General Merchants Cafe in Belfast

Delicious brunch, lovely staff. Will be back!

Forced us to stand outside in the cold even though there were four empty tables that we could have taken. It was freezing outside and my wife has a spinal injury. She sat shivering not wishing to complain until they ushered us back in 10 minutes later to one of the tables which was clean and prepped before we got there. I asked why this was of the aggressive Maitre D and she was off hand and disinterested. The burger was overcooked and it hurt to eat it. No quality check and no interest from staff once we got our order. Expensive too. Hate this place.

Incredible breakfast - they managed to make one of their dishes vegan for me and it was amazing. Highly recommend

Was able to take the dog into conservatory and relax. Enjoyed the food and didn't feel hurried

Hello Melbourne!! As much as I love coming home and can see how contemporary cafes have become, this place just takes me to Melbourne. Just EVERYTHING🙌

Such a nice place, if you're staying at the stormont come here for breakfast instead! Everything was lovely, staff were so nice and attentive and the vibes are great. We came back a lot haha

Breakfast perfection. Consistently. Great variety.

Always great food so always a queue to get in at weekend but worth the wait!

Our favourite cafe and eatery in Belfast! Highly recommended!

Great place for catch-up with friends and family. We enjoyed a lovely brunch in a dog friendly outside area with amazing staff

Great choice, great service, Avo breakfast 👍🏼 👍

Absolutely loved it! Will definitely come back.

I had ordered 2 cappuccinos, 2 custard tarts and a cinnamon bun. This ranged over the price of £17. There was poor quality for price, cappuccinos were small and of poor standard. The cinnamon bun was good but we were only given a single custard tart. Overall not up to standard for the pricing.

Great coffee and fantastic food!

We had a delicious late lunch in GM today and enjoyed every moment. Luckily we were able to nab one of the official parking places. Straight into a seat by the window in the conservatory. Our order promptly taken, delicious cappuccino while we waited for our meal to arrive. I had avo on toast...my partner had a warm broccoli salad. Wow👌...then another coffee and we shared a piece of chocolate heaven. Nice chat with a member if staff on the way out. Perfect...

Great place but waiting for a table was not pleasant.

Had a lovely lunch here yesterday beautiful food huevos rotos delicious highly recommend, busy but nice atmosphere coffee also delicious will be back!

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

Brilliant service and brilliant food best brunch spot in east and worth the wait! Dog friendly too which is a bonus manager very helpful

Had been to general merchants at stranmillis on Saturday and staff so friendly I decided to go to the East Belfast cafe today. Food really good but the greeter was disinterested and cocky. Asked for coffee to be served with food. Unfortunately this did not happen and when I got up to query the coffee was only then ordered! Served luke warm and after we both had finished food. No apology. Disappointing as food so good but with this attitude will not be back. An apology would have totally resolved but no interest . In making this review I notice a number of bad reviews relating to the greeter can only assume the same person

My wife and I were looking forward to lunch in GM where we have been before. When we arrived we were greeted and told it would be a 15 minute wait which we didn't mind. We were then asked by the greeter to wait outside to which I said we would prefer to wait in doors considering it was a very cold wet and windy day. The awning outside would not have been much good on such a day. The greeter then protested that we were "clogging up" the restaurant . I was somewhat bemused as we were the only two people standing there and were not causing any "clogging". The greeter then not so friendly told us this was their policy and insisted we go outside. As the paying customer we felt we were not welcome and so we left . We proceeded to Olivers at Belmont who's friendly staff gladly welcomed us in their doors and I'm glad we did.

Arrived and met by a young guy who was less than interested in greeting and serving. There were a few free tables, tho told to wait outside! It was cold and raining. A few customers arrived after us and asked if we were in the queue, only to be seated before us!!!! Anyway, after a ten minute wait outside we finally got seated at a table. Ordered two coffees and two tray bakes, simple enough, 25 minutes later after asking twice about our order it arrived, coffees were cold. Awful experience, plenty of other places that are better all round. Totally disappointing.

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

Very rude front of house staff. The place is cold when you go in. Asked to move. Really rude response from guy. Very poor all round.

