Where to find the best pancakes in London: 21 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 fluffy and 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 ourself) 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 perfect pancake varies from person to person. For some, it doesn’t get much better than a traditional, wafter-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 proficient connoisseurs of the 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 souffle pancakes which have made a name for themselves on social media in the last few years. Toppings are another major talking point altogether. 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, you need not worry. London’s restaurants are stacked with incredible pancakes all year round, and we consider it our duty to try them all so we can recommend only the very best. From Sunday in Brooklyn’s cake-like creations, to the fluffy souffle-like variety at Fuwa Fuwa, discover all of London’s best pancakes right here. They really are batter then the rest (sorry).

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 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 the 'Royal' topped with poached eggs, hollandaise, tarragon, asparagus and smoked salmon, and the 'Pear Caramel' featuring thyme-poached pears, house cream, salted caramel, toasted almonds and lemon zest. 
What to order: Buttermilk pancakes with poached pear, salted 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 restaurant and bar which has retained its iconic status as a hangout for the rich and famous since the 70s offers a signature stack of pancakes on its breakfast menu, filled with whipped cream and drowned in maple syrup. 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

No. 32 The Old Town, Clapham

What: Located in the charming neighbourhood of 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 from 9am-4pm, which means you can order yourself a plate of its buttermilk pancakes whenever the mood takes you. Choose from a selection of three sweet and savoury toppings.
What to order: Buttermilk pancakes with smoked salmon, harissa cream cheese, pickled vegetables and caper berries
Where: 32 The Pavement, SW4 0JE
Book now: No. 32 The Old Town

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, the likes of which resembles something similar to a dessert you’d find in a fine dining restaurant – rather than at a hip brunch spot. Buckwheat pancakes arrive with an artistic adornment of various shards and splodges, the combination of which varies seasonally. Think macerated blood oranges, tiger lemon syrup, cashew and coconut crumb, blood orange treacle tart, fennel pollen crémeux, spiced kumquat marmalade, and a cocoa crisp. Phew.
What to order: Any of the seasonal specials!
Where: 18-20 Bedford Hill, SW12 9RG 
Book now: Milk

Sunday in Brooklyn, Notting Hill 

What: When we think of Sunday In Brooklyn, we think of pancakes. And can you blame us when its 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 enthusiasts of this American-born brunch spot would go so far as to order a stack of three. Thick, fluffy and cake-like, Sunday in Brooklyn’s pancake offering arrives 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 
Book now: Sunday in Brooklyn

Balans, Various locations  

What: Balans is a reliable option for any pancake enthusiast, with multiple restaurants all over London (Soho, Stratford, Kensington) serving its signature stacks all day. Choose between classic American fluffy pancakes or vegan pancakes topped with warm maple butter and a choice of bacon, banana or berries. It also does a mega savoury option, featuring fried chicken, kimchi and spicy Korean honey. 
What to order: Fried chicken pancakes with kimchi salad, oat fried chicken and spicy Korean honey
Where: Various locations
Book now: Stratford, Kensington, Soho

Drunch, Fitzrovia and St John’s Wood

What: A mash-up of brunch, lunch and dinner, Drunch serves relaxed all-day menus, albeit with a focus on classic brunch dishes. Naturally, pancakes are feature somewhat heavily, with a dedicated section to the staple. Choose between savoury options, like turkey bacon with maple syrup, and sweet, such as banana pancakes with dulce de leche.
What to order: Banana pancakes with dulce de leche
Where: 71 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 6RB; 38 St John's Wood Terrace, NW8 6LS
Book now: Drunch Fitzrovia, Drunch Regent’s Park

Riding House Café, Fitzrovia

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 toasted marshmallows, coconut clotted cream, white chocolate and banana-infused maple syrup is bound to be a sweet-lovers dream. Or opt for a sweet and savoury option with streaky bacon, blueberry compote, sour cream and maple syrup.  
What to order: Malt deep dish pancakes with marshmallows, coconut clotted cream, white chocolate and banana-infused maple syrup
Where: 43-51 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PQ
Book now: Riding House Café

