The best cafés in Shoreditch

Taking their cue from the world-famous Australian brunch culture, Friends of Ours have linked up with local suppliers such as the Dusty Knuckle Bakery and Dark Arts Coffee to ensure quality ingredients in inspired dishes such Green Eggs with labneh, greens, zhoug, hazelnut dukkah and organic sourdough. Their coffee and drinks game is on point as well, and the snug Shoreditch café, adorned with works by local artists, blossoms in good weather, setting up benches on the sunny pavement.

Kiwi originals Ozone Coffee Roasters bring a sustainable, environmentally-friendly ethos to their café in Shoreditch. Though spread across two floors of a large industrial space, the queue to get in regularly snakes down the street when weekend brunchtime rolls around. The menu increases flavour and decreases waste by utilising fermentation and pickling techniques, resulting in dishes such as kimchi, smoked fish kedgeree, and eggs Benedict on bubble 'n' squeak. The Antipodean commitment to good coffee is in full force here as well.

The original location of the now-familiar Grind chain, this vintage-style Shoreditch coffee shop can be found just off the Old Street roundabout. It's a great place to stop by for brunch, with its all-day brunch menu featuring dishes such as salmon crumpets or thick-cut French toast. You can also just pick up a pastry on your way to work, or see for yourself what all those Grind coffee ads on the tube are about.

The Attendant Coffee Roasters café in Shoreditch is a modern community hub with whitewashed walls and a stunning live plant wall that's well worth snapping for your 'gram. You can stop by for breakfast, brunch or lunch all day here, with the concise but varied menu featuring filling fare such as breakfast rolls, sandwiches, and soups. If you're a budding barista yourself, you can also pick up coffee beans and brewing equipment here.

Serving freshly brewed coffee to East Londoners since 2009, FWD:Coffee has several outposts in the area, including this work-friendly Shoreditch café. The quirky spot features an eclectic soundtrack, unique lighting fixtures, and efficient, friendly service. Though there's a concise choice of breakfast and lunch dishes available to choose from, the focus is on the quality coffee. They serve only speciality coffee, constantly tweaking it to give customers a delicious cup.

This effortlessly cool boutique offers stylish clothing, accessories, and footwear for men and women, as well as homeware, wall art, and other items. The family-run Aida highlights independent brands and unique style influences. If you're wondering what it's doing on a list of best Shoreditch cafés, fret not – the store is also home to its own coffee shop, letting shoppers relax and recharge in a comfy setting. PS - their rose latte is a sure-fire social media hit.

Far from your usual chill Shoreditch café, this haven for motorcycle fans from all walks of life includes a restaurant, bar, tattoo parlour, barbershop, and more. You're welcome whether you own a motorcycle or not – in fact, lounging about on the leather sofas, sipping coffee and watching bikers ride in on their hogs will sound like a perfect lazy Sunday to anyone with a fondness for the two-wheels.

Having helped spearhead the speciality coffee movement in East London, Nude Coffee Roasters are an influential name on the local roasting scene. Their coffee is sourced from sustainable, environmentally friendly growers and roasted at their roastery in Shoreditch. In addition to the high-quality coffee, you can grab a pastry or pick up quality coffee beans for home.

Artisan coffee suppliers Allpress have a pair of cafés in Shoreditch – their original roastery on Redchurch Street, and a coffee shop in a former industrial building on Shoreditch High Street. Both serve espresso drinks and filter coffee, as well as sandwiches and a variety of brunch dishes if you get hungry. Freshly roasted coffee blends are also available for purchase.

The final stop before crossing Regent's Canal into Haggerston, By the Bridge is a comfortable Shoreditch café serving organic and Fairtrade food and drinks. Breakfast and brunch dishes such as pancakes and omelettes, Buddha bowls, sandwiches, bagels, pastries, and other light snacks are available throughout the day, accompanied by hot and cold drinks, including fresh smoothies. Cocktails are also on hand to tempt you into lounging the day away.

Origin Coffee is an independently owned speciality coffee company. At their flagship location in the heart of East London, they showcase the full range of their monthly feature coffees. With light flooding the Shoreditch coffee shop through the large front window and a colourful mural behind the wood-panelled espresso bar, this is an elegant spot for a carefully poured espresso.

Both a church and a coffee shop, Kahaila invites everyone to come and take a break from the busy Brick Lane area. Open to any and all, regardless of background, the venue strives to make visitors feel like they belong and are welcome. They only use ethically and locally sourced products, and also operate as a charity, addressing issues that concern the local community. 

By functioning not only as a café, but as a training ground for future baristas, Paper and Cup helps people recovering from addiction to gain work experience, learn new skills, and take steps towards a more fulfilling life. The cosy, colourful Shoreditch café also sells second-hand and vintage items in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, not to mention brews up a mean cup of speciality coffee. Snacks are offered as well.

The Coffee Junction café in Shoreditch is spacious and homey, offering both cosy indoor banquettes and outdoor seating, with good WiFi if you need to get work done. The calm, peaceful setting is also ideal for slowly enjoying one of their generous cups of coffee. Freshly baked house-made pastries, breakfast baps, soups, and hot specials such as chilli con carne are available if you're hungry.

Another spot that draws on the thriving Aussie café culture, Lantana is a popular brunch spot just off of Old Street roundabout. The star of the show are their famous Australian weekend brunches, featuring sumptuous dishes such as strawberries and cream French toast, or stacked corn fritters with halloumi. Wash your food down with a house cocktail, freshly squeezed OJ or quality coffee, and imagine yourself on the beach with a surfboard in hand, ready to hit the waves.

Flying Horse Coffee began as a roastery and hatch in Mare Street Market in 2018 and has since expanded to multiple London locations, including Shoreditch. Known for its expertly sourced beans from around the world, the café also serves a standout breakfast and brunch menu featuring dishes like a classic fry-up, cured trout on sourdough, and even a Mexican breakfast. Visitors can also enjoy fresh pastries and browse a selection of branded merchandise.

The second café by the small, independent, and family-run Alchemy Coffee Roastery opened at Zetland House in 2019. Offering plenty of room in a minimalist space with white tiled walls, the Alchemy Café serves the company's exquisitely brewed coffee – often in beakers or other alchemical equipment – along with cakes and light brunch options. And if you're stuck, the knowledgeable baristas will gladly help you choose the right coffee for you.

Kiss the Hippo is an award-winning speciality coffee company known for its ethical sourcing, sustainability efforts, and cutting-edge brewing techniques. Based in London, they have several locations across the city and are recognised as pioneers in farm-to-table coffee. You can sample their wares at their Shoreditch coffee shop.

Originally from Kyoto, % Arabica is an independent speciality coffee chain that has gained global recognition for its founder's love of travel, great coffee, and minimalist design. Their Shoreditch coffee shop stands out with its sleek, futuristic pod-like structure, resembling something out of a spaceship. Here, customers can enjoy expertly brewed coffee either to go or perched at one of the clean, modern tables.

This cosy, family-run café in Shoreditch is known for its homemade breakfasts and contemporary brunch options, from fresh salads to baked cakes. The front counter offers a daily selection of sandwiches, quiches, and salads to grab on the go. For something heartier, the à la carte menu features comforting classics like aubergine parmigiana and egg tagliatelle.