I used to live in Wilmington and frequent Bellefonte on various occasions, especially for the Sunday night parties! I moved away but returned last weekend to visit my family, who still live in the area. I took my parents and sister there for lunch on a Friday, and had great experience. Great food and drinks, and great friendly atmosphere. read more

Sweet outdoor summer dining. Looks quirky indoors. Friendly staff. All four of us enjoyed our meals! Walnut pear salad was delicious. My husband enjoyed his key lime pie for desert. read more

The Bellefonte Cafe has been a home away from home for years! The staff and the food are outstanding and the atmosphere is trendy and fun! Great music always! Thank you to the cafe for Making my 60Th Birthday celebration such memorable one! Dave, Donna and the entire staff I thank you from the Bottom of my heart! read more

Bellefonte Cafe - Friends and fun Decor! - American Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

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So much fun! Great Sunday brunch. Very nice atmosphere. Friendly honest staff . Very relaxed place to chill.

I feel like I can't really give an in depth review of this place because all I had was their chips and dip as I was only here for a meeting with others. Love that it's a local places, super close to where I live and somehow this was my first time. I will say though the chips were very good - very curious where they get them because they kick all other tortilla chips to the curb. Also the atmosphere is nice - super colorful and cozy! read more

Nice place. Good outdoor seating. Good food & nice staff. Helps to make the pandemic bearable!

It's a convenient pit stop in Delaware while my friends and I were on 495-S. Its clearly a cozy hot spot among the locals. The bar (which is pretty small) was full with folks chatting it up even at 1 PM. it's the kind of place I would want to visit again and explore more of the menu. My friends and I got the Mango and Brie Quesadilla and the Baltimore (whichever one is essentially a BLT with avocado). The Quesadilla is...intriguing. It would be for the more adventurous eater. Definitely tastes better with sour cream. The Brie is too strong of a flavor for me. If I could control the taste, would considering adding more fruit or something else to balance the flavors better in that dish. My friend loved the BLT option! She said it was a tad spicayy which she liked. Anyway, definitely an interesting find! I'm glad to have paid a visit read more

Very cool and laid-back atmosphere. Try their grilled cheese of the day - it never disappoints and it's always something unexpected. Sit on the porch and enjoy some wine and food with friends. It's just like being at home except you don't have to do anything. They have a friendly staff too. I think Bellefonte Cafe is a nice little "hidden gem" in North Wilmington. Check their website for specials and information about live entertainment. read more

My daughter found this restaurant using Yelp as a good place to go following her graduation ceremony at Widener in Chester. There were 6 of us for lunch and the reviews were spot on! We all ordered different items and every meal was simply superb. The service was excellent and the meals were delivered as ordered faster than we had expected This really is a very special place with great atmosphere and a very attentive owner and staff I highly recommend it too anyone within driving distance read more

I've been here for dinner twice and both times, I've loved the atmosphere and the food! The first time, I got the mango and brie quesadilla and my co worker got the huevos rancheros (we went for dinner, I know). He was a little surprised by his dish because it was a bit more liquid than he was used to, so just FYI. There was live music when we were having dinner so that was nice (there was just a slight hesitation because the speakers were so close to us that it was hard to have a conversation, so maybe don't have speakers because the place is small enough that everyone can hear the music). The second time I went, it was a much nicer day, so we sat outside. I got the hummus stuffed avocado and my friend got the chickpea fajitas. The avocado was such a big meal and it was really heavy too! The chickpea fajitas were delicious - spicy with a little bit of curry. Very unexpected. read more

A very lovely location. Very earthy dishes, with vegan options, and very delightful atmosphere. I enjoyed my meal and was able to have a conversation without being overwhelmed by noise. read more

Cute and eclectic vibe. Nice cafe -- stopped by on a Friday for lunch. Service wasn't quick, but it also wasn't slow. Good food but small portion size for the price. I got the grilled cheese of the day (highlight was the homemade tomato soup), and my boyfriend got the bean burrito. Would definitely come again, but hoping for slightly bigger portion for these meals! read more

