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Breakfast in North London: 5+ Best Cafes and Cute Bakeries

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A local’s guide to pretty North London cafes to visit if you’re around Islington, North Finchley, or even Willesden Green – amazing, local breakfast spots!

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!

Breakfast in North London: 5+ Best Cafes and Cute Bakeries

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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

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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.

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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.

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Then, you have a few options:

Read: The Most Instagrammable Secret Cafes in London

Best Breakfast in North London: Emmanuel’s, North Finchley

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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.

If, then, you’d like to discover more historic parts of London, make sure you pop by Highgate and its gorgeous streets.

Or, for other village vibes, visit the Muswell Hill neighborhood, easily accessible by bus, and filled with unique concept stores, posh charity shops and cute cafes!

Update: This place is now closed.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London

Best Cafes in North London: Apollo Bakery, North Finchley

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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.

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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.

The natural light streaming through the windows and the cozy decor make it an inviting retreat from the buzz of the city.

Whether you’re here for a quiet moment with your thoughts or to catch up on some writing, it’s hard not to be charmed by the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

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If you’re on the hunt for cute breakfast spots in central London, this place absolutely deserves a spot on your list.

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

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Located in Willesden Green, North West London, Nest Deli and Cafe is one of the really cute, minimalist themed 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.

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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.

Its cozy ambiance, paired with delicious pastries and reliable Wi-Fi, make it a popular choice among students and professionals alike.

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For those venturing closer to the river, some of the best study spots in Southbank offer equally inviting settings, complete with inspiring views and plenty of caffeine to keep you focused.

Whether you’re working on a big project or simply need a change of scenery, these locations are well worth exploring.

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

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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.

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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.

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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 here my review of Redemption Roasters, Islington, to discover its secret basement, its atmosphere, and my thoughts about the coffee and cake.

Breakfast in North London: 5+ Best Cafes and Cute Bakeries

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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!