Best breakfasts in London: 26 spots to kick-start your day

If you’re the type of person who wakes up hungry the minute your alarm goes off, or even if you‘re not, London’s best breakfasts cater for every sort of appetite. Whether you prefer a coffee and a pastry to go, or a proper fry-up within the comfort of a greasy spoon, London’s best restaurants for breakfast are busy serving all kinds of top grub in the early hours of the morning.

Which brings us to the question: what is breakfast? And when is it served? While brunch is undeniably a mid-morning affair, and often flows seamlessly into the afternoon, breakfast is a steadfast early-morning fixture. None of this waiting around until 11am malarky. You can nip into London’s best breakfast restaurants for an early bite to eat, safe in the knowledge you’ll find the appropriate fare to fuel the rest of your day. Most of the capital’s best breakfast places open at 8am, meaning you can hop and skip straight out of bed and into a plate of shakshuka before work, should you wish to.

The best breakfasts in London are a wide and varied bunch, from cute cafes serving freshly-baked pastries and steaming cups of coffee, to awesome Aussie spots where boujie banana bread is king. That’s not to say breakfast is a lighter affair. We see all you fans of a proper cooked breakie and we raise you some of the best English breakfasts London has to offer. If you don’t fancy scrolling through pancake stacks and avocado toasts to find them, allow us to give you a hint: if it has ‘cafe’ in the title, it probably does a decent full English.

So without further ado, check out our ultimate list of the best breakfasts in London. And don’t forget to skip straight to the best section for you down below.

Best breakfasts in central London

Central London certainly isn't short of top breakfast spots, which is why we've made sure to include a diverse selection. From luxurious delis and posh hotels to an old-school cafe that's barely changed in 50 years, the best breakfast restaurants in central London offer it all.

Bar Jackie, Soho

What: Set within Soho's Broadwick Hotel, breakfasts at Bar Jackie come with the signature style of the hotel. Like its sister restaurant Dear Jackie, it’s an homage to the flamboyant Jackies of history, featuring bright but complementary colours, luxe details and plush interiors. In the morning, this is the go to spot for plates of eggs Benedict with prosciutto cotto, buttermilk pancakes, and field mushrooms with black pudding. There’s also a great selection of croissants, pastries, and grains in case you fancy something lighter.
Where: Broadwick Soho, 20 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HT
Book now: Bar Jackie

Nessa, Soho

What: This neighbourhood restaurant and bistro is for those who want to see and be seen at the trendiest places to eat right now. Nessa was one of Soho’s shiniest 2023 additions, where executive chef Tom Cenci champions British produce and classic dishes with an inventive twist. Breakfast is served until 11am, and features a signature sausage and egg muffin with hot sauce and cheese, chocolate and orange French toast with Biscoff crumb, and a mixed grill with bacon chop, Oxford sausage, egg and the crispiest hash brown on the market.  
Where: 86 Brewer Street, W1F 9UB 
Book now: Nessa

The Wolseley, Mayfair 

What: Breakfast in style at Mayfair institution The Wolseley, which has menus and interiors inspired by the European Grand Café tradition. There’s an entire section dedicated to lighter options, from cereals, smoothies and yoghurt pots to pastries from the Viennoiserie. Further down the list, you’ll find a selection of classic and signature options. Alongside a full English and eggs-cooked-any-way, think bubble and squeak with wild mushrooms, fried haggis and duck eggs with whisky sauce, and grilled kippers with mustard butter.  
Where: 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB 
Book now: The Wolseley 

Ganymede, Belgravia

What: Specialising in old school classics refreshed with modern techniques, breakfast at Ganymede comes complete with all the comforting dishes you could ask for. The breakfast menu includes the likes of Dorset crab Benedict with Hass avocado; ‘Turkish green eggs’ with a super greens sauce, feta and sumac; and breakfast baps with sausage, streaky bacon and chipotle mayonnaise. Whether in the stylish dining room or basking under the Belgravia sun, there’s a lot to love here.
Where: 139 Ebury Street, SW1W 9QU
Book now: Ganymede

Fischer's, Marylebone

What: A Viennese style restaurant and cafe, Marylebone eatery Fischer’s manages to combine an informal yet chic feel and is a perfect spot for breakfast. Served until 11.30am, the breakfast menu includes freshly baked pastries, breakfast favourites such as eggs benedict along with traditional Gröstls (that’s a potato-based Viennese dish). You could easily while away a few hours here, sipping coffee and taking in the rich atmosphere.
Where: 50 Marylebone High Street
Book now: Fischer's

