+44 28 9076 6400+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Tue
11:00 - 16:00
Wed
11:00 - 16:00
Thu
11:00 - 16:00
Fri
11:00 - 16:00
Sat
11:00 - 16:00
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
Cafe, Soups
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
Meals
Lunch, Drinks
features
Is this restaurant on the water, or waterfront?
Details
About
The Dock Cafe relies on donations - the coffee, fresh buns and hot soup are offered from local suppliers with no price tag - just faith in the goodness of people and trust. You can even bring your own food! The cafe was furnished completely through donations of furniture, artwork, sculpture and shipyard memorabilia, creating a funky, eclectic atmosphere full of talking-points and conversation starters. Everyone involved is a volunteer - many of them local residents and students from the college who enjoy being part of building community life in their new home.
CUISINES
Cafe, Soups
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
Meals
Lunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Digital Payments, Cash Only, Free Wifi, Waterfront, Family style
Contribute
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
652 reviews
Excellent
541
Very good
93
Average
10
Poor
6
Terrible
2
Jacqueline M
304 contributions
Feb 2020 • solo
I stopped here after a visit to the Titanic Experience. I wasn't sure what to expect when I read the sign 'Honesty box'. The man behind the counter explained that you pay what you think whatever your drink/ cake is worth. I really enjoyed my coffee and cake and the man who had served me came over to tell my about things I could do in Belfast. The atmosphere was very relaxing and the staff so friendly. What a great find.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David P
Northern Ireland259 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
This cafe serves you coffee/tea and eats of your choice, and relies on the customer being honest, and placing a donation in the “Honesty box” to cover the costs.
It’s it is staffed by two full time employees, and a number of volunteers, who are members of a number of church denominations.
I cannot recommend this place highly enough, for its simplicity, and friendly atmosphere.
I have been a visitor on a number of occasions.
Well done
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aimee
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • couples
The place has a really good vibe right when you walk in. The honesty box is great as people who can afford it can donate to keep the place running so that those who are less fortunate can have a hot soup for lunch and somewhere nice to sit. The prayer garden is really nice and uplifting. 11/10 :D
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stuart R
243 contributions
Mar 2020 • solo
Just popped fur a coffee in while passing. Love the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Calm music, comfy sofas, and dockside view. The Dock is a truly refreshing concept run by volunteers using a "no pressure" honesty box system...And the coffee and cakes are much better than those served by the huge corporate chains. Thank you for a great experience
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra M
Motherwell40 contributions
Aug 2021 • friends
On route heading to the Titanic quarter we had a pit stop at the Dock for a wee cuppa. This cafe is provided by Volunteers and its a donation for the cuppa and a wee fresh baked scone/cake.
The people that work and volunteer are amazing, friendly and very obliging.
Pop in have a cuppa and make a donation.
Written 29 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mumble_Swerve
Belfast457 contributions
Sept 2021 • family
This is a donation only cafe, where there are no set prices, you pay what you think it's worth. We paid £10 for 2 coffees and 2 scones and 1 tray bake.
Dont expect top of the range coffee, it's really just filter coffee but they do have different milk choices.
However, there is a great selection of tray cakes and scones.
It has nice sofas to relax and enjoy your food and drink.
A really nice place.
Written 13 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil H
Brighton363 contributions
Jul 2022 • family
Near the Titanic museum, this café runs on an honesty box principle, so you just pay what you think is right (you can even do that using PayPal). The people running it are very friendly and the service is efficient. Tea, coffee, cakes and cookies, which were all we sampled on our visit, were all very good. The interior is very nice and homely, with vintage furniture, and is also part museum and part gallery. It's a lovely place to take a break if you're in the area.
Written 29 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Backpacker100
87 contributions
Oct 2021 • family
We discovered the dock when out walking the titanic quarter with our kids on a trip up from Dublin. We wanted to pop in somewhere to rest the legs so just went in assuming it was a standard coffee shop - it was anything but! It's a place to get teas coffees and sweet treats but no pricing and you pay what you think is fair. You can also bring your own food in. It seems to be a not for profit set up so money spent is to keep it in operation and to feed people who come in and cannot afford to pay. Really good concept. Lots of lovely art on display. We only realised once in there that there is a religious element with a prayer corner - we are ABSOLUTELY not religious people but it was in no way "in your face" and just seemed like good people wanting to do good for the community. Would absolutely recommend calling in, if only to try a delicious scone!
Written 29 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eatabouttown
23 contributions
Apr 2020 • solo
F.R.I.E.N.D.S @ TQ
If Central Perk existed The Dock cafe is it. The perfect little hideaway where friends meet and all of life’s ups and downs are laid bare around the coffee table year after year. The epicentre of community in a ever expanding quarter. An eclectic vibe of mix and match furniture, big and small mugs, inviting pastries & stimulating aromas of hot soup with crusty bread. While the groups talk, in the background there is a busy hustle of energy; ensuring a steady flow of bottomless coffees. In the corner a lone ranger browsing the papers over a cuppa, the commuter speeding through a days emails, countless meetings and at the window a romance blossoms. Shirts & ties, skaters and drifters, all are welcome and of course at the bar there’s a Gunther who everybody knows and loves. Life in full view - A place to dream, a place to Hope. Faith and community in action. Long may it continue 🙏
Written 23 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karl R
Rugby107 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
Wanted to find somewhere to sit the mother in-law down and that could accommodate the Dog, this place ticked both boxes.
Basic tea and coffee and a range of cakes - and this is charged on a donation basis.
You can pay donations either via cash, or debit/credit card or even PayPal.
The decor was interesting and somewhat cosy, and the atmosphere very “chill”
All in all an interesting concept - I don’t think Costa or Starbucks need worry any time soon but this place is a different proposition and I applaud what there trying to achieve!
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CoffeeNerdNI
Belfast23 contributions
Jan 2020 • solo
Visiting the Dock always brightens up my day. A beautiful space filled with art, cosy corners, friendly staff and a great atmosphere. You will find something for everyone - soups & stews/ buns & traybakes; Speciality tea and a good strong filter. If you don’t see anything you like - you can even bring your own lunch. Dog friendly too! A great setup and you can even pay via PayPal if you have no change.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah F
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • couples
Like a port in a storm, we stumbled across the Dock whilst considering getting a drink and were so glad we did. The concept is amazing , it felt so homely with the sofas and mismatched mugs. We enjoyed the teas (and a refill) and a slice of tray bake -delicious. We appreciated being able to pay by PayPal. The volunteers were all lovely - a definite must visit if you are looking for a Belfast cafe.
Written 18 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ohappydays
51 contributions
Feb 2022 • family
Great little find after visit to Titanic exhibition. Operates on a honesty box. Everything has been donated to the cafe and staffed by volunteers. Selection of teas and coffee, drinks. Food changes daily depending on donations. Great selection. Trust is the key word here and one hopes adequate donations are placed. Clean and friendly, plenty of room.
Written 19 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue C
Warwickshire32 contributions
May 2022 • couples
So good we came back the following day. Love the idea of this place - it’s a donation café, so you pay what you want after you’ve eaten and drunk. Staff ( who are all volunteers) are very friendly, cookies were delicious and sofas were really comfortable. Can thoroughly recommend.
Written 18 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robww
London512 contributions
Mar 2023 • friends
This is a well located community cafe and space. There's a gallery and information on the local area.
The coffee / drinks and scones are "free" and a donation is simply asked for, which is an interesting touch.
The staff were warm, friendly and helpful, lots of local knowledge.
Well worth dropping in if visiting the nearby Titanic Experience.
Walking distance from Belfast central.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
…
Showing results 1-15 of 602
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing