Best brunches in London: 26 of the coolest places to start your day

The best brunch in London is a pretty big deal. Once upon a time, Londoners were satisfied with three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. And then we discovered brunch. This magical melange of two of the best mealtimes of the day produces a heady blend of sweet and savoury dishes that we seem to have an insatiable appetite for and we've never looked back.

The best brunch in London is one of those ‘how long is a piece of string’ type statements; how will we ever know what the best brunch London has to offer is without trying the thousands upon thousands of them? In a bid to pay due care and diligence to our role as London’s best restaurant reviewers we’ve given it a pretty good try. We can’t claim to have tried every offering in the capital, but we have eaten eggs on avocado toast more times than you could shake a stick at, and have indulged in quite the quantity of pancakes, waffles and pasties in support of our mission to bring you the best brunch spots in London.

From internationally-led places with Indian, Japanese or Mexican menus to traditional brunch menus at London institutions, we’ve eaten hundreds of the best brunch places in London. Some areas of London are notorious for offering great brunches (see our pick of the best brunches in Covent Garden, for example), but here we've picked a spectrum of great brunch spots from all over London.

There is a recent trend to make your brunch bottomless, and while there’s a time and a place for that, we (occasionally) want our eggs served sans Champagne. All of the places below offer a decent drinks list without the booze becoming the main focus of the event. Rather civilised, we’re sure you can agree? If you're not convinced, you can find a link to our roundup of London's best bottomless brunches just above.

We’ve categorised our the best places for brunch in London into areas and types so that next time you find yourself wondering ‘where’s a good brunch near me’ or ‘I fancy an Indian brunch’, we’ve got you covered with our ideas below. You're most welcome.

The best Sunday brunch in London

Sunday is the day of rest so who are we to challenge that? Take your resting seriously by plumping for one of the Sunday brunches London offers up, and enjoy a relaxing morning where someone else will be faced with the washing up when you’re done. Sunday brunch in London can get booked up quite quickly, with it being the most popular day for this late morning ritual, so we’d recommend booking ahead if you fancy any of the places below.

Baudry Green, Covent Garden

What: We’re huge fans of Baudry Greene, which conjures all manner of wonderful Franco-European classics across breakfast and brunch. Whether you’re in the market for a hefty continental breakfast plate, a lovely croissant au beurre or a simple half grapefruit, you’ll find all that and more here. Come lunchtime, the kitchen shifts gears into homemade sandwiches, Croque Monsieur and generous slices of Quiche Lorraine. Delightful stuff.
Where: 20 Endell Street, WC2H 9BD
Book now: Baudry Green

Luci, Covent Garden

What: The Aqua Group is well acquainted with glamorous dining experiences (usually high up with skyline views of London) but Luci is the first foray into all-out brunching. Luci is split over two levels, and delivers all-day dining with classic brunch favourites like focaccia slices, egg dishes and pastries meeting coffees galore and a hefty cocktail list.
Where: 136 Long Acre, WC2E 9AD
Book now: Luci

Cavita, Marylebone

What: Adriana Cavita's eponymous restaurant has been a storming success since opening in 2022, and adding a weekend brunch menu only adds to the opportunities to drink excellent spicy margaritas and mezcalitas. Don't go expecting your standard eggy brunch fare (though there is a tasty huevos and chorizo plate if you fancy) - kick things off with a ceviche tostadas, before diving into grilled camarones and carne asada tacos, all washed down with a cold glass of horchata. 
Where: 60 Wigmore Street, W1U 2RZ
Book now: Cavita

Nessa, Soho

What: Modern bistro Nessa serves up a killer brunch on weekends, with all-day dishes spanning nibbles, brunch classics and mid-day treats. Kick things off with rolled oat soda bread with cultured butter, or a cheese and onion croquette. It gets better (if you can believe that), with main dishes including a mixed grill breakfast, a benedict of the day and, the jewel in its crown, a sausage and egg muffin with hot sauce and American cheese. For sweet brunch enthusiasts, banana French toast really hits the spot.
Where: 86 Brewer Street, W1F 9UB
Book now: Nessa

