Where to go for a unique breakfast in London—8 spots with sweetcorn fritters, feta hash, miso chili mushrooms & homemade granola on the menu

With an impressive array of places to eat in town, picking a spot for breakfast or brunch isn’t always easy. And while I love those classic luxury London breakfast spots like The Wolseley and the Rosewood Hotel sometimes I want something a little more out of the ordinary.

Over the past 19 years, I’ve eaten at too many breakfast and brunch places to mention, many come and go but the most impressive stand the test of time. Here are the best options I’ve come across for a unique breakfast in London, whether you’re after a pre-work early breakfast in London or a new unforgettable East London breakfast spot you’ll be sure to find something that impresses here.

8 unique breakfast spots in London and what to order

1. Barbie Green, Barbican

Very chilled and in a great spot right next to the ancient ruins of the original London Wall, Barbie Green is part of the Daisy Green Collection, which has a further 10 spots across London. The must-order here is the incredible sweetcorn fritters which come served with avocado, red pepper, feta, and corn ribs plus I added a side of halloumi—it’s filling and satisfying.

Sweetcorn fritters at Barbie Green

The only downside for my visit was the chai latte which was tooth-numbingly sweet and arrived lukewarm.
Address: 2 London Wall Place, Barbican, London, EC2Y 5AU
Closest tube: Barbican/Liverpool St/Bank
Opening hours: from 7.45am Monday to Friday and 9am Saturday to Sunday

2. The Mandrake, Fitzrovia

Not only does The Mandrake hotel serve up some of the best oysters in London you can also get a banging breakfast in glorious surroundings, even if you’re not staying over. I went for a full breakfast made up of a tropical fruit plate, freshly baked croissants, granola, thick Greek yogurt, and toast with a strong black coffee. But the hotel serves everything you’d expect of a five-star hotel allowing guests to start their day with a smile.

The Mandrake's breakfast

The Mandrake’s dining room, with its life-size ostrich installation and arty interiors, provides the perfect space for one of the most unique breakfasts in London. 

Address: 20-21 Newman Street, London, W1T 1PG
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road
Opening hours: from 8am daily

3. Nola, Peckham

This minimalistic local fave is worth the journey even if you don’t live in the area. The coffee is great and the menu features a range of delicious options like dippy eggs with sourdough, egg mayo brioche, and the moreish baklava buns.

A light breakfast at Nola

Address: 224 Rye Lane, London, SE15 4NL

Closest overground: Peckham Rye
Opening hours: from 8am Monday to Friday and 9am Saturday and Sunday

4. Sunday Café & Restaurant, Barnsbury

Chances are you’ll have to queue to get into Sunday, especially if you’re visiting over the weekend.

Courgette fritters at Sunday Café

But this cozy place is worth the wait since it serves up a great selection of dishes including courgette fritters served with avocado, halloumi, poached egg, yogurt, and dukkah, and some of the best avocado toast in London. An all-rounder for great food, and good coffee.

Address: 169 Hemingford Road, London, N1 1DA
Closest tube: Highbury & Islington
Opening hours: from 8.30am Tuesday to Friday and 9am Saturday and Sunday. Closed Mondays.

5. Ozone Coffee, Shoreditch

Most Londoners know of Ozone since the specialty coffee roasters have been fuelling the city with incredible coffee since 2012, and it’s this location that’s the original store.

Mushrooms with miso chili at Ozone

Thankfully the breakfast offering is just as good as the beans with the stand-out order being roasted mushrooms with miso chili on toast. But if that’s not your bag pretty much everything on the menu is heavenly, especially the banana bread with smoked butter, chili XO eggs, and miso granola—enjoy!

Address: 11 Leonard Street, London, EC2A 4AQ Closest tube: Old Street Opening hours: from 7.30am Monday to Friday and 8am Saturday and Sunday

6. Buhler and Co, Walthamstow

This cute little haven in Walthamstow is perfect for a lazy weekend treat. I like the filled bagels, especially the chili scrambled egg and mushroom but the chipotle, feta and kale baked butter beans with mojo verde, apple crumble french toast and potato hash all look amazing too.

Buhler and Co bagel 

Coffee comes from Climpson & Sons so you know it’s going to be good. Address: 8 Chingford Road, London, E17 4PJ Closest tube: Walthamstow Central Opening hours: from 9am daily

7. The Good Egg, Stoke Newington

With a Middle Eastern influence, I opted for the marinated feta hash with spiced potatoes, red harissa, and fried egg, and it made for a strong start to the day.

Feta Hash at The Good Egg

Other dishes worth trying are the babka and the bacon and date challah.  Address: 93 Stoke Newington Church St, London, N16 0AS Closest overground: Stoke Newington Opening hours: from 9am daily

8. Cellar at Kindred, Hammersmith

A great little find tucked away behind Hammersmith tube station, Cellar not only serves up some of the best cocktails in London but also does a range of brilliant breakfasts.

Vegetarian breakfast at Cellar

I’d recommend ordering the vegetarian breakfast, made up of St Ewe eggs, vegan sausages, spinach, hash browns, tomatoes, beans, and mushrooms. Otherwise the buttermilk pancakes and duck and bacon hash are also worth an order. Address: Bradmore House, Queen Caroline Street, London, W6 9BW Closest overground: Hammersmith Opening hours: from 9am Monday to Friday, 10am Saturday and closed Sunday