St Magnus Community Cafe

Kirkwall KW15 1DH, United Kingdom
$$$ cafe
(70 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to St Magnus Community Cafe, an unpretentious gem nestled in the heart of Kirkwall, Scotland. This charming cafe, located right across from the iconic cathedral, offers a delightful mix of old-school hospitality and a menu that celebrates comforting, homemade food. Imagine stepping into a space where the ambiance is relaxed, inviting, and deeply rooted in community spirit.

The moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted by a friendly smile and the enticing aroma of freshly prepared dishes. St Magnus Community Cafe is especially renowned for its breakfast menu, featuring the price-friendly St Magnus Breakfast for only £1.45. Beyond breakfast, the extensive selection of hot rolls and snacks is bound to whet your appetite—think of luscious Bacon Rolls, hearty Mince Beef Rolls, and the vegetarian-friendly Quorn Burger, ensuring there’s something for everyone. For those craving something warm and comforting, the delicious chicken and sausage rolls receive rave reviews from regulars who come back again and again.

But it doesn't stop there. Customers can also indulge in delightful soups and freshly baked bread, perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying snack. This community hub maintains an impressive selection of refreshments, including macb flavored water and Sanje Pellegrino cans, to wash your meal down perfectly. A standout mention is the richness of the tomato soup, a favorite among diners which many have hailed as fresh and amazing. It’s clear that the cafe focuses on delivering excellent quality food at unbeatable prices.

The atmosphere here is what truly sets the St Magnus Community Cafe apart. Customers consistently comment on how spacious and vibrant it feels, making it a delightful spot to catch up with friends or unwind before an appointment. Reviewers like ‘C A’ appreciate the friendly staff who effortlessly manage the flow of patrons, creating a relaxed dining experience even during busy summer days. A superb function of the cafe’s design is the seating arrangement; with ample room for families and groups, the best seats boast a direct view of the magnificent cathedral, providing a picturesque backdrop for your meal.

This cafe thrives on its community-centric approach, which resonates through the genuine warmth of its staff. As noted by H M MacLeod, “the staff are all absolutely fantastic, so welcoming and friendly,” making every visit feel special. St Magnus Community Cafe is not just a place to eat; it’s a hub where locals and visitors alike can gather, share stories, and savor the true essence of Orcadian hospitality.

If you’re in Kirkwall and seeking a calm retreat awash with comfort food and genuine service without breaking the bank, look no further than St Magnus Community Cafe. Whether you're after a quick bite or a cozy sit-down meal, this cafe is a must-visit destination that reflects the heart and soul of the community.

Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Kids' menu
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

70 Reviews
C A

15 Sep 2025

This place is cheap and has an old school British cafe vibe that’s so relaxed and pleasant compared to other, fancier places in town. I come here every week while waiting for an appointment, and I’ve got to know a few of the staff by sight and they’re just solid gold. The place is usually pretty busy, especially in the summer, but they just plow through the queue with cheerfulness and efficiency. I watched a young lady (who I haven’t seen much so maybe she’s new) explaining almost every item on the menu to a non-English speaking family, and as someone who works in tourism it was honestly a masterclass in patience and kindness. I couldn’t have done it better. There’s another particular member of staff who I’ve twice seen run out from behind the counter to carry a tray to a table for an older lady with a walking frame. The lady probably could have managed it, but she didn’t have to struggle because the lady anticipated her need and offered without being condescending. It was lovely. And then she apologised when she came back for making us wait for all of twelve seconds. Just fab staff all round, I can’t say enough nice things. I hope they read this. Also whoever does the baking, 10/10. Had the best scone today.

Laguz Elbedottir

16 Aug 2025

I just have to give it 5 stars. Probably the most underrated food place in Kirkwall. Great soups and bread, chicken and sausage rolls. Very basic cafe but so spacious and inexpensive. Get a tray, go to the counter and tell them what you like. Skip the Real Food Café a couple of doors down, they are small, very busy (why, I cannot guess) and run out of foods quickly (I was over there just now - no more soup, no more quiches).

H M MacLeod

16 Aug 2025

Fantastic location directly opposite the cathedral. Beautiful old building with stunning features. The staff are all absolutely fantastic, so welcoming and friendly. Good quality simple food, very good value for money. Plenty of seating but the best 4 seats look immediately across to the Cathedral. We would definitely recommend it for a place to eat & Support the local community.

Jeremy Nelson

06 Aug 2025

Don't expect an exotic menu but service is very friendly and food is great value.

Helen

12 Jul 2025

Excellent food, coffee and service. Unfortunately got there too late to try out their pies (sold out - cruise ship in port) but the soup and sandwiches were excellent. Had a cappuccino and latte with a scone for morning tea. Two thumbs up

Jeff Sawyer

27 May 2025

5-stars for the value and good food. Simple cafeteria style dining with great prices. They do sandwiches, burgers, and more. My wife had the tomato soup with was fresh and amazing. Hard to find great simple food at a great price, but this is the place!

Join the St Magnus Community Cafe Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.