For your next meal out in London, we’re asking you to rid your mind of heinous Birdseye creations made of potato, and instead embrace the grown-up waffle: whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, waffles are surprisingly versatile, providing the perfect base for both sweet and savoury dishes.
The concept of waffles has been around since the 14th century, and were originally made with wine, but has since evolved into the beautiful fluffy, hot grid-iron pressed indulgence we see today. Waffles are a fascinating food, many countries have adapted the batter to fit their own moulds, ingredients, and flavour pairings in their own unique ways.
There are so many types of waffles on offer, from classic Belgian style waffles to crispy heart-shaped Scandinavian ones. Each restaurant has their own spin on toppings too; you can get fresh berries with whipped mascarpone or for a more substantial dinner time option, cured trout on sourdough waffles. The topping possibilities seem endless; there is a novel combination to suit all food moods and occasions. The golden waffle is a (deliciously) blank canvas for all manner of outrageous, but scrumptious ingredients to rest upon.
We’ve found posh ones for your high-class waffle outings, for a classic treat with a high-end flourish. There’s also a dedicated section to the moreish chicken waffle, a combination that shouldn’t work, but satisfies to no end. Then to round off the list, we’ve put together the casual restaurants to go to for a waffle experience that delivers quality for when you just want to chill out. All you have to do is pick a mood, pick your waffle topping, and be on your merry way to a delicious pillow of dough.
We’ve searched the capital high and low to bring you the best waffles London has to offer – check them out in all their glory below.
Posh waffles
If you want your next meal to have a sprinkle of class and a dash of elegance, check out these wonderful restaurants, where you will be able to dine on sumptuous waffles in style.
34 Mayfair, Mayfair
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What: Waffles are traditionally associated with casual comfort food, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be fancy. Check out the waffles which 34 Mayfair serve up for brunch – dig into a banoffee waffle topped with vanilla ice cream and hot toffee sauce, or opt for an ultra-luxe take which sees your waffle crowned with foie gras and crispy duck, as well as caramelised blood oranges.
Where: 34 Grosvenor Square (Entrance on South Audley Street), W1K 2HD
Berners Tavern, Bloomsbury
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What: The name of this Jason Atherton joint makes it sound like an old-school boozer, but Berners Tavern is pretty much as far away from a ‘tavern’ as you can get. While drinking in the gleefully opulent surrounds, you can order a waffle from the thrilling menu of decadent comfort food. At breakfast, try out the vanilla waffle, topped with raspberry and strawberry salad, hung yoghurt and toasted pistachios.
Where: 10 Berners Street, W1T 3NP
Duck & Waffle, City
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What: Considering the moniker of this sky-high restaurant on the 40th floor of Heron Tower, it’s no surprise that waffles are a must-order here. Duck & Waffle’s eponymous dish sees crispy confit duck leg topped with a fried duck egg and drizzled in mustard maple syrup. Fancy something sweeter? Head here for brunch and pick from a choice of three Belgian waffles – our favourite is the Full Elvis, topped with ice cream, syrup and berries.
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Sea Containers, Southwark
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What: For an indulgent brekkie with a pretty view of the Thames, Sea Containers is the place to be. This sleek restaurant champions good ingredients and Mediterranean freshness, which the beautifully plated baked waffles, topped with a delicious warm berry sauce, fresh fruits, and a heavy dusting of icing sugar certainly deliver– you won’t want to miss out on this vibrant treat.
Where: 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD
Balthazar, Covent Garden
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What: Head to Covent Garden’s version of New York’s Balthazar for a good dose of Hollywood style glamour served up with your breakfast. This chic, brasserie-style eatery serves some seriously sumptuous almond waffles delicately piled with crème, warm berry compote, and lashings of delicious maple syrup for a lazy weekend brunch or a petit dejeuner during the week.
Where: 4-6 Russell Street, WC2B 5HZ
Chicken waffles
For when good old-fashioned Southern soul food is the only thing that will make you feel better, check out these brilliant chicken waffle hotspots for the best sweet-savoury combination – thank us later.
Dirty Bones, Carnaby, Kensington, Oxford, Shoreditch, and Soho
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What: This mini chain specialises in gut-busting takes on American comfort food. Cast your eye over the menu of stacked burgers and mac ‘n’ cheese, and you’ll find the does-what-it-says-on-the-tin dish of chicken and waffles. Dirty Bones (Carnaby, Kensington, Oxford, Shoreditch and Soho) offers crispy fried chicken served on a freshly-baked waffle and accompanied by a shot of maple syrup, so that you can tailor your dosage of the sticky and sweet stuff to your own preference.
Where: Kingly Court, W1B 5PW; 20 Kensington Church Street, W8 4EP; 304 The Westgate, Queen Street, OX1 1TR; 1 Club Ro, E1 6JX; 14 Denman Street, W1D 7HJ
Casual waffles
Because sometimes you just need a good waffle, without any bells or whistles. Here are some smashing waffle options that will satisfy any and all cravings, whatever time of day.
The Breakfast Club, Hoxton and other London locations
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What: This no-bookings group has a handful of locations across London, and there’s normally a queue for its popular weekend brunch. Once you make it inside The Breakfast Club, chow down on the sweet likes of a blueberry and granola waffle served with Greek yoghurt and a blueberry and lemon compote. If you’re of the more savoury-toothed variety, order a variety of eggs Benedict such as the butternut Shakshuka served on a griddled bed of golden waffles.
Where: 2-4 Rufus Street, N1 6PE and other London locations
Holborn Dining Room, Holborn
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What: With its all-day menu, which stretches from filling hot breakfasts to late-night suppers, the versatile Holborn Dining Room has won legions of fans. Found at Rosewood London, the restaurant offers a brunch menu which includes a sweet dish of waffles topped with strawberries, blueberries and mascarpone. Complete your meal with a tea or coffee, or pick from a selection of healthy juices, including an apple and ginger shot.
Where: 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN
Scandinavian Kitchen, Fitzrovia
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What: This quaint little slice of Scandinavian hospitality is a delicious take on Nordic cuisine, nestled in the heart of Fitzrovia. Scandinavian Kitchen serves a menu of classic Norse dishes made from intriguing regional ingredients such as lingonberries and Norwegian brown cheese. Waffle weekends will see you smiling over a cute plate of traditional heart-shaped waffles topped with whipped cream and jam, or maybe bacon and scrambled eggs.
Where: 61 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PP
Kudu, Peckham
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What: Tired of the regular places and looking for a new brunch option? Kudu has got you covered with their beautiful sourdough version topped with duck eggs, crème fraiche, and home-cured bacon – hitting all the right notes. This South African twist on one of the best breakfast foods will satisfy all the cravings you didn’t know you had. Pair with a regional wine for a classy morning in their chic, rustic restaurant.
Where: 119 Queens Road, SE15 2EZ
Lowlander, Covent Garden
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Why: Liege waffles are far superior to standard Belgian waffles that you can find anywhere, these brioche-like delights are levelled up with pops of nutty, caramelised pearl sugar. Lowlander serves up theirs with rich, tart apple compote and scoops of vanilla ice cream at their grand, Flemish-style brasserie. Head here for a truly authentic waffles experience that will take you on a journey to Brussels without having to leave London.
Where: 36 Drury Lane, WC2B 5RR
In need of some morning meal inspiration? Take a look at these 19 Kensington brunch spots worth getting out of bed for on the weekends.