Best desserts in London: 31 spots serving the sweetest treats

In our fair city, you'll find pretty much every cuisine, style and budget is catered for, so whether you are looking to chow down on some noodles or tuck into a mighty steak complete with triple-cooked chips and lashings of béarnaise sauce, London has you covered. In the last few years though, a new phenomenon has gripped London’s streets – the population's infatuation with weird and wonderful desserts - and there's no denying that best desserts in London are a thing of beauty.

While we may have just introduced the concept in a rather dramatic fashion, we are actually pretty excited about the prominence of dessert parlours in the city. When we go out to eat, we pretty much see our starters and main courses as a mere preamble to the untold glories of dessert. We would go as far as to say that dessert is the ultimate course in any meal, and that anyone who argues differently is simply wrong – yes, this is a hill we are willing to die on.

Dessert bars are not just pleasing to the taste buds though, as many of them feature picture-perfect serves of loaded ice cream sundaes and over-the-top freakshakes, while fun and quirky interiors are just a bonus. If you want to stick to regular restaurants though, there are tons in town that boast a fab pudding menu, as well as some impressive vegan desserts in London.

If you feel as strongly about the sweet stuff as we do, you probably spend a good amount of time scrolling through Instagram and searching online for the best desserts London has to offer. We have got you covered, with our hand-picked selection of the most incredible pudding spots. Whether you are on the hunt for a dedicated dessert bar, or simply just a restaurant with a cracking selection of puddings, our pick of the sweetest treats you can find in London should have something that tickles your fancy.   

The best dessert bars in London

While restaurants with great dessert menus are all well and good, a menu dedicated entirely to sweet stuff is even better. Below, you’ll find our pick of the best dessert bars in London.

Cedric Grolet at The Berkeley, Knightsbridge

What: Landing in London fresh from France, Cédric Grolet brings with him a global fanbase who eagerly follow his every invention. His British outpost is found within the luxurious confines of The Berkeley and isn’t just a spot to grab a single dessert. Instead, guests can dine on a dessert tasting menu of seven courses. The menu changes regularly but expect the most intricate patisserie work and fantastically bright flavours – the wince-inducing lemon isn’t to be missed for both its flavour and its feed-appeal on Instagram. This one’s guaranteed to pull in the likes.
Where: Wilton Place, SW1X 7RL
Book now: Cedric Grolet at The Berkeley

La Maritxu, Marylebone

What: London loves a viral dessert and we’re happy to jump on the hype train when they’re as good as the cheesecake at La Maritxu. This Basque cheesecake is the real deal - crusty burnt top, just set through the middle with an Insta-friendly wobble. It’s good to know you can get a good slice of cheesecake for when those sweet cravings hit.
Where: 12 Connaught Street, Connaught Village, W2 2AF
Read more: La Maritxu

Kova Patisserie, Various Locations

What: At this Japanese dessert parlour, you can indulge in mille crêpe cakes, which are made to look impossibly chic thanks to pastel hues and expert layering. Kova is famous in the London dessert scene, sandwiching thin pancakes between layers of light pastry cream, and offering them in matcha, vanilla, chocolate and Oreo flavours. Other goodies include Japanese cheesecake, brownie cheesecake and matcha tart, perfect alongside a glass of bubble tea.
Where: 16 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3DL
Book now: Kova

Cakes & Bubbles, Soho

What: Cakes & Bubbles does exactly what it says on the tin, serving up an impressive selection of desserts and fizz. Sat on the ground level of Hotel Cafe Royal, this is a spot for when you’re looking to impress, with gold interiors and views over Regent Street. It’s all pretty impressive, but we’d recommend The “Cheese Cake” made with Baron Bigod cheese, hazelnut and white chocolate for a real showstopper.
Where: 70 Regent Street, W1B 4DY
Book now: Cakes & Bubbles

Humble Crumble, Borough Market and Spitalfields

What: Humble Crumble is the quintessentially British dessert bar you didn’t know you needed. Bringing gourmet crumble to the capital, expect favourites like apple and cinnamon crumble with hot custard, or a cool crumble with ice cream. No matter how you like it, it's got something for you here.
Where: Borough Market Kitchens, Winchester Walk, SE1 9AG
Book now: Humble Crumble

The best chocolate desserts in London

How can you possibly make a dessert even better, we hear you ask? Well, you add chocolate to it of course. These desserts have been dipped, drizzled and smothered in the good stuff, allowing London’s chocaholics to get their next fix.

