The Best Cafes in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom (2025)

Cross Bakery is a hidden gem! The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with a beautifully designed interior that makes you feel right at home. Their coffee is excellent — I especially loved the cappuccino, and their pastries are always fresh and delicious. The simit and feta cheese pastry were my favorites. They also offer a nice variety of paninis and sandwiches; the avocado mozzarella sandwich was super tasty and filling. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the service is always quick. It’s a perfect place for a quiet coffee break, breakfast, or even a light lunch. Highly recommend if you’re in the area!

I tried their croissant, cinnamon bun, and a latte, and everything was absolutely delicious. The croissant was perfectly flaky, the cinnamon bun was rich and full of flavour, and the latte was smooth and well-made. The atmosphere was cosy, and the service was excellent. I highly recommend Cross Bakery for anyone who enjoys quality pastries and coffee. I will definitely be visiting again soon.

The Cross Bakery (& Cafe) is a little hidden gem tucked away in Waltham Cross. I first discovered the bakery when visiting family in the area and found myself at the Bakery looking for some pastries. First impressions last as they say, and for me, this was surely a truly positive experience worth sharing. The aroma of fresh bread, coffee and sweet pastries hit me as soon as I entered the bakery, and this was swiftly followed by a most heartfelt welcome and the biggest of smiles (I don’t know the young lady’s name, but she certainly deserves a medal for great customer service). The display of ‘goodies’ was too tempting to ignore, so within minutes I found myself with 2 full bags of pastries and breads. Let me make a brief mention about the breads. I have for some time now, tried to avoid eating bread, as the supermarket offerings are usually cheap processed rubbish, or extremely expensive, when searching out the more artisan style breads. At the Cross Bakery, I was impressed with the range of breads on offer, and more so, when I was able to buy specialty breads for under £5 a loaf, something that is pretty rare nowadays. The sourdough loaf has become my favourite now (just thought I’d sneak that in). I have revisited the bakery a few times now, and have since enjoyed their great coffees too (try the Americano, the bean selection used is excellent - sorry Costa Coffee), and their breakfast spread, which is simply wonderful (I’ll leave you to discover this for yourselves). Finally, it would be remiss of me to complete this review without a brief mention on hygiene standards. As an auditor (that’s my day job), I am trained to observe and sniff out things that are ‘wrong’ or ‘not quite right’. So here goes: 1) all staff I came into contact with, always wore gloves, or used tongs when serving me foodstuffs. 2) when sitting-in to have breakfast, or just a coffee, my table has always been spotlessly clean. Tables are quickly cleaned following every customer’s departure, and any ‘table residue’ isn’t simply wiped onto the floor… it is wiped and taken away. 3) the floors - these are regularly cleaned throughout the day, and I have witnessed this first hand, as i have visited at various times of the day, and have on occasion, ended up sat there for well over an hour or two. 4) cutlery and crockery - a pet hate of mine, is where a waiter or waitress bring me my plate with their thumb encroaching into my food (keep your thumb to the side of the plate please, or learn how to hold a plate from underneath). At the Cross Bakery, I have always, until now, enjoyed my breakfasts ‘minus the thumb’. A small point for some perhaps, but for me this is a big deal… in my mind, these small things are generally good indicators to a wider point on cleanliness as a whole. So 10/10 scored on this point. Similarly, I have not to date, had the need to wipe down my cutlery before using. Another 10/10 scored for this too. In conclusion, I would say that the Cross Bakery is very deserving of its positive comments. It has created, and maintained, a great venue for the local community. It serves delicious products that are reasonably priced and offers great customer service with a smile.

We have been travelling all over the UK and always stop to have 2 coffees and a cake in every place. Yesterday we stopped the Cross Bakery in Waltham Cross. We had a huge berry tart, which was freshly baked and still warm! It was by far the most delicious cake we have had and we ate half each as it was so big! I've become a bit of a coffee conisour over the last few months but the cappuccino was the best one I've had in the UK!! And the whole thing was also the cheapest, between £2 & £5 cheaper than anywhere else. I would highly recommend this bakery, everything baked fresh on site and friendly service with a smile!

