London
The Best Cafés and Bakeries in London
Looking for a cup of latte or flat white in London? We got you covered.
London’s café and bakery scene is as diverse and exciting as the city itself. In this guide, we’re excited to share with you the best cafés and bakeries in London. From the rustic and delightful Chatsworth Bakehouse to the sweet and enchanting Violet Cakes, and the cozy, classic Norman’s Café, these spots stand out as some of the best in the city.
This guide is based on the recommendations of top chefs and food writers such as David J Constable, Santiago Lastra, and Tom Jenkins. Whether you’re a Londoner or just visiting, our guide to the best cafés and bakeries in London will lead you to some true gems in the city’s vibrant food scene.
Eggbreak is a cozy spot specializing in a variety of egg dishes for breakfast and lunch. It's a popular destination among brunch enthusiasts, particularly for its sweet potato rösti with goat cheese and poached egg. However, due to its small size, there might be a bit of a wait to get a table.
Recommended by
One of my favourite brunch spots in Notting Hill.The sweet potato rösti with goat cheese and poached egg is the best thing on the menu.The restaurant is so small so you will probably have to queue.
E Pellicci is a longstanding restaurant in East London, known for its Italian cuisine and traditional English breakfast. The establishment has been serving the community since 1900, and is currently managed by the third generation of the original family. Customers often recommend the Full English Breakfast, and appreciate the friendly staff and genuine East London atmosphere.
Recommended by
Genuine East London greasy spoon atmosphere and a great place for Full English breakfast.My favourite greasy spoon cafe in East London for Full English Breakfast. Pelliccis on Bethnal Green Road opened in 1900 and is now run by the third generation of the same family. Mostly Italian menu and Full English Breakfast. Friendly staff (as long as you finish your plate) and great place for East Londoner spotting.
Cafe Cecilia is a restaurant that offers straightforward yet flavorful meals, crafted by Chef Max Rocha. With a menu inspired by Rocha's experience at St John and The River Cafe, guests can enjoy simple seasonal dishes, delicious pastas, and homemade Guinness bread, among others. The interior is subtly decorated, allowing the focus to remain on the food and occasional art pieces, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate clean, unfussy cooking.
Recommended by
Simple, casual and joyously delicious all day diningSimple seasonal dishes inspired by chef Max Rocha's time at St John and The River Cafe. Great pastas and puds. Tip: I spent a lot of time ogling the onglet on the next table and they seemed very happy with it, so order that. Smiley food.
Norman’s Cafe is a humble British establishment situated between an upholstery shop and an off-license on Junction Road. The interior is simple and unpretentious, featuring a black and white chequered tile floor, red and white chequered fabric curtains, and a framed Bobby Moore World Cup 1966 photo. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including the Full English works, and rotates weekly with options like kedgeree, fish pie, pea risotto, chicken tikka masala, and kippers on toast.
Recommended by
The Great British Cafe remains a cultural institution that’s as compelling as it is a cultural treasureThe cafe on Junction Road is perched unassumingly between an upholstery shop and an off-license on a scruffy stretch leading to Archway. It has no hype-stoking publicist or former Masterchef winner at the stove, but the buzz is real. Buddies Richie Hayes and Elliot Kaye opened the old-school British cafe in November last year, mid-pandemic. They gutted and renovated the entire place in just two months. Inside is small and unfussy, with simple tables and chairs. There is a framed Bobby Moore World Cup 1966 photo on the wall next to a humming refrigerator lined with cans of Stella and juice cartons. They have a black-white chequered tile floor and red-white chequered fabric curtains. Each table is fixed with the Holy Trinity of ketchup, brown sauce and Colman’s English Mustard.The menu is concise and direct, brilliantly priced with the Full English works and rotating weekly menus. Looking at Instagram, I can see that lunch options vary, from kedgeree, fish pie, pea risotto, chicken tikka masala and kippers on toast. Simple food done well. They also offer dinner and natural wine on Thursday and Friday evenings.
Violet Cakes, led by the incredible Clair Ptak, is an outstanding pastry shop renowned for its delectable cakes and pastries. Known for serving great coffee alongside their baked goods, it's a go-to spot for those with a sweet tooth. With a diverse menu visible on their website, Violet Cakes ensures a delightful experience for all cake and pastry enthusiasts.
Recommended by
An outstanding pastry shop by Clair Ptak. Outstanding Pastry shop led by the incredible Claire Ptak; go for great coffee, pastries and also the best cakes in London.
