Linen Hall Cafe

A small cafe in a historic library in front of the City Hall. Food has hits and misses, and service is slow. Still a unique tourist experience for people with extra time. Wait time is quite long despite the existence of several empty tables. No greetings to the accumulating queue whatsoever. Everyone in the line is so confused by the situation. Ran out of Irish stew and caviar before 1 pm :< Coffee is lightly toasted. Flat white is on the fruity side, and the latte is quite mild in Linen hall fry. Black pudding is missing…. Soda bread is crispy and nice. Bacon is lean and streaky. Sausage is flavorful. Caviar breakfast without caviar. The poached egg is almost “well done”. Potato bread has a lovely chewiness though quite oily. Smoked salmon itself is tasty. French toast is only superficially coated with egg wash and hence quite dry in the middle. Promised to give me extra salmon in compensation for the caviar (why are the two ingredients not in proportion 😅). The wallpaper is beautiful.

If you're looking for the perfect place to relax in Belfast City Center, this is it! The vibe and music are just so nice. When I visited, I had the avocado with egg which was absolutely delicious - I highly recommend it. The staff are also super friendly, making the whole experience even better. Overall, I really enjoyed my visit and will definitely be returning from time to time.

On two visits, I had the vegan items: soup of the day (tomato), with slice of toasted sourdough bread and vegan buttery spread; and the plant-based breakfast plate - a satisfying meal, including potato-bread, mashed avocado, a big mushroom and a round “omelette” patty. Most tables were filled at 2 pm on a weekday. Popular place. Lovely old-fashioned décor.

Beautiful building, staff friendly and efficient, a wee haven from the hussle and bussle of town but cafe itself is busy enough. gorgeous views over the city hall. Food well presented, some of the ingredients not as good as others: fry great, open chicken sandwich okay but chicken itself somewhat tasteless. Changing exhibitions in the tall gallery in library good to look at on way in and out.