The best greasy spoons in London

Some say Regency Café is the most sought-after greasy spoon London has to offer. It's definitely one of the most recognisable, and has appeared on film and TV many times. Opened in 1946, it has a smart and traditional tiled exterior and serves full English breakfasts, as well as sandwiches and hot lunches.

Family-run E Pellicci is an iconic East London café. Its distinctive wood-panelled interior is traditional as well as cool. A simple menu of fried breakfasts is offered here, including vegetarian selections. Added to that, diners can opt for sandwiches or home-cooked Italian dishes. Jars of homemade pesto are also available for purchase.

Much-loved greasy spoon The Electric Café has preserved its 1940s interiors, so you really feel like you're stepping back in time. Food is available all day at this family-run spot. Fried breakfasts are naturally on the menu, but you can also go for breakfast sandwiches, omelettes, and homemade British favourites like pie and chips.

The Hope in Holloway is a big part of the local community and is popular for its authenticity. Open since 1937, this is one of the city's best-known greasy spoons and it retains its old-school interiors. The lengthy menu of British and Greek food is written on chalkboards. There's a choice of set breakfasts plus filling dishes like moussaka, shepherd's pie, and lamb chops.

The USP at Polo Bar is that it's open 24/7 – you really can enjoy a fry-up at any time. Its location is conveniently across the road from Liverpool Street Station. This cheery café has been in business since 1959 and serves a reliable menu of fried breakfasts, burgers, and pancakes. Alcohol is available 24/7 too.

A Michelin-starred restaurant might spring to mind but we mean River Café in Putney. This is a humble greasy spoon that's packed with old-school charm. Both the surroundings and the menu here are traditional. Food centres around fry-ups, sandwiches, and generous pasta dishes, whilst the service is always warm and welcoming.

In Islington you'll see a modern take on a greasy spoon at Workers Café. This café has a smart pink and black exterior and a simple look inside. A choice of set all-day breakfasts are served here, including veggie-friendly meals. You can also build your own breakfast or go for pancakes, pies, and sandwiches.

Understated venue Mario's Café is a classic in Kentish Town. It's known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere as well as the satisfying British and Italian food on offer. Menus are written on chalkboards alongside work by local artists. Expect a mix of fried breakfasts and Italian sandwiches and lunch dishes.

Despite being established only in 2020, Norman's Café has a real air of nostalgia about it. Using quality ingredients, this place really celebrates down-to-earth British food culture. It's been a huge hit on social media too thanks to its stripped-back aesthetics. Expect simple classic meals that make you feel warm and fuzzy.

Terry's Café has an old-school feel and has been in business since the 80s. The interiors here are packed with heritage and character, whilst the hearty British food is prepared with local ingredients. Expect typical greasy spoon meals with a focus on cooked breakfasts, including plant-based options. Pastries and lighter breakfasts are also available.

For breakfast in Caledonian Road, you can't forget about Cally Café. This traditional café is popular with locals; it has a down-to-earth style and bustling atmosphere. Many customers come for one of the set breakfasts, with vegetarian options available. Other dishes like burgers, sandwiches, and omelettes are also on the menu, plus hot and cold drinks.

Head to Greenwich to eat at The Golden Café, a no-frills café with prompt and friendly service. Breakfast is important here – choose from a number of set cooked breakfasts or go for an omelette or hot breakfast sandwich or baguette. Breakfast is available all day, alongside other café classics like baked potatoes and burgers.

For food in central London without any fuss, try Little Portland Café. The menu is written up on chalkboards at this low-key eatery, which has a straightforward dining area. You'll find plenty of satisfying British dishes on the menu, including generous fried breakfasts, burgers, salads, and daily specials like traditional shepherd's pie.

Mr G's Café in Stepney Green is an East End greasy spoon that's been open for decades. With traditional Formica tables and plastic chairs, it has a timeless appearance. There's a simple menu of traditional café food available here - think fry-ups, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, and shepherd's pie. Hot and cold drinks are served here as well.

GMT Café is a fuss-free greasy spoon in Greenwich. The functional dining space is decked out in a typical old-school style. If you fancy a fry-up, you get loads of choice here – either pick one of the set meals or build your own with your favourite bits. Other dishes like omelettes, burgers, and home-cooked lunches are available too.

North London's The New Atlas Café is a spacious and comfortable greasy spoon with two dining rooms. This bustling café usually has a steady stream of devoted customers. In the cosy wood-panelled interior you can opt for a sizeable fry-up, a generously filled sandwich, or hearty mains such as pork chops, lamb chops, or a mixed grill.

Maries Café in Waterloo is different to most greasy spoons. You can certainly start your day here with a hearty fry-up, but later on it becomes a top destination for authentic Thai food. The venue is friendly, low-key, and casual. Whether you come for the caff experience or you're after Asian cuisine, you'll get affordable and tasty food.

Based in Camberwell, Rock Steady Eddie's is a well-known greasy spoon in London. Honest food is served here in a timeless and fuss-free setting. Come for a fried breakfast at any time of day or try out sandwiches, burgers, meat pie, or gammon steak. Desserts and hot and cold drinks are available, and the café also does takeaways.