Ah...the Bellefonte Cafe. I used to live just around the corner from this place, and couldn't wait for it to open when I saw the "coming soon" sign. The memories fade, but I do remember a few things: It is a house, and it isn't too clear that you can't just sit on the porch and get service. Walk up the stairs to the side of the house and enter. Maybe she needs a big arrow? I have seen people come up, look for the entrance and leave baffled. They clearly don't need coffee like I do: I'd climb a three story ladder for it. So, traipse on in and get some coffee, some (warning: pork-containing) black bean soup, or whatever the sandwich special is. The guacamole is a little bit o' heaven. It is light. Some of my friends hesitated to come here because they didn't have a big, meaty anchor entree like Beef Wellington or something. Whatever. It's a coffee shop. Your mileage may vary. They may be swamped. If they are not, it is really interesting to talk to Donna. If they are (and it is drought or flood), realize that the next funky, non-chain place is probably 20 miles away and you should be happy they are even open in the 302. It is a great place to meet people in the neighborhood. Then you feel connected. Things happen. Your life in Delaware starts to suck a tiny bit less. You might check hours because they change with the season and with school being in or out. read more

I went back last week to give it another chance, ten months later. Unfortunately it is still pretty bad. One waitress was smacking her gum and blamed another waitress for writing the wrong table number on the ticket, shouting this over a table of people. Our food took an hour to receive, two sandwiches. The ingredients definitely taste like they are straight from Trader Joe's. I would recommend maybe getting a beer and sitting on the porch but DON'T sit inside, its so loud and chaotic. They are usually understaffed in terms of wait staff, thus forcing them to rush around and adding to the total chaos. This place could be really great. There is very little competition in the area. Unfortunately it seems the standards at this restaurant are so low as a result of the lack of competition. The thought of going back here actually makes me cringe. read more

Bellefonte Cafe is a little oasis of independent funk in Wilmington. This is a very good thing. Yep - service is slow, and meals are relatively small. If you're looking to strap on the feedbag for a quick gorge before a movie, this ain't your place. But if you're in the mood to slow down and feel like a guest in Donna's home, Bellefonte Cafe is a wonderful joint. The food is fresh and tasty, the atmosphere is delightfully quirky, and the menu is surprisingly varied (and vegan-friendly). Standouts include the quesadillas, which are simple and delicious (I'm a huge fan of the spinach, feta and pine nut offering), guac, and black bean soup, but everything is tasty. Tapas are delicious, and egg burritos are sizable and hit the spot on a chilly morning. The coffee is always tasty. Bellefonte Cafe also supports live music in the most friendly & democratic way possible: anyone can play here. All they gotta do is sign up - no demos required. While this might make for an interesting sonic evening (on more than one occasion, Donna has had to stop the music for the sake of the customers), it's a wonderful policy and damn near revolutionary for a restaurant/bar - and you just might discover a new favorite local artist on a random Friday night. To sum up: quirky service & servers, good homemade food, charming atmosphere. I often recommend Bellefonte Cafe to visitors looking for a funky independent place north of Newark. read more

Stopping by the Bellefonte Cafe is like swinging by your friend's house for a quick nosh and a cup of coffee. This is a good thing. Donna runs the show, makes a mean black bean soup and the coffee's always on. At night they have live local music, and they're also part of the Art Loop. The food is VERY fresh, funky and lovingly prepared... got a bit of the California twist to it. The service is INTENTIONALLY slow-- only two cooks-- this is by design. Why rush when you can sit on the porch on a beautiful summer evening, or snuggle in at a table listening to great music? Chill out and relax, folks. This isn't Applebee's. Amazing vibe, great people, very reasonable prices; also: adult beverages! Stay a while, or stop in for a quick coffee to go. It's all good. They also have dance parties every second Saturday of the month, where Donna spins some amazing music. Seriously-- this place has it all. It might look like a house on the outside, but inside there is magic. read more

Been going here for years... not much of a "wanna be" hipster but have always enjoyed the atmosphere. I took a friend to dinner and he waited 1 hour for a salad (FOR A SALAD) and there was only one other table seated in the place..are you kidding me! The owners are very nice and I wish them the best in their future endeavors (I do believe the place will change owners before long). Now... the bartenders and wait staff. They think it's ice cream... aloof, rude, snotty, self important ... make you feel like they are doing you a favor by being there... be professional in our attitude, your demeanor and your attire. The entire world does not need to see your butt crack or any other part of your anatomy... it makes people uncomfortable (well, some people anyway) The best thing about this place is the atmosphere and the sometimes excellent musical performers. read more

I'm really conflicted on how to rate this place. I LOVE the menu. I want to eat it everyday. I want the food to be delivered to my door. That being said .. I do NOT want to wait over an HOUR for a sandwich where the only thing cooked was the bread (and it was toasted). I do understand slow food. I DO! I just don't understand it when it is that s.l.o.w. I love cooking and could have made myself a nice veggie lasagna for only an extra 20 minutes. They told me how long it would be, I told them I would be back for it and got some exercise. It is a great place that is fun and funky. The staff is super nice, witty, and personable. I just...won't be back (I think). Unfortunately, Delaware is a little (lot) devoid of places like this. Their menu is so vegetarian-friendly that I want to love this place. Here is the sum of it I guess - If I had a group of friends with me, we weren't starving, wanted to listen to some music (sometimes they have music), chill out, then possibly in a couple hours eat.... I would go there. If I want lunch or dinner ... I will just make it myself. A couple more descriptions for the interested. It is more of a house than a restaurant. They have porch seating (although people are usually smoking out there). It is in a quiet neighborhood where you can park on the street. If you like antique shopping there are plenty places around there that you can peruse (maybe while waiting for your food...?). read more

Great place to check out for their Sunday brunch. Me and my friends always go for Sunday Bloody Marys. They are the best around. The atmosphere and food is also amazing. The food takes awhile to get once you order it, but its worth it. Just don't go their hungry. There's nothing like hitting up the Bellefonte after a long weekend, and relaxing on their porch with a bloody mary, and great music and friends. If you haven't gone yet, go check it out. But don't because I want it to be my little secret because its so good ;) read more

This place is what it is... Fresh and healthy dishes, prepared while you sit in atrociously painted rooms! Service is slow, slower and slowest, my wife and I know this but we continue to go back for the quirky environment because it is usually a nice place to sit and relax. A big negative is some of the crappy musicians the owner brings in! I'm all for experiencing an artistic expression, but some of what I've heard sounded like cats fighting in an alley, less patient people got up and left. I just move to the other room when this happens. my other knock is that the place at times takes itself way too seriously! If service was faster and the ambiance tweaked a bit I could give it 4 stars. read more

I *LOVE* Donna and the Bellefonte Cafe! My family and I go there pretty frequently. In fact, one of the major selling points that caused us to buy our house was that it's only 2 blocks from the cafe. Yes, as some below have mentioned, it does take a while to get your food - but to be fair, it does say right on the menu that they are 'slow food', and if you're looking to run in and out quick, it's not the spot for you. The cafe recently had a pretty major renovation and increased the size of the place by a pretty great deal. It's great for live music, a bite to eat, or just to hang out with friends. The only gripe I have is that by the time I get home from work in Philadelphia, there's barely enough time to head up to the cafe - I can't blame them for that though. Even though she's a wizard of the kitchen, Donna still has to sleep sometimes! Here's some pictures of a meal at the cafe: http://www.thisiswhatimeating.com/2010/05/01/lunch-at-the-bellefonte-cafe/ read more

Adorable hippy cafe in a quiet town. Great locals spot. Live music and great drink specials. So many options for vegans that coming here is not only fun but easy to do. Great service and love the outside seating. read more

Bellefonte Cafe - Cabernet of course - American Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

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I got the Vegan Lentil Burger and it's amazing. Best vegan burger I've had yet. It held its form very well, which is not easy to do. The service was awesome. I really enjoyed talking to our waitress, which says a lot, since I don't like people. lol. I'll definitely be back!! read more

Bellefonte Cafe - Lentil burger - American Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

Bellefonte Cafe is a great place to see local talent and have great food while enjoying an eclectic and artistic feel. First let's talk about the staff. To sum them up....Lovable, friendly, funny and warm! Did I mention funny? Sheila and Dave keep the patrons laughing while Nate and Elena are a bit more serious but equally awesome. However, we do miss the presence of the infamous Joe Dugan! The wrap around porch serves as a great outdoor area for food and drink at least 3 seasons. I know ownership changes quite some time ago but I'm a new yelper so I need to get this off my chest. The newer owners updated the menu while retaining dishes from the former owner that are beloved by patrons. The most notable thing that changed when ownership changes is the wait time. Nate and crew get food/drink out in a normal, reasonable timeframe. We used to go to the cafe once in a while before the new owners took over but now go quite frequently. We had my daughter's bridal shower there in June. Not only are the prices for large parties very reasonable but they close the restaurant and give patrons access to the both floors, porch and back patio. We adore Bellefonte Cafe, the owners, the staff, entertainment and food! read more

The food here is light, as it should be at a café. There are many vegetarian options, and many tend towards the spicy side. The desserts are good, and baked in house. Go when there is live music and you will have a grand time. read more

They were super safe during Covid and LOVED their outdoor space. The food and service was great!

