Islington is home to many amazing cafes and top restaurants, from vibrant American-style diners to beautiful neighbourhood bakeries and everything in-between. You’ll have no problem finding some of the best brunches in Islington.
Whether you’re looking for breakfast in Angel or brunch in Highbury, there are plenty of great places to experience in Islington.
You could start your day with unlimited fresh coffee at Caravan as you explore Exmouth Market, grab an artisanal pastry at Euphorium Bakery on Upper Street, or even enjoy some cheeky brunch cocktails at The Breakfast Club in Angel.
However you want to spend your morning, this list will guide you through some of the best places for brunch in Islington.
In this guide:
Best Brunches in Islington
Ottolenghi
Yotam Ottolenghi is widely known as one of the most influential chefs of modern times, and Islington is home to his flagship café-deli.
As you walk along Upper Street, you’ll be drawn to the array of lovingly crafted breads and pastries lining Ottolenghi’s windows. You can grab one to go, or sit inside to choose from a range of healthy and warming breakfast plates.
The decor is simple and airy, with a buzzing atmosphere centred around two large communal tables.
They don’t take reservations during the morning, so make sure to come early on a weekend! Whether you’re eating in or taking away, you’ll be enjoying one of the best breakfasts in Islington.
The Breakfast Club
With its 80s-style decor and focus on home-cooked food, The Breakfast Club is widely known as one of the best places for brunch in Islington.
You’ll find The Breakfast Club in Angel’s picturesque Camden Passage, a quaint car-free street filled with cafés and antique stalls (it’s also one of our favourite hidden gems in London!)
They offer a menu that blends both American and English influences to offer a breakfast for every occasion.
They’re also known for their cocktails, so don’t be afraid to pair your pancake stack with a mimosa or your full English with a bloody mary! You can expect large dishes served in a lively, energetic atmosphere.
Don’t worry if you’re not a morning person. They serve breakfast all day long, so you’re able to enjoy one of the best brunches in Islington at any time of the day.
Caravan, Exmouth Market
Caravan is widely known as one of the best breakfast spots in Islington. They are famed for their fresh coffee roasted on-site and inventive menu.
Placed along the beautiful pedestrianised Exmouth Market, its all-day menu and unlimited filter coffee will make you want to spend hours people-watching through the huge windows.
The breakfast options are varied and exciting, combining a range of different cuisines and influences. You can enjoy vanilla pancakes with poached rhubarb, fried jalapeño cornbread with salsa, or hot-smoked salmon with scrambled eggs.
If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to sit outside on their terrace to immerse yourself in the buzzing atmosphere of the market street.
Crêpeaffaire
If crêpes are your thing, you’ll love Crêpeaffaire. Nestled in the quaint Camden Passage just a few minutes’ walk away from Angel station, its huge and inventive menu make this one of the best breakfasts in Islington.
The menu is expansive and has something for everyone. If you enjoy the classics, you’ll love the Ultimate Nutella or Lemon & Sugar.
Indulging your sweet tooth? You’ll enjoy the Ferrero Rocher, Oreo Cookie or Cinnamon, Banana & Butterscotch. Prefer a more savoury start to your day? You won’t be short of options, from Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese to Eggs Benedict.
Feel free to grab your crepe to go, or take a seat outside to soak up the street’s vintage vibes.
Euphorium Bakery
Euphorium Bakery has been one of Angel’s best breakfast spots since it opened over 20 years ago.
You’ll find it overlooking Islington Green, just a few minutes’ walk from Angel Station. Widely known for its artisanal baking and classic brunches, you’ll be drawn inside by the fresh breads and pastries lining the windows.
Grabbing breakfast to go? You can satisfy your sugar cravings with a range of cakes and carefully-crafted tarts, or enjoy classic savoury treats like ham and cheese croissants. If you’re eating in, you can order from a selection of traditional brunches.
These include classic English breakfasts, healthy porridges and a range of toppings on freshly baked sourdough bread.
Euphorium Bakery has another store just up the road in Highbury, giving you twice as much opportunity to enjoy one of the top breakfasts in Islington.
Megan’s
Megan’s restaurants are known for beautiful flower-filled interiors, a warming Mediterranean atmosphere and their exciting Turkish-inspired menu.
You’ll find one of the best brunches in Islington at their Angel restaurant, placed within an iconic old sorting office in Islington Square. Megan’s serves their daytime menu until 5pm, allowing you to enjoy some of Islington’s best brunch foods well into the afternoon.
You can enjoy hearty shakshoumi baked eggs served with grilled halloumi, nourishing brunch bowls served warm or cold, or even a Turkish brunch feast to share between two.
Visit on a weekend to enjoy their bottomless brunch, where you can combine one of the top breakfasts in Islington with 90 minutes of unlimited Prosecco.
Boulangerie Bon Matin
Placed in north Islington by Finsbury Park, Boulangerie Bon Matin combines Parisienne and Mediterranean influences to become one of the best places for breakfast in Islington.
Artwork from local artists lines the walls, and the atmosphere is warm and casual. Boulangerie Bon Matin offers a range of home-made pastries, classic brunches and locally roasted coffees.
Their pastries range from delicate sweet tarts to light and crisp sausage rolls, and their brunches range from freshly baked breakfast brioches to fruity oatbran pancakes.
You can match your food with the perfect cup of signature blend coffee, served by professionally trained baristas.
Final Thoughts on the Best Brunches in Islington
It’s important to start your day right. Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth or you’re craving something savoury, you’ll have no trouble finding great options in Islington.
You can enjoy Islington’s best breakfasts, whether you’re eating on-the-go or sitting down for a leisurely stay. There are plenty of great restaurants and top cafes for you to enjoy, so add it to your London bucket list!
After breakfast, why not take a morning stroll down Regent’s Canal to enjoy one of the best walks in London? You could even walk to Camden to enjoy all the great things to do there. It’s a must-see, especially if you’re a first time visitor to London.
Too late for breakfast? Don’t worry, Islington is also home to some of the top restaurants to enjoy the best lunch or dinner.
Are there any other great places for brunch in Islington? Let me know in the comments!
Looking for more things to do in London? Check out these guides:
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