Imagine sitting in a comfortable London cafe, holding a warm cup of cocoa while watching red buses and busy people walk by outside. The smell of fresh bread is in the air, and the room feels like a warm hug. That is the magic of London’s food scene.
London is one of the best cities in the world for cafes. Whether you want a pink room full of flowers or a secret underground spot, there is something for everyone. In this London cafe guide, I’ll show you the very best places to grab a treat.
The 7 Best Cafes in London:
If you are in a hurry, here are the top spots you must visit:
- EL&N London: The most pink and pretty cafe for photos.
- Peggy Porschen: Famous for amazing cupcakes and flowers.
- Dishoom: The best place for a warm breakfast roll.
- The Attendant: A cool cafe built inside an old underground room.
- Farm Girl Cafe: Great for healthy food and colorful lattes.
- Granger & Co: Famous for fluffy pancakes.
- Monmouth Coffee: The best spot for serious coffee lovers.
Top Best Cafes in London:
1.EL&N London
This is probably the most famous cafe in London right now. Everything inside is pink. There are flower walls, neon lights, and even classic cars inside some shops.
It is popular because it is very pretty. People go there to take photos for Instagram while eating pink cakes and drinking “Unicorn” lattes. It’s like stepping into a candy kingdom.
- Estimate Price: £10 – £20 per person.
- Pro Tip: Go to the one on Hans Crescent near Harrods. It has the best decorations for your photos.
2.Peggy Porschen
You might recognize the pink doorway covered in seasonal flowers. This cafe looks like a dollhouse! It is famous for its cupcakes and fancy teas.
The cakes here are almost too pretty to eat. It’s a great place to feel like royalty for an hour. It is very popular with tourists, so it can get quite busy.
- Estimate Price: £8 – £15 per person.
- Pro Tip: Try the strawberry cupcake; it is their most famous treat.
3.Dishoom (For Breakfast)
While Dishoom is a famous Indian restaurant, their breakfast is legendary. It feels like an old cafe in Mumbai from a long time ago.
They are known for their “Bacon Naan Roll.” It’s warm bread with crispy bacon and a little bit of cream cheese. It is one of the best breakfast cafes in London.
- Price: £10 – £18 per person.
- Pro Tip: Ask for the “bottomless” chai. They will keep refilling your spicy tea for free.
4.The Attendant
This is a very unique hidden cafe in London. It is actually located inside an old Victorian bathroom from the 1890s. Don’t worry, it’s very clean and beautiful now.
They kept the old green tiles and turned them into tables. It’s a cozy spot in central London that serves great seasonal food and amazing coffee.
- Price: £7 – £15 per person.
- Pro Tip: It’s quite small, so try to go on a weekday morning to get a seat.
5.Farm Girl Cafe
If you like colorful food, this is the place for you. It’s one of the cutest cafes in London and feels very relaxed, like a beach house.
They are known for “Rose Lattes” and “Butterfly Matcha.” The food is very healthy but tastes like a treat. It’s a very popular spot in Notting Hill.
- Price: £12 – £20 per person.
- Pro Tip: Look for the hidden entrance in Notting Hill. It’s tucked away behind a church.
6.Granger & Co
This is the king of brunch cafes in London. It started in Australia, so it has a very sunny and happy vibe.
Everyone comes here for the “Ricotta Hotcakes.” They are the fluffiest pancakes you will ever see, topped with honeycomb butter.
- Price: £15 – £25 per person.
- Pro Tip: They don’t usually take bookings, so show up early or you might have to wait in a long line.
7.Monmouth Coffee
If you just want the best coffee in London, go here. They don’t have fancy pink walls, but they have the best beans in the city.
It’s a simple, classic coffee shop. You can smell the roasted coffee from down the street! It’s a great place to buy a bag of coffee to take home too.
- Price: £4 – £10 per person.
- Pro Tip: The shop at Borough Market is great, but the line moves fast. Grab a coffee and walk around the market.
Affordable Cafes in London
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy London’s cafe culture. Here are some budget cafes in London:
- Regency Cafe: A very old-school London cafe. It’s cheap, loud, and serves a huge “Full English Breakfast” for about £6–£9.
- Beigel Bake: Located on Brick Lane. It’s famous for salt beef bagels. You can get a snack here for under £5.
- Maison Bertaux: A historic French cafe in Soho. It’s cozy and has amazing pastries for around £5.
Instagrammable & Cute Cafes
If you want your photos to look amazing, these are the best coffee shops in London for your camera:
- Dalloway Terrace: It changes its decorations every season. In winter, it looks like a snowy forest!
- Saint Aymes: Known for having a wall of purple flowers outside.
- Feya: A very magical cafe with bird cages and butterfly decorations.
Travel Tips for Cafe Lovers
- Avoid the Lunch Rush: Try to visit at 10:00 AM or 3:00 PM. Most cafes are very crowded between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
- Look for “Service Charge”: In London, many cafes add a 12.5% tip to your bill automatically. Check the bottom of your receipt!
- Tap Water is Free: You never have to pay for plain water. Just ask for “tap water.”
- Weekend vs. Weekday: Many famous cafes have long lines on Saturdays. If you can, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
FAQs
What is the most famous cafe in London?
EL&N London and Peggy Porschen are currently the most famous because they are all over social media.
Are cafes expensive in London?
They can be! A coffee and a cake usually cost between £8 and £12. However, “Greasy Spoon” cafes are much cheaper.
Where can I find cheap cafes in London?
Look for cafes slightly outside of the main tourist areas, or visit spots like Regency Cafe or local bakeries.
What is the best time to visit cafes in London?
Mornings on weekdays are best. You get the freshest pastries and the quietest atmosphere.
Are London cafes good for breakfast?
Yes! London is famous for its breakfast culture, from traditional eggs and beans to fancy avocado toast.
Which cafe would you visit first?
London is full of surprises. Whether you want a pink palace or an underground hideout, there is a perfect chair waiting for you. Exploring these cafes is the best way to see the “real” London.
Which one of these spots sounds like your favorite? Let me know.