Caffi Maes – A Cozy Welsh Café in Caernarfon’s Heart

A café rooted in Caernarfon’s square

Caffi Maes sits right on Castle Square in the heart of Caernarfon, a stone’s throw from the town’s imposing medieval fortress. Its location makes it a natural pit stop for walkers exploring the town, families visiting the castle, and locals meeting for coffee. The café occupies a traditional building with a bright, unpretentious frontage, and its three-storey layout gives it a slightly quirky, lived-in charm. Inside, the atmosphere is casual and unpolished in the best way – think mismatched tables, chalkboard menus, and the steady hum of conversation and coffee machines.

Simple, satisfying food with local touches

The menu focuses on classic café fare: full Welsh breakfasts, bacon baps, sandwiches, salads, soups, and daily specials. Many dishes make use of local Welsh ingredients, giving the food a genuine regional character without being overly formal. Breakfast is a strong point, with generous portions that set you up for a day of exploring. Lunch options include hearty baps, curries, teriyaki noodles, and substantial salad bowls, all served in a relaxed, no-fuss style. The café clearly caters to different diets, with clearly marked vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices, including a dedicated vegan breakfast bap and a popular vegan salad bowl.

Three floors of laid-back charm

What sets Caffi Maes apart from a typical café is its three-floor layout, each with its own slightly different feel. The ground floor is usually the busiest, with counter service and a mix of indoor and outdoor seating on the square. Upstairs, the atmosphere becomes quieter and more relaxed, making it a good spot for longer stays, reading, or working with a laptop. The top floor often feels like a cosy hideaway, perfect for small groups or couples wanting a bit more privacy. This vertical layout means there’s usually somewhere to sit, even on busier days, and it adds to the café’s character as a place that feels more like a local institution than a tourist trap.

A hub for locals and visitors

Caffi Maes has built a loyal following among Caernarfon residents, who appreciate its consistency, friendly staff, and reasonable prices. At the same time, it’s become a go-to for visitors exploring the town, drawn by its central location and reputation for good coffee and solid food. The café is pet-friendly, which adds to its relaxed, inclusive vibe, and the outdoor tables on Castle Square are ideal for people-watching on a sunny day. Service is generally warm and efficient, with staff who often speak Welsh, reflecting the town’s strong cultural identity. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a quick takeaway coffee or settle in for a long lunch, depending on your pace.