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Cafe Essence

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Cafe Essence is celebrated for its delicious, well-prepared dishes made with amazing local produce, complemented by outstanding service.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

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inside

Cafe Essence

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Cafe Essence is celebrated for its delicious, well-prepared dishes made with amazing local produce, complemented by outstanding service.

"The food is excellent and the service friendly and efficient."

TIP

Bring Your Own Wine

Consider bringing your own wine to complement your meal, an option that enhances the dining experience.

Be Mindful of Acoustics

Acoustics can be tricky, especially with large groups. The 'craic' usually cancels this out.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Thursday 5:30PM

Cuisine

American

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+44 28 9145 4470

Address

17 Hamilton Rd, Bangor, BT20 4LF, United Kingdom

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exceptional Seafood Dishes

Exceptional Seafood Dishes

Locally sourced produce shines in unique dishes like cod main, rack of lamb, and surf and turf.

Bring Your Own Wine

Bring Your Own Wine

Enhance your dining experience by bringing your own wine, a popular choice for many guests.

Outstanding Service

Outstanding Service

Friendly and attentive staff are consistently praised for making every dining experience enjoyable.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bring Your Own Wine

Consider bringing your own wine to complement your meal, an option that enhances the dining experience.

Be Mindful of Acoustics

Acoustics can be tricky, especially with large groups. The 'craic' usually cancels this out.

Check for Supplements

Be aware that many menu items attract supplements, which can significantly increase the bill.

Accessibility Notice

Be cautious due to steep stairs leading up to the restaurant, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Your Own Wine

Consider bringing your own wine to complement your meal, an option that enhances the dining experience.

Be Mindful of Acoustics

Acoustics can be tricky, especially with large groups. The 'craic' usually cancels this out.

Check for Supplements

Be aware that many menu items attract supplements, which can significantly increase the bill.

Accessibility Notice

Be cautious due to steep stairs leading up to the restaurant, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cafe Essence offers delicious food with friendly and efficient service, making it a favored spot for celebrations and casual dinners. While praised for quality ingredients and unique dishes, some guests note potential issues with seating comfort and supplementary charges on the menu. Despite minor drawbacks, the overall consensus is a highly recommended dining experience with consistently yummy food.

"Love the food so well cooked and tasty😋😋"

Carole Murray

"The food is excellent and the service friendly and efficient. There are two problems that prevent me giving it more stars:
Hard seats - I always get cramp in my knees
Supplements - the menu states '£29 for two courses' but virtually every item on it attracts a supplement (up to an eye-watering £25 for surf and turf).
It's actually a lot dearer to eat here than in many other places that sell alcohol! Nevertheless, it's good enough to visit every so often for a treat, just not as your once a month/week restaurant. And all that said, it's worth coming here for the blackened monkfish on a bed of prawn risotto, it's out of this world."

PH

"We had dinner here and the food and service was so good we decided to return again for Sunday lunch. My friend had the surf and turf and I had the rack of lamb. Absolutely delicious and as you are allowed to bring your own wine we came prepared!."

D V

What People Like

Consistently delicious and well-cooked food
Friendly, helpful, and attentive staff
Unique dishes featuring local produce

What People Dislike

Hard seating
Supplements on menu items
Acoustics with large groups

Frequently Asked Questions

Guests rave about unique dishes such as the cod main, rack of lamb, and surf and turf, all featuring local produce.

Yes, the 'bring your own wine' option is available and enhances the dining experience for many guests.

The restaurant has steep stairs leading up to it, which may be a concern for individuals with mobility issues.

The menu offers variety, including options for vegetarians, and staff are noted for being accommodating.

Some diners mention uncomfortable seating and supplementary charges on menu items that can increase the bill.

The service is consistently described as outstanding, friendly, helpful, and efficient by numerous guests.

Cafe Essence (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide