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Get caffeinated! Check out the top 5 cafes in Bolton!

Get caffeinated! Check out the top 5 cafes in Bolton!

  • Menu - We reviewed the menu offerings at each cafe, focusing on the variety and quality of food and beverages available.
  • Accessibility - We considered the accessibility of each cafe. Here, we checked both their location and operating hours.
  • Pricing - We analysed the pricing structure of food and beverages at each cafe. This involved comparing the cost of menu items to other establishments in the area.
  • Ambience - We evaluated the overall atmosphere of each cafe, considering factors such as interior decor, seating arrangements, lighting, and background music.
  • Customer Service - We also evaluated the friendliness and professionalism of the staff, the efficiency of service, and the overall satisfaction of patrons in their interactions with the establishment's team.

By Nina Haigh

It’s no secret that Bolton boasts a vibrant culinary scene. But for us, the best part is its cafes that add to the town’s charm.

If you love hanging out in cafes like us, you’re in luck! We’ve explored every nook and cranny in Bolton so you wouldn’t get too caffeinated, and we’re bringing you the best spots you shouldn’t miss out on. Let’s go!

1. Amico Cafe

1. Amico Cafe

Services: Food, Drinks

Website: http://www.amico-cafe.co.uk/

Address: 28 Corporation St, Bolton BL1 2AN, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 1204 559183

Operating Hours: Sunday: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM

Monday to Saturday: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.5/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4.7/5
Total Reviews4.9/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Menu 5/5
  Quality5/5
  Variety5/5
Accessibility5/5
  Location5/5
    Operating Hours5/5
Pricing(A higher rating means better value)5/5
Ambience5/5
Customer Service4/5

Pros

  • Accessible location
  • Opens early
  • Has outdoor tables
  • Friendly customer service
  • Wide menu selection
  • Reasonable prices

Cons

  • Some complaints about slow service

Amico Café’s prime location at Bolton Town Centre made it a breeze for us to find their establishment. They are just a stone’s throw away from the Bolton Central Bus Station and finding parking was a walk in the park too.

What struck us immediately was their commitment to early risers since they open daily at the crack of 8:30 am on most days.

When we stepped inside, we were taken in by the café’s lovely interior design. But with the sun shining during our visit, we opted for their inviting outdoor seating. 

Though we’re happy that our orders were also quick to arrive at our table, we must mention that we received several reports of slow service, especially on Sundays. 

Moving on to more positive things – their menu. We were delighted with their sunshine eggs paired with chorizo and creamy mushroom on toast. 

There’s a plethora of options from pasta to salads to indulgent waffles as well, if you’re looking for something else. They also have an extensive beverage selection, ranging from aromatic coffees to decadent milkshakes.

All things considered, they delivered on both fronts – service and cuisine. We’ll definitely be making a return trip soon, especially since their prices won’t break the bank — averaging between £10 to £20 per visit.

2. Cafe Italia

2. Cafe Italia

Services: Food, Drinks

Website: https://casaitalia-uk.com/

Address: 688-690 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2DN, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 445 4252

Operating Hours: Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM–8:30 PM

Thursday: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Friday to Saturday: 10:00 AM–9:30 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.4/5
Facebook Reviews Score 5/5
Total Reviews4.8/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Menu 5/5
  Quality5/5
  Variety5/5
Accessibility4.5/5
  Location5/5
    Operating Hours4/5
Pricing4/5
Ambience5/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Has authentic Italian dishes
  • Fantastic service
  • Accessible location

Cons

  • Opens later than others
  • Expensive menu 

Casa Italia lives up to their name as they offer a taste of authentic Italian cuisine. We like that their menu boasts a lot of options, from pizzas to salads to heavenly desserts. 

In particular, we enjoyed their pasta dishes, such as the Tagliere Misto, Tagliere Quattro Formaggi, and Bruschette Vegetariane. 

When it comes to drinks, their knowledgeable staff recommended pairing our meal with a glass of Grappa Riserva. Overall, this  selection added a sophisticated touch to our dining experience. 

If you’re not a drinker, though, we think you’ll appreciate that they also have a good selection of non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee, juices, and shakes. 

Just keep in mind that they open later (at 10am everyday) compared to other cafes in the area. That’s a great time for brunch, though!

Plus, we love how they’re conveniently located just a few minutes away from the Didsbury Village stop—plus points for accessibility!

We also think that it’s worth noting that their premium offerings come with a price tag to match as visits here average between £30 to £40. 

But trust us when we say, the experience at Casa Italia is worth every penny, especially for special occasions. 

