Best Cafes in Islington, Greater london (2025)

1,014 user views last month

Top-Rated Cafes & Coffee Shops in Islington, Greater london

SELV ROASTERY

116 Upper St, London N1 1AP, UK

4.8 (48 reviews)

P: 07788 655419

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.

Anonymous - in the last week

Rating: 5 / 5

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

Anonymous - 6 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Lovely location, nice coffee, really friendly service

Anonymous - a year ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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!

Anonymous - 6 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Takeout
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
Business owner? Promote this listing
1,014 views last month
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Islington Square - 9m away
  • Gallipoli Restaurant - 20m away
  • St Mary's Church, Islington - 29m away
  • Ryman Stationery - 20m away
  • Slim Jim's Liquor Store - 33m away
Cooks & Books

200A New N Rd, London N1 7BJ, UK

4.9 (147 reviews)

P: 020 7354 0099

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

Anonymous - in the last week

Rating: 5 / 5

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.

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Lovely spot for a great breakfast! Nice and Warm welcome with top service! We will be back! Not Hangry any more 😃

Anonymous - 4 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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!

Anonymous - 5 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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.

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Beer
  • Serves Wine
  • Serves Brunch
  • Serves Vegetarian Food
  • Takeout
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom
  • Good for Children
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Vegetarian Food
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
Business owner? Promote this listing
1,014 views last month
Nearby Landmarks:
  • N1 Mailbox - 40m away
  • Siren First Aid Courses - 48m away
  • Smart Works - 44m away
  • Kindred Islington Nursery and Preschool - 54m away
  • New North Pharmacy - 65m away
Coffee Berry

3A Barnsbury Rd, London N1 0HG, UK

5.0 (152 reviews)

P: 07908 437343

Cute little cafe with amazing cakes. If they have the pumpkin and coffee cake go for that. But the flat white was weak. I’m going to find another cafe on my walk home.

Anonymous - 2 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Lovely place! Homemade baked goods. Gluten free. Lovely coffee. Charming. Easy Happy.

Anonymous - 11 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

A warm welcome and nice coffee and lovely cakes!!Always a pleasure to visit! Ann make the most amazing cakes to order, she is too modest about how good they are, always beautifully made with just the right flavours.

Anonymous - 5 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

One of the best coffee places you will find in Islington! The friendliest staff and they make great coffee. The Vietnamese milk coffee is a personal recommendation and especially nice on hot days! Regularly take some bananen bread and it's very tasty. Haven't really tried the sandwich options, but they look really good and considering the attention to quality, I wouldn't be surprised they are more than good. Highly recommend

Anonymous - a month ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Ann makes the best homemade cakes I've ever tasted! So moist and delicious. If you ask her very nicely, she'll even make cakes for your events :-). I ordered both the carrot and red velvet cake, and everyone loved them! She makes amazing coffee too.

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Dinner
  • Serves Brunch
  • Serves Vegetarian Food
  • Takeout
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Dog Friendly
  • Good for Children
  • Vegetarian Food
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
Business owner? Promote this listing
1,014 views last month
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Barnsbury Jobcentre - 34m away
  • Sainsbury's - 268m away
  • Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School - 221m away
  • Barnard Park - 290m away
  • Chapel Market Post Office - 233m away
High Ground

286 Upper St, London N1 2TZ, UK

4.8 (152 reviews)

P: Not available

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

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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!

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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! 🥰

Anonymous - 12 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Came in the evening, so walked into a wine bar rather than a coffee shop. Came for a glass of wine, and stayed for a few. Staff were very friendly and helpful, picking some really great wines for us to try. I got some crab toast that was absolutely gorgeous, honestly the perfect snack. A super nice, small wine bar for a quiet drink.

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Reservable
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Wine
  • Takeout
  • Restroom
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
Visit Website
Business owner? Promote this listing
1,014 views last month
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Ottolenghi Islington - 8m away
  • Almeida Theatre - 58m away
  • Islington Fire Station - 51m away
  • Medivet Islington Cross St - 41m away
  • Islington Assembly Hall - 191m away
Cafe Terrace

241 Caledonian Rd, London N1 1ED, UK

4.9 (75 reviews)

P: 07891 074192

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!

Anonymous - 2 years ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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.

Anonymous - a month ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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.

Anonymous - a year ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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 :)

Anonymous - 2 years ago

Rating: 5 / 5

We stopped in as we were looking for somewhere to have a late lunch/ early tea near Kings Cross before our train home. The salad and sandwich was lovely and very fresh. Very good value the total for two Greek salads, a bacon and egg sandwich with a cup of tea and an iced coffee was only £21. The lady there was really nice and made us feel very welcome. Will definitely return the next time I am in London near kings cross.

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Takeout
  • Delivery
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Good for Children
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
Visit Website
Business owner? Promote this listing
1,014 views last month
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Food plus Macius 2 - 41m away
  • Cally Pool & Gym - 62m away
  • Iceland Supermarket Islington - 72m away
  • clueQuest - The Live Escape Game - 292m away
  • IBERIA-Georgian Restaurant - 71m away
Bewliehill Angel

Unit G10, 116D Upper St, London N1 1QP, UK

4.9 (255 reviews)

P: Not available

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.

