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Harbour Lights Cafe, nestled on the scenic Harbour Road in Carnlough, Ballymena, offers a delightful dining experience that captures both the essence of the coastline and the heart of home-cooked meals. Patrons rave about the cafe's location, with its stunning views over the harbour that create the perfect backdrop for any meal. Whether you're popping in for a hearty breakfast, like the praised large fry, or indulging in a fresh prawn sandwich at lunch, the flavors never disappoint.
Many reviews highlight the friendly and accommodating service, making each guest feel welcomed. Dyanne Gray's appreciation of the steak sandwich’s garlic sauce, which she wishes could be bottled, illustrates the high-quality fare that keeps customers returning. Jean-Robert Hunter Deuling notes the cafe's cash-only policy, a mildly inconvenient detail offset by the convenient ATM nearby.
The generous portion sizes and reasonable pricing at Harbour Lights Cafe further enhance its appeal, along with a complimentary pot of tea or coffee. As John Martin pointed out, it’s a perfect stop along the Causeway Coastal route, and with myriad positive testimonials, it truly feels like a must-visit gem for anyone exploring the area. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience this culinary haven by the sea!
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Amenities & More
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Reviews for Harbour Lights Cafe
Review highlights
Based on 288 reviewsHarbour Lights Cafe consistently receives positive feedback for its charming harbour-side location, offering patrons scenic views that enhance the overall dining experience. Reviewers frequently commend the generous portion sizes and high-quality, home-cooked style meals that cater well to breakfast and lunch crowds. The menu is noted for its variety and reasonable pricing, appealing to both casual visitors and those traveling along the coastal route. Service at the cafe is often described as friendly and efficient, contributing to a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. While the venue operates on a cash-only basis, its convenient proximity to an ATM is commonly mentioned. Overall, Harbour Lights Cafe is recognized for combining a warm, hospitable environment with satisfying food and beautiful surroundings, making it a favored stop in the Carnlough area.
Love the location of this cafe, right on the harbour at Carnlough. Went for breakfast and had the large fry. Plenty on the plate, delicious sausages and bacon and the price included a pot of complimentary tea and coffee.
Gorgeous open prawn sandwich with salad at a reasonable price in a perfect location in the sun overlooking the harbour. Service was very friendly and quick. The lunch menu had so much choice. Would highly recommend! Will definitely return.
Great food. Wonderful view excellent service. Recommend stopping in. But note they accept cash only. So please have some pounds. But luckily there is a ATM basically across the street
I love a cafe/restaurant with a view!! The steak sandwich was very nice and the garlic sauce should be bottled and sold in stores!! The service couldn’t have been any friendlier
I use Carnlough as a regular stop off when driving the Causeway Coastal route but this was the first time in the Harbour Lights Cafe. What a treat, a lovely warm welcome when we arrived, great home cooked food and generous portions. Good prices and a proper pot of tea. If you are passing be sure to pop in.
Fantastic lunch and also dog friendly outside. Service was world class also.
Delicious food ! We particularly loved the scampi and the fish and chips the view of the little harbour was the cherry on top of the cake
I was in on Sunday and it made my day, honestly. The staff are just lovely, nothing is a problem (and we ordered off menu). The food was really first class and would give alot of restaurants a good run for the money. It's situated in Carnlough so the scenery speaks for itself. (They to incredible toasties, hopefully the chef gets this second time round. Can't recommend the cafe enough.
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Quick info
Opening hours
- Monday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Tuesday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Wednesday (Today) 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Thursday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Friday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Sunday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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