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

I just bought two cappuccino’s and the veggie panini and OH MY GOODNESS that was the best toasted panini I’ve been had in my life- we work down the road and have to write a review I will be spending all of money here Love x

You’d think it was a given when on Upper Street, with the plethora of coffee/bakery shops, that you could get a decent espresso shot… alas no. Too many over-extracted; bitter market blends, only suitable when camouflaged with a gallon of whatever (faux) milk ‘tickles your fancy’, or pumpkin spice - if you must (tiz the season). Fortuitously, whilst having a Monday mooch, I happened upon HG and their wonderful world of speciality roasts & blends. With Simon & Ink (two of the most beautiful people you could ever want to meet), and the rest of the amazing HG team, I have found myself a little oasis, and have been ‘smitten’ ever since. Forno supplies some irresistible Italian pastificio, Simon & Co. make tasty ‘award winning’ sandwiches, and Oksana has curated an amazing selection of wine & grower champagne, if you fancy something a little stronger. With the dulcet tones of Sabrina Carpenter singing “Espresso" in the background creating a cool; chilled, relaxed vibe, in this meticulously put together shop. What more could you want..? Free parking out front? ✅ Wine bar Friday & Saturday nights? ✅ Boom! Love it. Love it. Love it! 🥰

A cute cafe that has 2 floors (come in deeper and you can find the stairs that lead you downstairs). I loved their cute latte art🫶🏻 the miso cookie was nice too!

Jerry’s is the nicest way to start your day, when you are in the Angel neighbourhood. It is opposite the tube station, with lovely coffee, a wholesome barista (who also happens to be the owner) & warmest conversations, to boot. Try their cappuccino with hazelnut flavour, best!

Always delicious coffee and juice, the gentleman is so kind and always smile 😊 whatever I’m in the away always get a coffee or orange juice👌👌👌

the amount of times I’ve walked past Jerry’s, I wish I had stopped for a coffee sooner!! Support more independent coffee spots in Angel 🙏 Lovely coffee, lovely owner, lovely prices ❤️ thanks Jerry!

I don’t usually write reviews, but this particular shop deserves one. I come by here to get my morning coffee almost every morning, and I’m never disappointed. Amazing coffee, and Jerry himself is a joy to speak to and starts my morning well. Skip blank street and all these other high street chains, if you want proper coffee, you come to Jerrys. Highly recommend to all!

One of the best breakfasts I’ve had in ages. Great value and the staff are so lovely and friendly and efficient. Highly recommend!

I recently visited Cooks & Books, and I have to say, it’s the perfect spot for coffee and breakfast lovers. The atmosphere is cozy and warm, inviting vibe that makes you want to stay for hours. Whether you’re there for a meeting or to read a book, this place sets the perfect mood. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive. Even though the cafe was busy, they made sure to check in on us regularly, and the food arrived quickly despite the morning rush. The portions are generous without being overwhelming, and the prices are reasonable. They delivers on every front. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or something light and healthy, they have something for everyone. The food is fresh, the coffee is fantastic, and the vibe is perfect for starting your day on the right note. I’ll definitely be back!

Very nice staff, huge portions and great egg-work (we had perfectly fried eggs and Turkish omelette with a tasty sujuk sausage). Their mushrooms were delicious, and they serve freshly pressed orange juice.

The best place for breakfast in the area. Lots of choices: yoghurt with granola and fruit, diferent options of English breakfast, etc. And good coffee! Very friendly and welcoming staff. And a pleasant and 'bookish’ atmosphere.

delicious coffee, super cute little cafe and yummy bakes - defo recommend!

I had an excellent cappuccino here whilst sketching St. Mary’s church opposite. The lovely owner liked it so it’s hers now 😊

Great coffee and pastries. Have ordered the flat white, americano and cappucino and they didn’t disappoint. Croissants are worth the wait :) Cafe is so pretty and there are throws thoughtfully placed on the beautiful chairs. Service is also wonderful.

Selv is a cute and small coffee & cake place across the road from St Mary’s Church, by the entrance of Islington Square on Upper Street. Selver and Emre are welcoming and friendly, making some of the best coffees in south/central Islington. The outside seating area is attractive and they even have little blankets to keep warm in colder weather. A little oasis of serenity!

Wonderful little cafe Bistro in Islington, London, serving delicious food from a fantastic multi-cuisine menu including English, American, and Turkish style breakfasts, and more! The owners and staff are really nice and the menu includes good vegan options. Highly recommend if you're ever in London - one of the highest rated cafes in the area!

From Angel Cafe to Leaf Cafe Bistro this place has a great history and look at the food on offer 😍 On this day in particular I had the Shakshuka with Suguk & toast and it was lush. I also recommend there full English & there fresh wraps which I’ve had previously and I hope to try the rest of the menu out Decor was warm & inviting with some peaceful music being played also Staff were a delight and my compliments to the chef 👏 10/10 would HIGHLY recommend

Vegan and vegetarian breakfasts was great! Everything fresh and good quality. The cook/owner was very friendly brought us extra olives when we said they were tasty. Would definitely recommend this cafe to anyone, also good people watching spot.