Fallow, St James's

What: The day that Fallow launched its Saturday brunch menu, and in turn marked the arrival of its indulgent Royale buns, was a fine day indeed. Luckily for us, you can now enjoy them throughout the week thanks to its all-new breakfast menu, served Monday to Friday. Diners can order its famous Royales, which sees a croissant-like bun filled with the likes of salmon belly, crème fraiche and a runny egg, along with other indulgent treats. Think black pudding Benedict served on a honey waffle with black pepper hollandaise, bacon and a poached egg.
Where: 52 Haymarket, SW1Y 4RP
Book now: Fallow

Mount St. Restaurant, Mayfair

What: Retro British classics are given a reboot at this beautiful and artistic Mayfair restaurant. Alongside eggs and continental options, you can choose from the likes of kedgeree, omelette Arnold Bennet and devilled kidneys on toast. With executive chef Jamie Shears leading the kitchen charge, it’s hard to go wrong whatever you choose. A fact that is especially true if you fancy splashing out for an oscietra caviar omelette.
Where: 41-43 Mount Street, W1K 2RX
Book now: Mount St. Restaurant

Regency Café, Westminster

What: This no-frills corner café has been serving full English breakfasts to the people of Westminster since 1946. Now very much a part of the furniture, punters return again and again to this endearing spot for its retro interiors and unashamedly British breakfasts. A full English is the thing to get here, which includes an egg, bacon, sausages, beans or tomatoes, bread or toast and your choice of tea or coffee. All for less than £9! It's barely changed over the years, and we hope it stays that way.
Where: 17-19 Regency Street, SW1P 4BY
Book now: Regency Cafe

Honey & Co, Bloomsbury

What: From the unstoppable duo that is Sarit Packer and Itamar Srulovich, Honey & Co is undoubtedly one of the best places to eat Middle Eastern food in London – and that goes for its breakfast too. Look out for the cheesy bureka filled with feta, zaatar, and garlic yoghurt, or a classic sabich with marinated Italian aubergines served on a pita with tahini and a fried egg. There’s also ‘The Big Breakfast’, which includes a selection of mezze to share for the table, followed by your choice of egg dish.
Where: 54 Lamb’s Conduit Street, WC1N 3LW
Book now: Honey & Co

Best breakfasts in north London

Jealous doesn't come close to how we feel about lucky north Londoners who have these epic breakfast spots on their doorstep. From great bakeries to classic greasy spoons, these London breakfast restaurants have it all.

Brother Marcus, Angel

What: Whether you’re after something more traditional or a plate that’s a little more adventurous, Brother Marcus has all the bases covered. Set in Angel, but with various sites across the capital, breakfasts here might include sunny dishes like stuffed pittas with feta and spinach, kofta and egg, or classic bacon and sausage, or more conventional early morning eats like avocado toast with harissa eggs. The setting is perfect for a morning meal, with a bustling and informal atmosphere plenty of natural light and a cosy but energising feel.
Where: 37-39 Camden Passage, N1 8EA; 2 Crispin Place, E1 6DW; 23 Slingsby Place, WC2E 9AB
Book now: Brother Marcus Angel; Brother Marcus Spitalfields; Brother Marcus Covent Garden

Cafe Beam, Highbury 

What: Now with four sites across London including in Highbury, Crouch End, Muswell Hill and Notting Hill, Cafe Beam serves a Middle Eastern inspired all-day menu, although it’s best known for its epic breakfast and brunch dishes. This one in Highbury opens every day at 8am, ideal for those looking to grab a delicious bite before getting on with their day. Our favourite is the Mediterranean breakfast, a humungous plate featuring grilled halloumi, egg, a filo feta pastry, grilled spicy sausage, avocado, feta, marinated olives and harissa yoghurt, and artisan bread and jam. 
Where: 184 Blackstock Road, N5 1EF 
Book now: Cafe Beam

Pophams, Islington 

What: You can find Pophams' bakeries in London Fields and Victoria Park, but this one in Islington is where it all began. The menu has evolved a lot since 2017, but it's still one of the leading purveyors of exceptional baked goods in London. Pop in for a pastry and a flat white any day of the week. Sweet and savoury options include bacon and maple; Marmite, schlossberger and spring onion; and olive tapenade and thyme. 
Where: 19 Prebend Street, N1 8PF 
Book now: Pophams Islington