Senzala 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), Senzala (Gorgonzola cheese, rocket, caramised 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: Senzala Creperie

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. Toppings including maple syrup, crispy bacon or a mixed berry compote can be added to fluffy pancakes or French toast, although we highly recommend you opt for the former of course.
What to order: Pancakes with maple syrup and bacon
Where: 55 Aldwych, WC2B 4BB 
Book now: The Delaunay

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 designed to transport guests to another, more glamorous time. Naturally, breakfast is an indulgent affair here, with one of the highlights on the menu being its buttermilk pancakes topped with either seasonal compote and creme fraiche. We advise you take your time over these beauties, while taking in the luxurious surrounds. 
What to order: Pancakes with seasonal fruit compote and crème fraîche
Where: 60 St John's Wood High Street, NW8 7SH
Book now: Soutine

Hoppers, Kings Cross

What: If you’re tired of fluffy stacks of American pancakes or have had your fill of crepes, why not look to Sri Lanka for something a little bit different to your usual serve? At Hoppers, they unsurprisingly serve… hoppers. These fermented rice flour pancakes come with a soft bottom, crisp lacy edges and an egg in the middle. Served with a range of pickles and curries, they’re wonderfully moreish and can be happily eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner (or all three should the notion take you). It’s safe to say, we’re big fans. 
What to order: Classic egg hoppers
Where: 4 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
Book now: Hoppers

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.
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 if yours for free, plus you make it into the restaurant’s Hall of Fame – a mighty legacy in itself. 
What to order: Lotus banoffee pancakes with vanilla cream, lotus biscuit spread and banana
Where: 176 Bishopsgate, EC2M 4NQ
Book now: Polo Bar

The Little Blue Door, Fulham

What: The Little Door group are responsible for a cohort of restaurants and bars across London designed in the style of a student flat share. When you step inside this Fulham edition, for example, you’ll be greeted by a trendy living room and kitchen diner, which functions as a restaurant and bar. It’s definitely the place to head if you want to have fun, and the brunch menu is killer. Don’t miss its house pancakes, which includes one sweet and savoury option, from fried chicken with bacon and chilli maple butter honey to pancakes with caramelised banana, maple, chocolate and glazed nuts. You can choose to add a shot of Toti rum syrup to your order, if you like.
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 Blue Door

My Old Dutch, Holborn

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, with classic options found alongside the likes of chicken curry and asparagus varieties. Torn between two choices? Just combine them and build your own. 
What to order: 'My Old Dutch' with crispy bacon, chicken, ham, peppers, mushrooms, sweet corn and cheese
Where: 131-132 High Holborn, WC1V 6PS
Book now: My Old Dutch Holborn

The Wolseley, Mayfair

What: The Wolseley boasts a dining room that is so arrestingly gorgeous, we’re half tempted to move in and make it our permanent home. Luckily, the food here is just as pretty as the surroundings. When it comes to pancakes, expect a pillowy stack which can be topped with your choice of maple syrup, bacon or berries. 
What to order: Pancakes with maple syrup and bacon
Where: 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB
Book now: The Wolseley

Granger & Co, Various locations

What: Boasting four locations across the capital, Aussie café Granger & Co has become synonymous with brunch thanks to its beautiful breakfast plates. Its famous ricotta hotcakes are the only choice for us though, which are topped with sliced banana and hot honeycomb butter. You can’t go wrong. 
What to order: Ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter
Where: Various locations
Book now: Chelsea, Clerkenwell, King’s Cross and Notting Hill

Fuwa Fuwa, Soho

What: An import from Toyko, 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. They’re extraordinarily fluffy thanks to the addition of whipped egg whites, with the cloud-like creations offering a whole new pancake experience. 
What to order: Blueberry and yuzu cheesecake pancakes
Where: 57A Dean Street, W1D 6AJ
Book now: Fuwa Fuwa

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. Try 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, sa  ausage patty, cheese, caramelised onions and fried eggs. Our advice? Arrive hungry. 
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

If you prefer your pancakes of the thin and rollable kind, then check out our guide to the best crepes in London.