Where to find the best pancakes in London: 23 sumptuous stacks

Pancakes might be synonymous with Shrove Tuesday, but the team here at SquareMeal HQ are of the firm opinion that pancakes should be a more-than-once-a-year occurrence. While we may never fully understand how the simple trio of flour, eggs and milk can produce something so delicious, we do know a thing or two about where to eat the best pancakes in London. Our superior knowledge (if we do say so ourselves) of the city’s breakfast and brunch menus has served us well once again, and allowed us to create this comprehensive list of the best places to eat pancakes in the capital.

Depending on who you talk to, the consensus as to what makes the best pancake in London varies from person to person. For some, it doesn’t get much better than a traditional, wafer-thin crepe, finished with a squeeze of lemon juice and lashings of sugar. While some prefer the bite of a fluffy American-style pancake, stacked to the rafters and drenched in maple syrup.

For connoisseurs of fried food, the list doesn’t stop there. A French galette is a popular choice for those who prefer their pancakes of the savoury sort, and let’s not forget the impossibly-fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes, which have made a name for themselves on social media in the last few years. Toppings are another major talking point. From butter and praline to syrup and bacon, you’ll find flavours for everyone in this list.

If your flipping skills aren’t up to scratch, don't worry. We've uncovered the best pancakes London has to offer, from viral souffles to traditional crepes. It's an honour (and a duty) to highlight breakfast and brunch restaurants in London offering the best pancakes of each kind, just waiting to be drenched in syrup, loaded with pistachio, or topped with streaky bacon. 

Nessa, Soho

What: Nessa serves wonderful pancakes for breakfast and brunch all year round, changing regularly with the seasons. But, like us, you’re researching the best pancakes for pancake day, keep an eye out for the special version. For a limited time only, Nessa's fluffy buttermilk pancakes are served with candy pink Yorkshire rhubarb, then topped with a buttery shortbread crumb. Heaven. Fingers crossed it’ll make a return this year.
What to order: Buttermilk pancake with Yorkshire rhubarb and shortbread crumb
Where: 86 Brewer Street, W1F 9UB
Book now: Nessa

Riding House Café, Fitzrovia and Bloomsbury

What: This bright and buzzy all-day restaurant is best known for its brunch menu, which includes a trio of malted deep-dish pancakes topped with all kinds of outrageous flavours. A combination of berries, clotted cream, and maple syrup is a pancake purist's dream. But the menu here also offers a sweet and savoury option with streaky bacon, blueberry compote, sour cream and maple syrup. Planning for Pancake Day? Expect bottomless pancakes, served all day.
What to order: Malt deep dish pancakes with marshmallows, coconut cream, white chocolate and banana-infused maple syrup
Where: 43-51 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PQ; 1 Brunswick Centre, Bernard Street, WC1N 1AF
Book now: Riding House Café Fitzrovia; Riding House Café Bloomsbury

The Little Violet Door, Soho

What: The Little Door group are responsible for a cohort of restaurants and bars across London (including The Little Blue Door and The Little Scarlet Door) designed in the style of a student flat share. When you step inside this Soho edition, you’ll be greeted by a trendy living room and kitchen diner, which functions as a restaurant and bar. The brunch menu is killer. Don’t miss its house pancakes, which include one sweet and savoury option, from fried chicken with bacon and chilli maple butter honey to pancakes with blackcurrants, torched peaches, rose and peach syrup, and creme fraiche.
What to order: House pancakes with fried chicken, bacon and chilli maple butter honey
Where: 871-873 Fulham Road, SW6 5HP
Book now: The Little Violet Door

Sunday in Brooklyn, Notting Hill and Marylebone

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What: When we think of Sunday in Brooklyn, we think of brunch, burgers, and American comfort. But pancakes are our must-order. Can you blame us when the offering is so outrageously in your face, you’d probably be able to see a stack of its signature Sunday pancakes from space?! One pancake would be more than enough, but we'd recommend ordering two if not three - seriously, you'll thank us for it. Thick, fluffy and cake-like, Sunday in Brooklyn’s pancakes arrive dripping in hazelnut maple praline with a cube of brown butter on top. You won’t forget your first pancake experience here.
What to order: Hazelnut maple praline pancakes with brown butter
Where: 98 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RU; 10-12 James Street, W1U 1EE
Book now: Sunday in Brooklyn Notting Hill; Sunday in Brooklyn Marylebone

