It is not a city; it is a vibe, and it has some of the best Cafes in London. And if you are here soaking up the sights, smells, and selfies, you’ll find out fast that good coffee is not the only thing you need to look for to find the best cafes in London. It’s about atmosphere, friendliness, creative settings, and interesting stories in every cup.
Whether travelling alone, with family or loved ones, or with your best friends, this guide will help you refuel your body, rest your soul, and capture your heart’s content on Instagram.
Why London’s Café Scene Is a World of Its Own
The city’s vibrant café scene is a blend of tradition, multiculturalism, and Instagram-worthy aesthetics. Whether you’re catching a quick espresso between museum stops or having an hours-long catch-up brunch, London’s coffee scene does not fail.
Fun fact? The people of London consume approximately 95 million cups of coffee a day. In other words, coffee in this part of the world is not something for which to splurge, but rather a way of life.
Here Are the 13 Best Cafes in London That You Can’t Miss
Let’s dive into the espresso shot of it all.
1️⃣ Regency Cafe – A British Film Set Come to Life
Regency Cafe is an Art Deco establishment with nostalgia permeating every corner. Its tiled interior was featured in movies, and it serves celebratory, hearty breakfasts that both locals and tourists eat to their content. A firm favourite of early birds, this is one of London’s best cafés for a good old-fashioned kipper before arriving at the sights of Westminster.
📍 Location: 17-19 Regency St, Westminster
🍽️ Best Dish: Traditional English Breakfast with thick-cut toast
☕ Tip: Arrive by 7:30 a.m. to beat the morning rush. It’s also great for film buffs—several movie scenes were shot here!
2️⃣ EL&N London – For the Instagram Dreamer
EL&N London is a feast with neon quotes, floral explosions, and stylish pink inside. But it’s not just aesthetics – the coffee and cakes are equally outstanding. A playground for creatives and influencers, it sets the standard for café glam and, by all means, places among the best cafes in London for a sweet treat.
📍 Location: 112 Wardour St, Soho
🍽️ Best Dish: Rose Latte with a slice of Raspberry & Pistachio Cake
☕ Tip: Weekday mornings are the best time for a quiet experience and better photo lighting!
3️⃣ L’ETO Soho – Where Dessert Meets Art
L’ETO’s vibrant display of handcrafted desserts and luxurious ambience make it a date-night dream. With global flavours in every bite and beautifully crafted drinks, it’s a refined spot in Soho that turns coffee and cake into art. A top pick among the best cafes in London.
📍 Location: 155 Wardour St, Soho
🍽️ Best Dish: Matcha Crepe Cake with Rose Latte
☕ Tip: Perfect for romantic coffee dates. Try to grab a window seat for people-watching in Soho.
4️⃣ Kennington Lane Cafe – South London’s Hidden Gem
📍 Location: 383 Kennington Ln, Kennington
🍽️ Best Dish: Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon
☕ Tip: Known for serving cabbies and police—locals say it’s the best full English south of the river.
Beloved by locals and cabbies alike, this unpretentious gem dishes out top-tier breakfasts with a side of friendly banter. From hearty portions to feel-good vibes, it’s a classic café experience that warms the soul. The Eggs Benedict is iconic, making this one of the best cafes in London.
5️⃣ Fair Shot Cafe – Feel-Good Coffee
📍 Location: 3 Slingsby Pl, Covent Garden
🍽️ Best Drink: Oat Milk Flat White
☕ Tip: Visit during brunch hours and learn about their inclusive employment mission—coffee with a conscience.
More than just great coffee, Fair Shot is a social enterprise empowering individuals with learning disabilities. The vibe is calm, the decor inviting, and the mission inspiring. It’s one of the best cafes in London if you care as much about community impact as you do about your flat white.
6️⃣ Ace Cafe London – Where Rock ‘n’ Roll Meets Coffee
📍 Location: Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge
🍽️ Best Dish: Full English Breakfast with black pudding
☕ Tip: Visit during biker meet-ups or classic car nights—fun crowd, incredible stories, and roaring engines!
Part café, part cultural icon, Ace Cafe is a throwback to the 1950s biker era. Loud, proud, and full of character, this North Circular institution hosts regular themed events and serves comforting food and coffee. A unique experience that earns it a place among the best cafes in London.
7️⃣ Attendant Coffee Roasters – A Victorian Toilet Turned Café
📍 Location: 27a Foley St, Fitzrovia
🍽️ Best Drink: Single-origin espresso
☕ Tip: Sit inside the old urinal stalls—yes. They’ve been transformed into private booths!
