London’s Official Top 30 Best Breakfast Guide – The 2024 Edition
As a professional, international matchmaking agency, we understand the importance of fine dining.
We have hand-selected some of the reputable and most respected breakfast locations in London based on the most important factors: menu quality, waiting service and atmosphere.
Take a look below at our top 30 best breakfast locations in London.
1. Hawksmoor – Guildhall
Image courtesy of Hawksmoor
The ever-lively Hawksmoor is one of the most popular places for breakfast and brunch and offers one of the best traditional full English breakfasts in London. Hawksmoor serves their signature dish in a skillet pan, coupled with a small iron saucer containing trotter baked beans and trademark HP gravy.
If this doesn’t delight you, there other options are equally as impressive, we’d personally recommend the Lobster Benedict, utterly exquisite and refreshingly light.
Atmosphere – Lively and busy.
Best feature – Their signature full English dish.
2. Hide – Piccadilly
Led by chef Ollie Dabbous, this Michelin-starred restaurant is one of Mayfair’s most revered. Breakfast is à la carte with choices including fruits, seeds and grains, artfully baked viennoiseries, caviar and oysters and a selection of savoury dishes such as black truffled scrambled eggs on toast. The menu is seasonal and largely sourced from small farmers and suppliers in the UK.
Self-described as “attentive but informal, simple but sophisticated”, it is a beautiful and unique spot for a breakfast together.
Atmosphere – Upscale with beautiful architectural details to admire.
Best feature – The large spiral staircase at the heart of the restaurant.
3. Honey & Co – Fitzrovia
Image courtesy of Honey & Co
Honey & Co is unashamedly cute and remains one of the most popular spots for early morning dining. While they are known primarily for its modern Middle Eastern cooking, we’d strongly encourage you to try their coffee. Boiled in a bespoke pot and served in quaint, decorative glasses, their appearance is exquisite and the taste is equally as impressive.
For breakfast, we’d recommend the Middle Eastern breakfast to share option (especially if you’re with a date), as this course is specifically designed for equal and easy sharing.
Atmosphere – Cute and humble, sometimes busy depending on the time of day.
Best feature – Their expertly crafted Middle Eastern coffee.
4. Riding House Cafe – Oxford Circus
Image courtesy of Riding House cafe
For those looking to impress on a first date, Riding House Cafe should be a strong consideration. What Riding House Cafe does well are the simple things; there’s always plenty of room, the atmosphere is lively (but not invasive) and the decor is suave and seductively sleek.
We’d recommend going for the lighter breakfasts here, specifically the Kiwi, Berries and Israeli Couscous, served with banana, coconut yoghurt and basil. It’s refreshingly light, yet filling, perfect for the day ahead.
Atmosphere – Relaxing and appropriate for all socialites, even during busier times.
Best feature – The suave decor and diverse breakfast menu.
5. The Foyer & Reading Room at Claridge’s – Mayfair
For something extra special, The Foyer & Reading Room at Mayfair’s world-renowned Claridge’s is the place to impress or celebrate. The all-day dining room is housed where the hotel’s library previously was; the atmosphere is as sophisticated and upscale as you would imagine.
The breakfast menu is diverse and tempting, offering a range of dishes for all tastes. Try breakfast favourites from Clarence Court eggs served your way to shakshouka, or sweet options such as a healthy acai bowl or french toast with chocolate sauce.
Atmosphere – Refined and elegant.
Best feature – The heritage and prestige evident at every turn.
6. Dean Street Townhouse – Soho
Image courtesy of Dean Street Townhouse
Situated in the centre of eccentric Soho, Dean Street Townhouse bursts with vigour and sophistication. It’s a popular spot for local celebrities, so consider dressing smart if you’re looking to impress.
Breakfast at Dean Street Townhouse mirrors the grandeur of its decor. Their ham hock hash with fried duck egg is simple, fluffy and beautifully presented on eggshell-white plates. Their smoothies are also tantalising, especially the banana and coffee, perfect to kickstart the day.
Atmosphere – Sophisticated and intimate.