BBR Signature Chocolate Glory at Bob Bob Ricard, Soho and City

What: Bob Bob Ricard is known for its Instagram appeal, from the famous ‘Press for Champagne’ button to its opulent interiors. This is also the case for the Chocolate Glory, which may well be one of the most filmed desserts in London. Brought to the table as a chocolate sphere, it’s doused in hot chocolate sauce to melt the sphere and reveal the rest of the dessert beneath.
Where: 1 Upper James Street, W1F 9DF; 122 Leadenhall Street, EC3V 4AB
Book now: Bob Bob Ricard Soho, Bob Bob Ricard City

Chocolate Nemesis at The River Cafe, Hammersmith

What: If you were to ask most foodies what their favourite chocolate cake in London is, there’s a good chance they’d tell you it’s the Chocolate Nemesis at River Cafe. Known for being super chocolatey and light, this mousse cake is the perfect end to your waterside meal.
Where: Rainville Road, W6 9HA
Book now: The River Cafe

Tiramisu at Brutto, Farringdon

What: The tiramisu at Brutto is so good, it’ll have you going back for a second bowl before you’ve finished the first (seriously, we’ve been there). Deliciously decadent yet impossibly light, this boozy pud is a classic for a reason. It might not be super chocolatey, but it is finished with a thick layer of cocoa, so we think it counts. 
Where: 35-37 Greenhill Rents, EC1M 6BN
Book now: Brutto

White Chocolate Cheesecake at Blacklock, Various Locations

What: Blacklock is known for its unpretentious style and top quality food. While there’s no denying the various grills are pretty epic, it’s the cheesecake that has our tongues wagging. Simple yet effective, this is a white chocolate cheesecake that’s generously spooned into your bowl at the table. The best part is, if you’re too full from dinner, then you can take leftovers home in a doggy bag.
Where:13 Philpot Lane, EC3M 8AA
Book now: Blacklock City, Blacklock Soho, Blacklock Shoreditch, Blacklock Canary Wharf, Blacklock Covent Garden

The best sharing desserts in London

To some people, sharing a dessert is an unthinkable crime, but to others it’s romantic and sweet. If you fall into the latter camp, these made-to-share desserts should be right up your street.

Ice Cream Sundae at The Colony Grill Room at The Beaumont, Mayfair

Why: The Colony Grill Room is a sophisticated and grown-up affair, but this dessert will take you right back to childhood. Diners can build their own sharing sundae using a tick list of toppings and sauces. Some people have even been known to tick all 12 options, and to be honest, we don’t blame them.
Where: The Beaumont, 8 Balderton Street, W1K 6TF
Book now: The Colony Grill Room at the Beaumont

Tarte Tatin at Trinity, Clapham

What: There are lots of great tatins around London (a mention for the OG - the Galvin tarte tatin at Galvin La Chapelle) but if we had to pick our favourite, we’re leaning towards the magnificent tarte tatin at Trinity. Make sure you get your order in early as the kitchen only makes a certain number for each service, and when you see that glossy, bronze tart arrive on your neighbours table, you’ll live with regret forever.
Where: 4 The Polygon, SW4 0JG
Book now: Trinity

The best classic desserts in London

They say you can’t beat a classic, and we think this is especially true when it comes to dessert. Eschew the out-there desserts that London has to offer and instead seek comfort in these tried-and-tested recipes that taste oh-so good.

Sticky Toffee Pudding at Hawksmoor, Various Locations

What: Sticky toffee pudding has got to be one of the most loved British desserts of all time. It’s incredibly indulgent with a light sponge and sweet, sticky sauce, and is best enjoyed with a cream based accompaniment. Hawksmoor serves a fine example of the classic, alongside a big dollop of clotted cream.
Where: 16 Winchester Walk, SE1 9AQ
Book now: Hawksmoor Borough, Hawksmoor Air Street, Hawksmoor Guildhall, Hawksmoor Knightsbridge, Hawksmoor Seven Dials, Hawksmoor Spitalfields, Hawksmoor Wood Wharf

Knickerbocker Glory at Dovetale, Green Park

What: Not every great dessert has to be precision patisserie - sometimes it can just be something fun, delicious and nostalgic, and it doesn’t get more nostalgic than Dovetale’s Knickerbocker Glory carts. Fill out a little checklist of ice cream flavours and toppings, and one of the carts will wheel over to construct a giant sundae before your eyes, chilling the glass with carbon dioxide before assembling the layers. Those carts cost about £27,500 each by the way, so it’d be a shame not to use them.
Where: 1 Hotel Mayfair, 3 Berkeley Street, W1J 8DL
Book now: Dovetale at 1 Hotel Mayfair