Drunch, Fitzrovia

What: Taking brunch right into the evening, hence ‘Drunch’, this beautiful floral restaurant offers the best of both worlds: pancakes and crepes, available all day long. Whether you like a flat French pancake or a stack, choose from a range of toppings like Nutella with berries and hazelnuts, banana and banoffee with dulce de leche, creme patisserie with berries, banana and pistachio, or turkey bacon with a fried egg, cheese and Hollandaise sauce.
What to order: Creme patisserie crepe with berries, banana, pistachio, and maple syrup
Where: 71 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 6RB
Book now: Drunch

Maison Francois, St. James’s

What: Known for its iconic dessert trolley and sophisticated French interiors, there’s no better spot (in our humble opinion) to lounge around and tuck into a plate of thick, fluffy pancakes. There’s only one option here, but it’s a banger: a triple stack of buttermilk pancakes with fresh berries, lemon creme fraiche, pistachios and honey. After working your way through those, make sure to pick up a pastry to take home - trust us, you won’t regret it.
What to order: Buttermilk pancakes with berries, lemon creme fraiche, pistachios and honey
Where: 34 Duke Street, SW1Y 6DF
Book now: Maison Francois

Soutine, St John's Wood

What: Parisian-style restaurant and café Soutine in St John’s Wood is styled on the grand boulevard cafes of Paris, its stunning vintage interiors are designed to transport guests to another, more glamorous time. Naturally, breakfast is similarly indulgent, with one of the highlights on the menu being its buttermilk pancakes topped with maple syrup, bacon, or seasonal fruit compote. We advise you take your time over these beauties while taking in the luxurious surroundings.
What to order: Pancakes with bacon
Where: 60 St John's Wood High Street, NW8 7SH
Book now: Soutine

The Delaunay, Covent Garden

What: The Delaunay’s sumptuous interiors are modelled on the grand cafes of Mittel-Europe, a suitable backdrop for a decadent pancake-filled breakfast, we think. And the pancake offering is just as classic, with similar attention to detail. Available toppings here include maple syrup, crispy bacon or a mixed berry compote, which can be added to pancakes or French toast. Though it must be said, we highly recommend you opt for the former of course. You can also expect a great selection of juices, including grapefruit, tomato, pineapple, and carrot juice.
What to order: Pancakes with maple syrup and bacon
Where: 55 Aldwych, WC2B 4BB
Book now: The Delaunay

The Wolseley, Mayfair and City

What: The Wolseley's two restaurants boast dining rooms that are so arrestingly gorgeous, we’re half tempted to move in and make it our permanent home. The food is just as pretty as the surroundings. When it comes to pancakes, expect a pillowy stack which can be adorned with your choice of toppings. Stick with the classic maple syrup, or kick it up a little with crispy bacon or seasonal berries. Whatever your preferences, the service and atmosphere here are part of the package, offering a feel of grandeur and indulgence. 
What to order: Pancakes with maple syrup and bacon
Where: 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB; King William Street, EC4N 7HR
Book now: The Wolseley Piccadilly; The Wolseley City

Mildreds, Various locations

What: Known for its fun and relaxed atmosphere and colourful menu of inventive international vegan dishes, Mildreds is a favourite for breakfast and brunch. There are two options here: classic berries and cream with whipped Chantilly, and a banana and Biscoff number complete with Biscoff sauce, whipped Chantilly, and vanilla maple cream. Why not add a scoop of ice cream too? Or, add on a third pancake - just because.
What to order: Banana and Biscoff pancakes
Where: 9 Jamestown Road, NW1 7BW; 128 Wilton Road, SW1V 1JZ
Book now: Mildreds Camden; Mildreds Victoria

No. 32 The Old Town, Clapham

What: Located in Clapham Old Town, No 32 is an all-day restaurant and bar that’s become popular amongst locals as a casual catch-up spot. One of the best things about it is that it serves brunch all day, which means you can order yourself a plate of its buttermilk pancakes whenever the mood strikes you. Choose from sweet and savoury toppings. We're talking stacks topped with streaky smoked bacon and maple syrup, or zesty lemon curd labneh and fruit compote.
What to order: Buttermilk pancakes with lemon curd labneh and berry compote
Where: 32 The Pavement, SW4 0JE
Book now: No. 32 The Old Town

