General Merchants Cafe in Belfast

Great place but waiting for a table was not pleasant.

Sausage roll pastry was like rubber and filling was bone dry...staff were very nice

Great place to come for food and coffee. The food here was really nice I got the Avo Brekkie and it was amazing I would recommend. It has a nice homely feel on the inside however it is small. The staff were lovely and friendly as well. I will definitely be back here with my friends

Great choice, great service, still good 👍

Excellent brunch. Very highly recommend.

Brilliant spot for lunch or coffee, staff are friendly & service is great.

Waited for a short while but that can only be a good sign. Delicious salad (top shelf chicken). Highly recommended. Coffee was also very good. Reasonably priced. Serving staff were warm and pleasant.

We all enjoyed our brunch. Everything was delicious and freshly prepared. I would strongly recommend the Huevos rotos

Pleasant experience lovely coffee and cake

I'm a long time visitor here. As in... they joke about me being one of the staff. It's a home away from home for me. The manager is hilarious and always cheers me up with excellent banter. Fantastic food. Great service. Brilliant atmosphere. The only downside is that it gets very busy over the weekends so be prepared to wait.

The staff member who greeted us at the door was extremely rude. We decided not to stay. Obviously they are so busy they don't have to be pleasant to customers.

On my last day in Belfast I just needed to sort out some breakfast that wasn't from the hotel and this place came up on maps. I enjoyed the atmosphere of this retro Caffe shop and the kindness of the staff. I picked a simple eggs your way which was ok, just bit disappointed on the plain bread taste but otherwise it was good. Other dishes looked amazing so I won't judge for my lack of appetise 😅

Great place to eat and relax with a coffee. Food is great

In Belfast and staying at the Stormont Hotel and took a walk out to find a coffee and a snack. After a 10 minute walk I came across General Merchants and thought this looks like OK! I was greeted by Luis who was most welcoming and quickly found me a table for two. We have both worked in Melbourne Australia and thought the Coffee shop had that feel and atmosphere of coffee shops we had frequented there. The Coffee was 5* as was the good offering plus 5* service from start to finish. We had accidentally come across an absolute GEM of a place with great atmosphere, to eat, and enjoy a coffee. We are only in Belfast for three days and will be visiting here each day for more of the same.

Went for breakfast... very good, really enjoyed the Veggie General and a really good coffee

15 minutes to have someone take our order. Food was set down and was great but no cutlery provided so had to approach staff a second time to get cutlery. The food is the only thing good about this place.

Food was amazing. Had the breakfast bap and the Avo Brekkie. Great veggie options and the house made beans are unreal as a side!

Pyszna kawa, słodkości, lunch 👌.

Busy little place...Good coffee ☕️

I went today during lunchtime rush; had an amazing experience! The staff were all lovely and charming. Wait of 20 mins for a table, but people went in every 5 mins or so. Food only took 15 minutes to come. I had the veggie general which tasted fantastic and very filling. Great selection of buns. I highly recommend!

Una cafeteria fantàstica por la calidad del café y los pasteles y bollería, por el trato amable y cordial, y por la decoración muy acogedora. Estaba muy limpio y nos atendieron rápido y bien.

We showed up when there was no queue to get in, we were asked to wait a couple of minutes outside while they cleared a table. Ended up sitting outside in the rain for 25 minutes while they sat other customers before us. When we asked what was happening, we got told they had forgot about us, and had given out seat to other people. Then we were told we would have to wait a further 20 minutes for a seat, while also offering no apology. Worst customer service I have ever experienced.

Good coffee ☕️ and vegetarian options is tasty

Fantastic coffee, and a love breakfast menu. Parking can be a little tricky but worth it.

Best coffee in Belfast hands down.

The food is nice but just not quite to my taste - the coffee is great though. The seating can feel a bit cramped at busier times of day

Went in for a cappuccino and was told the machine was broke would we like a filtered coffee. What we got wasn't a coffee . Taste disgusting. Didn't drink it. I'll just go to stormont mugs from now on. As never had a bad coffee from them yet

Very odd experience, won't be back. Waited ten minutes for anyone to approach my table, but eventually had to get up and ask for water and a menu. These things happen, but it was a little galling when the staff later told me to hurry up and get off my table. I'd ordered a main course and a coffee, and had been there for less than an hour and a half, so was pretty surprised when the waiter came up and told me I "couldn't sit there all day". I appreciate it's a busy place, but there were at least ten other seats free in the front part of the cafe when this happened. They also could've asked me to move to a single seat by the window if they really needed to free up space. As it is, I can't believe I paid over £15 to be treated like a freeloader.

