The Best Cafes in Barking, Greater London, United Kingdom (2025)

Leaving this review. Not just for the food (it was decent nevertheless), but for how I saw the staff treating the customers. Particularly the elderly customers, with care and love. Simply gestures of kindness. Holding the door. Refusing to keep the change from another. And even tying the shoe lace of a gentleman didn’t realise it was untied. Very few places have common decency for the fellow human. But this is one such place.

We don't live locally but needed a spot of lunch before a funeral. Parked easily just outside and found the cafe to be welcoming, clean and with great food. Staff were friendly and helpful. We may not be back because we live too far away, but if you live locally PLEASE support this lovely cafe by visiting. You won't be disappointed.

Early Saturday morning, breakfast, staff friendly, and didnt have to wait to long before the meal arrived. (A huge plate) made the meal look small. 😃

Enjoy my English breakfast and good service

This is one of the best cafes in Barking. I've been there many times for last 6 years and the food is delicious and standards remain the same throughout. Staff are friendly and helpful. I don't think many people know of it unless you live or work in this area. I've always enjoyed the food. Parking is becoming a problem where the cafe is.

Best cafe/restaurant in Barking. Friendly, super clean and really comfortable seating. Tasty breakfast and mug of tea.

Very helpful and very plesant staff, food resoanable priced with great quality.

I've been a regular at the Big Friendly Coffee Shop since the beginning of the pandemic, and I can't praise this family-run business enough. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with warmth and genuine friendliness by Inna, her lovely mum, niece, and the entire family. They create an atmosphere that's both welcoming and comforting. Visiting this coffee shop with my little girl has been a delightful part of our routine. The staff have watched her grow from a tiny baby in a pram to a confident toddler walking independently. Their kindness and attention to I've been a regular at the Big Friendly Coffee Shop since the beginning of the pandemic, and I can't praise this family-run business enough. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with warmth and genuine friendliness by Inna, her lovely mum, niece, and the entire family. They create an atmosphere that's both welcoming and comforting. Visiting this coffee shop with my little girl has been a delightful part of our routine. The staff have watched her grow from a tiny baby in a pram to a confident toddler walking independently. Their kindness and attention to detail make every visit special. The coffee and treats are consistently excellent, but it's the personal touch and family spirit that set this place apart. The shop offers a lovely view that's perfect for relaxing, and they have a wonderful selection of books to read, making it an ideal spot to unwind. For families, there's a great variety of toys that keep the little ones entertained, allowing parents to enjoy a moment of peace. If you're looking for a cozy spot with great coffee, a friendly community vibe, and amenities that cater to both adults and children, the Big Friendly Coffee Shop is the place to be

The best coffee shop ☕️ my fav coffee shop. It's by a lake with an amazing view, its the perfect spot. I love coming here at all times esp in the mornings it's peaceful and calm, the staff are friendly and they work so hard. Its a family run buissness so respect to them. The shop makes a difference, for example you get some elderly people that are lonely (some I know) and they would come spend time in the place where its peaceful. 10/10

Nice cafe especially for families. Toys available for children to play with. Nice space at the back of the cafe for children to sit and play. Nice variety of food available, including lunch for children. Friendly staff. This cafe also runs a phonics session for children every Monday at 10am which is a lovely group. Cafe also used to run arts and crafts classes for kids although I’m not sure if they still run it now. Other classes such as buggy walks etc are advertised there. Nice atmosphere especially for parents who have children with them.

Went looking for a local café and found this hidden gem tucked on the corner of barking road. We decided to have our brunch here and the Service was amazing, Food was amazing and Staff were lovely. Prices are nice and affordable too. Will be visiting more often.

There was a bit of confusion on ordering a chicken panini but we got there at the end as it was not on their menu. The kitchen staff was willing to make it for us which was nice of them. Restaurant was clean and the ingredients used were all decent quality.

Been coming here for a few years. Friendly staff and good food.

£5 for three filling omelette with chips and beans is a good price. Swift nice service and overall good place for good meal, for not so London's price. Definitely recommended to visit and try.

Friendly staff, clean cafe, tasty, hot food, large eat in or takeaway menu, 1/4 pounder with cheese, & chunky chips £4.60, good value, thanks.

1st time thought I give it a try. Been to many cafes so I would know what to expect and look out for. Foods good here and service is excellent. Dined in to fully enjoy the fresh food cooked rather then take out. Alot of choices on the menu, will be coming back for sure thank you 🙂👍

Lots of late teens hanging around outside made for a difficult atmosphere, food was fantastic when it came though. Very efficient friendly service

We came here with the whole family. The food is great, so was the service. We came for breakfasts, lunch and dinners. They have large Mediterranean or English breakfast, they have very delicious lamb chops for two with rice. The portions are big and you can order some extras if you wish. Every time we enjoy our food and the service. I definitely recommend this place who lives or visiting Barking for breakfasts or dinners. It is worse it.

Very happy to have found a local café with traditional and family-style food. Cleanliness and professionalism are very important to me. I have visited several times on different occasions, and the quality of the food and service has remained consistently high. I will definitely come back and recommend this business to everyone.

Good to come and try…pasta is yummy😉

Gorgeous cafe. Friendly staff. Delicious food in good portions. Great choice for vegetarians and pescatarians. The Coffee Talks breakfast is delicious.

Such a lovely cafe and the morning staff is so friendly. Really made me feel at home. I had breakfast there every morning 💛

I must say I was passing by so many times and never had a wish to come inside. Because of so many smoking men outside. I had a weird feeling to go through it with the buggy and a child in it. But I was quite surprised when first came in. It is cozy place that offer quite a lot of cakes and desserts. Coffee tastes good. Unfortunately I can't say that my pancakes were super yummy but pretty much ok. Girls working on till and barista were really friendly and smiling.