16 Best Cafes in Covent Garden to Try in 2023
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Are you seeking an aromatic cup of coffee or a tasty treat to delight your senses? Well, youโll find some of the best cafes in Covent Garden listed here!
Iโm a London local and have tried a bunch of cafes across the city. Unsurprisingly, many of the most charming cafes to visit are actually in Covent Garden.
In addition to the wonderful cafes in Covent Garden, youโll come across an array of enjoyable activities and attractions, including craft stalls, clothing shops, museums, Covent Garden restaurants, and plenty more.
Whether youโre taking a quick coffee break or heading for brunch in Covent Garden, there are many places that are worth checking out. And the best of them are highlighted in the list below.
The Best Covent Garden Coffee Shops
Covent Garden attracts countless fashion-lovers and foodies each year with its world-class shopping and exquisite dining experiences. Here are the best cafes and coffee shops Covent Garden has to offer.
1. Grind Covent Garden
Grind is a lovely spot in Covent Garden, whether youโre looking for a morning cup of joe or an evening cocktail. Youโll find it situated on Maiden Lane, near Shake Shack and the Ivy Market Grill.
Relax at one of the cute indoor tables while sipping on a mocha on a chilly day. Or enjoy a cold-pressed juice and the fresh breeze at the outdoor seating of this bohemian coffee shop.
Covent Garden Grind also serves light bites, including smashed avo on toast and cheese and tomato croissants. If youโre not in the mood for a big meal, snack on some wasabi peanuts instead.
There are several Grind branches around London. So if youโre looking for one of the best coffee shops in London Bridge or Shoreditch, be sure to check out Grind.
Location: 42 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7LJ, United Kingdom
2. Monmouth Coffee Company Covent Garden
Calling all coffee lovers, Monmouth Coffee Company is a cosy spot thatโs popular amongst locals, and for good reasons. The coffee beans are carefully selected and sourced from suppliers across the globe. They are expertly roasted, and the cup of happiness is presented to you by a friendly barista.
Monmouth Coffee has a relaxed atmosphere with wooden dรฉcor that adds to the cosy vibe. There is also outdoor seating, providing an ideal setting for marvelling at the city views or people-watching.
If youโre short on time, grab a coffee and a crispy pastry to go. But be sure to bring your own cup if you want a takeaway.
Monmouth Coffeeโs eco-friendly efforts include no longer providing disposable cups. You can take part in their loan cup scheme, have coffee in ceramic, or bring your favourite reusable cup along on your coffee run.
Location: 27 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9EU, United Kingdom
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3. Abuelo Covent Garden
Aussie meets South America at this charming spot-on Southampton Street in the heart of Covent Garden.
The owners of this family business have an impressive background in hospitality with spectacular cafes in Sydney and Melbourne. And you can expect exceptional service at this establishment too.
Abuelo is one of the best cafes Covent Garden boasts. Here you can enjoy specialty coffees and teas as well as mouth-watering homely meals. The ingredients used are ethically sourced and organic. Indulge in a truffle mushroom toastie, vegetarian empanada, and more.
The drinks menu features a number of coffees, teas, and cold drinks. There are also wines, beers, and potent cocktails on offer.
This cosy coffee shop serves beautifully presented dishes and drinks in an aesthetic environment with wooden furnishings and stunning greenery. So, youโll want to bring along your travel camera and snap a shot for your Instagram feed.
Location: 26 Southampton St, London WC2E 7RS, United Kingdom
4. Lillyโs Cafe Covent Garden
If youโre looking for nice cafes in Covent Garden or a stylish venue for your next brunch date, Lillyโs Cafรฉ is an excellent option. The cafรฉ features comfy seating with elegant dรฉcor thatโs perfect for meeting up with friends, colleagues, or your significant other.
Here youโll come across inspiring daily affirmations and star-sign cakes that add to the cafeโs quirky vibe. The cake menu includes mini celebration cakes, bars and slices, stuffed cookies, and more.
The all-day menu features Levantine nachos, cheese toasties, smoked salmon, and more. If youโre dining with a friend, choose from the delicious fondue and charcuterie menu section.
There is a special breakfast and brunch menu. Indulge in cheddar and mushroom-baked eggs or banana bread toast for something on the sweet side.
There is plenty on offer when it comes to drinks, from innovative lattes and classic coffees to calming cups of tea and fresh juice. The cafรฉ also serves a number of creative cocktails and wines.
Whether youโre visiting for afternoon tea or a long-awaited breakfast date, Lillyโs Cafรฉ has a variety of delights to satisfy your senses and is one of my favourite cafes in Covent Garden.
Location: 3 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8LU, United Kingdom
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5. WatchHouse Covent Garden
WatchHouse, one of Covent Gardenโs best cafes, offers everything you need in one spot: ample space, reliable WiFi, delectable cafe bites, and exceptional coffee. Itโs no wonder this relatively new establishment is rapidly gaining popularity, with multiple locations sprouting up across London.