Jolene Redchurch Street is a small bakery located in Shoreditch, known for its perfect pastries. The bakery offers a range of baked goods from croissants and pain au chocolats in the morning, to delicious sausage rolls and sandwiches for lunch. Additionally, they serve cakes, sourdough bread, and high-quality coffee throughout the day.
Recommended by
Tiny bakery on trendy Redchurch Street with amazing baked goods and coffee.The smallest of the four Jolene bakeries, the shop att Redchurch Street in Shoreditch is a tiny room selling amazing baked goods from morning until afternoon. In the morning it’s all croissants and pain au chocolats, and the lunchtine sausage rolls and sandwiches are not to be missed. Cakes, sourdough bread and coffee-very good, too.
Beigel Bake Brick Lane Bakery is a well-established eatery in East London, known for its hot salt beef bagels served with pickles and mustard. Since 1974, it has been a part of the area's rich Jewish food culture, operating 24/7 and producing a remarkable number of fresh bagels daily. Besides their signature salt beef bagel, other commendable items include the salmon and cream cheese bagels, strudel, and cheesecake.
Recommended by
A true East London institution. 24/7 hot salt beef bagels with pickles and mustard. The bagel bakeries on Brick Lane are part of East London’s Jewish food tradition. Beigel Bake has been around since 1974 and is open 24 hours every day of the week. Churning out an impressive amount of fresh bagels in the bakery in the back of the building, the must try is the hot salt beef (corned beef brisket) in a bagel with pickles and mustard. The pro tip is to wait for a new tray of salt beef arriving to the window where it’s sliced for the bagels. Also try the salmon and cream cheese, strudel and cheese cake.
Chatsworth Bakehouse is a small-batch bakery in South London that started as a community micro-bakery during the lockdown. They are known for their sensational focaccia sandwiches, with the 'Kimchi Faceplant' and 'Only the Bravas' being the highlights. On Saturdays, they also offer Roman-style pizza slices, loaves, and desserts, making it a popular spot for bread and pizza lovers.
Recommended by
Best bread and pizza in LondonThis small South London bakery started even smaller - as a community micro-bakery from a flat during lockdown. Now with a bricks and mortar location they take online pre-orders for their sensational focaccia sandwiches (the 'Kimchi Faceplant' and 'Only the Bravas' are particular highlights) on Mondays. They sell out in minutes, but don't worry if you miss out: head there on a Saturday and they have swoonsome Roman-style pizza slices, loaves and desserts on the door. The best bread and pizza I've had in London.
Pophams is a well-regarded artisanal bakery and restaurant with a reputation for hand-crafted viennoiserie pastries and fresh pasta. Their croissants, including the bacon and maple variant, are often hailed as some of the best, and their seasonal specials are worth checking out. Alongside their pastries, they offer a house blend coffee developed and roasted by their baristas, and a selection of wine from independent producers.
Recommended by
The place to go for amazing croissants and great coffeeI’ve been going to Pophams every visit on London since 2017. I find their croissants better than any other I ever had, anywhere.They have an amazing selection of croissants, I’m a huge fan of the bacon and maple croissant, but every time there we take at least 5 different croissants for 2 people 😅On the weekend they have seasonal specials, and they have at least 2 more branches to visit.
Little Duck The Picklery is a warm and inviting cafe where the restaurant and larder meet, serving thoughtfully prepared dishes. The menu, which changes every two weeks, includes homemade butter and pickles that tantalize the taste buds, and the establishment is known for its simple and seasonal cooking. The restaurant also functions as a wine bar and fermenting kitchen, offering a range of natural and biodynamic wines, along with a variety of seasonal ferments, pickles, and drinks available for purchase.
Recommended by
A beautiful warm cafe with beautiful prepared food.Where restaurant meets larder. A beautifully warm cafe with thoughtfully prepared food. Homemade butter and pickles tickle the palate. With 5 people you can taste the whole menu. Every bite was better than the last.
Nagare Coffee is a minimalistic Japanese-inspired café located in Shoreditch, known for its well-sourced coffee beans and expert craftsmanship. Customers highly recommend their exceptional coffee, which is often accompanied by unique sweets and pastries not commonly found elsewhere. Apart from its specialty beverages, the café also features an array of products from brands like KANEKO KOHYO, Yoshida Pottery, and Kinto 1616 Arita Origami, available for purchase on their website.