Had to wait 20 minutes for a table but they put your name on the list and you can wait outside. Once we got our table they were pretty quick to take our order and bring our food. Very helpful with my friend's Gluten free requirement. Really good food. I now understand why it's so popular. We both had the sure thing chicken burger and loved it. First class. Reasonable price too. Highly recommended!

Need to teach their servers manners. I asked this blonde girl with tattoos for an extra side of toast (she said the soup came with bread and if i wanted an extra slice to which I said NO because I had asked for a SIDE of toast.) When the food came I waited about 10 minutes for my side. Then a man came over and asked if we were finished, I said no since I had asked for a separate side of toast, the guy walked away before I was able to correct him since he said an extra slice then this blonde girl started talking about me while I was less than 5 ft away. She groaned loudly and said that she asked me if I wanted an extra slice and i said no (which I didn't because I asked for toast) my friend had a nice coffee and the food was amazing but the server ruined my day. To be fair, I'm awful at ordering for myself but I felt so awful after I heard her talk to me that when they brought me my raw bread I just didn't bother finishing and we left the restaurant. Overall 3/10 would NOT recommend. Probably have better staff at other venues

Surely one of the best bistro cafes in the Belfast area. Great food, great coffee selection, great service, great atmosphere.

Love this place worth the wait.

The best brunch in town. The food is always delicious

Aaaaarrrrrr!!! It’s amazing (reeealy hot 🔥🔥🔥) KFB! A lot of bright emotions! P.S. And, you need to know: all coffee in Belfast I measure in comparing them to General Merchents 🌝❤️

This is a great spot to come for brunch. It is a bit compact inside, but they are maximising space as it is always busy. The inside has been extended so they just need to keep shelter seating for dog owners. The cost of food is slightly on the higher side. I enjoyed getting the Benny, but it appears to no longer be on the menu.

Quality Aussie-style cafe; great coffee, standout breakfast, great vibes.

Amazing food! I’m allergic to dairy and I’m celiac and they were incredibly accommodating. Lots of gluten free options! A must visit :)

The Veggie General is delicious. But very expensive menu for what it is.

Great coffee and friendly staff.

Beautiful food, great menu and friendly staff

Went on Saturday morning at 10am, by 10.22 we still hadn’t been served for drinks. I asked a waiter could he take our order. He told me to sit down, it was table service. Another 5 minutes passed and tables that came in after us had had their order taken. I asked again could someone take our order. I was told (rather rudely) that they were overwhelmed and orders were being taken in order that you arrived in to the cafe. Terrible atmosphere and even worse service.

Just an all round poor experience. We were seated about 3.50pm and the server came for our order about 5 minutes later. When asked about ordering some sausage rolls she said we couldn’t have any because “the kitchen closes in a couple of minutes”. I take it she meant 4.00pm which was more than a couple of minutes away. She didn’t check with the kitchen to see what was possible. Food was still being brought from the kitchen to tables at 4.15. I don’t think a couple of sausage rolls, ordered before the kitchen’s closing time, was too much to ask. We ordered a couple of hot chocolates and they arrived 15 minutes later. The waitress started to reach the drinks to us over the head of our granddaughter who was in a high chair beside us. I immediately stopped her and took the drinks off her safely away from any danger. When I did this she said “just be careful with those”. Well no s**t, you think! Turned out it didn’t matter anyway - the drinks were just about warm, nowhere near hot. Will not be returning.

First time at general merchants and it was amazing! The menu has lots of brunch options and the specials too. Had a cappuccino, the coffee was perfect for me, not too bitter. I had the avo brekkie and the eggs were perfectly poached, the avo with pesto and feta was a great combo too! I added some mushrooms as a side and they were delicious. The staff were all super friendly and attentive even though the place was packed. Can be difficult to get a table so worth getting there early! I’m sure I’ll be back!

