A local’s guide to the best macarons in London, with cute bakeries and coffee shops to try a taste of Frenchness, from Pierre Hermé to Ladurée!
As a French woman, if I never told you about the best macarons in London and other French patisseries who happen to offer proper macarons…
I wouldn’t feel too well.
I’ve written for you the complete guide to the best French macarons in London for a touch of sophistication, with some of my absolute favorites – so let’s get to it!
Macarons in London: 7 Cafes and Bakeries to Taste Frenchness
If you’ve been here before, you already know how much of a foodie I am.
The first time I found out there was a Pierre Herme shop at Selfridges, I became over-excited.
Had to get some.
I mean, after all, when you’re popping by shops on Oxford Street, having French macarons as a treat is the epitome of self-care.
There are no two ways to put it.
So for whoever would like to indulge, there are all the best macarons in London!
Best Macarons in London: Pierre Herme, Selfridges
Pierre Herme is my personal favorite places when it comes to getting the best macarons in Paris; tasty is a euphemism.
Located primarily on the lower level of Selfridges, one of the best shopping centers in London, Pierre Herme offers French macarons synonymous with sophistication.
My favorite macarons in the whole wide world are the rose/raspberry/lycee macarons, and Pierre Herme offers them.
If you get a chance to try the Ispahan, it’s one of my favorite pastries in London, and is basically a bigger version of what I’ve just described.
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Best Macarons in London: Laduree, Covent Garden
Laduree in Covent Garden is another one of the best French pastry shops in London, and everything from flavor to texture is perfect with those.
Covent Garden is known for being one of the best areas for shopping in London, and you’ll be able to find Laduree elbowing some of the coolest makeup stores in town.
The Marie-Antoinette is my favorite macaron flavor at Laduree, better enjoyed on the terrace of the Covent Garden cafe, and they have some incredible seasonal flavors worth a try.
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Best Macarons in London: Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly
Another one of the best department stores in London, Fortnum & Mason, is the perfect spot to get unusual flavors of French macarons.
You’ll get the classic vanilla and chocolate there, but also a few exclusive recipes like creme brulee; how much more French can you get, really?
When shopping at Fortnum & Mason, you’re also in one of the most prettiest neighborhoods in London, so make sure you take time to walk around.
And maybe get a book at the utterly beautiful bookshop Hatchards, which is also the oldest in London.
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Best Macarons in London: Oh La La Macarons, Farringdon
Oh La La! Macarons is one of the cutest bakeries in London, and the Farringdon joint is always well-stocked with artsy macarons.
I talked about getting vegan doughnuts in London a while back, and well…
For vegan macarons, Oh La La! Macarons is the spot to visit.
Sophisticated, very French meets British, the bakery offers some of the tastiest macarons around.
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Best Macarons in London: Pierre Marcolini
If you’re ever looking for macarons at Harrods, check out Pierre Marcolini, who has a shop there and will definitely satisfy your craving.
If you also want to try other macarons nearby, you’ll find a version of the Ispahan at Elan Cafe on Hans Crescent.
Not the same getting them from Pierre Marcolini and an instagrammable cafe, but you have another option.
Especially if you like cute, pink coffee shops!
The Pierre Marcolini macarons look, feel, and taste posh – if you’re looking for cheap macarons in London, that’s probably not the spot.
However, macarons are after all a delicacy, and a reward you should treat yourself to one in a while, at least to feel like you’re traveling abroad for a bit.
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Best Macarons in London: Paul, Various Locations
Paul is one of the most famous bakeries in Paris and the whole of France; all their different kinds of bread are delicious, as are their pastries.
It’s a chain that has managed to still give off a rustic feel, and if you’re ever looking for big macarons in London, that’s one of the bakeries to visit.
My favorite Paul in London is the one near Holland Park station, close to two of the most secret gardens in London.
It’s cozy, really feels French, and as a French woman myself, it feels good to feel like I would in a coffee shop in Paris or Dijon.
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Best Macarons in London: Belle Epoque Patisserie, Islington
I wrote a complete Belle Epoque Patisserie review a while back, and loved having a huge breakfast there.
I chose to mention the Belle Epoque Patisserie macarons in this guide because they’re not too shabby.
They’re not the best, but they are tasty and if you’re looking for cheap macarons in London, they’re amongst the most affordable.
In addition, Belle Epoque is one of the best French bakeries in London, and really one to try for their delicious hot drinks and Paris Brest.
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Macarons in London: 7 Cafes and Bakeries to Taste Frenchness
There you have them, all the spots to find the best macarons in London!
I often miss having real French macarons in France, where they also happen to cost a bit less, but these are excellent recommendations.
My top picks?
Laduree and Pierre Herme, all the way.