I see myself as a bit of a cafe connoisseur, I travel a lot for work and over the last 20 years I've tried most of the cafes in North and East London, usually you can tell if its a good cafe by the quality of the sausage and most seem to disappoint. Now although living in the enfield area most of my life and travelling far beyond my means just to go to a decent cafe, I never came across this cafe hidden away untill a few months ago on a little industrial estate, from then i was amazed at how good it is and now it is my go to cafe. The quality of the food is top notch, very nicely cooked and its very reasonably if not priced too cheap for what they offer. Hopefully they open weekends too !

Amazing Café – Highly Recommended! This is hands down the best café I’ve ever dined at in the UK! The food is absolutely delicious, made with fresh ingredients and expertly prepared by a skilled chef. I highly recommend trying the Turkish grilled sausage – it’s packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The chicken kebab is another must-try, perfectly seasoned and made with the freshest ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. If you’re looking for a great place to eat, this café is a true gem. I will definitely be coming back!

Lovely cafe with great prices, food and staff

After enjoying a thoroughly satisfying set breakfast in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere I took time to consume a real cup of tea whilst watching the outside world continue at its perpetual spin of work and activity. The menu is a delightful mixture of both Turkish and English fare cooked and served by a refreshingly entertaining chef whilst the table was waited on by a delightful and attentive waitress, finally at the checkout I was presented with a very affordable bill.

Popped in on our way back from River Lee Country Park. A great choice of food and good location. Everything was tasty. Can recommend :)

2 Boys From Wolverhampton (and Wales) - This is the best cafe we’ve ever been to, and trust me, we travel the country every week! Front the waitress to the cook.. they’re so friendly and the food is unreal! Thank you!

Great find! Busy cafe with lots of locals. Service was fantastic, the girl (with long hair) was very friendly and efficient. Food was great, very tasty and at great prices! So happy that M&S cafe is no longer as we would have missed out on this little gem. Will definitely visit again 👍

My first time at this cafe today and I want to say what an outstanding experience... The waitress greeted me right away and gave me the opportunity to choose where I wanted to sit. Came back 5 mins later and I placed my order, the food came 8 mins later really quick and was absolutely beautiful!!! Service 10/10 Food 10/10 Portion size 10/10 Price 10/10 Atmosphere 10/10 See you again very soon and thank-you it's been a pleasure LB Best cafe in the local area!!!

This place will make you feel like in Sicily, both for the atmosphere and for the quality of their food. The flavour of cakes is identical to the Italian originals, here you will find cannoli, cassate, bigne with ricotta cheese, many cakes with pistachio and also from the Naples area (baba', sfogliatella) plus a selection of croissants and many more. Savoury food available too (pizzette, calzoni, arancini etc.).

i have no words to describe this place! what can i say it's completely amazing place!!! i did order 1 pastiera and 1 cassata siciliana and did get 2 easter eggs also everything delicious and very tasty Xx i really recomend this place ! staff are amazing and very welcoming thank you so much

First time visiting today, and I am absolutely blown away by the flavours, choice, and qaulity! Lovely space to sit and have a hot drink and enjoy the smells and views of the abundance of pastries, I will definitely be returning! Wow!

Great little find, delicious cakes and savoury eats, great value for money and good service. A real Italian treasure! 😁

Very good cafe. Best in the area. Excellent food, great service. Prices not stupid.

We like going there with my husband. Friendly service. Delicious and interesting selection.

A friend highly recommended Aroma, we had a delicious brunch. Service was excellent, good quality food with great presentation. Very clean, great atmosphere. Extensive menu to choose from, lots of vegetarian options. I highly recommend them. We will be going back. I Tried a cranberry smoothie it was delicious. Very reasonably priced. They had a small ramp to help access the building, the tables aren’t squashed together so suitable for wheelchair users or pushchairs. Family friendly, high chairs available. They have some tables that can be turned to accommodate large groups. They also have an outside covered area. Nearby free car parking.