By far one of the best eateries for Breakfast or Brunch anywhere hands down. Breakfasts were unbelievable! It not my first GM but it was the rest of the familys. If your a lover of coffee their flat white is a must. We also couldn't leave without sampling some of the buns.

Nothing out of the ordinary there.

A busy spot so it is hard to get a seat but SUPERB coffee, great customer service and atmosphere.

The food is great. Service can be slow when they busy. The wait is worth. The staff is nice, polite and helpful. Prices are reasonable too. Overall nice place.

Lovely experience great spot. I drive up from the country to meet my sons. It really does add to the occasion.

Specialty coffee is a world that grows more every day throughout the world, due to its selected products and the origins of its beans, here is one of the best to visit, the staff is very friendly and prepared for the art of good coffee. great locations. My sincerest congratulations on your achievement. keep going. I'll be back for sure

I would highly recommend visiting the General Merchant. Food and customer service was excellent. Lots of choice on the brunch menu, good value for money and big portions. There is also nice decor and cosy vibe to this restaurant.

The best. You won't get better coffee in Northern Ireland, and the food, breakfast, lunch or dinner, is exceptional. Thanks to the brilliant staff the atmosphere is relaxed and cool despite how busy it always is, and within a few trips they really make you feel like an important regular.

Friendly helpful staff looked after well.

Food was delicious with the General breakfast highly recommended 👌

Food fantastic. Service brilliant lovely atmosphere. Staff could not do more for you. Always first on My list to hit when I visit Belfast for food.

Fantastic coffee and phenomenal service. Definitely recommend

General Merchants coffee is the best in all of Belfast. However this location takes it to the next level by offering wonderfully created plates, which burst with flavour. The staff are great as well. Get down early though as its always busy.

Outstanding brunch... Benny's bacon sarnie special.. Next level tasty! Great spot everytime we have been!

Can see why it's popular but if customers are waiting for you to open, at least let them in. Food ok service good....Will visit again

First time at the General Merchants today and I was really impressed firstly with the friendliness and professionalism of the staff. The menu was explained to me and my order was taken promptly and my food was in front of me within minutes. I had the smashed avocado with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and poached eggs on toasted sourdough....... simply delicious. Followed by a creamy latte and a very generous piece of Guinness cake. The whole experience was faultless and I went away with a big smile on my face....... now you can't say that very often 10/10 😊

Visiting from America, this is the first place we stopped when we landed in Belfast and is was awesome! I highly recommend the chicken salad! Possibly one of the best meals I’ve had.

Good coffee, great service. Very busy though, you'll queue for either takeaway or sit-in, add extra time for that!

Great staff, highly recommended this place.

Excellent food and great service. Will definitely be back.

Sitio de brunch perfecto! Siempre está lleno, el local es muy bonito por dentro y la comida es estupenda

Lovely food and great staff. Would definitely recommend.

Best coffee in Belfast, and a lovely atmosphere. Luis the Brazilian radiates positive energy. The man is a one man radiator of positivity!

I really liked this place. We had a chicken burger and a pulled pork burger, both with chips. Both were excellent! We both had cappuccinos, which according to my barista trained daughter, were extremely well made. We then split a Carmelita bun and I had a Prana Chai. Both come recommended! It's a cosy wee spot with a good atmosphere, you may need to wait for a table at busy times but I would say that it's worth the wait. There's not much parking nearby so you may have to search for a spot but don't let that put you off, just go for it! I will definitely be back!

We went last week for lunch. The food was excellent and the staff amazing. Sat outside as we had our dog. Got seated after a few mins wait and food and drinks came really quickly. A bowl of water was offered for our dog too. Great service. Will be back.

It’s a nice spot, but always busy and poorly organised queues/waiting. Expensive for what you get, albeit it’s tasty! Coffee is good, but again expensive for size.

Used to be the best around...Then they changed coffee supplier a few years ago. Food is superb, staff are excellent and the vibe is great. Honestly go for everything but a coffee.