Milk Beach, Soho

What: Milk Beach’s soothing Sydney brunch vibes are just what we want after a long week, and though there’s no specific brunch menu, you’ve got plenty of brunch-style fare available depending when you show up. In the morning it’s avo toast, sweet potato and zucchini fritters and overnight oats, whilst the afternoon serves an exotic small plates feast.
Where: 111 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0DT
Book now: Milk Beach Soho

Granger & Co, Various locations

What: Bill Granger is sorely missed but thankfully, we still have his wonderful restaurants to luxuriate in on the weekends. There are five locations spread across London, but the King’s Cross branch is our favourite, with plenty of space for widely-separated tables and lots of natural light to help you feel perky before you’ve even got your plate in front of you. There’s a walk-ins only policy so be prepared to get in early or queue, but any time spent waiting will be well rewarded with plates of sunny sweetcorn fritters or ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter. While the brunch offering here is strictly a breakfast menu, it's served until 12pm, so we think it still qualifies as a decent Sunday brunch (and the cooking definitely makes the early finish time worthwhile).
Where: Various locations
Book now: Granger & Co King's Cross; Granger & Co Chelsea; Granger & Co Clerkenwell; Granger & Co Notting Hill; Granger & Co Marylebone

The best cheap brunch in London

We don't always have time to sit down for hours and natter over a long leisurely brunch. Sometimes you just want something speedy, and a quick bite to eat shouldn’t cost the earth should it? We’ve gathered together some cheap brunch options in London below to help you pick an affordable but delicious venue for your next brunch date. 

Miznon, Soho and Notting Hill

What: Cult favourite Miznon - known for outrageous stuffed pitta breads - also delivers epic brunch pittas on the weekends. Discover fluffy pitta pockets filled with the likes of za'atar omelette, sour cream, pickles and tomato salsa, or for meat fans, steak and eggs with all the trimmings. Guests can also chow down on plenty more Miznon favourites, from Mesabaha lima beans drenched in tahini and spicy green peppers, to its signature green beans in a bag. While brunch-inspired cocktails are designed to kick start your weekend with punchy creations like The Miznon Mary, made with a signature spice blend and sage vodka. Be warned - they both get very busy at weekends so book in advance to guarantee a seat, or grab a takeaway. 
Where: 8-12 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HW; 14 Elgin Crescent, W11 2HX
Book now: Miznon Soho; Miznon Notting Hill

Sunday in Brooklyn, Notting Hill

What: A little piece of New York in Notting Hill, Sunday in Brooklyn offers a buzzing neighbourhood vibe and signature American-style friendly service. If you’re headed for brunch then the famous buttermilk pancakes are a must-have - be warned, they’re huge. The restaurant is open for brunch all week but you are heading there on a Saturday and Sunday pre-booking is limited and space is saved mainly for walk-ins. Consider yourself warned. 
Where: 98 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RU
Book now: Sunday in Brooklyn

Kolamba, Soho

What: If you're bored of the same old avocado and eggs, switch things up with brunch at Sri Lankan restaurant Kolamba. This cosy, unassuming spot on Kingly Street serves up a punchy brunch menu on weekends, featuring the likes of bacon and egg hoppers, Sri Lankan spiced omelette and chicken and sambol toasties. All the mains are incredible value and if you're feeling extra peckish you still have the option to order sides if you like - think chicken curry and red lentil dhal - for around a fiver. We recommend the string hoppers, which come served with a soft-boiled egg, a mild coconut curry sauce and a spicy sambol. 
Where: 21 Kingly Street, W1B 5QA
Book now: Kolamba

Riding House, Fitzrovia, Victoria and Bloomsbury

What: Good quality, affordable venues can be hard to find in central London, which is where the Riding House Cafe comes into its own. With smart decor and a buzzy atmosphere plus a reasonably-priced menu, it’s sure to help you kick start your day in just the right way. You get plenty of bang for your buck with hearty brunch dishes like scrambled eggs and roasted tomatoes on sourdough or smashed avocado on toast with salsa and a toasted, spiced dukkah mix.
Where: 43-51 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PQ; 1 Brunswick Centre, WC1N 1AF; 8 Sir Simon Milton Square, SW1E 5DJ
Book now: Riding House Fitzrovia; Riding House Bloomsbury; Rail House Victoria

