The Best Cafes in Watford, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom (2025)

I was thrilled to see this new independent cafe open in north Watford. The decor is great - quirky and inviting. The coffee and pastries both delicious and the owner of friendly and so enthusiastic about sharing his Turkish cuisine. (But he is absolutely not intrusive) It’s a great place for a catch up with friends, is open long hours which is so handy and we should always support independent businesses! I can highly recommend the baklava and Turkish apple pastries (made on the premises) Also the toilet is very clean !

We really enjoyed having brunch/lunch here, a fab addition to St Albans Rd. All food is freshly prepared and incredibly tasty. There's a real attention to detail when it comes to produce, the dough used for the bases of the pide was made in napoli and the honey served with the nuts was delicious. There were lots of dips to try which were homemade. The owner is friendly without being overbearing and he's passionate about what he does, you can tell lots of love goes into creating the dishes. The coffee is also really nice and good quality. My children approved of the pastries and they got gifted some fresh fruit kebabs which they really enjoyed. The prices are also really reasonable and portion sizes are very generous. We'll definitely be back soon and would recommend to anyone passing by

Great place, absolute suggestion! Superfriendly, nice atmosphere and great turkish food! We were here for breakfast but have to come back here for lunch!

Such a lovely and cosy cafe and a great addition to St Albans Rd. I had the Avocado with Sumac, Olive Oil and Greens and absolutely loved it. The chocolate croissant was also very tasty. Flavours were so perfectly balanced I will need to go back soon and have it again. Everything seems very reasonably priced. Owner was super friendly to talk to and the atmosphere is very inviting. Lots of books and toys for young kids making it a great family friendly spot.

Great place! your local, authentic and reliable little shop. Great atmosphere and service. Generous portions, variety and quality 100% recommended.

Just had a fantastic full English breakfast at this lovely, family run café. The food was excellent, freshly prepared, and of decent quality; the staff were super friendly, too. Highly recommend it for a top-notch breakfast!

We have never really come out for breakfast before, but I’m so glad we did today! Full English breakfast, was one of the best ones we ever had! Everything tastes so fresh and the service is just amazing. If you ever in need of good food, you have to come here! Amazing :))

Googled breakfast places in Watford, my home town, saw the reviews and gave it a go. Honestly, been a while since I had such a fresh breakfast, in terms of food quality. The service was fantastic and the establishment impeccably clean and cosy. Wonderful community establishment. If you are passing by, do drop in for a meal as you won't be disappointed.

This is my second time to eat in this beautiful, clean, new and comfortable restaurant. But I forgot to take photos last time. They provided nice food with reasonable price. Prefect service and very nice waiters and waitresses. They are nice and helpful. However, I had a bad experience in the restaurant today. I helped my friend to take care her 8 years old dog for two weeks during the summer holiday. Last time we saw someone brought their dog in the restaurant therefore we bring my friend’s dog to the restaurant today. Unfortunately, it is a rainy day, we haven’t take a walk with the dog before having our lunch. She was unable to bear her pee, and pee on the floor. We felt so sorry about that. I have took out all the prepared cleaning products to clean the floor immediately. Suddenly a lady come and complain to the waiter when I was cleaning. And shouted that we didn’t train our dog before bring it out. I hope she can maintain her healthy body to control her pee when she getting older. The waiter didn’t reply her, he also didn’t blame us, he tried to give us more tissue for cleaning the mess but we had enough. And he said see you next time. I am really sorry about bringing him trouble today. I must go and eat again next time. I am going to try the breakfast before 13:00 next time.

Truly deserves 5 stars in all aspects. Delivers what it says on the tin. Great ambience, bright, airy and modern in beautiful setting. Great cafe style food and wonderful service. Rocky our waiter was wonderful - very attentive and friendly. A hidden gem I would say.

Visited last week to work remotely from there, really lovely space, great free (fast) wifi and delicious food! I had the special of lamb biryani as recommend by the chef and it was exceptional.

