London's best coffee bars and other cafes
A guide to London cafes and espresso bars that serve the best coffee, the best food, and/or the best atmosphere.
Last updated: Sat Oct 17 2026
Bar Italia, 22 Frith Street, W1D 4RP
Bar Italia
Bar Italia is a legendary cafe in Soho. Founded in 1949, it is believed to be London's oldest Italian coffee bar. It stays open extremely late (until 3am or 4am at weekends) and is nothing short of an institution. The coffee is expensive but usually pretty good. The panini are delicious (I recommend sun-dried tomato, mozzarella and basil) and are cheaper than the pizzas. The cakes are also mostly excellent, though the cannoli can sometimes be soggy. The interior is small but oh so stylish — with one wall completely mirrored — and is only spoiled by the large TV screen at the far end. The pavement seating is great for people-watching and is in use all year round; in the winter, outdoor heaters and canopies are employed to protect customers from the elements.
E. Pellicci, 332 Bethnal Green Road, E2 0AG
E. Pellicci
E. Pellicci in Bethnal Green claims to be London's oldest family run cafe. From its steel logo and classic Vitrolite exterior panels to the beautiful marquetry interior crafted by Achille Capocci in 1946, Pellicci's is a stunning example of a classic Anglo-Italian café. It was originally opened in 1900 by the Pellicci family but was substantially remodelled in the late 1940s. It's unique Art Deco design is so special that it was awarded Grade II listed building status by English Heritage in 2005 — one of only two 20th Century cafés to be so protected (the other one being the former S&M Cafe on Essex Road — originally Alfredo's). Still run by the Pelliccis, this popular café is an East End institution and forms a social hub for the area. Catering primarily for breakfast and lunch, the café opens from 8am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday. The greasy spoon menu includes all the traditional English breakfast ingredients as well as a set vegetarian breakfast and some classic Italian pasta dishes. An espresso coffee is also a must, though I would avoid the cappuccino.
Scooter Caffè, 132 Lower Marsh, SE1 7AE
Scooter Caffè
Scooter Caffè, previously known as Scooterworks, is an old-fashioned, Italian-style coffee bar in Waterloo that was once a scooter shop. The coffee is usually very good and is made using a beautiful, vintage Gaggia espresso machine. In the summer, seating is also available in the small back yard. A nice place to relax or meet friends. Opens until 10pm (11pm on Saturdays and Sundays).
The Troubadour, 263-7 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9JA
The Troubadour
The Troubadour is a famous restaurant and coffee house with great decor, a fantastic atmosphere, and a lovely little garden out the back (which is great for the summertime). The place is truly unique and needs to be seen to be believed. In February 2002, the café (which opened in 1958) was expanded; the management at the time having taken over the premises on either side of the original Troubador. There is also a club in the basement which hosts live music.