Family-run eatery Andrew's Restaurant counts some famous names amongst its fans. It's a simple venue with a bustling crowd and an unpretentious feel. There's a menu of typical British favourites here; filling fried breakfasts, including veggie versions, plus omelettes, mixed grills, jacket potatoes, and sandwiches.

With a distinctive name and bold signage, you can't miss The Cat & Cucumber Café in London Bridge. This café is simple and casual, specialising in cooked breakfasts. There are plenty of breakfast sets to choose from to suit different appetites. Other than that, you can also try classic British meals like sandwiches and baked potatoes here.

Family-run eatery Beppe's Café is compact and traditional. Kids are welcome here; it's popular with locals as well as visitors. This cosy place is a classic destination for a proper fry-up, but other dishes are on the menu too. Italian pasta dishes and freshly prepared sandwiches are also available at this sought-after West Smithfield café.

Located near Paddington Station, Raffles is a traditional spot for casual British dining. It's a down-to-earth venue with a simple and functional dining area. The varied menu includes something for every preference. You can choose a filling fried breakfast or go for omelettes, sandwiches, grilled meats, or burgers.

Famed as a great place for a fry-up, Kennington Lane Café has a warm atmosphere and staff who'll make you feel at ease straightaway. At this low-key eatery, you can have your breakfast exactly the way you like it. Choose a set breakfast or create one yourself featuring all the best bits. The food offers good value as well.

Mary's Café has been open in Camberwell since 1965. This long-established eatery is understated and old-school with an informal atmosphere. A variety of cooked breakfasts are on the menu, including veggie-friendly dishes. Alternatively, you can try simple meals like sandwiches, filled wraps, and old favourites such as cottage pie.

You'll see red-fronted Double Six Café close to Euston station. This is a simple space with the typical decor you expect in a greasy spoon. Generous portions of budget-friendly British comfort food are on the menu at this friendly and bustling spot. Visit to sample a classic fried breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, or hot lunches, with kids' meals available too.

Hackney is home to Bungalows Café, a fuss-free greasy spoon. The dining space is bright and has a bustling atmosphere. The set breakfasts, including veggie meals, are a particularly popular option here, but there's plenty more on offer. Diners can opt for sandwiches, burgers, and homemade hot meals like curry or chilli.

Whether you sit indoors or outside, you're treated to fantastic views of Clissold Park at New River Café. This friendly and down-to-earth eatery is popular with locals for breakfast and lunch. On the menu, written up above the counter, you'll see fry-ups, omelettes, sandwiches, and filling meals like shepherd's pie or pork chops. There are some outdoor tables.

Peterborough Café serves unpretentious British food in West London. It's all about affordable homemade meals at this casual eatery. Bacon rolls and fried breakfasts are popular with the clientele here, but there are a wide range of British favourites available. This authentic and old-school establishment gives off a 1960s vibe with its decor and menu.

TV fans will recognise Bridge Café from The Apprentice. The café's regular appearances make it popular with visitors as well as locals. It's a friendly and accommodating venue with a simple interior. The menu has barely changed since it opened in the 60s. Fried breakfasts are particularly popular, but other dishes like pies are served too.

Blue-fronted Jack's Café is an unpretentious greasy spoon in East London. Eat in the simple and homey surroundings here or get food for takeaway. Set fried breakfasts are popular at this café and there are two veggie options available. Other classic caff meals are served too, like pies, burgers, sandwiches, and pork chops.

Jesse's Café has been open in Walthamstow for decades. This family-run eatery has an old-school look with red booths and tiled flooring. British dishes are the focus here but there's a Turkish Cypriot influence too. Diners can choose from generous fried breakfasts, baked potatoes, sandwiches, and more, plus traditional desserts like a knickerbocker glory.

Head to Kingfishers Café if you want to find a greasy spoon in Kingsland Road. This is an unassuming venue with a dining area painted in warm colours. It's a great place for breakfast; nine set fry-ups are available, three of which are vegetarian. Diners can also try other all-day breakfast dishes, sandwiches and toasties, mixed grills, pasta, or burgers.

Docklands Diner has been around since the 80s and is housed in a Grade II listed building. This award-winning café has a down-to-earth and functional look with Formica tables, decorated in shades of green. The set all-day breakfasts are a big hit here, but the menu also features omelettes, sandwiches, burgers, and fish and chips.

There's a strong sense of community around Café Delight, which has been serving diners in Clapham since the 1990s. This family-run café is simple, friendly, and welcoming. Classic British dishes are on the menu here. You can choose a set breakfast or create your own, and the menu also includes sandwiches and baguettes, baked potatoes, and burgers.

This iconic family-run café in Dalston promises to cure all hangovers with its hefty house hashes and no-holding-back menu items such as the evocative “bucket of bacon”. Veggies won't go hungry at this modern greasy spoon either, with options such as the beets 'n' sweets hash. The easy-going joint is a firm local favourite, though there's no shortage of pilgrim from further afield, so queues are common.

Big Brothers Cafe, a family-run diner located on Lea Bridge Road, has been a local favourite for over twenty years, offering affordable breakfast options all day long. The greasy spoon with limited outdoor seating specialises in customisable fry-ups tailored to individual preferences, with a range of options including Mediterranean staples like sujuk and halloumi.