From indulgent banana pancakes to hearty shakshuka, London takes its brunch game seriously—and nowhere does it better than Islington. Whether you’re after a post-gym power meal, a boozy bottomless brunch, or a laid-back café in Islington for a leisurely morning, this vibrant borough offers an array of incredible spots to satisfy every craving.
As dedicated foodies and seasoned brunch connoisseurs, we’ve scoured every corner to bring you the definitive guide to the best brunch destinations and cafés in Highbury and Islington . This list covers everything from Mediterranean-inspired feasts to plant-based delights, and even a Spanish take on brunch. We’ll give you the full scoop on ambiance, must-try dishes, and insider tips to make your brunch experience unforgettable.
Our editors’ picks for the best brunch in Islington? That accolade goes to Caravan and Brother Marcus—two unmissable spots that define everything great about brunching in this part of London. Read on for everything you need to know about the best brunch spots in Islington, Angel, and Highbury.
Where to Eat Brunch in Islington
Brother Marcus
Ambiance: Rustic charm meets Mediterranean flair, with dark wooden tables and moody lighting setting the scene for a relaxed yet stylish brunch experience.
Brother Marcus delivers an all-day brunch menu with a distinctive Eastern Mediterranean twist. From their signature harissa eggs to the smoky shakshuka, each dish is bursting with flavour. The Marcus’ Choice option let’s them take full control of what you eat! An absolute winner for the most indecisively refined tastes.
Must try: Fried Chicken Rosti – Kefir fried chicken, crispy potato rosti & two fried eggs drizzled with kasundi jam
Address: 37-39 Camden Passage, N1 8EA
Menu: Brother Marcus Menu
Caravan
Ambiance: Trendy yet welcoming, with an industrial-chic design and an open-plan kitchen that lets you watch the magic happen.
Caravan is the brunch spot for those who love variety. Their globally inspired menu ranges from a classic fry-up to spiced jalapeño cornbread. Vegan options are also well-represented, with highlights like poached eggs with whipped yogurt and ricotta pancakes with an option to add thick cut bacon. It’s the ideal spot for a lazy weekend morning.
Must try: Jalapeño cornbread with poached eggs and chipotle butter or the poached eggs with whipped yogurt.
Address: 11-13 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QD
Menu: Caravan Menu
Sunday
Ambiance: Cosy and welcoming, with a rustic interior and a homely feel.
Sunday is one of Islington’s most beloved brunch spots, so much so that queues often spill onto the street. Currently closed for refurbishment, it remains a must-mention thanks to its exceptional menu and newly released cookbook, which lets you recreate their famous brunches at home.
Must try: Blueberry pancakes with vanilla cream.
Address: 169 Hemingford Rd, N1 1DA
Menu: View their Menu on Instagram
The Skinny Kitchen
Ambiance: A lively café bringing Ibiza vibes with pastel interiors and tropical décor.
The Skinny Kitchen is perfect for health-conscious brunchers, serving up fresh, nutrient-packed dishes. Highlights include their Superfood Salad, the Signature Caesar, and their legendary Honey Halloumi Flatbread. It’s a great spot for vibrant, bold flavours with a focus on well-being.
Must try: Honey Halloumi Flatbread.
Address: 52 Upper St, London N1 0QH
Menu: The Skinny Kitchen Menu
Kissa Wa Café
Ambiance: A small but stylish Japanese-inspired café offering a unique twist on brunch.
Kissa Wa Café brings something different to Islington’s brunch scene with its Japanese-style breakfast. Their signature balance bowl lets you choose from rice, noodles, or greens, paired with toppings like teriyaki chicken or mackerel mayo. Don’t miss their matcha lattes and delicate Japanese pastries, which pair beautifully with their breakfast offerings.
Must try: Japanese-style breakfast with miso broth, poached egg, and wakame.
Address: 15 Corsica St, N5 1JT
Menu: Kissa Wa Café Menu
Megan’s at the Sorting Office
Ambiance: A dreamy Mediterranean escape with fairy lights, rustic wooden tables, and plush seating.
Megan’s is one of Islington’s go-to spots for a leisurely brunch. With a mix of classic and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, their baked shakshuka is a firm favourite among regulars. They also offer a bottomless brunch option at £20pp on weekends—perfect for those who love a boozy brunch session.
Must try: Baked shakshuka with feta and Turkish bread.
Address: 6 Esther Anne Place, N1 1WL
Menu: Megan’s Menu
The Breakfast Club, Angel
Ambiance: For a quirky and nostalgic brunch in Angel, with neon signs, mismatched furniture, and a buzzing atmosphere.
