Whether you live in the city or you're just visiting for the weekend, chances are you're going to treat yourself to brunch in Belfast. There's nothing quite like having an empty Saturday or Sunday stretching out ahead of you, the sound of clinking mimosas, and the knowledge that a plate of eggs/pancakes/bacon/all of the above is on its way.

To help you work out where to go for brunch in Belfast, we've rounded up our favourite, and dare we say, the best brunch spots. So once you read this, all you need to worry about is what to order. Best of all, many of these are open every day for brunch!

Where to find the best brunch in Belfast:

1. General Merchants

Weekends are sacred at General Merchants across its East Belfast and Ormeau Road eateries. The daytime brunch menu is stocked with enticing dishes, among them acai granola bowls, huevos rotos and the General (a particularly spectacular take on the breakfast bap!) - and that's just in East Belfast. With great coffee, a welcoming atmosphere, and an artisanal-meets-industrial aesthetic, these are cool spots for while away your weekend.

Every Day | generalmerchants.co.uk | East Belfast & Ormeau Rd.

2. The National

This hip, industrial-style bar and cafe is buzzing at the weekends. The menu is tasty and great value, and we're very partial to the loaded croissant, Limerick ham, cheese, béchamel, and tomato, or the croque reuben, which is a toasty French take on the classic pastrami sandwich. For something a little different, there's an extensive drinks menu of craft beers and cocktails to quench your thirst!

Mon-Sun, 10am–4pm | thenationalbelfast.com | High St.

3. Town Square

A stylish café on Botanic Avenue, as the name dictates, Town Square is all about encouraging assembly, so it's the perfect place to gather on weekends with mates. Breakfast tacos, baps, and The Fry Up have pride of place on the brunch menu. The cocktails are pretty enticing, but coffee is serious business here!

10:30am-12pm Mon-Fri, 10am-1pm Sat & Sun | townsquarebelfast.com | Botanic Avenue

4. 5A

The sister café to General Merchants, 5A boasts a phenomenal menu complete with waffles stacked high with southern-fried chicken, maple syrup, and homemade chive butter, sweetcorn fritters, and garlic focaccia sandwiches. Serving great coffee made with beans roasted in Belfast - this is a relaxed weekend hangout in Stranmillis.

Every Day | instagram.com/5acafe | Stranmillis

5. Granny Annies

Relax, you're at your granny's! This Belfast eatery is one of three Granny Annies in Northern Ireland, and it's a lively setting to enjoy a fun bottomless cocktail brunch. The menu features wings, nachos, and pizza, as well as themed cocktails such as Granny's Woo Woo and Granny's Blue Rinse.

Saturdays | grannyannies.co.uk | Chichester Street

6. Established Coffee

While coffee is king at Established Coffee, early weekend opening and a cracking food menu make this a popular spot for brunch in Belfast. Browsing the cafe's Instagram is hunger-inducing stuff, but among the dishes to make our stomachs growl are the house-made granola, a mac & cheese toastie, pork belly with smoked hollandaise and to drink, a Clementine Vanilla Iced Tea! Okay, now we're starving!

Every Day until 4.30pm | established.coffee | Hill Street

7. The Lamppost Cafe

This C.S. Lewis-themed coffee shop is a dog-friendly establishment that sources all ingredients locally. And while coffee is its bread and butter, the all-day menu is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. With plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, including a vegan fry complete with meat-free sausages, you'll then have the impossible decision of choosing between the French toast or Belfast baps. There's even a secret garden!

Thurs-Monday 9am-4pm | thelamppostcafe.com | Upper Newtownards Road

8. Output

If it's options you want, then it doesn't get much better than Output's delicious selection. From its take on a classic full Irish breakfast to the brioche French toast with honeycomb butter, salted caramel, and popcorn, or the buttermilk chicken waffles with honey sriracha, topped with a fried egg, you might need a little time to place that order!

Every Day until 5pm | output.coffee | Lisburn Road

9. Haptik

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Offering up even more choice in the Newtownards area, Haptik is the perfect spot to grab a great cup of coffee while being tempted by the delicious brunch menu. From savoury classics, huevos rancheros and shakshuka eggs, to unique takes on sweet treats, no matter the occasion, you'll find something on Haptik's impressive menu - and all for less than £10.

Mon-Sat 9am-3pm | wearehaptik.com | Newtownards

10. The Pocket

The Pocket swears that its success is all down to passion for food and coffee, and the proof is in the vanilla-infused French toast! One look at the Instagram feed and you'll bear witness to the delicious results, Korean BBQ brioche, green eggs on toast, and a chorizo brunch dish. An iced coffee slushy is our summer treat of choice. Nestled right in the city centre, the brunch spot calls the wonderful Flat Iron Building home.

Mon-Thurs, 8am-3pm, Fri 8am-4pm, Sat, 8am-5pm, Sun, 8.30am-4pm | thepocket.coffee | Upper Church Lane.

Related: Belfast City, Northern Ireland, DMG Media - News from Ireland