London in the morning has its own charm — the soft light over the streets, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and the endless choices of breakfast spots scattered around the city. Over the years, I’ve tried everything from elegant dining rooms to tiny neighbourhood cafés, and for 2026, these 15 stand out as the best places for a memorable breakfast in London. These picks are based on real-world experiences, food quality, local recommendations, and the overall vibe that makes breakfast feel like something special — not just the first meal of the day.
1. The Wolseley – Elegant, Classic, Timeless
Location: 160 Piccadilly, Mayfair
Website: The Wolseley
If you want to start your day with a touch of old-school glamour, The Wolseley is a must. Walking inside feels like stepping into a grand European café — high arches, polished floors, subtle lighting, and staff who know exactly how to make you feel welcome.
Their breakfast menu is classic but refined. Eggs Benedict, kedgeree, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, and a range of pastries that always arrive warm. The quality is consistent, and the experience feels luxurious without being intimidating.
Perfect for special mornings or a relaxed but classy breakfast
Service is top-notch
Great spot for couples, families, and travellers who want a taste of “classic London”
- Try this: Their Viennoiserie basket — flaky, buttery, and excellent with their house coffee.
2. Dishoom – Bombay Breakfast with a Cult Following
Location: Multiple branches (Shoreditch, King’s Cross, Covent Garden)
Website: Dishoom
Dishoom is one of those places where you can go early in the morning and still expect a queue — and trust me, it’s worth it. Their breakfast is inspired by old Irani cafés of Bombay, and it’s easily one of the most flavourful starts to the day.
The star of the menu is the Bacon Naan Roll, soft smoky bacon wrapped inside a warm naan with a touch of cream cheese and chilli jam. Their Akuri (spiced scrambled eggs) is another favourite among food lovers.
Unique flavours you won’t find elsewhere
Warm, cozy ambience with amazing chai
Great value for the quality
- Try this: Order the House Chai — people go back just for that.
3. Duck & Waffle – Breakfast in the Sky
Location: 110 Bishopsgate, City of London
Website: Duck & Waffle
If you’re looking for a breakfast with a view, Duck & Waffle is unbeatable. The restaurant sits high above the city, and getting there by lift alone feels like an experience. Once seated, you get 360-degree views of London waking up beneath you.
Their signature dish, the Duck & Waffle (crispy leg confit, fried egg, mustard maple syrup), is a must-try — it’s rich, indulgent, and memorable. They also serve lighter options like granola, fresh fruit, shakshuka, and pastries.
Stunning sunrise views
A menu that balances creative dishes with classics
Open 24/7 (great for early travellers or late-night people)
- Try this: Book around sunrise — the natural light makes the experience magical.
4. The Good Egg – Middle Eastern Comfort Food
Location: Stoke Newington & King’s Cross
This is the kind of spot you go to when you want something comforting, flavourful, and a little different from the usual bacon-and-eggs routine. The Good Egg mixes Middle Eastern and modern London influences beautifully.
Their Shakshuka, Babka French Toast, and bagels are some of the most comforting breakfast dishes in the city. The atmosphere is relaxed, neighbourhood-friendly, and ideal for long, lazy brunches.
Creative flavours that still feel homey
Perfect for vegetarian-friendly options
Relaxed vibe, ideal for slow mornings
- Try this: The Babka French Toast — sweet, soft, and absolutely irresistible.
5. Caravan King’s Cross – Trendy & Globally Inspired
Location: 1 Granary Square, King’s Cross
Caravan is always buzzing — in a good way. Set inside an old grain store, it’s industrial, stylish, and welcoming. Their menu is globally inspired, offering a mix of hearty plates and creative dishes.
Expect everything from jalapeño cornbread, buttermilk pancakes, fried jalapeño eggs, to simple but excellent sourdough with house-made butter. It’s also a great place for specialty coffee.
Large menu with something for everyone
Great for groups and gatherings
Consistently good coffee
- Try this: Their Skillet Baked Eggs — spicy, rich, and perfect with their sourdough.
