Guide to the best patisseries in London

One of the world's best pastry chefs Cédric Grolet made his international debut at the luxurious Berkeley hotel. The French patisserie bearing his name is a showcase for his exquisite trompe-l'œil creations – marvellous desserts that take the shape of the ingredients they're made from. For the ultimate indulgence, you can opt for the acclaimed patissier's tasting menu, served at a counter around the so-called “pastry lab”.

Albert Adrià, a globally-celebrated pastry chef, offers an all-dessert dining experience at the plush Hotel Café Royal in Soho. Cakes & Bubbles, Adrià's first venture outside Spain, showcases innovative desserts like the reimagined Cheese Cake and the Cakes & Bubbles Chocolate Cork. Guests can enjoy these masterpieces with a handpicked selection of sparkling wines and champagnes, or in an afternoon tea experience spotlighting a series of the chef's remarkable sweet creations.

Established back in 1871, Maison Bertaux is London's oldest patisserie. This bustling blue-fronted spot is still popular for indulgent cakes, including wedding and celebration cakes, its famous creamy cheesecake, petit fours, eclairs, tarts, and fancies. Scones and sweet and savoury pastries are also available - the Dijon slice is a popular choice. Take something away or sit indoors or outside at this vibrant venue.

The UK branch of an acclaimed Milanese pasticcheria, this confectionery is housed in a beautiful building in Mayfair. Nestled among the lovingly-restored original features and polished cherrywood furnishings you'll find an assortment of sweet delights, with the pastry shop offering everything from pralines and bonbons to Italian pastries, cakes, biscuits, and preserves.

Originally established in Israel, Roladin is a world-renowned family-run patisserie specialising in luxurious doughnuts. At the Donutelier in London, the timeless art of doughnut-crafting is combined with modern street food aesthetics in a range of delectable masterpieces. Innovative flavours abound, from mascarpone cream, salted caramel, and white choc, to Chantilly cream-infused pistachio. It's not all just doughnuts, either – various other pastries are available as well.

Pastry World Champion Angelo Musa opened his London outpost at the iconic Harrods. His elegant tea room on the fourth floor of the luxury department store serves his indulgent creations, including the signature 100% Vanille – four layers of sponge cake, croustillant duja, crémeux, and mousse – and the championship-winning Papilio, chocolate decadence incarnate. A French take on high tea is also available.

At Aux Merveilleux de Fred, you can try merveilleux, a classic Flemish pastry with meringue at its heart. Crafted right before your eyes, they're available in an assortment of flavours and sizes. In addition to the signature treat, the patisseries tempt with other sweet offerings like brioche and cakes, perfectly paired with a comforting cup of tea.

Dating back more than a century and a half, to 1862 Paris, Ladurée has become synonymous with macarons, the colourful, pretty meringue treats that come in an assortment of flavours and melt in the mouth. The French patisserie can be found at multiple locations around London, including the flagship Ladurée tea salon in Covent Garden. The easily-transportable macarons also make an ideal gift for a special someone with a sweet tooth.

Kova is a premium Japanese patisserie that operates multiple branches around the capital. Their specialities are decadent yet minimalistic Japanese desserts, including their signature stacked mille crêpes. Flavours include adventurous options such as matcha, durian, and Earl Grey, along with more classic choices such as strawberry shortcake. You can balance out the sweetness with organic teas and matcha lattes.

Café Kitsuné is a testament to French and Japanese patisserie craftsmanship, offering an assortment of delightful pastries and cakes to treat yourself with. Savoury options such as sandwiches and pastries are available as well, along with signature cold drinks and other beverages. The patisserie at the Pantechnicon building was originally launched by the famed Japanese-French record label and also offers outdoor seating.

Patisserie Valerie, a renowned UK pastry shop, has expanded its presence throughout the nation through its collaboration with Sainsbury's. Not only can you order their vast range of handcrafted cakes, pastries, and afternoon tea sets for delivery across the country, you can also savour these delightful treats at the Patisserie Valerie London branches. Speciality coffee and other hot drinks are available there as well.

The Japan Centre between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square is a one-stop-shop for all things Japanese, including Japanese treats to take home. The centrally located superstore also encompasses the UK's first dedicated mochi bar, where you can get all the mochi you want. The Japanese rice cakes are available in a variety of flavours and colours, and include ice cream mochi as well.

