Dulwich and East Dulwich are quietly great when it comes to cafés. Whether you're after a quick flat white on Lordship Lane, somewhere calm to sit with a laptop, or a spot that encourages you to linger a little longer, there's plenty to choose from. From neighbourhood favourites run by familiar faces to relaxed cafés doing interesting food alongside very good coffee, these are the places locals keep coming back to.
Kula · Photo: Yannick Lagher Gill
Cafés in Dulwich
Sri Lankan hangout
Trinco on Lordship Lane operates as an all-day café before it becomes busier in the evenings. During the day, it's a relaxed place to sit with well-made coffee and food that encourages you to slow down a bit. The menu draws on Sri Lankan home cooking, with mostly plant-based dishes like dhal and roti, aubergine curry, jackfruit plates and the odd baked good, changing regularly. Prices stay reasonable, and the space feels social without being hectic – good for meeting friends or settling in for a long coffee sesh.
-
22 Lordship Ln
-
Website
•
Trinco Dulwich
020-863 878 12 - Read more on Thatsup
A local daily stop
Bon earns its place among Dulwich's best cafés as a small spot where the menu is simple, and the focus is squarely on good coffee done efficiently. You'll see plenty of regulars grabbing flat whites, chatting briefly, and heading back out again. There's nothing flashy here, but that's part of the fun. It's a cracking everyday café that fits neatly into local routines.
-
Rear of, 43 Lordship Ln
-
Website
•
Bon
020-869 382 27 - Read more on Thatsup
Thoughtful and low-key
Nido stands out in Dulwich for its calm approach to speciality coffee. The emphasis is on well-executed drinks, a simple food offering, and a space that feels easy to spend time in. It's popular with locals who want decent coffee without the rush or noise of busier cafés. Whether you're sitting in or grabbing something to go, it's a fab stop that balances quality with a laid-back pace.
-
11 Melbourne Grove
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
A relaxed all-rounder
Kanella & Co. earns its spot among Dulwich's best cafés by offering a bit of everything without overcomplicating it. Coffee is taken seriously, the baked goods are a highlight, and the space is comfortable enough to stick around. It suits friendly meet-ups, solo coffee breaks, or a casual brunch date.
-
106 Lordship Ln
-
Website
•
Kanella & Co.
020-829 935 84 - Read more on Thatsup