The best breakfast in London

If you're the sort of person who is happy with just a pastry or croissant for breakfast, look no further than Pophams. These guys have made a name for themselves on the pastry scene, and rightfully so. They usually have more adventurous varieties on the menu, such as the marmite, Schlossberger and spring onion croissant, or keep it classic with a timeless pain au chocolat.

Dean Street Townhouse is a destination for classic British dining. On the walls, you'll see an impressive collection of British art from names like Peter Blake and Tracey Emin. The breakfast menu includes national favourites like eggs in many different ways, bacon sandwiches, and a fry-up. Lighter choices are also served, like fruit, crumpets and more.

For Middle Eastern breakfast, Honey & Co. know a thing or two. Shakshuka is a mainstay on the menu, sitting side-by-side with things like frittata and Greek yoghurt with roasted plums. This is a great spot if you're the kind of person who likes dipping and dunking bread into various creamy dips. There's also a deli counter lined with tempting treats like slices of cake and sandwiches.

Modern Michelin-starred restaurant Hide combines three venues, separated by a dramatic and eye-catching spiral staircase. All-day dining is available here, and a sophisticated breakfast menu is served, with pastries baked in-house and dishes on offer like homemade granola, truffled eggs on toast, and a full English breakfast. The menu does change regularly, so keep that in mind.

Whatever kind of breakfast you're craving, you'll find it at The Breakfast Club. Whether you're after eggs and bacon, French toast, plant-based options, or brunch dishes like burgers and sandwiches, they've got the lot. This is a breakfast spot where you come to indulge, washing it all down with your favourite tea or coffee.

Breakfast at Dobar has a huge buzz around it and seating is limited, so be prepared to queue. Once inside, you're rewarded with a variety of British and Mediterranean-inspired classic breakfast dishes. Opt for a fruity and generous pancake or a classic fry-up, finished off with a smoothie or hot drink.

Eggs are the main event at Notting Hill's Eggbreak. Breakfast is served all day at this contemporary destination, with a menu that's diverse but focused on eggs. Whether you want a big boozy breakfast or something quick and light, Eggbreak offers plenty of options, plus tea, coffee, smoothies and juices, and alcoholic drinks.

Esters is a bright and modern local restaurant serving breakfast and lunch in Stoke Newington. The ever-changing menu brings a creative touch to breakfast favourites. Expect unexpected touches like blood orange purée, Earl Grey cream, and buckwheat-oat brittle, though the menu changes based on what's in season. There are equally imaginative baked goods on offer, too.

Family-run East London café E Pellicci has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to 1900. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day here, with a simple menu of fried breakfasts, including vegetarian options. Classic British sandwiches are on the menu too if you fancy a smaller breakfast.

The cosy new branch of Abuelo in Marylebone provides a welcome respite from the Central London crowds and one heck of a passion for the Aussie approach to coffee. The brews are served alongside a globe-spanning menu of Australian-Argentinian breakfast dishes, with all-day egg feasts like the jamon plate with jamon, stracciatella and fermented hot honey, guindilla pickled chillies, soft-boiled egg, and fresh sourdough. In the evening, Abuelo transforms into an atmospheric natural wine bar.

Chiltern Firehouse is an exclusive restaurant offering all-day dining menus. A light breakfast menu is served every day, as well as a weekend brunch. Expect a sophisticated and internationally-inspired offering with morning treats like smoked salmon, French toast, or freshly baked pastries. You might even spot an A-lister here!

Opened in 1946, Regency Café continues to attract a crowd. The café has made numerous appearances on film and television and is an icon for authentic full English breakfasts. Whilst breakfast is the star of the show, there's also a small menu of sandwiches, salads, and hot meals for later in the day.

Fry-up fanatics can't miss the City Boy breakfast at Fox & Anchor. This is a cosy and traditional pub with guest rooms at the edge of Smithfield Market. Well-known amongst local market porters and stokebrokers, this hearty breakfast is served every day, made with premium ingredients, and comes with a pint of Guinness.

Kaffeine is an independent coffee shop inspired by the coffee culture of Australia and New Zealand. Food is just as important here as the coffee - menus change each week but include a wide variety of breakfast dishes and pastries. Takeaways and catering services are also on offer from this slick and modern eatery.

Koya is a Japanese noodle bar that specialises in udon. You can begin your day with the breakfast menu, including noodles and small plates for a breakfast unlike any other. Sit at a communal table in this modern restaurant or get a view of the kitchen whilst you eat at the chef's counter.

Sawyer & Gray is a chic coffee shop where socialising is encouraged and laptops are banned. Drop in for a coffee or sample the breakfast menu, serving up dishes like porridge, granola, and cooked breakfasts. Brunch is also available at weekends and you can choose from a variety of fresh cakes and desserts.

For a luxury breakfast with stunning views, check out Duck & Waffle. Set high above London, you can enjoy light breakfast dishes like porridge and fruit, choose a classic like eggs on toast or, of course, opt for an indulgent waffle. Champagne and breakfast cocktails are served too.

If you fancy a plant-based breakfast, then head to Mallow. Breakfast is served every weekday, with brunch at weekends. Although the menu changes, previous ones have included lighter bites like porridge, a vegan croque monsieur and a vegan full English. Tea, coffee, and breakfast cocktails are served to complete your meal.

If you can't start the day without coffee then head to Caravan - filter coffee is bottomless for when you really need your fix. All-day dining is available here, including a breakfast menu ranging from fruit or cereal to plated meals like pancakes, baked eggs, and fry ups. Indoor and outdoor seating is available here.