Best feature – Beautiful surroundings and traditional breakfast options.
7. Greenberry Cafe – Primrose Hill
Lazy breakfast dates don’t come better than dining at Greenberry Cafe. The atmosphere immediately hugs you with its wood-inspired design and humble setting. This is the perfect breakfast venue for those looking for something more relaxed.
Their menu is vast, but this does not detract from the quality of each meal. Each option looks phenomenal, but their portobello mushrooms, poached egg, hollandaise and truffle oil is our personal favourite. The sourdough in particular is irresistible.
Atmosphere – Humble, warm and inviting (dogs are also allowed).
Best feature – Sourdough breakfast options don’t come better than this.
8. Duck and Waffle – Bishopsgate
Image courtesy of Duck and Waffle
A name that regularly finds its way into our best places to dine list, Duck and Waffle in Heron Tower is one of the frontrunners for best breakfast in the sky.
While they are known primarily for their signature duck and waffle dinner dish, their breakfast options are just as appealing. We’d recommend the smoked finnan haddock alongside their organic poached eggs with a hash brown and English mustard cream.
Atmosphere – Sophisticated, upper class.
Best feature – Skyline dining with exceptional views of London.
9. The Wolseley – Piccadilly
Renowned for having the best eggs Benedict in London. The Wolseley situated itself in the heart of Piccadilly and isn’t shy of celebrity clientele. It’s sharp, suave and doused in crimson blacks, this is highbrow breakfast dining at its finest.
You’re only going to The Wolseley for one item, and that’s the eggs benedict – exquisite would be an understatement.
Atmosphere – Suave and intimate, even at busier times.
Best feature – The eggs benedict, arguably the best in London.
10. Devonshire Club – City of London
Image courtesy of The Devonshire Club
Politely hiding itself in Devonshire Square, Devonshire Club is one of the five star boutique hotel and private members clubs in London.
Devonshire Club serves eggs every way possible. We’d recommend their baked eggs with chorizo ricotta if you’re looking for a more abstract approach to your traditional eggs benedict.
Atmosphere – Lively but intimate.
Best feature – The menu which offers traditional English breakfast options with a twist.
11. Kettner’s Townhouse – Soho
Kettner’s Townhouse is one of the rare cafes in Soho that can offer a quaint ambience amongst the bustling Soho cityscape. It’s a stunning townhouse, lined with marbles and eccentric architrave patterning, all of which compliments the exceptional menu.
The botanicals here are wonderful, the Glow in particular was sensational, infused with pomegranate, red grapes, guava, ginger, lime, rose and collagen. If you’re looking for something slightly different, we’d encourage trying the Kettner’s cured trout.
Atmosphere – Quaint and quiet, rare in Soho cafes.
Best feature – The botanicals and variety of freshly made juices and smoothies.
12. Aqua Shard – The Shard
Image courtesy of Aqua Shard
Another skyline breakfast emporium makes our list. Aqua Shard is primarily known for its 360 degree views of London, but try not to let this distract you from their exceptional breakfast menu.
The Shard Set Breakfast is a must-try, with the Dingley Deli treacle being a fantastic complimentary addition. For something lighter, the Old Legbar egg omelette would be our choice.
Atmosphere – Peaceful, especially if you secure a window seat in the corner
Best feature – The views only serve to complement the menu, it’s difficult to pick a winner.
13. Granary Square Brasserie – Kings Cross
From the team that brought you The Ivy Collection, Granary Square Brasserie offers a seven-day dining concept with an all-day brunch menu at the weekends. A beautiful kaleidoscope of electric blues and oranges illuminates your dining experience.
The menu is varied, boasting a selection of coolers and juices, pastries, egg-based brunches and muesli and yoghurt options. We were tempted by their HLT Sandwich, including Halloumi, avocado, tomato and olives.
Atmosphere – Busy, lively and fun.
Best feature – The eccentric design choice and the varied menu.