Recommended by
A place for coffee in Shoreditch not to be missed.On a recent trip to London over Easter we found a new gem, a Japanese driven small cafe with a warm minimalistic feeling with aestethics and nice details beside well sourced coffee beans and craftsmanship . Best coffee we had during our stay served with some assorted sweets and pastries you don't find in so many places.
26 Grains is a cozy breakfast and lunch spot situated in the atmospheric surroundings of Covent Garden's Neal's Yard. The restaurant is known for its made-to-order breakfasts, including delicious dishes like fried eggs with rasel hanut butter, labneh and dukkah served with sourdough bread, and fresh yogurt topped with apricots, mango, chili, mint and lime. Previous visitors also recommend their rhubarb porridge, adding to the variety of their flavorful menu.
Recommended by
Lovely breakfast & lunch spotMy favorite place for breakfast in London. It’s located in Covent Garden in the courtyard of Neals Yard. The place is tiny, but that makes it even more atmospheric and cosy. Breakfasts are made from order and are really delicious. This time we had fried eggs with rasel hanut butter, labneh and dukkah and it was served with sourdough bread. The other dish this time was a fresh yogurt topped with apricots, mango, chili, mint and lime. Last time, I had their lovely rhubarb porridges, which was also absolutely delicious.
Towpath Café is a bustling outdoor eatery located along Regent’s Canal in Haggerston, offering a tranquil green escape. The café operates all day, serving a variety of simple yet delicious dishes, including walnut porridge, Egyptian eggs, roast lamb chops, and fig leaf soft serve. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, Towpath Café doesn't require bookings, and visitors can enjoy their meals on the terrace seating or at the indoor tables.
Recommended by
Towpath Café is a busy summertime outdoor oasis along Regent’s Canal in Haggerston in the North East. The all day café, run by Lori De Mori and Laura Jackson, is a wonderful green escape from the city with breakfast, brunch, lunch and weekend dinner. The menu is a mixed bag of delicious, simple dishes, everything from walnut porridge and granola to Egyptian eggs, taramasalata with radishes to roast lamb chops and smoked mackerel, dessert cakes and fig leaf soft serve. Walk in only, terrace seating and a few tables under the roof.
Jolene Bakery & Restaurant is a neighborhood hub where you can enjoy freshly baked pastries with your morning coffee or indulge in an uncomplicated yet delicious dinner menu. The eatery is noted for its friendly ambiance, commitment to sustainability, and use of high-quality produce. With a selection of natural wines and a reputation as one of the best local spots, Jolene's offers a welcoming dining experience throughout the day.
Recommended by
Jolene is great, all day dining place, from pastries and coffee in the morning to a super nice and casual dinner menu.
Eggbreak is a cozy spot specializing in a variety of egg dishes for breakfast and lunch. It's a popular destination among brunch enthusiasts, particularly for its sweet potato rösti with goat cheese and poached egg. However, due to its small size, there might be a bit of a wait to get a table.
Recommended by
One of my favourite brunch spots in Notting Hill.The sweet potato rösti with goat cheese and poached egg is the best thing on the menu.The restaurant is so small so you will probably have to queue.
E Pellicci is a longstanding restaurant in East London, known for its Italian cuisine and traditional English breakfast. The establishment has been serving the community since 1900, and is currently managed by the third generation of the original family. Customers often recommend the Full English Breakfast, and appreciate the friendly staff and genuine East London atmosphere.
Recommended by
Genuine East London greasy spoon atmosphere and a great place for Full English breakfast.My favourite greasy spoon cafe in East London for Full English Breakfast. Pelliccis on Bethnal Green Road opened in 1900 and is now run by the third generation of the same family. Mostly Italian menu and Full English Breakfast. Friendly staff (as long as you finish your plate) and great place for East Londoner spotting.
Cafe Cecilia is a restaurant that offers straightforward yet flavorful meals, crafted by Chef Max Rocha. With a menu inspired by Rocha's experience at St John and The River Cafe, guests can enjoy simple seasonal dishes, delicious pastas, and homemade Guinness bread, among others. The interior is subtly decorated, allowing the focus to remain on the food and occasional art pieces, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate clean, unfussy cooking.
Recommended by
Simple, casual and joyously delicious all day diningSimple seasonal dishes inspired by chef Max Rocha's time at St John and The River Cafe. Great pastas and puds. Tip: I spent a lot of time ogling the onglet on the next table and they seemed very happy with it, so order that. Smiley food.