Terry's Café is a vibrant red eatery that's been serving authentic fried breakfasts made with quality locally sourced ingredients since 1982. The classic interior is full of history and heritage, and you can expect an old school café menu that concentrates on fry-ups. Pastries and lighter breakfast dishes are also on offer.

26 Grains offers wholesome all-day dining that's full of hygge and cosiness. Come here for breakfast, and you can sample porridge, sandwiches, or egg dishes. Breakfast is served throughout the day here at this contemporary and comfortable restaurant. A small selection of drinks is available too.

The Table is a modern British restaurant that specialises in breakfast and brunch. The menu is varied, ranging from classic fried breakfasts to benedicts, French toast, and waffles. Burgers are served too. Serious breakfast lovers can even hire the restaurant or outdoor terrace for events, including wedding receptions.

Catalyst is a coffee roaster and café serving small-batch coffee as well as elevated café food. The breakfast and lunch menus are brief but include both classic and international options. Expect sandwiches, toasties, and eggs in different ways. Complete your breakfast with one of Catalyst's fresh artisan coffees.

Frizzante Café, a farm-to-table restaurant that's part of Hackney City Farm, gives diners a taste of the Italian concept of agriturismo. Food is served all day, including a breakfast menu that uses fresh, homegrown ingredients. Go for a full English or opt for something lighter like avo on toast or a breakfast sandwich.

Ozone Coffee Roasters is a community-minded spot that's a favourite for coffee but also hosts a buzzing restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. The menu changes from time to time, but previous versions have included dishes like granola, house-made ricotta, kedgeree or eggs benedict from the environmentally-conscious menu that aims to decrease waste. Of course, there's plenty of coffee available to wash it down.

215 Hackney, a charming café and coffee shop near Stoke Newington's Church Street, offers an excellent menu of Middle Eastern cuisine and coffee, including epic breakfast and brunch dishes, like shakshuka, Nutella French toast, and a Palestinian-inspired spread. With a focus on sourcing local ingredients, the café supports nearby Stoke Newington shops and businesses. The owners' dedication to social responsibility shines through as they pledge to donate 20% of their profits to Warchild, which supports children affected by wars worldwide.

Deeney's is a cosy Scottish café that serves epic brekky and brunch dishes, including fully-loaded fry-ups and breakfast sandwiches. Their selection of cheese toasties is outstanding, with options to suit everyone, including the renowned haggis toastie, along with vegetarian and vegan versions.

Towpath was once one of London's best-kept foodie secrets, but these days everyone loves it, and it's not hard to see why. Perched along the canal, you can enjoy the first meal of the day made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu is simple but features plenty of choices; from sweet options to savoury, there's something for everyone. But what makes this cafe particularly popular is its canal-side location – perfect for a bit of morning people-watching.

Head over to Eggslut if you're partial to eggs for brekky, where this eggcellent (sorry) group serves a menu of sandwiches and breakfast delights. Originally from the US, this hotspot offers gourmet dishes that revolve around eggs, eggs and more eggs. Opt for a sandwich made with a brioche bun, featuring options like cheeseburger, steak, or mushroom and truffle pâté, each one accompanied by – you guessed it – eggs.

Bake Street is located opposite Hackney's Rectory Road station and serves iconic weekend brunch specials. There's a pastry counter for those wanting something lighter and plenty of just-baked sweet treats like cookies and cakes. There are also heaps of heartier options, like their famous chicken bun and buttered American biscuit with fried egg and hot honey. They also serve things like birria tacos and hot and iced coffees, although the menu does change occasionally, so it's worth keeping an eye on their socials. 

For a top-notch vegan breakfast, Wave, aptly short for We Are Vegan Everything, has you covered. They have two cafés, one in Stoke Newington and one right next to Hackney Church. Everything here is completely vegan, including smoothie bowls, toasted muffins, and scrambled tofu. They also serve interesting coffees in different flavours, such as turmeric, cacao, and beetroot lattes.

Aussie cafés always hit the mark, and Lantana is no exception. This urban-chic café has a few branches dotted around the city, serving Australian weekend brunches and refined breakfast classics in a trendy space. The menu changes depending on the season but includes dishes like brioche French toast, hash and breakfast buns. There are a couple of Lantana classics, like corn fritters stacked with avocado and lemon crème fraiche, as well as lighter bites and plenty of sides to add to whatever you order.

Dishoom may be predominantly known for its epic Bombay-inspired food, but it also serves a banging breakfast. People in the know will order a bacon naan with chutney ketchup and a milky chai latte on the side. Other highlights include chilli cheese toast, omelettes, and The Big Bombay, an Indian take on the classic full English, also available as a vegan option.

Brother Marcus is another spot nailing the Middle Eastern take on brunch. They have five restaurants around the city, all offering a similar menu with their own take on breakfast and brunch. Dishes like breakfast pitas and granola bowls are a highlight, as are smoky shakshuka and other Middle Eastern-inspired fare. Every one of their cafés is aesthetically pleasing, filled with plants and rattan lampshades.

Zahter brings Istanbulite cuisine to the heart of Carnaby via delicious Turkish dishes. Hot and cold mezze is a highlight, but their breakfast menu shouldn't be skipped. They serve an epic Turkish breakfast with all the classic dishes you'd expect to find, like feta and çeçil cheese, and homemade jams with pide. You can also choose something from their pastry section or separate egg section, which includes the classic favourite, menemen – scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers.