There may be affiliate links throughout the content you're about to read. When you purchase from my links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) which helps me provide even more awesome content for you :)
Here are some really aesthetic North London cafes I’ve been thinking of sharing with you for a while; many of them, I actually discovered years ago, when I first moved to London.
From breakfast to brunch or simple coffee, these are cute coffee shops in which you will find fresh cakes and pastries, and, for some of them, even sculptures in hidden basements!
If you’re traveling to London for the first time, you might also check out the guide I’ve written about Central London cafes.
It will most probably come in handy more than once, but if you’re staying in the Islington, Angel, or even North Finchley area, here are some of the best breakfast spots to try!
6 Aesthetic North London Cafes For Delicious Breakfast
Funnily enough, even if these North London cafes are absolutely incredible, I’ve barely even seen them on blogs, Instagram and Pinterest – like, ever.
In this really cute and secret cafes and bakeries, one thing’s for sure: you will be able to try some of London’s best pastries… and strong, really strong coffee.
There are obviously many more amazing, and really instagrammable cafes in London, that is a given.
But if you’re looking to find new hidden food gems, and enjoy some really good food off the beaten path, here are my favorite cafes in North London!
Best Cafes in North London: Belle Epoque Patisserie, Islington
Belle Epoque Patisserie in Islington is one of a few branches, and probably one of the most amazing French pastry shops I’ve ever come across.
Whether you’re looking for Paris Brest or a fraisier cake, or maybe even delicious croissants, you’ll find them all here.
The best part is that Belle Epoque Patisserie is located not too far to both the historical Camden Passage as well as the gorgeous Holly Village in Highgate, making it a perfect breakfast spot to visit if you’re spending some time in North London.
Every single delicious dessert at Belle Epoque Patisserie is worth trying, and you’ll surely find something to your liking there.
Then, you have a few options:
- Visit one of the many charity shops on Islington High Street for second hand books or clothes
- Pop by Camden Passage, as well as its unique French and Italian food shops
- Walk to King’s Cross little by little, and visit the gorgeous Coal Drops Yard with all its beautiful buildings and unusual shops (I’m thinking, and recommending, Maya Magal!)
Read: The Most Instagrammable Secret Cafes in London
Best Breakfast in North London: Emmanuel’s, North Finchley
Emmanuel’s in North Finchley is one of the first cafes I ever tried in North London, and one I still can’t forget, even years after visiting for the first time.
The homemade juices at Emmanuel’s are fresh and perfect as soon as it’s spring or summer in London, and the cakes?
I’ve just never tried that much cream in cakes, and the ones at Emmanuel’s offer proper balance between fat, sugar and fruity flavors.
Just one of the most secret cafes in North London, if I may, and if you’re ever looking for cool places to visit in North Finchley, Emmanuel’s is a must try!
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
Best Cafes in North London: Apollo Bakery, North Finchley
Apollo Bakery in North Finchley, on the High Road, is actually located not too far from Emmanuel’s, and yet, offers a completely different vibe.
We’re here in a really rustic, very cute bakery in which you’ll find more cakes and pastries than you could ever wish for.
While Apollo Bakery clearly is a more Greek type of bakery, it’s also one in which Turkish coffee is amongst the strongest I’ve ever found in London.
There are a good few tables inside, perfect if you’re looking for places to write in London, and the bakery slash coffee shop, aside from being a really good spot to eat, just exudes an air of feel-good you’re going to love.
And if you’ve never visited the North Finchley neighborhood, just know there are plenty of cool cafes, shops and charity shops here, which make it a great area to walk around every now and then!
Read: The Cutest Floral Cafes in London
Best Breakfast in North London: Nest Cafe and Deli, Willesden Green
Located in Willesden Green, North West London, Nest Deli and Cafe is one of the really cute and minimalist cafes I’ve recently come across – and fallen in love with.
Not only will you find the mainstream types of pastries you would find in any London cafe, like croissants and cinnamon buns, but Nest Deli also offers some really interesting cakes as well.
For instance, the pistachio and berry cake, as well as the banana cake, are two pastries you should absolutely try in this very secret cafe.
By secret, I mean that tourists don’t usually spend time around the Willesden Green area – it’s much more of a local neighborhood that only residents hang around in.
In any case, if you’re looking for a perfect breakfast or brunch in North London, Nest Deli is a great coffee shop to visit as soon as you can!
Read: The Cutest Pink Cafes in London
Best Cafes in North London: Boulangerie Joie de Vie, North Finchley
Boulangerie Joie de Vie, also located in North Finchley, is a coffee shop I used to visit quite often back when I was living in the area – in terms of rustic bakeries and cafes, you can hardly do better.
I would recommend coming as early as possible in the mornings to enjoy the freshest pastries, and when it comes to amazing coffee, Boulangerie Joie de Vie is a great place to visit – those lattes are amazing!
In addition, if you’re ever in search of good study cafes in North London, Boulangerie Joie de Vie is a great spot to visit.
The coffee shop is spacious enough that you won’t feel out of place, and the collection of French pastries will definitely make you want to stay!
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Oxford Street
Best Breakfast in North London: Redemption Roasters, Angel and Islington
One of the best for last with Redemption Roasters in Angel and Islington – this is probably one of the best cafes I’ve ever been to in North London.
Why?
Because at street level, you have one of Islington’s best study cafes – the spot is indeed filled with people working on their laptops.
However, in the basement, you’ll find why I chose to mention Redemption Roasters in a guide to aesthetic cafes; indeed, the basement is completely white, with a whole different vibe, and sculptures covering the walls.
To this day, Redemption Roasters is still one of the most secret cafes in North London, and despite its slightly-above-average prices, an amazing spot for both breakfast and brunch!
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in South London
6 Aesthetic North London Cafes For Delicious Breakfast
There you have them, all the very aesthetic North London cafes I’ve recently tried – and absolutely loved!
Whether you’re looking for the best chai latte in London or deliciously fluffy and fresh cakes, these are a few spots you really cannot miss.
And if you ever pop by Brick Lane or Bethnal Green, do try a few of my recommended cafes in east London, for anything from Full English breakfast to rainbow cake!
Until next time!
Curious Traveler’s Guides
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Spitalfields, East London
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Covent Garden, Central London
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Smithfield, City of London
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Bethnal Green, East London
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Fleet Street, City of London
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to London’s Instagrammable Places
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to London’s Secret and Free Museums
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Multicolor Places in London
Other London Life
- How to Spend 24 Hours in London
- Living in London: Things I Have Learned Over the Years
- The Must Have Apps to Survive in London
- How to Save Money on Groceries in London
- How to Live in London on a Budget
- How to Eat in London on a Budget
- How to Make Friends in London
- How to Move to London – and Survive as an Expat
- The Best Tips for Student Budget in London
- The Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to London
- First Time Travel to London: All There is To Know
- London Travel Guides for Tourists and Locals
- How to Pack Your Suitcase for Digital Nomads
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Life in a Hostel
- How to Survive Life in a Hostel
Other London Travel
- The Cutest Pink Places in London
- Bookish London Itinerary: 13 Cute Places to Visit
- The Prettiest Places for Nature in London
- The Most Colorful Places in London
- The Best Christmas Decorations in London
- The Poshest Areas in London
- The Prettiest Villages in London
- The Prettiest Mews in London
- The Prettiest Streets in London
- The Most Colorful Streets in Camden
- The Most Colorful Streets in Notting Hill
- The Prettiest Neighborhoods in London
- The Prettiest East London Neighborhoods
- Why Are There Colorful Streets in London?
- Where to See Christmas Decorations in London?
- Where to See Autumn Colors in London?
- The Best Harry Potter Locations in London
Secret London
- Artistic Hidden Gems in London, Statues & Secret Views
- The Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane
- The Best Hidden Gems in Mayfair
- The Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden
- The Best Hidden Gems in East London
- The Best Hidden Gems in West London
- The Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge
- The Best Free Secret Gardens in London
- Chalcot Square Primrose Hill, London’s Most Colorful Spot
- St Dunstan in the East Church Ruins, A Must Visit in London
Other Things to Do in London
- The Best Things to Do in Canary Wharf
- The Best Things to Do in Soho
- The Best Things to Do in London Bridge
- The Best Things to Do in Camden Town
- The Best Romantic Date Ideas in London
- The Best Non Touristy Things to Do in London
- The Best Harry Potter Things to Do in London
- The Best Free Things to Do on London’s Central Line
- The Best Things to Do in London When It Rains
Other London Shopping
- The Best Charity Shops in London
- The Best Charity Shops in Bethnal Green
- The Best Charity Shops in Chelsea
- The Best Charity Shops in Kentish Town
- The Best Charity Shops in Camden Town
- The Best Charity Shops in Muswell Hill
- The Best Charity Shops in North Finchley
- The Most Beautiful Bookshops in London
- The Best Secondhand Bookshops in London
- The Best Shops on Oxford Street
- The Best Shops in Covent Garden
- The Most Unique Shops in London
- The Best British Shops in London
- The Best Cheap Clothing Shops in London
- The Best Budget Shops in London
- The Best Candle Shops in London
- The Best Stationery Shops in London
- The Best Shopping Centers in London
- The Prettiest Shopping Arcades in London
- The Biggest TK Maxx in London
- The Best Things to Buy in London
- The Best Harry Potter Shops in London
- The Prettiest Christmas Shop Windows in London
- London’s Prettiest Department Store: Harrods Egyptian Hall
- Bath and Body Works Shop at Next Westfield
Other London Food
- Where to Have Lunch for £5 in London
- The Best Cheap Eats in Central London
- Deliciously Secret Places to Eat in Central London
- The Most Instagrammable Restaurants in London
- The Most Aesthetic Restaurants in London With Statues
- The Most Maximalist Restaurants in London
- The Best Italian Restaurants in London Bridge
- The Best Neapolitan Pizza in Central London
- The Best Neapolitan Pizza in London
- The Cheapest Pizza Spots in London
- The Most Beautiful Restaurants in Mayfair
- The Best Restaurants in Balham
- The Best Restaurants in Knightsbridge
- The Best Restaurants in Whitechapel
- The Best Restaurants in Walthamstow
- The Best Pho Restaurants in London
- The Best Vegan Breakfast in London
Other London Cafes
- The Best Bookshop Cafes in London
- The Best Colorful Lattes in London
- The Best Breakfast in Notting Hill
- The Best Breakfast in East London
- The Best Brunch in King’s Cross
- The Best Brunch in London Bridge
- The Best Italian Cafes in London
- The Best Cafes in London Bridge
- The Best Cafes in Shoreditch
- The Best Cafes in Brixton
- The Best Cat Cafes in London
Other London Bakeries
- The Cutest Bakeries in London
- The Best French Bakeries in London
- The Best Vegan Bakeries in London
- The Best Gluten Free Bakeries in London
- The Best Bagels in London
- The Best Cinnamon Buns in London
- The Best Croissants in London
- The Best Macarons in London
- The Best Cupcakes in London
- The Best Cookies in London
- The Best Pastel de Nata in London
- The Best Ice Cream in London
- The Best Doughnuts in London
- The Best Vegan Doughnuts in London