I think it’s safe to say that cafés are the main spots that most students love frequenting because of their atmosphere and delicious food. 

As a vegan myself, I’m always on the lookout for the best places to go that has the best options for me, and Belfast does not disappoint. I have been able to find tons of cafes and restaurants that give me great options that are delicious and don’t break the wallet.

I also wanted to include cafes that had gluten free (GF) options for those who are worried about finding tasty options that cater to them. I have a good friend of mine who must be gluten free for medical reasons, so this is for all my friends who want to enjoy treats while being safe.

French Village

Even though this is a more sit-down café, I had to include it because of how well they cater to both vegan and GF customers. They have four locations in Belfast, one on Botanic Avenue, one on Lisburn Road, one on Montgomery Road, and one in Victoria Square. I’ve been to the one on Botanic Avenue and they have tons of delicious options for us vegans and GF folk, including a bakery!

They serve a bit of all types of food (from breakfast to lunch). They don’t follow one type of cuisine, just a bit of everything. This place is a favourite of my friends and I for brunch and they’re open 9-4 pm every day.

Caffé Nero

You’ll find Caffé Neros all over Belfast and they are great for vegan options in drinks and food. They usually have almond, oat and soy milk in house to make your drink. They also have sweet treats (that are vegan and sometimes GF as well) such as cookies, croissants and cheesecake. They also have a deal on their app for students where they give you discounts for every drink you buy (every 10th drink is free if you use the stamp card).

Kaffe O

Kaffe O is a newer addition and a new favourite of mine as well. They’ve got delicious drinks, sweet treats, breakfast options and pastries. These all come in vegan and GF options too! I also love their calming atmosphere, its perfect for some studying or meeting up with a friend. They have five locations in Belfast, but I usually go to the Botanic Avenue or Ormeau locations. Be sure to try their different pastries!

General Merchants

This is a huge favourite of mine and my friends and it’s also a sit-down café. It has tons of delicious drink options (I personally love their oat chai, and the presentation is amazing), pastries and many more brunch options as well. They have delicious alternatives to their dishes that are GF or vegan that don’t disappoint in flavour. Some of my friends even prefer the vegan version. They have a location on Ormeau Road, and two others on Antrim Road and Upper Newtownards.

The Lamppost Café

The Lamppost Café is another wonderful café with tons of vegan options (unfortunately I couldn’t find any GF options on their menu, but they do have wonderful drinks there). They have a gorgeous interior with an outdoor seating area as well. They have delicious lunch and brunch options for everyone, and they do lovely iced coffees as well. I have also been there for an afternoon tea and they do delicious vegan ones if you request it. A must try if you ask me!

Brew and Bake

Another café with wonderful pastries and drinks. They also have vegan breakfast options and pastries as well. They’ve got a location on Lisburn Road, worth a try.

Blue Train

This is a recently opened café that has such a lovely interior and opens into a lovely sitting area in the back. They have a lovely selection of pastries and drinks, but I personally go for the drinks. They also sell lots of trinkets and have the loveliest interior decoration.

Aleksandar’s Bakery

This is a cute little bakery with dairy free options near the Holyland region of Belfast. It’s a short walk from Queen’s and they have lovely selection of bread and food that’s vegan! Not as much indoor seating in this bakery but an option that must be tried for sure!

The Crafty Vintner

This café/wine tasting place is also great for vegans! I was able to come here and grab the most delicious chai latte with a friend. They also have tons of lovely, sweet treats for vegans available. Not to mention the salty snacks they have as well (please try their crisps and popcorn, you won’t be disappointed). My personal favourite was the vegan in house made chocolates with fruit filling, they were divine!

Find out more

Belfast’s Best Bites: Vegan and Vegetarian Edition

Canada: Admissions Guide

Study Medicine at Queen's

Manasa Ramakrishna Medicine | Undergraduate Student | Canada I’m a 20-year-old international student from Canada and currently studying Medicine. I figured the best way to combine my love for science, travelling and working with people would be to do international medicine. Outside school, I do classical dance, sculpture and biking!