The Laundry, Brixton

What: If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of busy Brixton, you don't have to veer far from the centre to find a little slice of calm amongst the madness. All-day bistro The Laundry is a three-minute walk from the station and serves up a cracking brunch every day of the week. There are plenty of inexpensive options on the menu, including a heavenly slice of toasted banana bread with honeycomb butter, and an acai smoothie bowl with house-made granola and toasted coconut. Our favourite though, has got to be the courgette and cheddar cornbread, with black bean and tomato salsa, green goddess dressing and pickled jalapeños. Even better, the portions are super generous so you really do feel like you're getting plenty of bang for your buck.  
Where: 374 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8PL
Book now: The Laundry

Dishoom, Covent Garden

What: Dishoom's breakfast and brunch menu has become the stuff of legend in London, providing a range of cult-like Indian-inspired breakfast dishes to hungry Londoners until 11.45am each day. If you haven’t had a bacon naan before, it’s time to treat yourself. The rich, sweet chilli jam cuts through the bacon for a moreish meal you won’t forget in a hurry. Those looking for something a little more authentic shouldn’t miss the keema per eedu which is a powerful mix of spicy chicken keema and chunks of chicken liver, served with fried eggs and buttered bread buns - delicious. The reinvented Covent Garden restaurant is our favourite but you can get brunch in any Dishoom location.
Where: 12 Upper St Martins Lane, WC2H 9FB
Book now: Dishoom Covent Garden

The coolest brunches in London

It’s probably not cool to Google cool brunch in London, but we get it, sometimes you just want to impress with your knowledge of what’s hot right now in the capital. These trendy brunches offer up Instagrammable interiors accompanied by first-class cookery so that you know you’re not sacrificing substance for style. As is de rigeur in London these days, the coolest restaurants don't always take bookings, but hit the book now link to see if you can grab yourself a weekend table. 

Sune, Hackney

What: An exciting new opening at the bottom of Broadway Market, Sune also offers one of the best brunches in the area (no mean feat given the many excellent brunch spots in Hackney). Don’t expect your standard eggs though - Sune’s brunch menu includes scallop ceviche, crispy potato cakes with Guindilla chilli and a smoked eel Caesar salad.
Where: 129A Pritchard's Road, E2 9AP
Book now: Sune

Akub, Notting Hill

What: Modern Palestinian restaurant Akub serves a brunch menu at the weekends that's perfect for feasting with friends. Comprised of a wealth of sweet and savoury dishes, this is the sort of place where one plate is never enough. Start with the likes of zaatar bread topped with labaneh, a boiled egg and pomegranate, and slow-cooked eggs served with spiced focaccia. Next, pimp your meal with an array of smaller side dishes, from spiced fava beans to grilled nabulsi cheese, before finishing on a sweet note. The Arabic coffee brioche French toast is out of this world. 
Where: 27 Uxbridge Street, W8 7TQ
Book now: Akub

Fallow, St James's

What: We're sure that all the dishes on Fallow's brunch menu are beyond good, but the real star of the show is its signature 'royale', which you may have already seen attracting attention over on Instagram. There are four options available (three savoury, one sweet) with fillings such as sausage bacon, kombu kethcup, egg and sriracha, or salmon belly with spinach, lemon mayo and a fried egg. What makes them extra special, though, is the 'bun', a croissant-like dough with Fallow's letters etched into the top of every single one. Oh, they are good. Make sure to order a bowl of its hash browns to enjoy alongside. 
Where: 2 St James’s Market, SW1Y 4RP
Book now: Fallow