Fuwa Fuwa, Soho

What: An import from Tokyo, Fuwa Fuwa serves up super fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes, and as far as we’re aware, is one of the few places in London where you can get your hands on them. Understandably, the pancakes from Fuwa Fuwa have garnered cult status as one of the best pancakes London has to offer. They’re extraordinarily fluffy thanks to the addition of whipped egg whites, with the cloud-like creations offering a whole new pancake experience. There are plenty of delicious toppings, and for anyone concerned, the centres are cooked through!
What to order: Blueberry and yuzu cheesecake pancakes
Where: 57A Dean Street, W1D 6AJ
Book now: Fuwa Fuwa

Where the Pancakes Are, Southwark

What: Just in case it wasn’t clear, Where The Pancakes Are is an all-day restaurant specialising in pancakes, and pancakes only. It’s a pretty comprehensive experience, with guests even given the option to choose their batter (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) if required. Classic savoury and sweet fluffy pancakes are the main affair, but you can opt for one of its Dutch Babies for something a bit different, which are a bit like a loaded Yorkshire pudding. Our favourites include an apple pie number and a savoury goat cheese and hot honey version with mature cheddar crisps and roasted rosemary.
What to order: Buttermilk pancakes with poached pear, miso caramel, house cream, lemon zest and toasted almonds
Where: 85a Southwark Bridge Road, SE1 0NQ
Book now: Where The Pancakes Are

Langan's Brasserie, Mayfair

What: No one would ever doubt Langan's Brasserie's pancakes to be anything less than fabulously indulgent. The interiors of the restaurant set the tone, featuring muted natural colours, soft lighting, and pops of floral colour. The restaurant and bar, which has retained its iconic status as a hangout for the rich and famous since the 70s, offers a signature plate of pancakes on its breakfast menu, filled with whipped cream and drowned in maple syrup. It’s clever stuff, but be warned, you might need a lie down afterwards.
What to order: Langan’s Pancakes with whipped cream, maple syrup and berries
Where: Stratton Street, W1J 8LB
Book now: Langan's Brasserie

Milk, Balham 

What: Aussie-owned Milk in Balham serves some of the best brunch plates in South West London. Fact. One look at its pancake offering will prove that we’re not making wild claims. Pancake specials change week-by-week, but have been known to include the likes of buckwheat pancakes with passionfruit jam shells, whipped coconut Chantilly, chocolate ganache and passionfruit tarts, coconut macaroon crumb, tonka bean syrup, and sesame brittle. Whew. Not that’s bang for buck. Plus, whatever the toppings, pancakes are guaranteed to arrive beautifully plated and photo-ready
What to order: Any of the seasonal specials!
Where: 18-20 Bedford Hill, SW12 9RG 
Book now: Milk

Sarava Creperie, Brixton  

What: This unique spot located in Brixton Village has been serving French-style crepes with Brazilian flair since 2013. Choose from a menu of sweet and savoury galettes (made with buckwheat flour) and crepes (made with white flour) for a pancake-centric meal! Favourites include Rosa Squash (tomato chutney, roasted squash, courgette and red pepper confit, rocket, toasted almonds), Sarava (Gorgonzola cheese, rocket, caramelised onions, sundried tomatoes) and Coco Loco (Belgian chocolate, coconut, rum, ice cream).
What to order: A classic crepe with cheese, ham and a fried egg
Where: 41-42 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8PS 
Book now: Sarava Creperie

Chez Lindsay, Richmond

What: Although the menu at Chez Lindsay stretches further than just pancakes, its galette section is particularly comprehensive. Pancakes on offer range from classics such as ham and cheese, all the way through to a pancake filled with pork, apple sausage, onion sauce and red cabbage. For those with a sweet tooth, there is, of course, a separate menu for dessert pancakes, too. From here we'd recommend the house speciality, crepe Suzette or an apple and salted caramel number. That being said, the French do savoury pancakes best.
What to order: A 'Super Complete' galette with egg, cheese, ham, onions, mushrooms and tomato
Where: 11 Hill Rise, TW10 6UQ
Book now: Chez Lindsay