Trifle at The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea

What: The Cadogan Arms is a traditional pub in the heart of Chelsea and offers up an impressive selection of booze and seasonal British dishes - and what could be more British than a trifle? This is the signature dessert here, and for good reason. The flavour changes with the seasons, but it's always a treat for the eyes and tastebuds and comes piled high with a number of toppings.
Where: 298 King's Road, SW3 5UG
Book now: The Cadogan Arms

Custard tart at Cornus, Belgravia

What: There’s pastry and then there’s pastry, and the Cornus custard tart falls firmly into the latter camp. We’ve eaten our fair share of Kelly Cullen’s desserts at the likes of Allegra and Cornerstone, but this picture-perfect custard tart is something truly special. On our visit it was a brown sugar custard, cut so straight it looked like obsidian, but the flavour changes with the seasons. It doesn’t come cheap, mind, but knocking this back with a glass of Tokaji might just be one of London’s great dessert experiences.
Where: 27c Eccleston Place, SW1W 9NF
Book now: Cornus

Baked Alaska at Baudry Greene Covent Garden

What: Baudry Greene’s Mittel European grand cafe vibe has had us a little spellbound ever since it opened, and it helps that the unassuming menu is stacked with great food from front to back. Spare a moment for the outstanding desserts - we think the Baked Alaska is the most unmissable of them all, but spare a little gap for one pastry chef Kate O’Sullivan’s brilliant homemade choc ices.
Where: 20 Endell Street, WC2H 9BD
Book now: Baudry Greene

Eccles Cake and Lancashire cheese at St John, Various Locations

What: St John is a dining institution, and has long been adored for its unfussy approach to food. Combining classic British flavours with a nose-to-tail ethic, it’s known for putting offal on the city's food map. But the dessert menu has also caught plenty of attention too, with the Eccles cake taking top spot. Perfectly golden brown and paired with an enormous slab of Lancashire cheese, it's a duo you need to try.
Where: 26 St John Street, EC1M 4AY
Book now: St. John

Creme Caramel at Bouchon Racine, Farringdon 

What: Bouchon Racine does classic French cooking, and it does it very well. The desserts are no exception, with the créme caramel causing a bit of a stir throughout the city. Perfectly creamy, with a mesmerising wobble, it’s a fine example of how incredible this pudding can be.
Where: 66 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6BP
Book now: Bouchon Racine

The most Instagrammable desserts in London

If you live for the ‘gram, you probably enjoy ordering desserts that appeal to the eyes as much as they do the taste buds. Our pick of Instagrammable desserts in London are sure to rake in the likes - and they taste pretty darn good too.

Everything on the dessert trolley at Maison Francois, St. James's

What: Maison Francois is pure joy - just being in that spacious dining room, with the gentle hum of chatter and rattling pans around you, is a treat. Masterful cooking also contributes, but we’re mostly, we’re here for Maison’s dessert trolley, or ‘Chariot de Desserts’. It looks incredible when it arrives, with gorgeous patisserie neatly lined up under a glass case, before revealing two more draws of colourful macarons, eclairs and more. We’ve never had a bad dessert here so, prepare yourself.
Where: 34 Duke Street, SW1Y 6DF
Book now: Maison Francois

Seika Moriawase at Roka Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia

What: Roka has prepared a Japanese feast-for-the-eyes with its signature Seika Moriawase dessert platter. This impressive creation features Roka's selection of seasonal and exotic fruits, and is masterfully assembled to show off the beauty of each one.
Where: 37 Charlotte Street, W1T 1RR
Book now: Roka Charlotte Street

Biscoff cheesecake at Sandwich Sandwich, City of London

What: If you thought maximalist, mad scientist sandwiches was all that Sandwich Sandwich do, think again - it also does an equally bonkers selection of desserts. We’re voting for the absolutely unbelievable Biscoff cheesecake here, which has a fat layer of creamy Biscoff cheesecake filling in between two biscuity crusts. There’s an excellent Oreo version also available, and London is lucky enough to also get ‘Crodoughs’ (which seem more or less like cronuts) in various flavours.
Where: 1 Gresham Street, EC2V 7BX
Read more: Sandwich Sandwich

The Incomparable Lemon Pie at Gloria, Shoreditch

What: Even if you’ve never eaten it before, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Gloria's lemon meringue pie on Instagram. Boasting a thin shortcrust base, lemon curd and a layer of meringue that towers so high it gives a The Shard a run for its money, it’s caught the eye of snap happy customers since the first day it landed on the menu. More than just looks, it tastes delicious too.
Where: 54-56 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3QR
Book now: Gloria

The best vegan dessert options in London

To all our vegan friends (or perhaps those just looking for healthier ways to satisfy their sweet tooth), have no fear! We have delicious dessert options for you as well.

