Guide to the best cafés in Brixton

Café on the Hill has an elegant dark exterior and is a cosy family-run establishment. This compact venue serves coffee, smoothies, and milkshakes, plus a big choice of food. From fried breakfasts to burgers and sandwiches, there are plenty of options. The menu also includes dishes made just for kids.

If you're looking for a work-friendly café in Brixton then Caya is a good shout. This modern rustic spot serves food and some of the area's finest coffee, but also has a well-equipped dedicated workspace. This place celebrates community and collaboration and is ideal for work as well as relaxation.

Head to Brixton Blend for speciality coffee in a modern environment. Conveniently located near to the tube station, this lively café has its own signature coffee blend and you can also buy beans to savour at home. Coffee beans and food like cake and pastries come from local suppliers.

Parissi has a sunny atmosphere and flavoursome menu that'll transport you straight to the Med. It's a contemporary and relaxed place with a secluded secret garden. The menu is eclectic, featuring coffee and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The food offering is constantly updated with items like mezze, frittata, toasties, and breakfast dishes.

Check out Stir Coffee, a rustic café with a laid-back, friendly feel and a resident pooch. A wide choice of drinks and snacks are available here – you can expect top quality coffee along with cake and sandwiches. Craft beer and a big choice of soft drinks are also on offer.

Breakfast fans can head to Sam’s Café, which serves what they say is the biggest breakfast in Brixton. This is a classic British café experience with an understated style. There's loads of choice, including halal and veggie breakfasts. Other options include omelettes and paninis, plus coffee and milkshakes to drink.

Katakata is a colourful vegan café and community hub. It's a vibrant place with a friendly atmosphere, art on the walls, and a range of events like meditation classes. Plant-based dishes like galettes and salads are available here. Coffee, fresh juices and smoothies, and alcoholic drinks are also all served.

Get a taste of Sicily when you visit San Marino, which has been open in Brixton since 1993. This spacious corner café is a smart environment for trying traditional Italian recipes as well as café favourites like breakfasts, paninis, and jacket potatoes. Indoor and outdoor tables are available here.

In Market Row you'll see Express Café, an old-school counter service eatery. It has a traditional look and a chequered floor. You'll find lots of options on the menu if you fancy a fried breakfast, plus omelettes, burgers, and sandwiches. Hot and cold drinks are also available here, plus takeaways.

Blank Coffee lets you experience Antipodean coffee culture in Brixton. The café is vibrant and contemporary, combining a range of global influences. Come here to enjoy freshly-prepared coffee as well as classic brunch recipes like sweetcorn fritters, pancakes, and toast or sandwiches. Pavement tables are available for al fresco dining.

Brixton-based mini-chain F. Mondays has a cheeky name and lots of fun personality. First established in 2014, these bustling cafés have plants at the entrance and indoor and outdoor tables. You can enjoy a hot or cold drink here, plus shop in the in-store grocery for bread, pastries, dairy, and kitchen cupboard essentials.

Homey café Madelina is a popular spot for brunch. It's a comfy space that has plenty of outdoor seating. The simple menu is full of choice, including veggie and vegan dishes. Choose from cooked breakfasts, salads, sandwiches, and bagels. Tempting flavour combos include egg and bacon or halloumi and hummus.

Café Tana is a humble local spot for classic café food. There are outdoor tables as well as a simple indoor space. Juices, hot drinks, and pastel de nata are available, as well as more filling food options. Expect hearty portions of popular dishes like fried breakfasts, jacket potatoes, and omelettes.

Vegan venue Café Van Gogh is a non-profit social enterprise that aims to be a zero waste establishment. Food is served like simple breakfasts, weekend brunches, and a Sunday roast. The venue is colourful and humble with indoor and outdoor seating. It's popular for a quick coffee as well as lengthy meals.

With an exterior covered in Jackson Pollock-style paint splatters, Balance is a quirky and welcoming local café. The place has a warm and friendly atmosphere and lots of fresh options on the menu. Get a coffee or juice and try out food that's freshly-made each day including salads, sandwiches, and bakery items.

Neighbourhood favourite Brixtonia is low-key, relaxed, and a hit with the local community. Framed pictures line the walls, music is on the speakers, and there are indoor and outdoor tables. Coffee, juices, and snacks are served here but this community hub also offers services like photocopying, printing, and free wifi access.