One of the best breakfast options in the area. Meat, veggie and vegan options all good- decent quality ingredients and components and always cooked to perfection. Coffees seem more of a mild roast but only had the latte. Service very friendly and welcoming. Often not so busy so great place to watch the world go by through the large windows.

It’s a very sweet place with very friendly staff. Small and very cute. Coffee was very good quality and the breakfast we had was delicious.

Sandra’s cafe is such a safe space and haven for the Cally road community. It is a family run cafe in a small space with cosy seating and a Colombian flare, serving homemade food and excellent coffee, you’re sure to feel like home here. This is important to note because it is exactly for this reason that it is so highly rated, it is a neighbourhood cafe where people can come and relax and chat to the other regulars or newcomers alike. It is not like the high street cafes without soul. The empanadas and arepas here are some of the best in the area, don’t forget to ask for the salsa that comes with it! I’ve been a loyal customer since I walked in to get an arepa 3 years ago and Sandra and her family have become great friends. I recommend this cafe to anyone who wants good coffee, good food and somewhere where people will remember your name :)

The loveliest, most quaint café in North London! A wonderful little family-run business with great coffee, sandwiches, and more. They always make you feel very welcome. Definitely worth a visit!

One of the highlights of Caledonian Road! Home made empanadas, fresh vegetable and fruit juices, salads and home baked goods, great coffee, all served with charm and a smile. Affordable as well.

The Urban Café & Bistro is a very nice and cozy place for a delicious and authentic english breakfast! We got a very mindful and polite service from the owner Patrick, tasty coffee, fresh orange juice and relaxing music. Perfect place to stay a little longer (and we did so) (:

Really nice cheeseboard with warm bread perfect for sharing, the lamb shank was also lovely with a really nice gravy and great portion size. The tiramisu was hands down one of the best I’ve had – after speaking with the staff I quickly learned its a very authentic Italian recipe and you can tell! The service is also excellent, relaxed vibe and very friendly, attentive staff.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at the Urban Cafe and Bistro in Highbury, and I can't recommend it enough! The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal. The highlight of my visit was definitely the service. Our waitress, Artemisa, was incredibly helpful and attentive. She went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed, offering great recommendations and checking in on us regularly. Her friendly demeanor truly enhanced our experience. The food was delicious, and I left feeling satisfied and happy. A definite five-star experience!

What a wonderful little Bistro. Francesco, the chef, is Italian and the fresh pasta is delicious! The service from Patrick is friendly and knowledgeable. They were still serving freshly cooked food at 9:30 on Sunday evening. Highly recommended!

Very happy to have stumbled across this place. Gorgeous lunch deal with a range of delicious sandwiches and salads. Friendly and helpful staff and a lovely chill atmosphere. I’ll definitely be coming back here :)

Delicious sandwich and salads with good prices. Coffee was good as well. Very much recommend.

Love this place! It has such a great atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable meal. The food is absolutely delicious, with every dish bursting with flavor. The desserts are a standout too—so many amazing options, including plenty of vegan and gluten-free choices, which is a big plus! The prices are surprisingly affordable for the high quality of the food. On top of all that, the service was fantastic. Our waitress was attentive, friendly, and made the experience even better. She went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. Can’t wait to come back! Highly recommend.

This is a great cafe. Slightly further from the main thoroughfare in Angel, so these is a better chance of finding a seat. It has a good range of food and baked goods, savory or sweet. Price-wise I find it very reasonable compared to other cafes. I had a cappuccino a ham and cheese and ham croissant and paid just over £8. I’d happily recommend this for anyone.

Everything was great! Food was amazing, the ingredients were so fresh ,and the people who work there are just the best. The place was súper cozy. I went there with a friend who told me this was one of his favorite spots… not dissapointed I’m going again for sure ! 🌈 Photos are for: Jacket pot Scramble egg veg We also got a tiny dessert ✨✨✨

Absolutely delightful experience at Fig Tree Café! After our Saturday run, my friend and I decided to grab breakfast, and we were pleasantly surprised. The avocado toast with salad was not only delicious but also fresh and beautifully presented. The cozy atmosphere added to the charm of the place, making it the perfect spot for a post-workout meal. Moreover, the owner's warmth and friendliness truly made us feel welcome. The unexpected gesture of gifting a fig and a clementine upon departure was a lovely touch that left a lasting impression. Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for great food and exceptional hospitality!

A cosy little retreat with amazing fresh food, the loveliest owner and great prices. Its a real gem

This was the best find we had in London! The owner is a charming character who infuses love into his food. He is a true artisan and his bread was likely the best I’ve had! We found a way to come back a second time right before flight home just to see him and eat this delicious food! I recommend everything about this cafe!

My new regular place. I’ve had 2 different salad bowls and they were both incredible. Portions are big and staff are friendly and helpful. Great value.

A lovely spot for a nutritious breakfast/lunch. Very well priced for Islington. Great service, atmosphere & menu options - especially if you’re a fan of rhubarb! Good coffee & will definitely be back for a smoothie 🥤

Had a salad bowl (14) with chicken. Tasty, fresh and throughly enjoyed. Good portion size as well and I finished the leftover later. Friendly staff, lovely clean design and ambience which makes for a calming place to sit and eat in if one wants to step away from the office for lunch.