German Gymnasium, King's Cross

What: This magnificent brick building at King's Cross was once the first-ever purpose-built gym in England - now it serves wonderful hot dogs, which we can all agree, is probably an upgrade. The traditional German meat loaf with leaves and a fried egg is a must, and there's plenty in the way of Eggs Benedict and the like for those who want more of a traditional brunch. If you prefer you can eat from the main menu too; get the hot dogs and burgers in for a bodybuilder-style feast.
Where: 1 King’s Boulevard, N1C 4BU
Book now: German Gymnasium

The best luxury brunch in London

Looking to celebrate a special occasion or spoil someone? London isn't short of restaurants where staff will bend over backwards to accomodate your every whim. Our pick of London’s most luxurious brunches are sure to impress with their silver service and beautiful menus that showcase incredible produce. Most important of all, all of the places below serve up delicious food, but with all the bells and whistles you want for an extra treat. 

The MAINE, Mayfair

What: Located inside a historical grade II-listed townhouse overlooking Hanover Square, The MAINE is a New England inspired brasserie featuring 350 covers across five rooms over three floors. Phew. It's the sort of place where anyone who's anyone wants to be seen - particularly on Saturdays when it serves its extravagant three-course brunch. We recommend starting with crispy fish tacos with pico de gallo, or a half a dozen oysters if you prefer something lighter, followed by sea bream drowned in caper butter. Even the sides are worth a mention - we're talking truffle mac 'n' cheese and garlic mash. To finish, choose from the 'dessert of the day', which for us was brownie with vanilla ice cream. Brunch is served in its stunning drawing room downstairs beneath a glittering crystal chandelier, while live entertainment in the form of dancing and burlesque keeps things interesting. Want to make it boozy? You can, with an open bar or premium bar for an extra fee.  
Where: 6 Medici Courtyard, W1S 1JY
Book now: The MAINE

COYA Mayfair

What: COYA Mayfair’s Soul Grandioso Brunch is less a meal and more an immersive experience - take your place under the rainforest canopy and tuck into dishes like salmon, avocado and aji amarillo tacos, King Fish ceviche and Chilean sea bass rice with lime and chilli. Round off the meal with a delicious dessert platter featuring fresh fruit, cinnamon dusted churros and dainty macarons. Add a bottle of Veuve Clicquot or Dom Perignon if you're feeling flush.
Where: 118 Piccadilly, W1J 7NW
Book now: COYA Mayfair

HIDE, Mayfair

What: Weekend brunch at HIDE is a sophisticated affair. Caviar, oysters, immaculate Viennoiseries and a healthy helping of suitably luxe brunch dishes are all on the menu - eggs florentine, croque monsieur or madame with fresh truffle, all the eggs you could ever want and a serious full English to rival any in London. There are some healthy fruit, seed and grain-based options too, and a mammoth tea selection, as well as house-made chai-infused hot chocolate for the colder mornings.
Where: 85 Piccadilly, W1J 7NB
Book now: HIDE

Bagatelle, Mayfair

What: Spend your Saturdays in style with Bagatelle's iconic, French-inspired three course brunch menu. Dark and moody lighting, combined with DJs, live music and an unforgettable atmosphere will be sure to have you up and dancing. It's the kind of spot you should have in mind for your next birthday celebration or girl's afternoon out. Brunch starts with Champagne cocktails and a selection of viennoiserie, followed by a set menu of classic brunching - think eggs royale on a matcha waffle or avocado toast. Save some room because there's plenty more to come, like king prawns, or sirloin beef, with delicious desserts to finish - be sure to save room for the carrot waffle. There's a pretty substantial cocktail list too, which makes for a great way to continue the party once you've finished off the bubbles. 
Where: 34 Dover Street, W1S 4NG
Book now: Bagatelle Mayfair

The best brunch with a view in London

Roof terraces and restaurants with a view are something London does very well, if you know where to look. If you’re visiting London for just a few days and want to soak up the sights while you enjoy your first (or second, no judgement here) meal of the day, a brunch with a view is perfect. From the tip top of some of London’s most famous landmarks to roof terraces where you can enjoy al fresco eating, scroll down our favourite brunches with a view in London.