14. Cocotte – Shoreditch
Cocotte is a sweet option for a weekend brunch date in Shoreditch, serving a tempting menu from 10am to 5pm. The dishes on offer are purposefully comforting and crafted with love; defining itself as London’s destination for ‘healthy rotisserie’, you’ll find brunch options including chicken & waffles, roasted courgette & mushroom tartine, and sweet waffles too.
Atmosphere – A warm and welcoming ambiance.
Best feature – Their signature croissant waffles.
15. The Social Pantry – Clapham
As their name suggests, The Social Pantry is a relaxing place to unwind and enjoy a full English breakfast or a muesli-infused delight with a date. It’s shabby-chic design perfectly complements the simple, yet rustic presentation of their food.
The Social Pantry balances traditional breakfast options with lighter, healthier options. Their SP Granola is highly recommended.
Atmosphere – Lively, but by no means invasive thanks to open design.
Best feature – The SP Granola was a personal highlight and we love the shabby-chic design.
16. Sunday in Brooklyn – Notting Hill
A breakfasting spot imported directly from New York, Sunday in Brooklyn is the place to go for a fun, informal morning date. The menu is replete with American-inspired breakfast and brunch dishes, including biscuits and gravy, chicken sandwiches and of course, soft and pillowy pancakes that make for a beautiful photo opportunity.
Atmosphere – Stylish but unfussy.
Best feature – Their indulgent pancake stacks.
17. 100 Wardour Street – Soho
Known for being the building where The Rolling Stones performed their first gig, 100 Wardour Street still beams with charisma and charm. Open 8am till 3am, you should have no problem reserving breakfast or brunch for you and your date.
The menu is great for vegetarians, with their harissa and agave roasted aubergine being a favourite among visitors. We would advise booking, as it can get busy due to its popularity.
Atmosphere – Lively, energetic and constantly buzzing.
Best feature – Their vegetarian options and smoothies.
18. Sexy Fish – Mayfair
Image courtesy of Sexy Fish
Those who regularly dine out in London will know of Sexy Fish. If you’re looking for a luxurious, Asian-inspired breakfast, Sexy Finish is a fine option.
Food is served on exquisite plate and bowls, with every dish having its own designated serving plate (some even arrive on shells). Being experts on fine Asian breakfast cuisine, we’d recommend their brunch option, which includes so many fine Asian food delights we can’t name them all (click here to look at their brunch menu).
Atmosphere – Often busy but generous spacing allows for intimacy.
Best feature – The presentation of all their food.
19. Sartoria – Mayfair
Another Mayfair marvel includes Sartoria, who reopened their doors at the end of 2015 with a new breakfast and brunch menu inspired by Italian cuisine.
With this in mind, we opted for their Eggs Purgatorio, which consists of a rich egg crispy baked in a spicy tomato sauce and coupled with freshly baked Italian breads.
Atmosphere – Calm and sophisticated, generous spacing allows for conversation even at busier times.
Best feature – Colourfully presented food and a diverse menu.
20. Roka – Aldwych
Image courtesy of Roka
For something aside from traditional English breakfasts and smoothie infusions, Roka is here to enlighten your taste buds.
With the majority of dishes being served in Japanese-inspired plates, we’d strongly recommend opting for this menu, specifically the raw salmon, avocado and wasabi tobiko maki.
Atmosphere – Lively and energetic.
Best feature – Traditional Japanese-inspired design and beautifully presented food.
21. Foxcroft & Ginger – Balham
Everything at Foxcroft & Ginger feels as if it’s been blanketed with a rustic brush. Understated from the outside with its matt black finish and simple white typography, Foxcroft & Ginger does the majority of its talking inside with their exceptional menu and beautifully presented food.
Baking is their specialty, using traditional slow fermentation methods, Foxcroft & Ginger are able to produce some of the finest sourdough and muffins in London. We’d personally recommend their Eggs Benedict, with house-cured citrus salmon and avocado, and hollandaise topped on a classic English muffin.
Atmosphere – Buzzing and chatty.
Best feature – Finely baked sourdough and rustic food presentation.
22. Sketch – Soho
Image courtesy of Sketch
Ever-fantastical, Sketch has affirmed itself as one of the most unique dining locations in London. We could talk for hours on Sketch’s design choices, but one of their standout features is there plush pink decor. Honestly, Sketch has to be seen to be believed.