This is our favorite local go to place. The food is always great and the staff are amazing. We enjoy going and listening to local musicians play and sitting outside when it's nice out. Totally recommend read more

Always great food. The owner will often be there coming around to tables saying hi, which makes you feel welcome. The outside patio garden is excellent on a nice day. read more

One of the nicest places for a great time. Excellent food....the service was awesome. The music was an added bonus. If I lived closer, I would be here all of the time. It feels like one of those cool out-of-the-way restaurants that you stumble upon in New Orleans. One of a kinda for sure. Try it! You will love it. read more

Had high hopes for this place based on reviews but it ended up being a let down. The Sunday Brunch menu had little variety and breakfast items included a side of chips and a pickle. On top of that, we were sat in the upstairs area and waited 15 minutes for a server and then over an hour for our food to arrive. read more

Total local flavor, bands start at noon on Sunday afternoons. Mostly local bands. Diverse clientele..... That's a plus for me.

Last time I had the Spicy tofu Bahn Mi, and my friends had the nachos and burrito respectively. The service was great and it was a nice day to sit outside with friends. Since then I have been there a few more times. Recently I tried their hummus platter and my friend had the Baltimore slammer (a BLT with avocado). Again it was on point. Love this place! Great food, personable servers and a good selection of beer. Great spot to sit outside on a nice day as well. read more

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Growing up I always wondered about the food at this local cafe and I was pleasantly surprised, when I first tried it out, that the food here is delicious! Let me talk a little about the atmosphere. It has been recently renovated but has kept the same eclectic charm it has always had. The colors and decorations (as well as the food!) make this cafe adorable! I love going with a few close friends to enjoy time together and maybe even hear a local band. My favorite dish is the Granny Smith Apple Sandwich. I order this every time I go there, no lie. It is amazing. The whole wheat bread, cheddar cheese, sprouts, honey mustard and apple slices all together make for an explosion of flavor in my mouth. I rec'd this to anyone who wants to try Bellefonte Cafe. The chips and salsa are also amazing! Keep in mind the food is mostly to all organic so if you aren't into that you might not like it but they have a Cheese Quesadilla which my friend sticks to religiously. The service is a little slow but it is definitely worth the wait! The one menu item I don't care for are the French Sodas. They taste like water with syrup floating around in it and it left a sour taste in my mouth. That being said, you should definitely try this place out. I have a feeling you won't be disappointed! read more

Enjoyed a quiet Sat lunch with the kids. They didn't like the lunch offerings but I did! Love the fresh juices (great selection of fruit, veggies, and had ginger too). Prepared ourselves for the "slow food" but service was not a long wait. Quaint atmosphere in an old house. Good if you want to kick back and relax. Interesting menu and look forward to returning for more. read more

Great local spot. Nice staff, great patio and good food and beer. Live bands on the weekends are awesome.

We found this place driving north to PHL airport. What a great place!! Only a mile or so off 95, but in a cute little town and SO much character! I had great mushroom sub ("vegan cheesesteak") and hubby had Cubano sandwich and black bean soup. We were both very pleased with the food & friendly service. Additional plus - live music! What a great find. read more

UPDATE: Still doesn't disappoint - every time! The wait staff is great and the food delicious. I just want to add that I've had the black bean burrito vegan with seitan about four times now and it's one of the best things I've had here but they don't list seitan as one of the possible fillings. They do have it because that's what they use for the vegan cheesesteak, so order it with confidence! I hope Bellefonte adds this scrumptious thing officially to the menu. It belongs there. read more

Lovely, patient staff for our 'later than the regular lunch crowd' girls lunch - creative seasonal cocktails - fab burgers - small but flavorful menu options all day - and live music nearly every-night. Best ever time was at Sunday Brunch Betty & the Bullets are the best as are the Bloody Marys read more

Came to hear Jacopo De Nicola--who was great!!!--and found the deserts and beer selection very welcoming! Ellen got the warm chocolate cake: Mmmm... Purple Haze Porter (6.6 ABV), is very nice, too. Great atmosphere. Looking at the menu (many vegan options) and our fellow diners' selections, we shall return! read more

Love love love Bellefonte Cafe. This is our go to place for lunch. Food is fresh, provides a lot of choice for everyone. Service is great and friendly and you always feel welcome. Particularly love grilled cheese specials which never disappoints. Also love that we can support a local business. read more