Knowing where to find the best cafés in Islington is an art form. With so many choices, how do you know which ones stand out? We’re here to make things easier with this updated 2025 guide.
Islington is filled to the brim with trendy spots, from top-notch restaurants to fantastic places to get a hot drink and a spot of brunch.
Here, we highlight the best cafés where you can enjoy a warm cup of coffee, a delicious bite, and a cosy atmosphere.
1. Kipferl
Set foot in Kipferl and sip hot brews in a beautiful and authentic Viennese coffeehouse. The Viennese are pioneers in coffee culture, and this café pays homage to the original spots found around Vienna.
Sample everything from a variety of cream-filled coffee to tasty sweets and treats waiting to satisfy your sweet tooth. Head to Kipferl for an authentic coffee experience in the heart of Islington.
Address: 20 Camden Passage, The Angel, London N1 8ED
Phone: 020 7704 1555
Follow @KipferlCafe
2. Pophams Bakery
Spend some time in Islington’s finest café and bakery at Pophams and tuck into croissants and baked goods with a creative spin. The artisanal bakery features a restaurant and coffee shop, where traditional techniques are used to create delicious, hand-crafted viennoiserie pastries.
There's also fresh pasta on offer if you fancy something more substantial. With food this good, it's easy to see why it's one of the best coffee shops in Islington.
Address: 19 Prebend St, Islington, London N1 8PF
Phone: 020 8525 1416
Email: [email protected]
Follow @pophamsbakery
3. KOA LONDON
KOA London puts just as much time and effort into the detail of its café as it does it’s handcrafted coffee. The ultimate place for brunch, KOA has some of your favourite dishes to choose from. Try the delicious eggs benedict on perfectly toasted crumpets or go for a flavour packed coffee and cake.
This woman-owned stylish Islington café is open from 8-5pm Monday to Sunday but is closed on Tuesdays for a well-deserved break.
Address: 1, 473 Hornsey Rd, London N19 3QL
Phone: 07863 513411
Follow @koa.london
4. The Breakfast Club
Head to an Islington café with a difference at The Breakfast Club. This spot is all about its brunches, so get the prosecco at the ready so you can sip back on a glass while tucking into some sweetcorn fritters.
There are also traditional favourites like the full English breakfast, which goes down particularly well with a cup of tea or coffee.
Address: 31 Camden Passage, The Angel, London N1 8EA
Phone: 020 7226 5454
Follow @thebrekkyclub
5. The Barn London
Run by three brothers, The Barn serves up an all-day breakfast and barista-made coffee that will see you coming back for more. There are also lunch options, as well as a selection of delicious cakes that are legendary in the local area.
Sit back and relax for a few hours in one of the best cafés in Islington, while you sip on freshly made coffee and enjoy delicious homemade bites.
Address: 60 Holloway Rd, Highbury East, London N7 8JL
Phone: 020 3784 8741
Follow @thebarnlondon
6. REDEMPTION ROASTERS
This light and bright cafe sits on the corner of Camden Passage along Islignton high street. With carefully crafted coffee and a mouth watering brunch menu, it’s the perfect place to relax.
Co-created by Black Sheep Coffee founder Max and his business partner Ted, Redemption Roasters has a unique origin story. The duo were approached in 2016 to open a roastery in a prison to help train residents in key career skills. This was a project started to try and lower reoffender rates.
Now, this Islington café and its many sister sites across London, continue to help ex-imates with finding work in the café and roastery industry.
Address: 96-98 Islington High St, London N1 8EG
Phone: 020 4524 8220
Follow @redemptionroasters
7. Ottolenghi
Everything at Ottolenghi is tres chic, thanks to a stylish interior and scrumptious food from North Africa and the Middle East. The café-deli features all-white dining rooms with large windows affording plenty of natural light. While the food is healthy and delicious, whether you're trying one of the salad and vegetable combos or another exquisite dish on the menu.
Address: 287 Upper St, The Angel, London N1 2TZ
Phone: 020 7288 1454
Follow @ottolenghi
The best cafés in Islington
This curated list of Islington's best cafés ensures you'll always have a top-tier coffee spot nearby. Whether you're after a leisurely brunch, a cosy work-friendly environment, or simply a great cup of coffee, Islington has it all.
Looking for more reasons to love Islington? Check out our Islington apartments and discover what makes this North London area so special.
FAQ
1. What are the best cafés for brunch in Islington?
Some of the top brunch spots include The Breakfast Club, KOA London, and Ottolenghi, all of which offer delicious and unique brunch menus.
2. Where can I find the best coffee in Islington?
For expertly crafted coffee, head to Redemption Roasters, Pophams Bakery, or The Barn London.
3. Which cafés in Islington are best for working remotely?
Kipferl, Redemption Roasters, and The Barn London offer great atmospheres with free Wi-Fi and excellent coffee, making them ideal for remote working.
4. Are there any vegan-friendly cafés in Islington?
Yes, many of these cafés offer vegan-friendly options, with Ottolenghi and The Breakfast Club serving a variety of plant-based dishes.
5. What is the most unique café in Islington?
Redemption Roasters stands out due to its mission of training ex-offenders in coffee craftsmanship, combining great coffee with a meaningful cause.