Breakfast is located in The Parlour and the menu is comprised of several pastries, fruits and cereals and egg-based options. We’d strongly recommend pairing their the Almond Milk Cappuccino with some of their fine pastry options.
Atmosphere – Depends on where you sit!
Best feature – Crazy decor and delectable pastries.
23. Granger & Co – Notting Hill
Light, whimsical and calming, Granger & Co at Notting Hill is a breath of fresh air. Their menu is also impressively large, including a variation of juices, smoothies, fruit and cereal options, a bakery offering daily buns, muffins and tray bakes and finally, traditional classics. We’d encourage you to try their ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter – as that’s what they’re known for.
Atmosphere – Calm, relaxing and quaint.
Best feature – Their ricotta hotcakes and charming atmosphere.
24. The Summer House – Little Venice
The most delightful feature of The Barge House is there signature ‘Breakfast in Bread’. Served in a hot, hollowed-out artisan sourdough loaf, they fill the centre with your favourite breakfast options.
Their menu options are glorious, including the smoked salmon with spinach, leek, creme fraiche, egg and cheese being their recommendation. They also cater for vegetarians and vegans, so you won’t be left wanting.
Atmosphere – Lively and spacious, perfect for a brunch date.
Best feature – Their ‘Breakfast in Bread’.
25. Christopher’s – Covent Garden
Image courtesy of Christopher’s
Christopher’s lies in the heart of bustling Covent Garden and has become one of London’s most popular American restaurants. Christopher’s three-tier layout includes a Martini Bar on the ground floor, a luxury dining room on the first and a suave private Club Room on the lower ground floor (which can be booked for parties and private functions).
This Grade II listed building was once know as London’s first licensed casino, and the designers have done well to keep the architecture’s history alive and kicking.
Atmosphere – Lively and energetic, especially in the evening.
Best feature – The unique seafood options.
26. Casa Brindisa – South Kensington
Although they are known for their exceptional tapas menu, Casa Brindisa also boasts an outstanding breakfast menu. Opening in 2008, Casa Brindisa are known for their humble, Spanish-inspired home cooking with a specific focus on tapas-based meals.
We’d recommend their sharing dishes, particularly their Txuleton Basque Steak, which is can be cooked based on your personal preference.
Atmosphere – Friendly and perfect for large groups and dates.
Best feature – The varied tapas menu.
27. Nopi – Soho
Nopi is one of Yotam Ottolenghi’s restaurants. Leaning mostly towards vegetarian options, expect an array of beautifully flavoured, creative dishes on the breakfast menu. The décor is simple yet effective, letting the food’s colours and flavour take centre stage.
Atmosphere – Elegant and convivial.
Best feature – Their signature shakshuka.
28. Farm Girl – Soho
Nestling on the first floor of the Sweaty Betty, Farm Girl is one of the best places for foodies looking for healthy, nourishing embellishment. Their plant-filled emporium allows for a perfect date setting or social meetup.
Their menu focuses on smoothie bowls and salads, however don’t let this distract you from their brunch and coffee offerings.
Atmosphere – Relaxed, and noninvasive – even during busier times.
Best feature – Their interior decor.
29. Fallow – St James’s
Opened in May 2019, Fallow is quickly becoming one of London’s most revered dining spots. The breakfast menu includes an array of inviting dishes including Bircher museli and Haymarket hash browns. In particular, we’d recommend trying their Royales, which replace the traditional English muffin with signature croissant rolls.
Atmosphere – Stylish and contemporary.
Best feature – Their signature Royales including salmon belly and mushroom.
30. Lantana – Shoreditch
Image courtesy of Lantana
Brunch at Lantana is infused with Australian cafe culture. Their interior is urban, spacious and beautifully lit.
We’d recommend their corn fritters stacked with streaky bacon, spinach, roast tomatoes and white bean hummus.
Atmosphere – Lively, fun and humble.
Best feature – Australian-inspired brunch and urban decor.
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