From American style to Middle Eastern, brunch in London comes in various shapes and sizes.
America might own brunch, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only side of the pond boasting locales that offer delightfully satiating options for the ultimate weekend meal. Paris has a strong showing on the brunch front, and here’s a look at some of our favorites in London, which give some of New York’s finest a run for their money if we do say so ourselves. In no particular order, here are 12 of the best brunch spots in London.
1. The Wolseley
Boasting a Piccadilly address alongside several other London institutions such as Hatchard’s book shop and Fortnum & Mason, the Wolseley couples the charm of a Parisian brasserie with the nostalgia of a Viennese coffee house. The Eggs Benedict is a must, but if you’re really looking to splurge, then go for the omelet filled with 30 grams of caviar. Mayfair, website
2. Honey & Co.
Opened by an Israeli husband-and-wife team of Ottolenghi proteges, Honey & Co. specializes in Middle Eastern fare. At brunch, £19.50 per person gets you bread and dipping delights, like labneh with za’atar and creamy hummus, for the table to share, followed by a choice of main plate. Go for the shakshuka. Where: Bloomsbury, website
3. The Red Rooster
Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s American export features a “gospel brunch” menu with ever-so gratifying staples from its homeland including Harlem-style fried chicken with waffles so dreamy that you won’t be able to put your fork down, and a fiery preparation of short ribs eggs benedict topped with a Tabasco hollandaise. Shoreditch, website
4. Milk Beach
This restaurant and natural wine bar draws inspiration from the New World – the one down under. The brainchild of an Australian restaurateur and a local coffee-roasting champion, Milk Beach is located in an airy and inviting locale in a formerly abandoned warehouse. Brunch includes a selection of bowls, avocado toast with chili and goat cheese and eggs offered in a variety of preparations. Queen’s Park, website
5. Rovi
The newest addition to Ottolenghi’s esteemed repertoire, Rovi specializes in live-fire cooking and fermentation. Brunch has a strong vegetarian leaning with the chef’s typical Middle Eastern flair coupled with other exotic influences. Dishes include green shakshuka and jalapeno cornbread with a fried egg. Fitzrovia, website
6. The Good Egg
Another brunch spot with a Middle Eastern flair, The Good Egg’s two locations feature two brunch menus: one standard and the other, vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free. Enjoy babka French toast, goat shawarma has and more. Soho and Stoke Newington, website
7. Gloria
This Italian trattoria looks to the 1970s and Campania’s beloved coastal destinations – Capri, Naples and the Amalfi Coast – for inspiration. The brunch menu features savory options like egg alla Fiorentina with spinach, brioche and hollandaise sauce, and sweet preparations like the Big Boy French Toast. Shoreditch, website
8. Chiltern Firehouse
If you’re looking for a high-end experience in a see-and-be-seen backdrop, head to the Chiltern Firehouse, and Andre Balazs hotel, for brunch. Choose buttermilk pancakes, courgette okonomiyaki, black truffle scrambled eggs, crab omelet and more. Marylebone, website
9. Balthazar
The London outpost of this legendary New York institution offers an awesome American-style brunch with steak and eggs, almond waffles and avocado toast with poached eggs complete with a full English breakfast thrown in for good measure. Covent Garden, website
10. The Modern Pantry
The cafe at this multi-purpose Clerkenwell has a brunch menu that suits every palate. From pastries and fruit and grain specialties to savory plates like pillowy raspberry and ricotta pancakes and chorizo and cheddar rarebit, plus plenty of egg options. Clerkenwell, website
11. Granger & Co.
The permanent line at this no-reservations spot can be intimidating, but if you wait it out, you’ll find it was worth your while. From fruits and grains to baked goods, some from the iconic St. John, to eggs and ever-reliable ricotta pancakes, Granger & Co. is a treat. Notting Hill, website
12. The Breakfast Club
The lines at every single outpost of this popular American-style breakfast joint, never seem to get shorter. And they start early, too. From breakfast sandwiches to plenty of waffle and pancake preparations to signatures like steak and eggs and a breakfast burrito, the only problem you might encounter is the process narrowing down your choice to one dish. Various locations, website