Norman's Cafe, Tufnell Park

What: We hesitated about including Norman's Cafe in this guide, namely because it's only open from 10am to 3pm, Wednesday to Sunday, so isn't really suitable if you're after something to eat first thing. Still, you can't deny that these guys serve up a stellar British breakfast. Unapologetically basic, what you see is what you get when it comes to the food menu. Think sausages, chips and beans, fried eggs on toast, and a chip butty. What's not to love?
Where: 167 Junction Road, N19 5PZ
Book now: Norman's Cafe

Best breakfasts in west London

They say 'west is best', and when its breakfast scene is this good, who are we to disagree? Sure there might be a preconception that going for breakfast here is all oat flat whites and avocado toast, but you’ll also find some more unique breakfast offerings.

Los Mochis, Notting Hill and City

What: Los Mochis in Notting Hill offers a unique breakfast experience, blending Mexican and Japanese flavours to create colourful and deeply satisfying ways to start your day. All the classics are present and correct (think granola, full English breakfasts, and fluffy pancakes), alongside more unusual fusion plates like ‘ el taco rey’ (scrambled eggs with truffles), and churro waffles with yuzu honey ricotta and dulce de leche.
Where: 2 Farmer Street, W8 7SN; 9th Floor, 100 Liverpool Street, EC2M 2AT
Book now: Los Mochis Notting Hill; Los Mochis City

The Park, Bayswater

What: The Park, an elegant modern grand cafe by Jeremy King, offers an all-day menu, and the breakfast here is a real highlight. The menu includes all the classics like fluffy pancakes, and Eggs Arlington alongside sweet treats and pastries like a pecan, maple and cinnamon Danish. There’s even a dedicated section for cereals and fruit, offering bowls of chia pudding with banana and coconut and seasonal fruit salads.
Where: 2 Queensway, W2 3RX
Book now: The Park

Sunday in Brooklyn, Notting Hill and Marylebone

What: Though best known for brunch offerings, Sunday in Brooklyn is a great stop for breakfast too. It’s pen from 9am on weekdays and 8:30 on weekends, so there’s no need to save the signature Sunday in Brooklyn brown butter pancakes till after 11. It’s a pretty great way to start the day, and you’ll have your pick of the menu too offering up salmon brioche, cheddar scramble with potatoes, cilbir eggs, and avocado toast.
Where: 98 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RU; 10-12 James Street, W1U 1EE
Book now: Sunday in Brooklyn Notting Hill; Sunday in Brooklyn Marylebone

Megan’s, Kensington

What: Known for its holiday-ready interiors and affordable but insanely tasty Mediterranean menus, Megan’s is a great location for breakfasts of all kinds. From 8:30am the gorgeous Kensington High Street restaurant serves up a signature two-person Turkish breakfast complete with halloumi, shakshouka, and baklava alongside other plates like avo toast and eggs benedict. It’s also available at other sites across London. Sure, it might be billed as a ‘brunch’ menu, but this is a breakfast of kings any day of the week.
Where: 204 Kensington High Street, W8 7RG; 55-57 The Pavement, SW4 0JQ; 6 Esther Anne Place, N1 1WF
Book now: Megan’s on the High Street Kensington; Megan’s Clapham Old Town; Megan’s at the Sorting Office Islington

The Princess Royal, Notting Hill 

What: The Princess Royal, part of Cubitt House, serves up a mega breakfast Monday to Sunday. Overseen by chef director Ben Tish, the menu features much-loved classics with a twist such as scrambled eggs with wild mushrooms, summer truffle and Parmesan, and slow-cooked lamb flatbreads with a fried egg, labneh, salsa verde, and pickled red onion. For those with a sweet tooth, you can choose from the likes of house granola with whipped Greek yoghurt and raw honey, panettone French toast with pistachio cream and an Amedei hot chocolate bowl.
Where: 47 Hereford Road, W2 5AH 
Book now: The Princess Royal 

Best breakfasts in south London

On the hunt for banging breakfasts south of the river? We've got you. From a retro cafe specialising in the mighty full English, to where to find the perfect flat white, we've got you covered.