6. Granger & Co – Australian-Style Breakfast with a Sunny Vibe
Location: Notting Hill, Chelsea, Clerkenwell
Website: Granger & Co
Granger & Co has that warm, relaxed Australian café feel — bright interiors, friendly staff, and a menu that focuses on fresh, wholesome dishes. Their ricotta hotcakes are probably the most photographed breakfast item in London, and for good reason: they’re soft, airy, and subtly sweet. The sweetcorn fritters are another favourite, especially if you prefer a savoury start.
Feel-good, bright atmosphere
Dishes full of colour and freshness
Great for health-conscious eaters
- Try this: The Ricotta Hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter — iconic.
7. The Breakfast Club – Fun, Retro, Comfort Breakfasts
Location: Soho, London Bridge, Hoxton & more
Website: The Breakfast Club
If you wake up craving a proper comfort breakfast, The Breakfast Club is the place to be. The vibe is quirky and informal — think neon signs, upbeat music, and that cosy “classic diner” energy. Their pancakes with berries, full English, and fried chicken & waffles are crowd-pleasers.
Big, comforting portions
A fun, lively atmosphere
Perfect for groups and casual mornings
- Try this: The Pancakes & Bacon — simple but always satisfying.
8. Ozone Coffee Roasters – Coffee-Lover’s Breakfast Spot
Location: Shoreditch & London Fields
Website: Ozone Coffee Roasters
Ozone isn’t just a café — it’s a roastery, and you can smell the fresh coffee as soon as you walk in. Their breakfast is modern, creative, and beautifully presented. Expect dishes like sourdough with whipped butter, smoked fish bowls, kimchi scrambled eggs, and granola with seasonal fruits.
One of the best specialty coffee spots in London
Stylish, spacious interior with a relaxed vibe
Innovative menu with global flavours
- Try this: The Ozone Shakshuka — bold flavours without being too heavy.
9. Farm Girl Café – Instagram-Friendly, Healthy & Creative
Location: Notting Hill, Fitzrovia
Website: Farm Girl
Farm Girl is vibrant, colourful, and perfect if you enjoy bright plates and wholesome ingredients. Their breakfast bowls, açai bowls, rose lattes, and matcha pancakes attract a lot of health-conscious eaters and travellers. Everything feels fresh and energising.
Healthy breakfast options without sacrificing taste
Beautiful presentation — very Discover/Pinterest-friendly
Cozy, small café vibe
- Try this: The Matcha Pancakes — soft, green, and full of flavour.
10. E Pellicci – Classic East London Café with History
Location: Bethnal Green
No official website (Google Maps page is available)
E Pellicci is an iconic East London institution that has been serving breakfast for more than 120 years. It’s not a fancy brunch place — it’s a proper local café with heart, history, and personality. Expect Full English breakfasts, sausages, fried eggs, and thick toast served quickly and with charm.
Very affordable compared to central London cafés
A family-run business with decades of history
Friendly, authentic East London atmosphere
- Try this: The traditional Full English — simple, generous, and satisfying.
11. Gail’s Bakery – Fresh, Warm, Artisan Morning Treats
Location: Dozens of branches across London
Website: Gail’s Bakery
If you love the smell of freshly baked bread in the morning, Gail’s is a safe and delicious choice. Their artisan bakes, warm pastries, and great-quality coffee make them one of the most reliable breakfast stops in the city.
Their cinnamon buns, cheese straws, almond croissants, and sourdough loaves sell out quickly — and their breakfast pots (like granola and yoghurt with seasonal fruit) are perfect for busy mornings.
Fresh pastries baked throughout the day
Comfortable seating for a relaxed morning
Consistent quality across branches
- Try this: The Cinnamon Bun — soft, sticky, and addictive.
12. 26 Grains – Scandinavian-Style Breakfast in Neal’s Yard
Location: Covent Garden
Website: 26 Grains
Tucked inside the colourful, charming corner of Neal’s Yard, 26 Grains serves Scandinavian-inspired meals that feel wholesome and comforting. Their focus is on simple but flavorful bowls — porridge, grains, chia, and seasonal fruits.
