Belfast’s best pancakes

When it comes to breakfast and brunch in Belfast, nowhere has quite the reputation of General Merchants. Known for its classic dishes and creative creations, this spot has been top of the trending cafes list for years. Pancakes aren’t a regular on the breakfast menu, as this place prefers to go for the sweet sister option of waffles, so it may come as some surprise to see this spot listed. However, General Merchants likes to stick to tradition when it comes to Pancake Tuesday, pulling out all the stops to offer a delicious stack to mesmerise your taste buds. Last year, it offered a delightful stack of Elvis Pancakes at its popular Ormeau Road cafe. The stack of fluffy American-style pancakes features toppings from the iconic Elvis Presley sandwich, including bacon, banana and peanut butter, alongside some mascarpone cream and maple syrup. Now, if that doesn’t tempt you, then we don’t know what will.

Located in East Belfast, Broker is a new kid on the block who has already made quite the impact on the city’s dining scene. With early and late menu options, open from 8am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 5pm to 9pm Wednesday to Saturday, there is always plenty of reason to check this spot out. The breakfast menu features a great array of fresh, innovative dishes, from the Ham Hock Benny featuring smoked ham hock, poached eggs, hollandaise and pickled veg, to the Caramelised Banana Porridge, which comes topped with chopped nut and malted bread crunch and miso caramel sauce. However, it’s the Poached Quince Buttermilk Pancakes that really caught our eyes. Guests can expect a freshly made stack of buttermilk pancakes topped with hazelnut crumble, brandy clotted cream, and candied orange.

Located on the Lisburn Road, Brew and Bake is the place to go if you’re looking for a pancake stack that will take your breath away. Known for its pancake specials that can be made to suit your dietary requirements, you can always expect something truly delicious at this humble little bakery and cafe. Recent pancake offerings have included blueberry pancakes topped with blueberry compote, Chantilly cream, crumble and toasted almonds, and gingerbread pancakes, which feature maple butter syrup, sweet cream and cinnamon crumble, finished off with a miniature gingerbread man on top! With so many delicious offerings all year long, we can only imagine what being cooked up for the most important flipping day of the year!

Fancy celebrating pancakes the French way? If so, then there’s nowhere better to check out than the iconic Cafe Parisien at the heart of Belfast City Centre. Offering beautiful views of City Hall, this stunning cafe is known for its delicious food and classy atmosphere. So, if you’re looking to enjoy a Pancake Day you won’t forget, then this is the spot for you. Dining here, you can enjoy a delicious range of French-inspired crepes topped with everything from the classic lemon and sugar to the more indulgent option of banana and Nutella. Going that extra mile, it’s even arranged crepes into a stunning little flower shape last year. After all, they do say you eat with your eyes first!

A beautiful little New York-style cafe at the heart of the bustling Cathedral Quarter, Neighbourhood Cafe has proven to be one of Belfast’s most popular breakfast, brunch and coffee spots since first opening at the end of 2021. Offering a seasonal menu, with plenty of options to suit all tastes and dietary requirements, this spot is sure to please. With exposed brick interiors and coffee to die for, there is plenty to love about this minimalist eatery — and that’s before we even make it to the food. The ever-changing menu always has a pancake special, most recently it’s offered a tasty stack topped with berry compote and vanilla cream. Simple but effective and truly delicious.

Output Espresso is one of the trendiest brunch spots Belfast has to offer. Defined by freshly roasted coffee, creative dishes, pink neon lights and hanging plants, this is the kind of place you’ll find the Insta-gurus getting their breakfast fix on a Saturday morning. In typical Output style, nothing is traditional here. Taking inspiration from the east, Output has become renowned across the city for its fluffy soufflé pancakes. Options include the Pig Pancake, which is served with black pudding, crispy egg, bacon and maple syrup or a sweet option that changes with the season. Previous offerings have included pancakes served with candy floss (!!), crème egg, raspberry jam and vanilla ice cream – we did tell you they’re not traditional!

Located on the Donegall Road, this understated café is a hidden gem that tends to fly under the radar of those looking for a delicious breakfast in the city. Simple and affordable, Causeway Café offers a delicious range of options to suit various dietary requirements. One of the few places in Belfast to offer vegan pancakes, this café is one you need to add to your dining in Belfast bucket list. Taking inspiration from around the world, you can opt for their New York Pancakes, which consist of three freshly griddled fluffy pancakes, served with seasonal fruit and berries, a side order of maple syrup, and finished with a dusting of sugar. Alternatively, you can try the Boston Pancake Stack, which comes layered with three slices of bacon, a side of mixed red berries and maple syrup, and finished with a dusting of sugar. If none of those options appeal to you, you can opt for the Four Pancake Stack that comes with just butter, maple syrup, and a dusting of sugar, the Fruit Pancake Stack with fruit of your choice, butter and maple syrup, or you can even make up your very own pancake stack creation!

Located beside Queen’s University Belfast, Maggie Mays is a popular spot among students looking for a delicious and affordable post-night out feed. With a wide and varied menu of delicious comfort foods, diners will be spoilt for choice when it comes to breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. If you’re in the mood for some tasty, no-frills pancakes, then this is the spot for you. Breakfast is served all-day, so even if you’re not an early riser, you can take advantage of the pancakes on offer here. Options include a traditional pancake stack served with butter and maple syrup, a savoury stack served with scrambled egg and crispy streaky bacon, and a Biscoff stack that comes with Biscoff sauce, coconut cream, and a Biscoff biscuit. Just delightful!

French Village is one of the most popular cafés in Belfast. Its extensive menu offers fantastic options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but their pancakes are where they really shine. Their simple, golden buttermilk pancakes are the ultimate classic breakfast option. They can then be personalised with a range of exciting flavours to suit everyone’s pancake needs. If you like your pancakes the American way, you can top them with glazed bacon and maple syrup, for the perfect mix of sweet and savoury. Or, if you have more of a sweet tooth, you can opt for a sophisticated raspberry compote and ricotta. If all of this sounds a bit tame to you, fear not, because the Smores Stack will be right up your street. Topped with hazelnut chocolate spread, toasted marshmallow, and hazelnut crumb, this is about as indulgent as breakfast can get.