Went for lunch today, had to wait outside for a table but it was only only for 5 minutes or so. Inside was quite dark, very noisy with the music being played too loud, and then people having to talk over the music making it even louder. Food was nice despite a 40 minute wait, slightly over priced but definitely well cooked. I ordered the black pudding, egg and bacon bap but the bap started to collapse straight away, had to eat it with a knife and fork to avoid it falling apart over me. My partner had the Huevas Rotos and was very impressed. Overall I've given this 3/5, the wait for food and noise dragged the score down. Probably not 1 I'd return to and definitely not 1 if you're looking for a quick bite to eat.

Lovely cafe, great food and friendly staff.

Great spot great staff great food

Enjoyed a delicious lunch. Food is of a high standard, service is excellent. A lovely vibe about the place, highly recommend.

Good menu Excellent value and food Super service

Breakfast was amazing, friendly service and great coffee in lovely surroundings.

Great cafe with lovely staff. Porridge was huge and breakfasts are very popular.

Called in for breakfast to takeaway. Good service, good food, good coffee. Will be back. Thanks

Great coffee, great service, great food, great quality. So I'd say its pretty much a great spot, will deffo be back!

Visited here for the first time yesterday with 4 friends. Loved the menu. We were seated in the outside lean-to. Food, although very tasty, was barely warm. 4 plates were collected before the 5th person had finished eating. We were debating ordering coffee to finish when we were ushered out to make way for others. We 'd been there under an hour.

Not just a standard menu, food was great and easy to cater for kids, beautiful surrounding area,. And very friendly staff. Definitely worth a visit

Such an adorable spot for some lunch. The coffee was great, excellent service and the food was superb

Prefer this General Merchant over the other one on Ormeau Road. Both 5*. Love the menu, the food and coffee. Service is usually good and accommodating for younger children also. Usually go for brunch so unsure what its like early on or in the afternoon. Would recommend!

Good coffee but fairly expensive. The large americano was what I would consider regular and the regular flat white was small.

Always loved this place. The food is great. Prices still reasonable despite lots of other places hiking up theirs post pandemic. Why 4 stars? - because in order to tip our waiter, we had to log into a website that then charged us to leave a tip! Totally ridiculous.

Amazing food and service and one of the best coffees in Belfast!

Great food, great coffee, friendly staff

Good food and service very enjoyable

Food was lovely as usual and staff really pleasant. 100% recommend.

Popped in on my way past for a brownie and hot chocolate. Sign on the door asking for you to wait outside. Gentleman came to the door looking to take my order then and there but was still deciding. Got to see baked goods in cabinet, however, the waiter plus a barista and sales assistant were all gathered by the till waiting for my order. Felt very uncomfortable and under pressure to order quickly. I asked for a strong hot chocolate and in fairness, he did offer me a sample to try it to ensure it was strong but I said I was sure it would be fine and was keen to get out of there. Unfortunately the hot chocolate was not strong and not very chocolately at all which was just disappointing. Baristas are obsessed with coffee flavour, measurments and strength, like maybe make sure you make good other drinks too 🙄 The salted caramel brownie was fine. Nothing mind blowing but wouldn’t rush back either. Don’t really recommend tbh despite other good reviews. Lighting was very dim and a bit depressing tbh.

Been here the second time for breakfast on a weekday and man, this place is always buzzing 😅. I tried their choose-your-own breakfast menu. Half sized avocado, grilled halloumi, a slice of sourdough and 2 poach eggs. My favourite breakfast combi! Will definitely come back for more food photos. Excellent service too, though you have to queue outside upon arrival, but no biggie.

Been a few times, staff nice. Consistent

Food was lovely staff very friendly. Get there early before it packs up or be prepared to wait for a table. It is worth it.

Had the Benny with a sausage for breaking, delicious

Had a beautiful brunch. Food was fantastic great service and cosy atmosphere. There was a little wait for the food but we where comfortable and relaxed and in no rush. They also had a full cafe and busy takeaway service so understandable. Thank you would definitely go again.

Had gone there because some friends said it was good. I was not disappointed. quick service. friendly staff. Was there for lunch. Food was excellent. recommended.

Delicious , experience staff , definitely go back again

Great food and great staff, highly recommended

Food and coffee great, service at times not quite so much

Super good, chicken parmigiana burger and the best cinnamon roll😋