Established in Cyprus almost forty years ago, Wilton Patisserie in Southgate is a mainstay among London pastry shops. Their extensive assortment boasts over 300 items, from authentic Cypriot savouries to syrupy desserts, tarts, wedding and novelty cakes, and more. Whether you have a specific sweet craving or a special request, they're committed to meeting your needs, and they also offer delivery.

The all-day dim sum teahouse Yauatcha combines an eye-catching assortment of exquisitely crafted European patisserie with a range of dim sum, also available in signature menus with wine pairings. Their special seasonal patisserie, such as the white chocolate Easter egg, are worth marking your calendar for, but it's hard to go wrong whatever treat you choose, with their regular offerings drawing on Chinese traditions and ingredients for a unique take on classic patisserie.

Awash in shades of pink, the EL&N cafés are prime spots for budding Instagram influencers. Accentuated with vibrant florals and glowing neon lights, the venues exude charm. Their menu doesn't disappoint either, showcasing European delicacies beautifully garnished with floral designs and vivid colours. You can top your meal off with an array of desserts, including cakes, cheesecakes, tarts, and more.

The first dedicated café to open at the lavish Claridge's hotel, ArtSpace Café is a stylish venue boasting a patisserie counter and a standout marble communal table. Guests can indulge in a range of delicacies, from signature crêpes and croque monsieurs to exclusive Claridge's cakes, all complemented by artisanal coffee, hot chocolate, juices, and champagne.

Le Comptoir Robuchon delicatessen spin-off is packed to the brim with all sorts of artisanal products and gourmet groceries championed by deceased chef Joël Robuchon. Le Deli Robuchon also boasts its own assortment of French patisserie, including the signature Le Cube Robuchon brioche with different fillings. The latter sells out quickly, but there are plenty of other choices to take care of your sugar cravings.

This lively Portuguese patisserie in Golborne Road is known all over London for its signature pastel de nata – they run out of those pretty early in the day, so don't dillydally. In addition to the traditional custard tarts, Lisboa Patisserie offers an assortment of Portuguese patisserie treats, along with strong coffee. Al fresco seating is available as well.

The Peggy Porschen cafés are known for their picturesque aesthetic and signature cupcakes. With training from Le Cordon Bleu and experience as a top pastry chef, Peggy Porschen creates unique and beautifully-crafted cupcakes and cakes using quality ingredients. Besides the sweet treats, the café offers a variety of savoury dishes.

This French patisserie and boulangerie draws in cake lovers with a bold shopfront and bright yellow interior, as well as an array of baked goods, pastries, and other sweet treats crafted with skills gained in Paris over two decades. In addition to its freshly-baked breads, Patisserie Sainte Anne offers an array of authentic French gateaux and confectionery, including tarts, millefeuille, macarons, and more.

Located in Tottenham, Prestige Patisserie is a celebrated artisan bakery and patisserie offering an array of cakes, pastries, cookies, and brownies, as well as savoury delights such as quiches and sausage rolls. Whether you're grabbing a treat to go or relaxing with a snack and warm beverage in their leafy setting, you'll find an abundant selection at the counter regardless of your dietary requirements.

The Humble Crumble dessert shops focus on thing and one thing only – classic British fruit crumbles, updated for the modern day and age. You can build your own crumble here, choosing your preferred filling, crumble, and extras such as custard or blow-torched marshmallow. These contemporary takes on a classic dessert are a big hit on social media as well and rank among the top treats in London.

Tottenham is home to Melissa Patisserie & Café. This simple and low-key patisserie supplies celebration cakes for any occasion, with a wide choice of flavours on offer. Slices of cake, sweet bakes, savoury Turkish gözleme, and hot drinks are also all available here. Get something to take away or sit in the simple and friendly café

This Warren Street café comes from Yemeni specialists Qima Coffee, but it's not just the ethically sourced tree-to-cup coffee that's the draw here. The café also offers an assortment of meticulously crafted patisserie to delight the eyes as well as the tastebuds. The realistic creations feature different, often unexpected flavours, and can be enjoyed in the café's streetside outdoor area as well.

This Austrian restaurant in Camden Passage serves hearty Austrian cuisine, but also boasts a patisserie counter where you can find traditional Viennese treats such as Sachertorte, apple strudel, chestnut cake, and more. The cakes and bakes are available as dine-in or takeaway, and you can also order delivery online. If the sun is out, popping yourself down on the terrace with a slice of Sachertorte and a coffee with cream is a great way to catch some alpine vibes.