Polo Bar, City

What: In case you haven’t checked Polo Bar’s Instagram recently, we feel obliged to inform you that its mega pancake stacks are not for the faint-hearted. This 24-hour bar opposite Liverpool Street station is well-known for its Pancake Tower Challenges, which sees hungry diners attempt to demolish a stack of 12 fluffy pancakes topped with a choice of berries, cookies and cream, banoffee or biscoff. Do it in under 15 minutes, and the meal is yours for free. Don't worry, the restaurant offers standard portion sizes as well.
What to order: Lotus banoffee pancakes with vanilla cream, lotus biscuit spread and banana
Where: 176 Bishopsgate, EC2M 4NQ
Book now: Polo Bar

Dovetale, Green Park

What: The pistachio-toned interiors at Dovetale are a sight to behold. But the pancake game is even stronger, so if you’re on the hunt for a side of class with your pancake order, we’ve got you covered. Expect to see big, fluffy American-style pancakes, stacked high and served with whipped cream and berry compote, which we’d recommend you pair with a side of hash browns or applewood smoked bacon. Chef Tom Sellers takes the helm here, so you know you’re in for a treat.
What to order: Pancakes with whipped cream and berry compote
Where: 1 Hotel Mayfair, 3 Berkeley Street, W1J 8DL
Book now: Dovetale

My Old Dutch, Holborn and Chelsea

What: You’ll never be short of choice at My Old Dutch. In fact, this pancake palace offers more than 40 types of sweet and savoury pancakes, including plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. With classic options found alongside the likes of full English, tricolore, chicken curry, and meat feast-inspired toppings. Torn between two choices? Just combine them and build your own. We like the looks of the signature, but they've also got a great selection of butterscotch pancakes topped with Biscoff, bacon and egg, banana and caramel, or fresh berries.
What to order: Pistachio dreamcake with strawberries, blueberries, pistachio sauce, crushed pistachio, dried raspberries, with a choice of cream or ice cream
Where: 131-132 High Holborn, WC1V 6PS; 221 Kings Road, SW3 5EJ
Book now: My Old Dutch Holborn; My Old Dutch Chelsea

Farm Girl, Notting Hill

What: If beautifully crafted, colourful plates laden with edible flowers and cacao nibs is your thing, then Farm Girl will be right up your street. This health-focused restaurant and café knows a thing or two about aesthetically pleasing plates, and won’t make you feel like you need rolling out the door afterwards. Its pancakes are vegan and gluten-free, and finished with a choice of toppings. Think vanilla-baked apples and pears with toasted cinnamon, oat crunch, maple syrup and coconut yoghurt, or sour cherry compote with cacao nibs, coconut shavings, coconut yoghurt and maple syrup. 
What to order: Pancakes with apples, pears and toasted oat crunch
Where: 59a Portobello Road, W11 3DB
Book now: Farm Girl

The Breakfast Club, Various London locations

What: The Breakfast Club specialises in American-style classics, and its pancake selection is no different. Opt for the All American, which sees fluffy pancakes paired with bacon, sausages, potatoes, fried eggs and maple syrup, while the Big Stack includes a triple pancake stack with crispy bacon, hash browns, sausage patty, cheese, caramelised onions and fried eggs. Our advice? Arrive hungry. And if you happen to visit on Pancake Day, expect to see some special limited-edition items, too.
What to order: 'Big Stack' with crispy bacon, hash browns, sausage patty, cheese, caramelised onions and a fried egg
Where: 33 D’Arblay Street, W1F 8EU
Book now: The Breakfast Club

Balans, Various locations

What: Balans is a reliable option for any pancake enthusiast, with multiple restaurants all over London (Soho, Kensington, and Stratford) serving its signature stacks all day. Choose between classic American fluffy pancakes with a choice of bacon, banana or fresh berries, or fried chicken pancakes with kimchi salad, oat fried chicken and a fiery Korean hot honey. There's also the chance to go vegan, with stacks of plant-based pancakes topped with berries or banana. Balans also serves some brilliant coffee, offering a premium Arabica blend sourced from quality farms.
What to order: Fried chicken pancakes with kimchi salad, oat fried chicken and spicy Korean honey
Where: 187 Kensington High Street, W8 6SH; 60-62 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UG
Book now: Balans Kensington; Balans Soho

If you're obsessed with breakfast, brunch, sweet treats, and coffee like we are, just head on over and check our pick of the best coffee shops and cafes in London - we've rounded up the coolest and cosiest in the city.