Soderberg, East Dulwich

What: Start your day with a taste of Scandinavia at Söderberg in East Dulwich. This charming bakery and coffee shop opens early, offering a tempting array of breakfast options, including freshly baked pastries, delightful buns, Scandinavian waffles and cakes. Just don't miss out on the coffee here; roasted in Edinburgh, and boasting notes of caramel and chocolate – it’s the perfect complement to a signature Swedish cardamom bun.
Where: 36 - 38 Lordship Lane, SE22 8HJ
Book now: Soderberg East Dulwich

Sylva, Deptford

What: A sustainable, neighbourhood cafe through and through, Sylva offers up a range of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and down-right delicious dishes for breakfast. It’s the result of a mutually beneficial relationship with fruit and veg wholesalers Smith & Brock just down the road. From here, Sylva collects unloved and wonky produce otherwise unfit for sale, and transforms it into signature swirling ‘morning buns’, bruschetta with avocado and fermented chilli, and a signature Sylva breakfast with herb chickpea Farinata, garden salad, yoghurt, and olives.
Where: Folkestone Gardens, Trundleys Road, SE8 5JE
Book now: Sylva

Tashas, Battersea

What: South African all-day dining concept Tashas has made its way across the pond with the launch of its debut London site in Battersea. With its quite frankly gorgeous interiors and a breakfast menu that will have you ordering everything on it, Tashas is one of the best ways to start the day. Breakie is served from 8:30am, and includes dishes like egg salad and avo on toast, sweetcorn scramble with bacon and Aleppo pepper butter, and brioche French toast with almond frangipani, clotted cream, strawberries and maple syrup.
Where: 3 Prospect Way, Battersea Power Station, SW11 8BH 
Book now: Tashas

Terry’s Café, Borough 

What: An honest and unpretentious café in Borough that’s been serving English breakfasts, old fashioned British classics and sweet treats from its dessert trolley since 1982. Fry-ups are served all day here, from the ‘Full Works’ to veggie and vegan options, and you can always round it off with a slice of jam sponge if you fancy something sweet.  
Where: 158 Great Suffolk Street, SE1 1PE 
Book now: Terry’s Café 

Flotsam & Jetsam, Wandsworth

What: This Antipodean-style café overlooking Wandsworth Park is rammed at the weekends, which is why we recommend popping in for breakfast during the week when it’s a little quieter. The menu changes all the time and inludes the likes of American style pancakes with crispy bacon, caramelised bananas, fresh berries, maple syrup and mascarpone; smashed avo and feta on toast; and chorizo scramble with focaccia.  
Where: 4 Bellevue Parade, SW17 7EQ 
Book now: Flotsam & Jetsam 

Best breakfasts in east London

Those fortunate enough to reside on the east side of the capital are privy to a wealth of excellent breakfast spots - including the legendary Dusty Knuckle bakery. 

Bangers, Shoreditch

What: If you're in the market for a fancy breakfast sarnie, we can highly recommend Bangers, which offers a huge range of different baps, burgers and muffins to suit all sorts, alongside excellent Allpress coffee. There are lots of delicious choices but we're big fans of the original sausage sarnie. Plus, Bangers use quality produce from front to back too, working with the likes of Clarence Court and Lidgates organic butchers.
Where: 5 Leonard Circus, EC2A 4DQ
Book now: Bangers

Café Cecilia, Hackney 

What: Breakfast at Café Cecilia is only served Friday to Sunday, for less than two hours, so you’ll need to get in quick if you want to try the menu. Most of the dishes are under a tenner, and keep things refreshingly simple. There's toasted Guinness bread and sourdough with jam, marinated tomatoes with goat’s cheese, and kippers with parsley and capers. We'd expect nothing less than plates as cool as the restaurant’s owner: the one and only Max Rocha (previously The River Café and St John Bread & Wine). 
Where: 32 Andrews Road, E8 4FX 
Book now: Café Cecilia 

The Dusty Knuckle, Dalston 

What: The chances of getting a seat at The Dusty Knuckle on weekends are depressingly slim, so weekdays are your best bet. On Mondays, it serves bread, coffee and pastries only, while for the rest of the week, it offers an extended breakfast menu featuring granola with compote and yoghurt, or toast (of course) with a variety of spreads. There’s a reason the many tables here are always occupied. That reason is great breakfasts.  
Where: Abbot Street Carpark, E8 3DP 
Book now: The Dusty Knuckle 

Prefer a lie-in? Not to worry. Our guide to the best brunches in London means you can enjoy all the best bits about breakfast, just a few hours later.