Anonymous - 9 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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 🥤

Anonymous - 2 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Generous portion of food! Fresh and flavorsome. Staff are great and environment is quiet and calming. I added chicken to my bowl for extra £3 and they were generous with that too. Finally found somewhere in London where you're not ripped off. Highly recommend

Anonymous - 5 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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.

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Brunch
  • Serves Vegetarian Food
  • Takeout
  • Delivery
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Vegetarian Food
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
Visit Website
Business owner? Promote this listing
1,014 views last month
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Islington Square - 17m away
  • Gallipoli Restaurant - 13m away
  • St Mary's Church, Islington - 30m away
  • Ryman Stationery - 35m away
  • New Meta Gaming Arena - 54m away
Leaf Cafe Bistro

100 Essex Rd, London N1 8LU, UK

4.8 (52 reviews)

P: 020 3713 0104

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

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

We came here for brekky with no expectations as it was close to Angel. The waitress was so friendly and attentive. We ordered the vegetarian English and the shakshuka and the food was insane! Shakshuka was perfect, jammy eggs, so tasty. Incredible chef and he was so nice to chat to too. I would say the coffee is just ok but with food that good, I didn’t mind. Would recommend!

Anonymous - 5 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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.

Anonymous - a month ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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.

Anonymous - 4 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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!

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Dinner
  • Serves Brunch
  • Serves Vegetarian Food
  • Takeout
  • Delivery
  • Live Music
  • Children' Menu
  • Restroom
  • Good for Children
  • Vegetarian Food
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
Business owner? Promote this listing
1,014 views last month
Nearby Landmarks:
  • James Elliott - 19m away
  • Molly Meg - 21m away
  • Angel Comedy @ The Bill Murray - 280m away
  • Steve Hatt Fishmongers - 37m away
  • Astey's Row Playground - 218m away
Urban Cafe & Bistro

103 St Paul's Rd, London N1 2NA, UK

4.9 (935 reviews)

P: 020 4542 3099

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) (:

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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!

Anonymous - 5 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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.

Anonymous - 2 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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!

Anonymous - 3 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

Stumbled into Urban Cafe while we were taking a walk around the area and we are glad we did. Incredibly welcoming team and owner, the space is beautiful and cozy. The food is a 10/10 the quality is amazing. Will definitely be coming back here on our next visit. Just two minutes walk from Highbury & Islington station absolutely recommend.

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Reservable
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Dinner
  • Serves Beer
  • Serves Wine
  • Serves Brunch
  • Takeout
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom
  • Good for Groups
  • Cocktails
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
Visit Website
Business owner? Promote this listing
1,014 views last month
Parking Options:
  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Sainsbury's Local - 35m away
  • Union Chapel - 159m away
  • Trullo - 18m away
  • Highbury Fields - 363m away
  • The Hen & Chickens Theatre Bar - 26m away
Jerry's

1-3 Upper St, London N1 0PQ, UK

5.0 (133 reviews)

P: Not available

Stopped by this little shop to grab some freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and the owner was the sweetest and friendliest. As a first-time visitor to London, he made such a great and lasting impression on me. The juice was fantastic too! Highly recommend stopping by for both the delicious juice and the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Anonymous - a month ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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!

Anonymous - a month ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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!

Anonymous - 2 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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!

Anonymous - a month ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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👌👌👌

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Takeout
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
Business owner? Promote this listing
1,014 views last month
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Vue Cinema London - Islington - 98m away
  • Halifax - 26m away
  • Sainsbury's - 147m away
  • Marks and Spencer - 42m away
  • Angel Station - 64m away
The Mokapot House

58 Essex Rd, London N1 8LR, UK

4.8 (91 reviews)

P: 020 8127 8838

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

Anonymous - 2 months ago

Rating: 4 / 5

Decent place for a coffee and a bite. Stopped by for lunch, and their selection of food and sweet treats are great! The sandwiches are rather tasty, and the sweet treats are great! Had the pastel de nada, which was very nice and delicious! The coffee is very good, and they offer non-dairy options for milk. The staff is nice, but as it is seemingly a rather popular spot, it can get busy on the weekends. Also, the interior is generally nice, clean, and modern. Would be happy to stop by again.

Anonymous - 2 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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.

Anonymous - 2 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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.

Anonymous - 5 months ago

Rating: 5 / 5

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 :)

Features:
  • Dine-In
  • Reservable
  • Serves Breakfast
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Brunch
  • Serves Vegetarian Food
  • Takeout
  • Delivery
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Children' Menu
  • Dog Friendly
  • Restroom
  • Good for Children
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Vegetarian Food
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
Accessibility Features:
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating
Business owner? Promote this listing
1,014 views last month
Nearby Landmarks:
  • Planet Organic - Islington - 18m away
  • Flashback Records - 24m away
  • Past Caring London - 19m away
  • The Old Queens Head - 83m away
  • Dolce Coffee. - 29m away

Frequently Asked Questions about Islington, Greater london

The best Cafes in Islington, Greater london include: