Belfry Cafe is one of those places which must be visited... to be a cut above the mediocre and definitely above hoi polloi.
A beautiful place for hanging out, especially when there are only a few people around when you visit. The bells - that are hanging overhead - would make the dining experience here truly unforgettable. Really. How many places are there in the Philippines which can brag about having huge bells in lieu of chandeliers? The relatively smaller in-door dining area is excellent for a more intimate and quiet dining. There is also a larger al fresco area (with a wonderful view of the Ayuntamiento de Manila - the seat of the Manila City Council during the Spanish Era - and Plaza de Roma just right across the street) to accommodate more people, and if the company you have is quite larger and more boisterous.
The Cafe has a good variety of quite affordable cakes to choose from. The Chicken Alfredo, which I ordered, was very good.
I was just so lucky to have visited this place on a day between Christmas and New Year when lesser people are expected to dine out. As anyone should anticipate, parking for private vehicles would not be a problem when people come here on a less busy day. Remember that Belfry Cafe is part of the Manila Cathedral, therefore, parking will be hellish on days and hours when masses...
Read moreRight beside the cathedral is a small and cozy coffee shop that’s definitely worth stopping by. It may be a simple spot, but it offers a welcoming vibe that makes it a great place to relax after visiting the cathedral.
One of their must-try drinks is the matcha, which is rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced — definitely a standout on their menu. They also have a good selection of pastries to pair with your drink. Although I was hoping to see my personal favorite, the cinnamon roll, it wasn’t available. Hopefully, they can add it to their list in the future since it would be a perfect match for their drinks.
I’ve been to this shop multiple times, and one thing consistent is how refreshingly cold the air-conditioning is inside. It creates a relaxing and comfortable environment, especially on warm days. For those who prefer the outdoors, they also have al fresco tables where you can enjoy your coffee while taking in the view of the cathedral and the surrounding atmosphere.
Overall, this little café is a gem. With its good drinks, tasty pastries, and relaxing ambiance, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to visit again and again — whether for a quick coffee break or a slow,...
Read moreI visited Belfry Café in the afternoon, and it ended up being a really solid find. The place is quaint and cozy, with a great ambience — relaxed and calm, perfect for hanging out or taking a quiet break during the day.
The staff were friendly and accommodating, and the service was smooth from start to finish. There’s also an alfresco area if it gets full inside, which is a nice option.
What really stood out to me was the coffee. It was surprisingly good — strong, smooth, and honestly gave me Starbucks vibes, in the best way. You can tell they use quality espresso. We also got a slice of cheesecake, which was simple but good and paired well with the drink.
The prices were fair, especially considering the quality, and the café’s location is super convenient — right near a lot of key attractions.
Overall, Belfry Café delivers on all the essentials: good coffee, good food, good vibes, and a good location. Definitely a place I’d...
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