London has thousands of cafes, but which ones do visitors actually love? We dug through Google Maps ratings and review volumes to find the capital’s most consistently praised spots, from specialty coffee bars to historic basement tea rooms.
1. Kennington Lane Cafe
Rating: 4.9 from more than 11,000 Google reviews
This low-key Kennington spot has one of the highest review counts of any cafe in London, and reviewers keep coming back for hearty British classics, from full breakfasts to fish and chips and Sunday-style roasts. Expect generous portions, fair prices and a loyal local crowd.
2. De Vine
Rating: 5.0 from around 6,000 Google reviews
A counter-serve cafe and deli dishing up breakfast and lunch nibbles. Reviewers praise its consistency and the quality of its fresh, informal menu, making it a strong pick for a quick but genuinely good bite.
3. 215 Hackney, Cafe and Brunch
Rating: 4.9 from around 1,700 Google reviews
A compact, relaxed Hackney cafe serving locally sourced Middle Eastern-inspired dishes alongside coffee and cakes. Reviewers love the warm atmosphere and the brunch menu in particular.
4. Hideaway Coffee House
Rating: 4.7 from more than 1,200 Google reviews
Tucked into a hidden courtyard, this independent coffee house is praised for proper specialty coffee away from the high-street chains. A favourite with reviewers who want quality espresso in a calm setting.
5. % Arabica, Covent Garden
Rating: 4.4 from more than 1,200 Google reviews
The London outpost of the famous Kyoto coffee brand, known for its sleek design and serious espresso programme. Reviewers rate the coffee highly, though expect tourist-area queues at peak times.
6. Cafe in the Crypt
Rating: 4.3 from more than 2,600 Google reviews
Set in the atmospheric crypt beneath St Martin-in-the-Fields on Trafalgar Square, this is less about cutting-edge coffee and more about the unforgettable setting. Reviewers consistently praise the historic vaulted interior and the sense of occasion.
7. Monmouth Coffee Company, Covent Garden
One of London’s original specialty coffee pioneers, based at 27 Monmouth Street. Reviewers praise its carefully sourced single-origin beans and the no-nonsense focus on coffee quality that helped kick off the capital’s third-wave coffee scene.
How we ranked them
We sorted by a blend of Google rating and review volume, favouring spots with both high scores and a large number of reviews, which is a stronger signal than a perfect score from a handful of visitors. Ratings were correct at the time of writing and can change, so it is always worth checking the latest reviews and opening hours before you visit.