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

POOR SERVICE I waited for 45 minutes for breakfast to be served, I thought it was because the staff were busy until the table next received their meal 5 minutes after ordering! An excuse was made that our order was given to another customer! I blame this on poorly paid, inexperienced waiting staff, however, the menu prices are well above average. I won’t be back.

Chips for breakfast! Yep and it’s probably the only time I’ve done it …and why not when it part of this delicious dish. This is the Cuban - full of sweet pulled pork, cheese and lots of loveliness. Never pass general merchants without popping in for a treat !

Pleasant experience lovely coffee and cake

I came here a year ago and the food was great, this time it was beyond disappointing. I ordered the special ‘waffles’ and it was just far too sweet it was not enjoyable and I ended up leaving most of it. Ratios of chocolate crumb was just too much and there was nothing to cut the sweetness. Maybe if the waffles were not store bought it would have been a bit better.

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.

Came here for brunch with my wife and two children (3 years old and 6 weeks old). There weren’t any tables free which was fair enough but when my wife asked if she could wait inside with the baby in the pram she was told there was no room, and was asked to wait outside in the wind and rain. The two gentlemen behind us, however, had no problem whatsoever being allowed to wait inside. After we finished our meal, my wife decided to quickly feed our baby. Again, this didn’t seem to go down well with repeated visits/glancing at our table checking if we were done (we were indoors for a total of 70 mins). My wife and I have been to GM many times over the years, so this was a disappointing experience to say the least. It’s pretty clear that young families are seen as an inconvenience. I don’t think we’ll be back.

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 😅

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.

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.

Food was decent and staff were lovely. Fry was hella expensive and for £14.50 you’d expect it to be michelin star standard fry (had better in Belfast for sure). Everything was nice enough but the black pudding was mid tbh (too over cooked and crunchy). It’s a shame how expensive the food was because I didn’t feel like I could leave a tip and I feel like the workers deserve a little something because they were genuinely lovely, honestly a fry should NEVER be more than £12 tops. Coffee was really good. Oh and that bell to ring for the coffee to be ran is so annoying and so unnecessary. All in it was a nice meal but yea.

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.

Dark, noisy and cramped, with rude staff who are very slow to serve you in the first place, but very quick to throw you off your table. Not worth it in the slightest.

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

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!

Just wow 👌 I tried the special....PB&J toasties....toasted bakehouse botch loaf loaded with peanut 🥜 butter homemade raspberry and jalapeño jam crispy streaky bacon and fresh banana 🍌.....so bloody good.... chai drink was so beautiful Mark had root ginger 🫚 beer some kind of chicken burger loaded with everything but the kitchen sink 😋 All the waitress were so friendly. Xx Really worth it..

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.

We arrived at 1pm only to be ignored at the waiting area for 10 mins, the staff seen us but proceeded to ignore us when I asked if any tables were available. The barista said the the ‘supervisor’ that people we where waiting and he replied “I can see that, they can wait”. After this he proceeded to seat us and give the breakfast menu and walk off, we were seated directly by the door but we asked if we could be seated away from the door as it was cold outside. This request was ignored and we were again ignored for another 15 minutes, both my friend and myself have worked in the hospitality industry and understand if there’s a wait but being out right ignored and not even told there maybe be a wait we get. After another 10 mins we decided to leave and give somewhere else a try that might not ignore us.

Great coffee and friendly staff.

Greeted by very unfriendly staff while seated at a table close to the front door. Handed a breakfast menu at 1pm this afternoon while waiting over 10 minutes for service. Would not recommend.

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.

Won't be back here after guy at the door was rude. Plenty of better places in Belfast with better food

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.

A regular in GM, however was in on Wednesday and the lady who served me was so chatty and accommodating when I asked for my order to-go. Always have a great experience, but my experience on Wednesday was just great. I didn't catch her name...

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.

Disgusted by the customer service (or rather, lack of) that I received today in the Upper Newtownards Road General Merchants. Was seated by Michael and served by an older man with a terrible attitude who I believe is called Mike. I have been to this...

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!

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

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.

Lovely food and great staff. Would definitely recommend.

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

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!