Norman’s Cafe is a humble British establishment situated between an upholstery shop and an off-license on Junction Road. The interior is simple and unpretentious, featuring a black and white chequered tile floor, red and white chequered fabric curtains, and a framed Bobby Moore World Cup 1966 photo. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including the Full English works, and rotates weekly with options like kedgeree, fish pie, pea risotto, chicken tikka masala, and kippers on toast.
Recommended by
The Great British Cafe remains a cultural institution that’s as compelling as it is a cultural treasureThe cafe on Junction Road is perched unassumingly between an upholstery shop and an off-license on a scruffy stretch leading to Archway. It has no hype-stoking publicist or former Masterchef winner at the stove, but the buzz is real. Buddies Richie Hayes and Elliot Kaye opened the old-school British cafe in November last year, mid-pandemic. They gutted and renovated the entire place in just two months. Inside is small and unfussy, with simple tables and chairs. There is a framed Bobby Moore World Cup 1966 photo on the wall next to a humming refrigerator lined with cans of Stella and juice cartons. They have a black-white chequered tile floor and red-white chequered fabric curtains. Each table is fixed with the Holy Trinity of ketchup, brown sauce and Colman’s English Mustard.The menu is concise and direct, brilliantly priced with the Full English works and rotating weekly menus. Looking at Instagram, I can see that lunch options vary, from kedgeree, fish pie, pea risotto, chicken tikka masala and kippers on toast. Simple food done well. They also offer dinner and natural wine on Thursday and Friday evenings.
Violet Cakes, led by the incredible Clair Ptak, is an outstanding pastry shop renowned for its delectable cakes and pastries. Known for serving great coffee alongside their baked goods, it's a go-to spot for those with a sweet tooth. With a diverse menu visible on their website, Violet Cakes ensures a delightful experience for all cake and pastry enthusiasts.
Recommended by
An outstanding pastry shop by Clair Ptak. Outstanding Pastry shop led by the incredible Claire Ptak; go for great coffee, pastries and also the best cakes in London.
Jolene Redchurch Street is a small bakery located in Shoreditch, known for its perfect pastries. The bakery offers a range of baked goods from croissants and pain au chocolats in the morning, to delicious sausage rolls and sandwiches for lunch. Additionally, they serve cakes, sourdough bread, and high-quality coffee throughout the day.
Recommended by
Tiny bakery on trendy Redchurch Street with amazing baked goods and coffee.The smallest of the four Jolene bakeries, the shop att Redchurch Street in Shoreditch is a tiny room selling amazing baked goods from morning until afternoon. In the morning it’s all croissants and pain au chocolats, and the lunchtine sausage rolls and sandwiches are not to be missed. Cakes, sourdough bread and coffee-very good, too.
Beigel Bake Brick Lane Bakery is a well-established eatery in East London, known for its hot salt beef bagels served with pickles and mustard. Since 1974, it has been a part of the area's rich Jewish food culture, operating 24/7 and producing a remarkable number of fresh bagels daily. Besides their signature salt beef bagel, other commendable items include the salmon and cream cheese bagels, strudel, and cheesecake.
Recommended by
A true East London institution. 24/7 hot salt beef bagels with pickles and mustard. The bagel bakeries on Brick Lane are part of East London’s Jewish food tradition. Beigel Bake has been around since 1974 and is open 24 hours every day of the week. Churning out an impressive amount of fresh bagels in the bakery in the back of the building, the must try is the hot salt beef (corned beef brisket) in a bagel with pickles and mustard. The pro tip is to wait for a new tray of salt beef arriving to the window where it’s sliced for the bagels. Also try the salmon and cream cheese, strudel and cheese cake.
Chatsworth Bakehouse is a small-batch bakery in South London that started as a community micro-bakery during the lockdown. They are known for their sensational focaccia sandwiches, with the 'Kimchi Faceplant' and 'Only the Bravas' being the highlights. On Saturdays, they also offer Roman-style pizza slices, loaves, and desserts, making it a popular spot for bread and pizza lovers.
Recommended by
Best bread and pizza in LondonThis small South London bakery started even smaller - as a community micro-bakery from a flat during lockdown. Now with a bricks and mortar location they take online pre-orders for their sensational focaccia sandwiches (the 'Kimchi Faceplant' and 'Only the Bravas' are particular highlights) on Mondays. They sell out in minutes, but don't worry if you miss out: head there on a Saturday and they have swoonsome Roman-style pizza slices, loaves and desserts on the door. The best bread and pizza I've had in London.
