From banana pancakes to shakshuka, Absolutely London has scouted the best brunch spots in Islington, north London
Londoners are still obsessed with brunch – and for good reason. Whether it’s a healthy meal post-spin class or a decadent bottomless brunch, there’s nothing better than a morning feast with family and friends, united in the shared love of pancakes and avo toast. Here’s our pick of the best brunch spots in Islington.
Best brunch spots in Islington
The Breakfast Club
As the name suggests, The Breakfast Club are connoisseurs when it comes to the morning repast. Their menu boasts a wide selection of delicious plates including banana and salted caramel pancakes, breakfast burgers, and ‘Outta Lockdown’ sweetcorn fritters. Tucked away on Camden Passage, it’s also the perfect place to do a spot of window shopping.
31 Camden Passage, N1 8AE; thebreakfastclubcafes.com
Megan’s
A new addition to the area, the southwest London chain Megan’s has finally reached Islington. The dog-friendly restaurant serves up a prize-winning brunch with classics such as eggs benedict and eggs royale alongside Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Their baked shakshuka is a particular favourite amongst regulars. Make sure to visit on the weekend for a bottomless brunch at just £20pp.
6 Esther Anne Place, N1 1WL; megans.co.uk
Brother Marcus
Another restaurant inspired by the taste of the Mediterranean is Brother Marcus. Their Camden Passage site offers diners an all-day brunch menu with dishes including falafel and charred-corn salad, pulled pork belly, and build-your-own breakfast wrap. This spot, although relatively new, is full of rustic charm with dark wooden surfaces and moody lighting.
37-39 Camden Passage, N1 8EA; brothermarcus.co.uk
Caravan
A little further out in Exmouth Market is Caravan. This establishment shares its owner’s love of the road with a ‘well-travelled’ menu. The brunch selection is one of the largest on offer with everything from a classic fry-up to jalapeño cornbread. They also have an impressive range of vegan options with pickings including Medjool date porridge and a quinoa, edamame, and buckwheat grainbowl.
11-13 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QD; caravanrestaurants.co.uk
Euphorium
You will be seeing double with not one but two Euphoriums on Islington’s Upper Street. The Parisian-style bakery chain was first set up on the iconic road in 1999 and quickly grew in size as locals flocked to taste of their delicious pastries, cakes, and tarts. Their all-day brunch menu showcases the best of their baked goods with simple options such as cheese and tomato croissant and sourdough toast with natural honey.
202 Upper Street, N1 1RQ, 79 Upper Street, N1 0NU; euphorium.uk.com
Sunday
A round up of the best brunch spots in Islington is not complete without mentioning Sunday, even if it is temporally closed for refurbishment. This café is considered a cornerstone in mid-morning cuisine and is so popular that their queue often spills out onto the street when open. Fear not in missing out, however, as they have just launched a new cookbook filled with mouth-watering brunch recipes that you can make from your own home.
169 Hemingford Rd, N1 1DA; instagram.com/sundaybarnsbury
Crêpeaffaire
Celebrate pancake day everyday with Crêpeaffaire. This cheerful little chain delivers freshly made crêpes with a plethora of sweet and savoury toppings. Highlights from their menu include an all-day breakfast with streaky back bacon, egg, mushrooms, tomato, and cheddar and, for those with a sweet tooth, a blueberry, strawberry & maple galette. They have plenty of vegan and gluten free options so you will be able to something for everyone.
51-53 Camden Passage, N1 8EA; crepeaffaire.com
The Modern Pantry
Sometimes when it comes to brunch, simplicity is the key. This is certainly the case for The Modern Pantry. This casual café is much-loved by locals due to its easy-going charm. With traditional breakfast plates such as English muffins with gooseberry and elderflower jam and chia seed, rose & oat bircher muesli, it’s a crowd-pleaser. There is also a little shop tucked away behind the café where you can stock up your own pantry with handmade jams and relishes from small British producers.
47-48 St John’s Square, EC1V 4JJ; themodernpantry.co.uk
Radici
For something a little more radical, visit Radici. This Italian restaurant just off Upper Street allows diners to tuck into a pizza brunch. From the classic margarita to salami and spiced ricotta, their delicious artisan pizzas will have you leaping out of bed. They also offer a Mediterranean fry-up and avocado crostini for those who like something a little lighter in the mornings.
30 Almeida Street, N1 1AD; radici.uk
Dishoom
One of the most popular restaurants in London, Dishoom is a real crowd pleaser when it comes to brunch. The Bombay café puts an Indian twist on British classics with bacon naan and spicy scrambled eggs, chilli cheese toast and hug-in-a-mug cups of chai. Their Kings Cross site is just a short stroll away from Angel in Granary Square.
5 Stable St, N1C 4AB; dishoom.com
Mildred’s
For the veggies out there, Mildred’s in the go-to place for a plant-based start to your day. Their delicious menu is entirely vegetarian and features a number of vegan dishes. Typical offerings include scrambled tofu, aubergine ‘bacon’, and slow-roast tomatoes. It is also worth trying one of their heath-packed juices for a real kick-start.
200 Pentonville Rd, N1 9JP; mildreds.co.uk
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