My absolute favourite cafe everrrr! All the members of staff are so lovely and kind. The food is always delicious and at such a reasonable price:)! I try to go at least once a week:) Couldnt recommend it enough!

First time I've ever been here and I've lived in Waltham abbey for 25 years. Ordered over the phone for collection (Apollo special) asked to change the toast to fried slice. No issues whatsoever. Really polite staff, fast service and great value for money compared to everywhere else that seems to just be ripping people off. Great quality sausages and bacon. And packed really well. Will definitely be back. GREAT CAFE. Also they accept card payment which to me is a good plus.

The best cafe I have ever been to!! The food is 10/10, can’t believe I never found this sooner.

The most delicious cafe on Sunstreet. The staff is friendly and the cafe is very clean. There is absolutely no smell of frying inside the cafe. The sausages and nuggets they make are different and more delicious than those made in other cafes. My first choice is always on Sunstreet.

Been coming here for ages and they never dissapoint. Fast service, the staff are lovely and the food is out of this world.

Best cafe in Cheshunt, the decor is amazing, staff are lovely and food service was quick, well presented and perfectly cooked. This will be our new go to! Highly recommended if you want some different to your usual boring cafe!

Good food and service. The place is very clean and tidy. There are many healthy dishes and algo vegan options. We went a group 6 and we were served quickly even if we had different dishes. Very effient. Prices are good. You will surely pay about double in Central London for the same options.

Went here for the first time with a couple friends after a walk in the Lea Valley. It was terrific! The Turkish Breakfast was incredible, so tasty and a good price. The Tiptree honey and strawberry jam that came with it was a lovely surprise. Hot drinks were also nice and the seating area is pleasant. Staff were attentive and friendly. Definitely want to come back!

I had a vegetarian breakfast for an amazing price with avocado, halloumi, a little jar of strawberry preserve 🍓 and of course all the other breakfast stuff for £10.90!! And it tasted really good. However I also ordered a latte for take away which I didn’t really enjoy, not sure if it’s because I believe was too strong for me. Anyway, I still feel to give it 5 stars 🌟

What a little treasure this little cafe is. Staff are wonderful, and the breakfast is to die for . I had the Mediterranean and it was delicious. All freshly cooked by these lovely girls. My husband had the full English. There is a stunning garden. Which in the summer would be beautiful. It is on the river Lee. Toilets very clean as was the restaurant.

Such a lovely place!! we had an amazing lunch the food was freshly made and large portions at a great price!! the service was first class, we will definitely be going again.

Was looking for somewhere to take my family for some lunch and found this little gem up by the river at Waltham abbey. It was a lovely atmosphere to be around, a nice play area for the kids to run about and lots of animals where the workers gave us some carrots to feed them. Staff is absolutely amazing, very friendly and very helpful. Food is lovely, overall fantastic day!!

A great place to find! Lovely food, good quantity, very reasonably priced (such good value), with very attentive staff. Immaculately clean inside and out. It would be a great addition to the sign as you leave the road (by foot or car) how far it is to the restaurant.

A nice cafe, nice people and nice food, try to go in there wen in the area

Atmosphere great and food was lovely

Really good breakfast and great value too with a coffee included!

Very friendly staff and fresh food

Absolutely lovely place located outside the Pavilion shops, across from the bus station. We stopped in for a quick bite and were treated to the most wonderful cakes and perfectly made iced coffees. The owner was wonderful and the atmosphere was perfect. Highly recommend!

A lovely small cafe, great food, great service. Lots of variety while still low cost. Excellent lunches plus home made cakes - I especially like the victoria sponge and the rock cakes. Very helpful owner, friendly atmosphere. It is opposite the Bus Station in Waltham Cross

Genuinely one of the best coffees I’ve had. Lovely, friendly service.