Their Banana & Tahini Porridge is extremely popular, and their toasted rye with avocado or soft eggs are perfect if you want something light but satisfying.
Simple, beautiful dishes made from high-quality ingredients
A calm, cozy atmosphere in a hidden courtyard
Great for health-conscious or light-breakfast lovers
- Try this: The Nordic Pear Porridge — beautifully balanced and warming.
13. Honey & Co – Middle Eastern Breakfast Made with Love
Location: Bloomsbury
Website: Honey & Co
Honey & Co has a homely, welcoming feel — the kind of place where the food tastes like it was cooked with genuine care. Inspired by Middle Eastern home cooking, their breakfast spreads feature rich flavours and generous servings.
Their Sabich (egg & aubergine), Labneh with pita, and baked egg dishes are full of warmth and spice. It’s smaller than some cafés, so it often fills up quickly — but it’s worth the wait.
Deep, rich, Middle Eastern flavours
Friendly service and a home-style atmosphere
Perfect for a cozy, relaxed breakfast
- Try this: Their Labneh with Olive Oil & Fresh Bread — simple but unforgettable.
14. Regency Café – Old-School London Breakfast Legend
Location: Westminster
You might recognize Regency Café from movies (like Layer Cake) — but locals know it for its classic, hearty breakfasts at prices that are rare in central London. This is a true London institution, with black-and-white tiles, no-nonsense service, and huge portions.
Their Full English Breakfast, beans on toast, sausages, and fried eggs are served fast and hot. If you want a real British “caff” experience, this is the place.
Excellent value for money
Classic British comfort food
An authentic London café experience
- Try this: The Full English — generous and satisfying.
15. Brother Marcus – Modern, Mediterranean Brunch Vibes
Location: Angel, Borough Yards, Spitalfields
Website: Brother Marcus
Brother Marcus blends Mediterranean flavours with London brunch culture beautifully. The interiors are warm and modern, and the menu feels fresh and exciting without trying too hard.
Their best-sellers include Sweet Potato Fritters, Courgette Fritters, Spiced Eggs, and Housemade Flatbreads. Their coffee is also consistently good.
Light, fresh, flavorful plates
Vegetarian-friendly
Stylish interiors, perfect for relaxed brunch meetings
- Try this: The Sweet Potato Fritters — crisp on the outside, soft inside, full of flavour.
Final Thoughts
London’s breakfast scene has evolved so much over the years that it’s no longer just about grabbing a quick bite before work. In 2026, the city feels like a global breakfast playground — from elegant European cafés and Middle Eastern-inspired kitchens to modern roasteries and budget-friendly classics. Whether you’re starting a busy day or planning a slow, relaxed morning, there’s always a spot that suits your mood.
The best part? You don’t need to stick to one style. Try a luxury breakfast one weekend, a cosy neighbourhood bakery the next, and a creative brunch café whenever you want to explore something new. Every one of these places brings its own story, flavour, and charm — and that’s what makes London such a fantastic city for food lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What time do breakfast places usually open in London?
Most breakfast cafés open between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM, while popular brunch spots start around 9:00–10:00 AM. Weekend opening times may be slightly later.
2. Are reservations required for breakfast in London?
Not always. Casual cafés and bakeries usually operate walk-in only. But for famous spots like The Wolseley, Duck & Waffle, and Granger & Co, it’s strongly recommended to book in advance — especially on weekends.
3. What is the average cost of breakfast in London?
Expect to spend:
£8–£12 at bakeries and casual cafés
£15–£25 at mid-range brunch spots
£25–£35+ at premium or luxury venues
Prices vary depending on location, ingredients, and popularity.
4. Which breakfast places are best for vegetarians or vegans?
Caravan, The Good Egg, Farm Girl, and Brother Marcus all offer excellent vegetarian-friendly menus. For fully vegan options, many independent cafés in Shoreditch, Camden, and King’s Cross have dedicated menus.
5. What’s the most popular breakfast dish in London?
The Full English Breakfast, Eggs Benedict, and Dishoom’s Bacon Naan Roll remain the city’s top favourites. Pancakes, shakshuka, and sourdough-based dishes are also trending in 2025.
