The best brunch in London 2024

London’s brunch scene has truly come into its own, rivaling cities like Melbourne and New York. With a diverse array of options, from health-conscious dishes to indulgent feasts, there’s something for every brunch lover. London’s best restaurants have started opening their doors earlier, giving both health enthusiasts and hedonists plenty of tables to reserve.

Across London, you’ll find brunch hotspots serving up dishes from around the globe. Experience a hearty American breakfast at Sunday in Brooklyn in Notting Hill, enjoy Tel Aviv-inspired small plates at The Good Egg in Stoke Newington, or savor the famous egg naan at Dishoom locations across the city. For those who enjoy a little extra with their meal, London offers some of the finest bottomless brunches. Traditionalists can still indulge in a classic fry-up, with St John’s Bread and Wine offering one of the best bacon sandwiches in town.

The Best Brunches in London at a Glance

Central London: Fallow and Mount St Restaurant
East London: Ottolenghi and BiBo
South London: Where The Pancakes Are and Peggy Jean
West London: Egg Slut and Farm Girl
North London: Double Standard and Coal Office

How We Choose the Best Brunches in London

Each restaurant on this list has been carefully selected by editors and experienced by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist familiar with the destination. Our editors evaluate both upscale and affordable eateries, seeking authentic experiences that offer standout dishes, great locations, and warm service, while also considering sustainability practices. This list is regularly updated to reflect new openings and evolving menus.

Fallow, St James’s

Best brunch for: Huge breakfast buns
Dish to order: Royale with cheese

London’s brunch scene has been taken by storm by Fallow’s iconic breakfast burger, a visual and culinary delight. The Royale with cheese is a luxurious twist on a classic McMuffin, featuring layers of gooey cheese, runny egg, and juicy burger between a flaky croissant bun. The restaurant also offers other delectable brunch options, such as Fallow granola and scrambled fluffy eggs on sourdough. Don’t miss the crispy Haymarket hashbrowns, perfectly paired with walnut ketchup. And for drinks, the spicy bloody mary or tequila iced coffee are standouts.

Mount St Restaurant, Mayfair

Best for: Brunch with a side of art
Dish to order: Roast heritage tomatoes on toast

Located in the heart of Mayfair, Mount St Restaurant offers an artful brunch experience, both in its menu and decor. Chef Jamie Shears has created a menu that elevates traditional British classics, like the standout roast heritage tomatoes on toast with creamy goat’s cheese curd. The restaurant’s unique setting, complete with an impressive art collection, makes it an unforgettable spot for a leisurely brunch.

Lina Stores, Marylebone

Best for: Sharing with friends
Dish to order: Pork belly and fried egg sandwich

Lina Stores has been a staple in London since 1944, offering authentic Italian delights. The Marylebone location, easily recognizable by its mint green and white striped awning, serves up a delicious brunch. The pork belly and fried egg sandwich, a generous creation with fennel seed-spiced pork belly and a runny egg in a toasted focaccia roll, is a must-try. Pair it with a fresh coffee and a pear Danish for a perfect start to your day.

Double Standard, King’s Cross

Best for: Build-your-own Bloody Marys
Dish to order: Buttermilk chicken waffle

At Double Standard, located in The Standard Hotel, brunch is an experience in itself. The venue offers a DIY Bloody Mary station where you can customize your drink with various spirits, spices, and toppings. The menu features indulgent American-inspired dishes like buttermilk chicken waffles and short rib mac ‘n’ cheese. The 1970s-inspired decor and vibrant atmosphere make it a great spot for a leisurely Sunday brunch.

Saltie Girl, Mayfair

Best for: A seafood start to Sunday
Dish to order: Buttermilk waffles with fried lobster

Saltie Girl brings a unique twist to classic brunch dishes by incorporating seafood. The buttermilk waffles with fried lobster is a standout, offering a crispy, tender bite that’s hard to resist. The restaurant’s chic blue exterior and sea-inspired decor make it a stylish spot in Mayfair, perfect for a sophisticated brunch experience.

Peggy Jean, Richmond

Best for: Riverside munching
Dish to order: Mars Bar Cheesecake

Peggy Jean, a renovated barge on the Thames, offers a delightful riverside brunch experience. The menu features Aussie classics like smashed avocado on charcoal toast and sweetcorn fritters. The highlight, however, is the decadent Mars Bar cheesecake—a spherical creation filled with molten caramel and chunks of Mars Bar. Enjoy your meal while soaking in the serene views of the river, but be mindful of the tides!

The Wolseley, Green Park

Best for: Grand café culture
Dish to order: Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs

The Wolseley exudes classic grandeur with its black, gold, and cream interiors. Known for its top-notch service and no-photo policy, this Mayfair institution is perfect for a sophisticated brunch. The smoked salmon and scrambled eggs are a simple yet exquisite dish, making it a must-visit for those who appreciate a refined dining experience.

The Barbary Next Door, Covent Garden

Best for: Pretending you’re on a sunny European holiday
Dish to order: Bus station eggs

The Barbary Next Door offers a delightful blend of Moorish and North African flavors, making it a standout brunch spot in Covent Garden. The bus station eggs, served with butter beans and a hint of cumin, provide a warm and hearty start to your day. The cozy outdoor terrace enhances the European cafe vibe, perfect for a sunny day brunch.

Ottolenghi, Spitalfields

Best for: Ladies who brunch
Dish to order: Shakshuka

Ottolenghi’s Spitalfields location offers a chic and vibrant brunch experience. The shakshuka, served in a mini skillet with bubbling baked tomatoes and smoky labneh, is a flavorful and satisfying dish. The restaurant’s elegant setting, complete with plush velvet curtains and decadent bouquets, makes it an ideal spot for a stylish brunch outing.

Dishoom, Covent Garden

Best for: A spicy start to the day
Dish to order: Bacon naan roll

Dishoom has redefined the Indian dining scene in London, and its brunch offerings are no exception. The bacon naan roll, filled with Ginger Pig bacon, cream cheese, and chili jam, is a delicious fusion of Indian and British flavors. The Covent Garden location’s ambiance, inspired by Bombay cafes, adds to the unique and vibrant dining experience.

These ten brunch spots in London offer a delightful mix of flavors, settings, and unique experiences, making them must-visits for brunch enthusiasts exploring the city. Whether you’re in the mood for something indulgent, artistic, or simply classic, these restaurants have something to satisfy every palate.