WatchHouse has mastered the art of satisfying all coffee aficionados with its diverse offerings, including expertly crafted lattes with alternative milks and a range of coffee beans specially curated for different drink preferences.
Their commitment to coffee excellence is evident in the seasonal rotation of coffee beans and the thoughtful approach of not charging extra for alternative milk.
Beyond the outstanding coffee, WatchHouse surprises customers with a unique food menu featuring delightful options like oat and rye porridge, salmon and avocado on sourdough, Brioche pain perdu with poached spiced plums and lemon curd mascarpone, and the Veg House with halloumi, poached eggs, avocado, roast tomato, and mushroom on sourdough.
There is also a WatchHouse Seven Dials location just a short 5-minute walk from Covent Garden Market.
Location: 28โ29 Southampton Street, London, WC2E 7PG
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6. 26 Grains
Welcome to 26 Grains, arguably the best of the cafes in covent garden for health-conscious foodies!
This Covent Garden breakfast joint specializes in 21st-century porridge. Imagine oats cooked in a variety of delicious kinds of milk โ coconut, cashew, almond โ or even juice. Then the chefs infuse the oatmeal with flavors like cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and star anise before finally selecting your choice of gourmet toppings!
I guarantee youโve never had porridge like this before.
If youโre skeptical about the twist on traditional porridge, you can order toast with jam (my favourite is the lemon thyme toast), flatbreads, or freshly baked pastries.
Location: 1 Nealโs Yard, London WC2H 9AW, United Kingdom
7. Drury 188-189
Drury 188-189 is undoubtedly one of Covent Gardenโs top cafes, offering an affordable lunch and a vibrant atmosphere.
Their coffee, especially the flat white, is delightful, but the real highlight is the food selection. From healthy options like avocado toast, yogurt bowls, fresh pressed juices, and sandwiches to more indulgent treats like the divine homemade pastry selection especially the caramel pistachio brownieโDrury 188-189 caters to every taste.
For those seeking a satisfying and budget-friendly lunch, their offer of choosing three pre-made salads or pairing a protein with two salads for ยฃ10 to ยฃ13.5 is an excellent deal. When in Covent Garden, this cafe should not be missed.
Location: 188-189 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5QD
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8. Amelia
Amelia is as one of the finest coffee shops in Covent Garden for French pastries. With two locations in the city, including one in Seven Dials and another in the heart of Covent Garden, it offers an exquisite selection of French pastries, crepes, indulgent hot chocolate, and robust iced Americanos.
If youโre seeking a charming spot to savour these treats, Amelia should definitely be on your list of must-visit coffee shops in Covent Garden.
Location: 15 Bedford Street, WC2E9HE
9. Crรจme de la Crรชpe
If youโre craving a delicious treat at one of the many cafes in Covent Garden, head to Crรจme de la Crepe. At this lovely location, youโll find a selection of sweet and savoury crepes.
If youโre in the mood for a savoury treat, try the Buffalo Bill. Itโs a house favourite made with free-range chicken, red onion, rocket, and mature cheddar cheese with ranch mayo and buffalo sauce. Crรจme de la Crepe also offers all-day brunch options and veggie crepes.
For those with a sweet tooth, indulge in one of the classic crepes with Nutella, banana, strawberries, and cream. If you want a sweet crepe with fresh fruit, try the Strawberry Cheesecake thatโs filled with crumble, cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and, of course, strawberries.
Location: 29 The Market Building, The Piazza, London WC2E 8RE, United Kingdom
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10. Avobar
Avobar is one of the best cafes Covent Garden offers if you want a healthy meal. Itโs a great location for an Instagram-worthy dish with a background thatโs cute-as-a-button.
The airy cafรฉ boasts stylish wooden furniture and lovely plant beauties scattered around. The beautiful dรฉcor, friendly staff, and welcoming atmosphere make it a wonderful place to meet up with friends too.
Avobar serves creative, healthy dishes that are plated to perfection and feature delectable flavours that will keep you coming back for more. Start with a light meal like homemade guacamole and tortilla chips or a halloumi jalapeno taco.
The menu features healthy bowls, salads, avo toast with a twist, corn fritters, lime chili chicken, prawn burgers, and plenty more. If you want something sweet, try one of the Avo-inspired desserts, perhaps a choc Avo brownie or an Avo cheesecake.
Location: 24 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8ND, United Kingdom
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11. Santa Nata
Of all the best cafes in Covent Garden, Santa Nata is a cute little spot to grab a quick coffee and a custard tart or take a seat outside and admire the views on Russell Street. Here youโll find delectable artisan pastries handmade by the skilled chef.
The tasty treats celebrate traditional Portuguese baking, using the best quality ingredients. So taste the authentic flavours of Portugal with a pastel de nata and a warm cup of coffee.