3. Cafe Chico

3. Cafe Chico

Services: Food, Drinks

Address: 185 St Helens Rd, Bolton BL3 3PS, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 1204 934467

Operating Hours: Monday | Thursday to Saturday: 9:30 AM–12:30 AM

Google Reviews Score 4.9/5
Total Reviews4.4/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Menu 5/5
  Quality5/5
  Variety5/5
Accessibility4.5/5
  Location5/5
    Operating Hours4/5
Pricing(A higher rating means better value)5/5
Ambience5/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Affordable menu
  • Accessible location
  • Friendly staff

Cons

  • Only open 4 days a week

Cafe Chico stood out to us as one of the most affordable spots in the area. Here, they are offering a wallet-friendly experience where an average visit only sets you back between £1 to £10.

Finding them was a breeze! We believe that this is thanks to their convenient location near the Nixon Road stop.

And while we appreciate their commitment to opening early, we couldn’t help but feel a tad disappointed that they’re only operating four days a week. 

We don’t have any qualms about their Cafe Chico’s offerings, though! They have their customers covered with a variety of drinks that’ll satisfy any craving — from a classic Americano to indulgent hot chocolates and creamy latte macchiatos. 

We also liked their refreshing juices and teas for those who fancy something different.

Their menu caters to all tastes as well. Whether you’re craving a hearty Full English Breakfast, savoury Stir Fry Noodles, or the classic American Special, there’s something to tickle your taste buds.

Furthermore, we appreciate their commitment to inclusivity with vegan options. They also have a dedicated children’s menu offering tempting Kids Meal Deals.

Finally, what made our experience even better was Chef Chico’s exceptional staff. Their warmth and attentiveness made us feel right at home as we enjoyed our meal!

4. Caffè Nero

4. Caffè Nero

Services: Food, Drinks

Website: https://caffenero.com/uk/store/bolton-135/

Address: Unit 2, 67 Deansgate, Bolton BL1 1HQ, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 1204 382813

Operating Hours: Sunday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Monday to Saturday: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.3/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4.5/5
Total Reviews5/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Menu 4.5/5
  Quality4/5
  Variety5/5
Accessibility5/5
  Location5/5
    Operating Hours5/5
Pricing(A higher rating means better value)5/5
Ambience5/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Inviting atmosphere
  • Wide menu selection
  • Opens early
  • Accessible location

Cons

  • Some complaints of bland menu items

Caffè Nero has been in the area for over two decades, which is why they’ve become a local favourite over time. We dropped by and it didn’t take long for us to understand why.

As we entered the establishment, we were enveloped by their inviting atmosphere and found ourselves sinking into the plush chairs.They provide outdoor seating too, which is perfect for sunny days.

When it came time to sample their offerings, we opted for the flat white and cortado. Needless to say, we thoroughly enjoyed our choices.

If you’re staying away from caffeine, you’re in luck! Their menu also boasts an impressive array of alternatives, from indulgent milkshakes to refreshing fruit boosters.

Upon checking their menu, we loved their selection of lighter dishes. We tried their caramelised red onion & cheddar lattice as well as the Serrano ham & cheddar lattice—both deliciously satisfying options.

While our experience left us content, it’s worth noting that some patrons have expressed dissatisfaction with the taste of their orders. They mentioned that some of the menu items were bland. 

On a brighter note, we’re sure that early risers will appreciate their opening hours, starting as early as 7:00 am on selected days. Furthermore, they are also conveniently located in the town centre.

Finally, we give them props for their affordability with an average bill ranging from £1 to £10 only.

5. Queen’s Park Café

5. Queen's Park Café

Services: Food, Drinks

Address: Queen’s Park, Park Road, Bolton BL1 4RU, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 1204 383322

Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.3/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4.2/5
Total Reviews4.7/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Menu 5/5
  Quality5/5
  Variety5/5
Accessibility4.5/5
  Location4/5
    Operating Hours5/5
Pricing(A higher rating means better value)5/5
Ambience4/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Warm customer service
  • Inclusive menu
  • Opens early
  • Reasonable prices
  • Dog-friendly

Cons

  • Far from the stop

We love going back to Queen’s Park Café because of their staff. We’re impressed that they’ve got a knack for remembering the little likes and dislikes of their regulars, making each visit feel like a personalised experience.

When it comes to beverages, they’ve got customers covered with a solid selection of coffees and juices. So, there’s something to quench every thirst.

They also open their doors relatively early (at 9:00 am), so that’s a plus for those who want a decent breakfast, and their food is nothing short of fantastic! 

We usually indulge in their hearty full English breakfast, so that’s what we’d recommend. We like that they offer a vegan option for those with food restrictions too!

Just a heads up: they’re a tad far from the Salisbury Street stop so it might be wise to opt for private transportation.

However, we think that it’s worth noting that they are dog-friendly place. This is an advantage for many, but we did pick up on some grumbles, particularly from those with dog allergies. 

Overall, this cafe earns a resounding thumbs up from us. Not only do they offer top-notch service and delectable dishes, but they also won’t break the bank, with an average visit costing a modest £10 to £20. 


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