14 Hills, City of London

What: There’s no denying that 14 Hills is an Instagrammer’s dream of plant festooned interiors and City views. Brunch here is no ordinary affair either – the menu is a two or three course set menu situation, with starters, mains and desserts. Starters include a warm sugared doughnut with pork bacon, sriracha and honey, while mains feature chorizo and emmental crepes, Croque Madame and lobster buns with sambal cocktail sauce. If you've still got room, finish things off with French toast, a cruffin filled with chocolate creme patissiere. 
Where: 120 Fenchurch Street, EC3M 5BA
Book now: 14 Hills

Duck & Waffle, Liverpool Street

What: From the minute you’re whisked up to the 40th floor of Heron Tower in its glass lift, you know you’re going to experience something pretty special. The bright, light space of Duck & Waffle seems like it was made for mornings, with all-round views of the city from floor-to-ceiling windows offering up stunning sunrise scenes. Favourites from the brunch menu include a full English, the waffles with confit duck legs (naturally), and a rich lobster roll.
Where: 10 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Book now: Duck & Waffle

Aqua Shard, London Bridge

What: Views of London don’t come much better than the scenes spread out below you from the 31st floor of The Shard, where Aqua Shard finds its home. With a selection of starters and a robust list of mains, brunch here is filling enough to be your main meal of the day. Start with sweet potato and Cornish crab hash for a real weekend treat before diving into Aqua Shard's full English with all the trimmings, or a beef sirloin with roast dinner trimmings on a Sunday. Don't forget pudding - there's always a choice of three sweets to complete the menu, which is priced at £55 per person for three courses.
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
Book now: Aqua Shard

Decimo, King's Cross

What: Decimo is the place to be for sharing tacos galore with 12th floor views. Half a grilled chicken with tortillas, salsa, salad, limes and more will easily feed three, and you can always supplement with excellent fish tacos and a classic Decimo tortilla. Decimo Bar makes a mean spicy Marg as well.
Where: The Standard, 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG
Book now: Decimo

Peggy Jean, Richmond

What: This waterside iteration of the ever-growing Daisy Green Collection can be found on a beautiful barge on the banks of the Thames. With guests able to enjoy unparalleled views of the river while they dine, as well as Richmond's beautiful buildings and scenery, this is certainly one of the best places to enjoy brunch with a view in south west London. Famous for its epic Aussie brunches, every plate on the menu is bold and beautiful. We tried the Fancy Bacon Roll, which features a crisp paratha roti with poached eggs, crispy onions, bacon, hollandaise and chilli. For something sweet for afters, the Golden Gaytime Pancakes are an indulgent finale, complete with warm chocolate ganache, malt crumble, whipped mascarpone and salted caramel. You're going to love it (and so will your Instagram feed). 
Where: Bridge Boathouses, TW9 1TH
Book now: Peggy Jean

The best brunch in London Bridge

We often get asked about the best brunch in London Bridge, and it’s not hard to see why when you consider everything else going on in the area. It’s the perfect spot to explore pre- or post-brunch if you’re a foodie and want to discover the joys of Borough Market, or the views from The Shard, for instance. The below are our favourite brunch restaurants in London Bridge to catch a bite to eat late morning.

Caravan, London Bridge

What: This Kiwi all-day diner was always going to do a good brunch, and the London Bridge branch is no exception. Choose from a selection of small plates: vanilla pancakes with vanilla cream cheese, poached strawberries, ginger and fried jalapeno cornbread, with avocado, curd cheese, fried egg, mojo verde, soy pumpkin seeds, and chilli, for example. Or, order some of the excellent sides from sausages and chorizo to avocado and mushrooms which allow you to make your perfect brunch plate on a DIY basis. Having its own roasters means that Caravan does a mean coffee too, so make sure to include a cuppa while you’re enjoying brunch.
Where: 30 Great Guildford Street, SE1 0HS
Book now: Caravan

If brunch is a bit too early on a weekend for you, perhaps you should check out our round up of the best roast dinners in London. Or, just head straight to our list of the 100 best restaurants in London and start making your way through the capital's very best restaurants.