With a sprinkle of powdered sugar and cinnamon on top, these delicious tarts will have you smiling from ear to ear and keep your belly happy. And before you leave, be sure to snap a shot outside Santa Nataโs beautiful flower-decorated entrance.
Location: 17 Russell St, London WC2B 5HP, United Kingdom
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12. The Black Penny Covent Garden
If youโre looking for a modern eatery with a quirky vibe, make your way to The Black Penny. The cafรฉ serves delicious gourmet meals and drinks in a relaxed setting.
There are many tasty items on the menu. Try one of their breakfast classics with a cup of coffee or fresh mint tea. If youโre visiting with friends, there are delicious sharing boards to indulge in.
The menu also features several vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free delights. Enjoy one of the cafรฉโs perfectly toasted gluten-free buns with crispy bacon and a yummy fried egg or two.
For those seeking an intimate group experience, the downstairs private dining area is available for bookings. In addition to the inviting items on the menu, The Black Penny hosts enjoyable events throughout the year, such as music and poetry readings.
Location: 34 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5AA, United Kingdom
13. Coffee Island
Indulge in a warm cup of joe and a fluffy cake at Coffee Island. This fantastic coffee shop in Covent Garden offers many yummy delights and delicious coffee. Coffee Island features tiny wooden tables and a cosy vibe, perfect for an intimate catch-up.
Although the shop is quaint, their coffee packs a punch. They focus on promoting sustainable coffee production and have direct relationships with specialty coffee growers in Brazil, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.
After they have sourced the finest beans, their artisan roasting team gets to work to provide you with an aromatic cup of coffee to get your day started. Youโll also find a number of handmade snacks to choose from.
Enjoy freshly baked muffins, cakes, biscuits, and more. If you want something a little more savoury at cafes near Covent Garden, dig into a gourmet salad with fish or a filling sandwich.
Location: 5 Upper St Martinโs Ln, London WC2H 9NY, United Kingdom
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14. The Espresso Room
Taste some of the best coffee Covent Garden has to offer at The Espresso Room. Here youโll come across a range of gourmet brews as well as friendly baristas to see to your caffeine needs.
If the name didnโt give it away already, this fantastic spot serves exceptional coffee. Whether you want an extra shot of espresso, an iced coffee, or a non-dairy alternative, youโll have several delicious options at The Espresso Room. Enjoy your coffee with a freshly baked cake, croissant, or a light snack.
The coffee house boasts dark-wood dรฉcor and splashes of colour here and there, from the green-leaf wallpaper on the walls to the stunning indoor plants.
There is also outdoor seating if youโd like to do some people-watching or admire your surroundings with a lovely fresh breeze.
Location: 24 New Row, London WC2N 4LA, United Kingdom
15. Fabrique Bakery โ Best Covent Garden Bakery
Fabrique Bakery is a popular place to get an oven-baked treat with a satisfying, warm beverage. The space is small with just a few tables, but the items on the menu are bursting with flavour.
Fabrique originates from Stockholm and has brought traditional methods and impressive techniques to London, with several shops spread throughout the city. They use fresh, natural ingredients to provide you with tasteful eats.
As you enter, youโll feel like youโve just walked into a cinnamon roll paradise. If you enjoy a sweet treat with your coffee, youโll be spoilt for choice.
The pastries include vegan chocolate cake, raspberry cookies, brownies, and more. There is also a selection of sandwiches and golden loaves of bread, from rye and cranberry to walnut rolls.
Location: 8 Earlham St, London WC2H 9RY, United Kingdom
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16. Notes โ Leicester Square Cafe Location
Are you looking for some Cafes in Leicester Square? Notes is one of the top cafes in Covent Garden and they are growing rapidly, including a location near Leicester Square.
Itโs known for locally roasted specialty coffee, but in the afternoon, the atmosphere shifts from a quaint coffee shop to an exciting wine bar with great food, drinks, and music into the evening.
Along with gourmet coffee, you can order brunch until 4 pm. The menu is full of classic English breakfast options like poached eggs, beans on toast, and pancakes). The Note is a great coffee shops near Covent Garden.
Then in the evening, the menu shifts to small plates and charcuterie, which pairs perfectly with anything on their wine list. Not into wine? You can also order craft cocktails and beer or tap all day long.
Location: 31 St Martinโs Ln, London WC2N 4DD, United Kingdom
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Ready To Enjoy the Best Coffee in Covent Garden Cafes?
Find the perfect cup at one of the finest coffee shops in Covent Garden. Each of these splendid spots offers a selection of scrumptious delights and, of course, delicious coffee that will have your taste buds tingling.
After satisfying your caffeine cravings at the best cafes in Covent Garden, itโs time to explore more of the wonderful activities and attractions in the area. If you need some inspiration for your outing, check out this guide on the best things to do in Covent Garden.