44 best brunches in London 2025
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No longer trailing behind avocado-loving Melbourne or Bloody Mary-obsessed New York, London’s brunch scene has been thriving for years now, thanks to some of the best restaurants in London starting to open their doors earlier, giving health freaks and hedonists alike many more tables to book.
Seemingly every corner of London has brunch favourites from all corners of the world: try an American feast at Sunday in Brooklyn in Notting Hill, order Tel Aviv-influenced small plates at Stoke Newington’s The Good Egg or the must-order egg naan at branches of Dishoom across the capital. All of this, plus anyone extra thirsty can try one of the city’s best bottomless brunches, whereas purists can still get a proper old-school fry-up (we recommend St John’s Bread and Wine for the best bacon sandwich in town).
How we choose the best brunches in London
Every restaurant on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has eaten at that restaurant. When choosing restaurants, our editors consider both high end and affordable eateries that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We're always looking for stand-out dishes, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve.
The reviews below reflect the experience at the time of visiting. Many London restaurants, including our favourite brunch spots, have ever-changing menus reflecting seasonal produce. Please check the linked restaurant menus to confirm dishes mentioned in this article are still served.
MATTHEW HAGUE
Best brush for: Palestinian small plates
Dish to order: The grilled nabulsi cheeseThere were many grumblings resounding through the pastel-hued streets of Hillgate Village when the much-loved Indian restaurant Malabar closed during the pandemic after nearly 40 years. But the opening of Akub in January 2023 in Malabar's old digs quickly put a stop to that. The Palestinian restaurant offers a soothing, light-filled haven in Notting Hill’s backstreets. Whitewashed walls, copper tables, dangling plants and potted olive trees exude tranquillity inside the sage-green facade. During the day, sunlight streams through the vast skylight into the main dining area – making the space a perfect spot for a sunny weekend brunch. The menu blends traditional flavours of the Middle East with seasonal ingredients, curated into sharing plates of dips, loaded flatbreads and slow-roasted dishes.
Start with the beyd (fried eggs sprinkled with sumac served on fluffy bread) and as many dips as you can manage – the labneh drizzled olive oil and zaatar, smooth and moreish hummus and stewed fava beans in a tomato and garlic sauce should be spooned onto the selection of homemade breads. Order some fatteh for a traditional Palestinian breakfast dish of torn bread topped with slow-cooked beef short ribs with garlic yoghurt and pomegranate or aubergine in a spiced tomato sauce. A side nabulsi is a must, a salty Palestinian cheese grilled and topped with crunchy nigella seeds. Save room for the Arabic coffee French toast, crispy brioche with laban (a Middle Eastern yoghurt) and a dusting of cocoa and pistachio chunks. Wash it all down with a spicy zataar bloody mary. Olivia Morelli
Address: Akub, 27 Uxbridge Street, London W8 7TQ
Website: akub-restaurant.comChris Terry
Best for: Summer terrace vibes
Dish to order: Lobster rollJust a stone’s throw from Bond Street’s hustle and bustle, this hidden gem is perfectly placed for lunchtime shopping breaks or birthday brunches. With a newly renovated garden square and a sunny terrace, sit outside to soak up the sun or cosy up inside the townhouse’s Georgian drawing room – a stylish haven for any unpredictable weather spells.
The DJ gives this smart outfit a casual Ibiza vibe, and the New England-inspired menu – a nod to Canadian founder Joey Ghazal’s love for Maine’s famous seafood – features everything from traditional lobster rolls to oyster platters presented on an impressive multi-tier serving stand. Lighter bites packed with flavour include the fresh, zingy tuna tartar, fish tacos and Instagram-friendly berry meringue. For meat lovers, the filet mignon is buttery soft and complemented by the truffle mac and cheese, while the white chocolate cheesecake served in ice cream scoops will have you dreaming about it for days afterwards. Finish with a gin-based ‘Fairy Touch’ cocktail, garnished with lavender sprigs to keep you calm for your return to the concrete jungle. Jessica Rach
Address: The Maine, 6 Medici Court, London
Website: themainemayfair.com