Yes, it used to be a public toilet. Now? One of London’s quirkiest and most beloved specialty coffee spots. Small but mighty, Attendant Fitzrovia delivers expertly roasted coffee in a surprisingly cosy, beautifully refurbished space. It is one of the most unusual and best cafes in London.
8️⃣ Farm Girl – Aussie Vibes in Notting Hill
📍 Location: 59A Portobello Rd, Notting Hill
🍽️ Best Dish: Açai Bowl with Rose Latte
☕ Tip: Go early, especially on weekends—this spot fills up fast with brunch-goers and photographers alike.
Bringing health-conscious café culture from Melbourne to London, Farm Girl serves up colourful lattes, açai bowls, and a buzzing weekend vibe. Set in a rustic-chic Notting Hill corner, it’s a favourite among brunch-goers and wellness lovers—no wonder it’s considered one of the best cafes in London for a recharge.
9️⃣ Dulce Coffee London – Quick, Friendly, Delicious
📍 Location: 86 Whitechapel High St, Whitechapel
🍽️ Best Dish: Flaky Almond Croissant
☕ Tip: Ideal for grabbing breakfast before a day at the nearby markets or visiting the Tower of London.
Dulce’s efficient service and consistently great coffee make it a winner for commuters and busy locals. The atmosphere is welcoming, the pastries flaky, and the coffee packs a punch. This is one of the best cafes in London when you need quality fast, without compromising flavour or friendliness.
🔟 The Monocle Café – Scandinavian Meets Japanese Minimalism
📍 Location: 18 Chiltern St, Marylebone
🍽️ Best Drink: Kyoto-style Iced Coffee
☕ Tip: Bring your laptop—this café is peaceful, power outlet-friendly, and great for a calm work session.
Quiet sophistication defines The Monocle Café. Run by the famed lifestyle magazine, it offers a global, minimalistic café experience right in Marylebone. It’s the place to work, read, or unwind with a perfectly brewed cup—subtle luxury making it one of London’s best cafes for a calm break.
1️⃣1️⃣ De Vine – The Cosy Cave
📍 Location: 19 Vine St, near Tower Hill
🍽️ Best Dish: Chorizo and Cheese Toastie
☕ Tip: Excellent coffee stop after visiting the Tower of London—just 5 mins away but hidden from crowds.
Under a railway bridge near Tower Hill, De Vine provides warmth, personality, and delicious coffee. With cosy lighting and generous portions, it’s perfect for a low-key meet-up or solo sip session. It is one of the best cafes in London for those craving comfort, charm, and a break from the bustle.
1️⃣2️⃣ Coffee Island – Central London’s Greek Treat
📍 Location: 4b Upper St Martin’s Ln, Covent Garden
🍽️ Best Drink: Freddo Cappuccino (cold, creamy Greek coffee)
☕ Tip: Great place to refuel between shopping—less crowded than nearby spots, and the staff are coffee connoisseurs.
Greek roots, London soul. Coffee Island blends precision brewing with Mediterranean flair, serving bold yet smooth espresso. Located in Covent Garden, it’s a haven for coffee nerds seeking specialty drinks. A serious contender for the best cafes in London if quality beans are your top priority.
1️⃣3️⃣ Café in the Crypt – Underground, In Every Sense
📍 Location: St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square
🍽️ Best Dish: Homemade Scone with Clotted Cream
☕ Tip: Time your visit during a lunchtime concert upstairs—music, architecture, and coffee? Yes, please!
Beneath St. Martin-in-the-Fields church lies this hidden café, surrounded by stone arches and candlelight. The historical setting is peaceful and atmospheric, perfect for reflective coffee breaks. It’s one of the best cafes in London for those who enjoy history with their hot drink—and maybe a scone or two.
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Final Sip: Wrap-Up
You’ve got the list. You’ve got the transportation. All that’s left? Drink coffee in beautiful spaces, discover new parts of London, and live your best latte-loving life.
The best cafes in London aren’t just places to get your caffeine fix—they’re moments, memories, and marvels in a mug. So make every sip count, whether rolling solo, wrangling a family crew, on a romantic getaway, or just vibing with your besties.
🔽 Quick Actions
- 📍 Explore & compare London cafés via Welcome2.London
- 🛻 Book a Chauffeurz Premium Services & ride in comfort
- 📅 Save your favourite cafés to your travel planner
- 🗺 Plan your trip by vibe: 🧘 Relaxed, 💑 Romantic, 📷 Instagram-worthy, 🍳 Brunch goals