What an amazing little gem quietly tucked away in Watford! We went for a family birthday celebration and the staff were incredibly accomdating, welcoming and friendly -- particularly Georgina (our waitress) and Caroline (reception). They catered to our preferences with the team gathering around to sing for us and providing a small complimentary birthday cupcake. It was a lovely surprise -- thank you for making our day so special! The food itself was also excellent -- I particularly recommend the roast lamb shank and the calve's liver. Both meat dishes were tender, unbelievably soft and juicy. The chef even came outside to talk to us, and we had a great time chatting to him about his secrets pan frying the liver. Food prices were also a highlight -- in this economy, it's refreshing to dine at such a fine establishment without it costing a fortune. Everything was priced very, very reasonably. Lastly, the atmosphere and vibe of the restaurant was tranquil, clean and aesthetic -- it felt like a breath of fresh air even on a hot summer's day. All in all, as much as we'd like to keep this hidden gem a secret, the staff were genuinely so friendly; the atmosphere was peaceful and the food was both affordable and delicious. My family were making plans to return even before we had left -- honestly, that should say it all.

Outstanding staff also amazing coffee and toast.

Friendly welcome- enjoyed my toasted sandwich and coffee and managed a couple of hours work. I look forward to my return.

Relaxing place! Fantastic atmosphere. Sofas to relax and chat. Good coffees and food. Liked the place a lot.

Limited menu: TOAST, Bagels etc. Nice vibe.

A lovely place! The decor is actually gorgeous and the service was also lovely. Ruby is so sweet and helpful! Highly recommend for a sweet treat like a birthday! Also halal food and vegetarian options available.

Stopped by Haute Dolci for their fry up and it didn’t disappoint. A solid plate with all the essentials: perfectly runny eggs and golden hash browns that hit the spot. The toast was thick-cut and buttery, and they didn’t skimp on the beans. Presentation was on point classy without trying too hard. It’s a posh twist on a classic, but still hearty and satisfying. Great option if you’re after a quality breakfast with a bit of flair.

A great cafe for gathering or want to have a quick meal. Their food was not bad. The coffee was also good. The only thing I would say is how they handle the food. They did not place it properly when a couple of dishes presented to us. Also, their staff was not careful so my friend’s dishes became a mass.

Amazing Experience at Heavenly Desserts Watford! We visited the restaurant as a large group (more than 16 people), and Leo was the only one serving us. Honestly, he was outstanding in every way! He was very understanding, especially with the children, and made sure to accommodate all our requests with great attention and care. The service was flawless, and all our orders arrived on time without any delays. Leo is a fantastic example of professionalism and attentiveness, and we truly hope he serves as a reference for anyone visiting the place. An unforgettable experience, and we will definitely be coming back! Thank you, Leo, and the entire team!

I visited Heavenly Desserts today and had a fantastic experience from start to finish. The food was absolutely amazing, and the customer service was just as impressive. A special shoutout to Leo, the young lad who served us – what an exceptional team member! He was incredibly helpful, friendly, and patient, especially when guiding me through the milkshake options. Thanks to him, I ended up with the perfect choice. Leo was a solid 10/10 – truly a credit to the team!

This was such an amazing experience I highly recommend this, the food was very nicely presented and tasted so yummy. The waiter Alex was kind and polite. Overall loved this place definitely will come again.❤️

Stopped in for desserts tonight and we’re so glad we did! Everything was absolutely delicious—there was a great mix of traditional and unique options to choose from. Our server, Zara, was amazing! She was efficient, attentive, and super friendly. She even shared some excellent food recommendations for our time in London. A great experience all around! A must-do if you’re in Watford!

My friend and I came in today for a coffee and a cake, what a lovely place! Coffee was delicious, even with a pretty design on top. Georgia was so friendly and chatty, which was so refreshing. We'll definitely be back.

My experience in this shop is a very good one! They have a great selection of tea and cold canned drinks. Cozy and clean location. It’s easy to order and find a nice quick lunch or snack as well as have a good chat with lovely staff!🫐🫐🍇🍇💐💐🍐🍋‍🟩🍍 I recommend the community to come and support this business! Come and enjoy a nice coffee or tea with a cake in the sunshine. I also recommend tourists to come and visit and try their selection. May God protect these lovely staff, provide happiness and health because they deserve it.♥️♥️♥️ Euphemia .Christie❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🇬🇧🍷🇯🇲🍷🇮🇹🍷🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🙏🏿

Cute little cafe in Watford Station. Lots of options to choose from - we went in on a cold morning so just grabbed hot chocolate which was really good. There were lots of vegan and gluten-free cakes / cookies available which we would love to try when we visit the area again. Nice, cheerful staff, this is a takeaway place only , which works well as it is located just on the premises of the station.