Pophams is a well-regarded artisanal bakery and restaurant with a reputation for hand-crafted viennoiserie pastries and fresh pasta. Their croissants, including the bacon and maple variant, are often hailed as some of the best, and their seasonal specials are worth checking out. Alongside their pastries, they offer a house blend coffee developed and roasted by their baristas, and a selection of wine from independent producers.
Recommended by
The place to go for amazing croissants and great coffeeI’ve been going to Pophams every visit on London since 2017. I find their croissants better than any other I ever had, anywhere.They have an amazing selection of croissants, I’m a huge fan of the bacon and maple croissant, but every time there we take at least 5 different croissants for 2 people 😅On the weekend they have seasonal specials, and they have at least 2 more branches to visit.
Little Duck The Picklery is a warm and inviting cafe where the restaurant and larder meet, serving thoughtfully prepared dishes. The menu, which changes every two weeks, includes homemade butter and pickles that tantalize the taste buds, and the establishment is known for its simple and seasonal cooking. The restaurant also functions as a wine bar and fermenting kitchen, offering a range of natural and biodynamic wines, along with a variety of seasonal ferments, pickles, and drinks available for purchase.
Recommended by
A beautiful warm cafe with beautiful prepared food.Where restaurant meets larder. A beautifully warm cafe with thoughtfully prepared food. Homemade butter and pickles tickle the palate. With 5 people you can taste the whole menu. Every bite was better than the last.
Nagare Coffee is a minimalistic Japanese-inspired café located in Shoreditch, known for its well-sourced coffee beans and expert craftsmanship. Customers highly recommend their exceptional coffee, which is often accompanied by unique sweets and pastries not commonly found elsewhere. Apart from its specialty beverages, the café also features an array of products from brands like KANEKO KOHYO, Yoshida Pottery, and Kinto 1616 Arita Origami, available for purchase on their website.
Recommended by
A place for coffee in Shoreditch not to be missed.On a recent trip to London over Easter we found a new gem, a Japanese driven small cafe with a warm minimalistic feeling with aestethics and nice details beside well sourced coffee beans and craftsmanship . Best coffee we had during our stay served with some assorted sweets and pastries you don't find in so many places.
26 Grains is a cozy breakfast and lunch spot situated in the atmospheric surroundings of Covent Garden's Neal's Yard. The restaurant is known for its made-to-order breakfasts, including delicious dishes like fried eggs with rasel hanut butter, labneh and dukkah served with sourdough bread, and fresh yogurt topped with apricots, mango, chili, mint and lime. Previous visitors also recommend their rhubarb porridge, adding to the variety of their flavorful menu.
Recommended by
Lovely breakfast & lunch spotMy favorite place for breakfast in London. It’s located in Covent Garden in the courtyard of Neals Yard. The place is tiny, but that makes it even more atmospheric and cosy. Breakfasts are made from order and are really delicious. This time we had fried eggs with rasel hanut butter, labneh and dukkah and it was served with sourdough bread. The other dish this time was a fresh yogurt topped with apricots, mango, chili, mint and lime. Last time, I had their lovely rhubarb porridges, which was also absolutely delicious.
Towpath Café is a bustling outdoor eatery located along Regent’s Canal in Haggerston, offering a tranquil green escape. The café operates all day, serving a variety of simple yet delicious dishes, including walnut porridge, Egyptian eggs, roast lamb chops, and fig leaf soft serve. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, Towpath Café doesn't require bookings, and visitors can enjoy their meals on the terrace seating or at the indoor tables.
Recommended by
Towpath Café is a busy summertime outdoor oasis along Regent’s Canal in Haggerston in the North East. The all day café, run by Lori De Mori and Laura Jackson, is a wonderful green escape from the city with breakfast, brunch, lunch and weekend dinner. The menu is a mixed bag of delicious, simple dishes, everything from walnut porridge and granola to Egyptian eggs, taramasalata with radishes to roast lamb chops and smoked mackerel, dessert cakes and fig leaf soft serve. Walk in only, terrace seating and a few tables under the roof.
Jolene Bakery & Restaurant is a neighborhood hub where you can enjoy freshly baked pastries with your morning coffee or indulge in an uncomplicated yet delicious dinner menu. The eatery is noted for its friendly ambiance, commitment to sustainability, and use of high-quality produce. With a selection of natural wines and a reputation as one of the best local spots, Jolene's offers a welcoming dining experience throughout the day.
Recommended by
Jolene is great, all day dining place, from pastries and coffee in the morning to a super nice and casual dinner menu.
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