Notting Hill is probably the reason a lot of people dream about coming to London in the first place.
The rows of emblematic pastel-colored houses and the famous market at Portobello Road make this part of London one of the most highly desired among travelers, and a favorite destination for weekend strolls for locals. It’s not just one of the most aesthetically pleasing and Instagrammable places in London (and maybe even the whole world!), but also a hub for of great restaurants and cafes.
There’s no doubt that in Notting Hill, you’ll find the right cafe for whatever you’re craving—there is a wide spectrum of offerings for every taste. However, with so many tourists around all trying to get that perfect shot of the adorable pastel houses, there are a lot of “Instagram traps,” too. These places get famous on social media for their design and presentation, but aren’t up to standard when it comes to the actual food quality.
As a result, there are a bunch of disappointed foodies, who had high expectations, but ended up waiting in line for an hour only to baffle their taste buds. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots for brunch and breakfast in Notting Hill (and they also happen to be some of our favorites in all of London!).
1. Granger & Co.
This cozy restaurant, with beach vibes and a retro design, is one of the best coffee spots in London. Perfect for a slow start to the day, whether you’re with friends or alone, you will instantly feel calm and peaceful in the delicate interior with pale green columns and Easter-yellow blinds.
The breakfast menu features a range of all kinds of foods, starting with original pastries, such as a pumpkin, date and cardamom loaf served with almond butter and raspberry jam, and wrapping up with “big plates” for those arriving especially “hangry” after all their London touring, like nduja, xo and prawn fried rice with a poached egg.
There are plenty of classics, too, such as scrambled eggs with St. John’s sourdough toast. We suggest pairing your breakfast meal with their matcha latte or spiced almond milk chai—these are full of flavor (and much-needed caffeine) but won’t make you shaky as coffee sometimes does!
Even though it’s mostly known for its breakfasts, Granger & Co. also serves light lunches and opens its doors for dinner and cocktails in the evenings—for those days when you need to sleep in a little more, you know?
2. Egg Break
There’s an ambience of relaxation right when you walk in to the cozy yellow home that houses Egg Break. Even though the place is always busy, with hardly any space between tables, the whole atmosphere is light and easygoing. Full of light and finished in wood and natural materials, this spot is made for enjoying your brunch. It really is a delight to wake up in the morning and come to Egg Break for breakfast: it offers excellent value for money, dishes cooked with dedication and very generous servings along with friendly staff and delicious, well-prepared coffee.
But let’s talk about the food. At Egg Break, it is, of course, all about eggs. The menu features egg dishes for every occasion. Whether you choose to try their Turkish egg accompanied by cheese toast, their burrata and truffle scrambled eggs, or the avocado with a poached egg, we assure you whatever you order will be delicious, and there are even alternatives for vegetarians and vegans, too.
Accompany your meal with a cup of good coffee or a Bloody Mary if you’re feeling adventurous… and—voila!—your day is destined to be amazing.
3. Bel & Nev
Are you always on a lookout for those little hidden gems? Those places that locals love to hang out? Well, Bel & Nev is just that, with a simple, warm and cozy vibe and even a special zone for kids to hang out at, along with fresh and delicious food.
Serving breakfasts all day from a tiny open kitchen, this award-winning cafe in Kensal Rise was founded by a husband-and-wife team—Bel and Nev themselves, who met while training at Le Cordon Bleu. After working in different London restaurants, and hardly seeing each other due to long hours, they decided to open their own place and work together!
The menu at Bel & Nev is simple and sweet, and bound to leave you satisfied and happy. Try their smashed avocado on toast with homemade chilli jam, or porridge made with coconut, banana, honey and cinnamon, all washed down by an excellent cup of tea or coffee.
4. VQ
VQ is not what you think of a traditional cute brunch place—you won’t see any neon signs, cacti or millennial-pink walls. It’s, on the contrary, different from many other brunch spots with its brutal, all-black front and minimalistic interior. The perfect spot to come after a night out on the town and relax in its moody, dim interior—and luckily for all the night owls out there, at VQ they serve breakfast for 24 hours.
The menu is full of all-time favorites: lots of eggs dishes, a lot of bacon and sausages, an option for a proper English breakfast, and some buttermilk pancakes to die for, slathered with maple syrup or Nutella. Only serving free-range eggs and organic milk, the restaurant also offers a wide variety of vegetarian options. The quality of food is impeccable and the service is attentive and quick, so we don’t really see a reason why you shouldn’t go there and enjoy their Bubble ‘n’ Squeak!
5. 202
This place is so Notting Hill that it’s hard to imagine it being anywhere else. The decorations and the whole atmosphere will make you fall in love in the blink of an eye, and the clothing store downstairs is just a cool bonus.
202 won’t disappoint in the food department, either. Serving all-time classics, be it eggs Benedict or pancakes, along with some trendier options as an açaí bowl and avo toast, here you are guaranteed to kick all your cravings to the curb.
With on-point presentation and exquisite service, this place is ideal for late brunch on those rare (in London) sunny days, and an excellent place to sit outside and enjoy the area while people-watching!