Churros at Club Mexicana, Various Locations

What: This entirely vegan Mexican restaurant could have any meat-eater fooled with its colourful tacos and loaded nachos. If you’re after something sweet, then don’t miss out on the churros with cinnamon sugar and dark chocolate.
Where: 46-48 Commercial Street, E1 6LT
Book now: Club Mexicana

Young coconut sorbet with Thai tea caramel and peanuts at Kolae, London Bridge

What: Kolae's fiery Thai curries and grilled skewers have been a smash hit in Borough Market, but the short dessert menu is just as excellent in our eyes. The sweets are deceptively simple, but exactly what you want after you've gorged yourself on rich Thai food - case in point, this cooling coconut sorbet, lifted by a slick of caramel and roasted peanuts.
Where: 6 Park Street, SE1 9AB
Book now: Kolae

Tandoori Pineapple and Coconut at Trishna, Marylebone

What: Trishna is one of the only Indian Michelin-star restaurants in London, so you know you're getting something good as soon as you walk in the door. This tandoori pineapple and coconut pudding, with smoked pineapple, tender coconut and jaggery sorbet, is off the vegan tasting menu, and is one of several delectable vegan options that the restaurant offers.
Where: 15-17 Blandford Street, W1U 3DG
Book now: Trishna

The best of the rest in London

Some desserts just can't be pigeon-holed, but that doesn't make them any less important. Here's our pick of the best of what the rest of the city has to offer.

Pain Perdu at The Ninth, Fitzrovia

What: The pain perdu at The Ninth is the restaurant’s signature dessert, and one of the most delicious things you will ever eat. Brioche is soaked in a rich creme anglaise, baked in the oven and then blow torched with sugar to finish. Although often enjoyed for breakfast, here it has been given an extra indulgent twist for dessert, and is served simply alongside some vanilla ice cream.
Where: 22 Charlotte Street, W1T 2NB
Book now: The Ninth

Fried Horlicks Ice Cream Bao at BAO, Various Locations

What: BAO has built up a cult following in London for its delicious Taiwanese buns and small plates. There's only one option on the dessert menu, and that's its Horlicks ice cream bun sandwiched between two halves of deep-fried bao. It’s one of the most unique and addictive things on this list.
Where: Various locations
Book now: BAO Borough, BAO Soho, BAO King's Cross, BAO Mary, BAO Shoreditch; BAO Battersea; BAO City

Abade de Priscos at Lisboeta, Fitzrovia

What: Lisboeta’s iconic pork fat custard dessert is not for the faint of heart, but if you can see past the blend of sweet and savoury, it’s absolutely mesmerising. The team makes a syrup out of sugar, charcuterie trimmings, cinnamon and lemon, before adding to egg yolks to make, essentially, a sweet pork fat custard. Served with a rich port caramel and a drizzle of good olive oil, the flavours will be unfamiliar to many, but just go with it - you’ll thank us later.
Where: 30 Charlotte Street, W1T 2NG
Book now: Lisboeta

Feta and Honey Cheesecake at Honey & Co, Bloomsbury

What: Honey & Co. is one of our go-to options for Middle Eastern food, and it’s no wonder given the list of impressive dishes that come out the kitchen. If you’re after something sweet, we implore you to try the feta and honey cheesecake. This comes with a crispy kadaif pastry base, and is topped with Greek thyme honey, almonds and blueberries.
Where: 54 Lamb's Conduit Street, WC1N 3LW
Book now: Honey & Co.

Deep-Fried Bread and Butter Pudding at Cafe Cecilia, Hackney

What: How to make bread and butter pudding even more indulgent? Deep-fry it, of course. Then sit it in a pool of cold custard, and you’ve got yourself one of London’s greatest desserts. It’s incredibly decadent, and may spoil every other dessert for you going forward.
Where: 32 Andrews Road, E8 4FX
Book now: Café Cecilia

Darlish Baklava Ice Cream Sandwich at Berenjak, Soho

What: Berenjak has combined two much loved desserts to create this delicious take on an ice cream sandwich. Thick wedges of baklava are sandwiched with smooth vanilla ice cream, and the chopped pistachios on top make for a colourful finish.
Where: 27 Romilly Street, W1D 5AL
Book now: Berenjak Soho

If you love all things sweet and sugary, check out our pick of the best afternoon teas in London. Or if you have little ones in tow, we have top afternoon teas for kids as well.