A London brunch institution, The Breakfast Club serves up comfort food at its finest. Their menu is packed with classics like banana and salted caramel pancakes, hearty breakfast burgers, and crispy sweetcorn fritters. It’s tucked away in Camden Passage, making it a great spot for a pre- or post-brunch shopping stroll.
Must try: Banana and salted caramel pancakes.
Address: 31 Camden Passage, N1 8AE
Menu: The Breakfast Club Menu
Euphorium
Ambiance: Parisian-style charm with warm lighting, wooden accents, and a bakery counter brimming with freshly baked pastries.
A staple on Upper Street since 1999, Euphorium is the place to go for a pastry-focused brunch. Their all-day brunch menu highlights the best of their baked goods, with options like a cheese and tomato croissant or sourdough toast with natural honey. Perfect for a relaxed, unfussy morning.
Must try: Sourdough toast with honey and fresh berries.
Address: 202 Upper Street, N1 1RQ & 79 Upper Street, N1 0NU
Menu: Euphorium Menu
The Urban Social
Ambiance: A modern café with a bright conservatory space and inviting outdoor seating, perfect for a relaxed brunch.
Urban Social is all about simple, high-quality ingredients done well. Their toasties, made with Dusty Knuckle bread, are a must-try—particularly the famous ‘kimcheese’ toastie, which packs a flavourful punch. Other standouts include the truffled mushroom & scrambled egg croissant and their wild mushrooms on toast. Expect exceptional coffee and a chilled, welcoming atmosphere.
Must try: ‘Kimcheese’ toastie.
Address: 236 Upper St, N1 1RU
Menu: Urban Social Menu
Delaterra
Ambiance: Intimate and inviting, with exposed brickwork and a warm, rustic feel.
Delaterra is a hidden gem offering Spanish-style brunch with an indulgent twist. Their menu features standout dishes like truffle turkey with mushroom cream and baked eggs in rich tomato sauce. Expect bold, well-balanced flavours and exceptional coffee to match.
Must try: Baked eggs with chorizo and manchego cheese.
Address: 131 Essex Rd, N1 2SN
Menu: Delaterra Menu
Want more like this? Check out the best brunches and breakfasts in Mayfair
The Blue Legume
Ambiance: A friendly and casual neighbourhood café with a focus on fresh, hearty breakfast dishes.
The Blue Legume is a go-to spot for classic brunch fare with a Mediterranean twist. Their Mediterranean breakfast, complete with grilled halloumi, feta, and spicy sausage, is a customer favourite. Other standouts include their creamy mushroom toast and huevos rancheros. It’s an excellent choice for a laid-back, comforting brunch.
Must try: Mediterranean breakfast with halloumi and poached eggs.
Address: 320 Upper St, N1 2XQ
Menu: The Blue Legume Menu
Dishoom
Ambiance: An atmospheric Bombay-inspired café with vintage décor and warm lighting.
Dishoom reinvents brunch with Indian-inspired twists on British classics. Their menu features the legendary bacon naan roll, spicy scrambled eggs, and chilli cheese toast. Pair it with a steaming cup of house chai for the ultimate brunch experience.
Must try: Bacon naan roll.
Address: 5 Stable St, N1C 4AB
Menu: Dishoom Menu
Mildred’s
Ambiance: A cosy and contemporary vegetarian café with a welcoming atmosphere.
Mildred’s is a paradise for plant-based brunch lovers, with an entirely vegetarian menu. Options include scrambled tofu, aubergine ‘bacon,’ and slow-roasted tomatoes. Their fresh juices and smoothies make a perfect complement to any dish.
Must try: Scrambled tofu with aubergine ‘bacon.’
Address: 200 Pentonville Rd, N1 9JP
Menu: Mildred’s Menu
Crêpeaffaire
Ambiance: A bright and cheerful café specialising in freshly made crêpes with a casual, welcoming vibe.
Crêpeaffaire is a pancake lover’s paradise, offering a selection of sweet and savoury crêpes made fresh to order. From indulgent blueberry and maple galettes to their savoury all-day breakfast crêpe loaded with bacon, egg, mushrooms, and cheddar, there’s something for everyone. Vegan and gluten-free options ensure inclusivity.
Must try: Blueberry, strawberry & maple galette.
Address: 51-53 Camden Passage, N1 8EA
Menu: Crêpeaffaire Menu
How Absolutely Picks the Best for You
At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
