Refresh Cafe

237 Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 1AF, United Kingdom
+44 28 9073 8304
$$$ Cafe
(60 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Refresh Cafe sits quietly on Newtownards Road, serving as a welcoming community hub rather than just another spot to grab a coffee. The vibe here is casual and unpretentious, with a steady flow of local regulars who stop by for a chat, a bite, or to catch up on their day. You’ll often find people popping in mid-morning through early afternoon, making it a solid choice for a hearty breakfast or a relaxed lunch break.

The café has an inviting atmosphere; indoors feels warm and approachable, supported by the friendly staff who genuinely engage with customers rather than just serving meals. Outdoors, there's seating next to a community garden, offering a bit of breathing room and a quiet spot to sit with your drink when the weather cooperates.

Food here leans toward classic comfort, with generous portions and a focus on quality rather than fancy presentation. The breakfast options — like the “Goliath fry” or all-day fry — are sizeable and well-regarded among locals for their dependable, well-cooked flavors. You’ll also find standouts like pavlova and mince pies, which tap into traditional tastes without feeling overly fussy.

Refresh Cafe works not only as a place to eat but also as a genuine community space, evident in how it fills up with familiar faces who clearly value it beyond just the menu. Whether you’re seeking a friendly spot to start your day, a pause from errands, or a place to settle in with a good coffee and conversation, this café’s steady, welcoming energy suits those who appreciate a neighborhood rhythm over a rushed café scene.

Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

60 Reviews
Nick (myselfandmypeople)

17 Dec 2025

My bus goes past Skainos every day, and I've been here for conferences a few times but I'd never been in Refresh Cafe. This place is a true community space. It fills up with local people every day, and genuinely seems to be utterly irreplaceable. I decided to have a fry, and Sammy and the team are super helpful and friendly. I had a huge fry, which was beautifully cooked, good quality and an exceptional price. I don't think for the price vs quality there is a better place is whole of East Belfast. Highly recommended!!

Gabriel Nascimento

14 Nov 2025

We entered the cafe to get away from the rain while we explored the neighbourhood, not knowing anything about the initiative and their community work. Inside, we were greeted by an extremely friendly staff who promptly offered us a warm welcome and coffees while we read the menu. We went for the Full House Soda, and the food was delicious. Couldn't recommend this place enough. Amazing breakfast and inspiring cause! We need more places like these in the world

Peter Joseph Johnston

04 Oct 2025

Great place,amazing food and very friendly staff. Definitely worth a visit.

Michael Jeffrey

30 Sep 2025

A great place for tea, coffee and food. Nice outdoor seating area adjacent to a community garden. The prices represent excellent value for money.

Nick Wilkins

25 Sep 2025

Everybody was very friendly, the food was excellent quality (the best breakfast I've had in Belfast) and arrived quickly. The portion sizes are very good. We had a Goliath fry, an all day fry, French toast and a ham sandwich, and everybody was satisfied.

Join the Refresh Cafe Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.