Fabulous coffee shop. We don't even use watford met line but we stop off regularly for our coffee. I appreciate it's not over priced and also they have alternative milks with no extra charge... a lot of establishments should learn from this place.

I had the pleasure of being the first customer, and I must say, it was a fantastic experience! The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with modern decor and a warm, friendly vibe. The staff were incredibly welcoming !! I tried their coffee and it was absolutely delicious—perfectly brewed with rich, bold flavors. The quality of the beans is definitely top-notch, and it’s clear they put a lot of care into their craft. The pastry selection looked amazing, and I’ll definitely be coming back to try more. As a first-time visitor, I felt right at home, and I can't wait to see how this place grows. I highly recommend checking it out if you're in the area—great coffee, excellent service, and a charming ambiance. I’ll definitely be returning!

I felt like grabbing an iced coffee from a coffee shop that wasn't Starbucks or Costa or any other of the popular chains! So I came across black sheep! I thoroughly enjoy the vibe!! I've been to the one in Waterloo London and their coffees are a die for!! And the artwork that is produced is great too!! 😎

I recently visited Black Sheep Coffee at Atria Watford, and I have to say, it was a fantastic experience from start to finish! The atmosphere is modern, cozy, and vibrant — perfect for a quick coffee break or a relaxed catch-up with friends. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home. I ordered a flat white and a waffle, and both were absolutely delicious. The coffee was rich, smooth, and perfectly brewed, while the waffle was fresh, warm, and topped to perfection. What I loved most was the attention to detail. You can tell that quality and customer experience are a top priority here. I’ll definitely be returning and recommending it to friends and family. If you’re in Atria Watford, do yourself a favor and check it out! 10/10 experience — can’t wait to go back!

Very cute and cozy atmosphere, and the Nutella Cake is to die for (not sure if they still offer it, if not, they should add it to the selection again)! Also love the Peanut Butter Mocha. The staff is very friendly and it's a great place to wind down or get some work done. Absolutely recommend!

Ocean Bells has become my go-to spot every weekend, and for good reason! The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff always greet me with a smile. The menu offers a fantastic variety of dishes, all of which are consistently fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. I love how they balance classic favorites with unique, creative options. It’s clear they care about quality and their customers’ experience.Highly recommend it to anyone looking for great food and a welcoming vibe! My favourite branch is the smoked salmon and figs on toast with brie and chutney

Overview: Café on Watford high street serving quality coffee, smoothies and freshly made brunch dishes. Pros✅: One of my favourite independent brunch places and coffee shop in Watford. The coffee they serve is of high quality and a large selection of breakfast/brunch items that is made to order and are reasonable priced. Highly recommend their chicken, bacon and avocado sandwich on sourdough. Servers there are also lovely and friendly ! Cons❌: The side salad served on the side of dishes can be a little dry and could do with a bit more dressing and still have to pay 40p for oat milk but other than that I can’t think of anything ! Recommended dishes: 🥪C.B.A. (Chicken, bacon, avocado) sandwich ☕️Flat white

Came in to have lunch during my break and ordered a latte and a prosciutto/mozzarella ciabatta with pesto. The ciabatta was delightfully delicious and the latte of good quality. The cafe was half-full and not terribly loud and the service quick. Out of all the cafes in the area I would recommend visiting this one the most.

Absolutely amazing food. Only in the area for the morning as come from down south and we found this little gem by accident. Was lovely to have a place with a proper vegetarian breakfast opposed of a veg alternative. The staff where lovely, coffee was beautiful, I'm one to normally have sugar but didn't feel the need for it with mine was great. The food was cooked to perfection - really nicely presented, was hot and most importantly, delicious. Would recommend to anyone! Only comment is perhaps having menus for each table so multiple people don't need to get up and read from a communal menu.

I enjoyed my time and my caffeinated beverage at Perfect Blend Coffee Shop! This is a relaxing and cute café, that always has friendly service. I’ve been a few times, and have always felt comfortable and welcome. The coffee is consistently good. I also enjoyed the gluten free brownie I ordered, which was very rich and decadent. My only complaint is the lack of further gluten free items, and a decent gluten free and dairy free (or even gluten free and vegan) item. I would be more inclined to order a treat every time I went if one of those options were available. Perfect Blend is a charming spot worth stoping by if you’re craving a coffee in Watford!