again in hopes we can experience the greatness of it!

Nice food, good staffs, but drinks are not. I tried 2 times 1 is passion fruit and 1 is milk shake. Both have unfavorable taste. My friends agreed too.

Great Welsh rarebit couldn't it all because I was full. Lovely friendly staff.

Best breakfast in Colchester! Hugely recommend the Eggs Benedict!

Delicious food and coffee. Very good portions and 4 of us ate within our budget! Friendly staff, attentive and also clean airy place.

Super museum and shop, staff really helpful, very enjoyable food

Lovely food and friendly staff.

Excellent service, good quality produce, lovely courtyard for al fresco dining.

Love this place. Always great food and lovely staff. Great setting at the back, you could be anywhere. Highly recommended, great for kids too, the waffles are amazing!

Small and cosy spot. Vast menu choices and very reasonably priced. Friendly staff.

My favourite place for lunchtime snack

Excellent food reasonably priced in a lovely garden n friendly sta

Good food at reasonable prices. A friendly town centre Cafe. Shaded garden at the back.

Lovely cafe, lovely food, lovely staff!

Wow what a wonderful place to spend at lunch time welcoming friendly staff nothing too much trouble a lovely garden to eat in thankyou for the lovely food.

Great veggie breakfast excellent value 👌

Weak coffee,anemic tea dry scone but good sausages