There’s something about starting your day with a proper breakfast that just makes all seem right in the world. Forget spooning up a bowl of mushy cereal or munching on a piece of toast as you leg it out the door. Languid mornings spent putting the world to rights while the smell of freshly ground coffee permeates your nostrils with a plate of really good food sat before you isn’t something to be missed. When looking for where to go for breakfast in Covent Garden you are spoilt for choice.
This bustling location is ideal for social gatherings, breakfast work meetings, and is perfect for moving on to all areas of the city. Whether you’re a tourist looking to fuel yourself for a day of sightseeing, you need to soak up whatever’s left of the night before, or simply want a treat, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Here are our top places to go for breakfast in Covent Garden…
The Best Places For Breakfast in Covent Garden
Avobar
Who said being healthy should be boring? Not Avobar! They are a seriously cool, all-day superfood restaurant open in Covent Garden which has been wowing guests since it opened in 2018 – just check out their Instagram.
Using the mighty avocado as a staple within their creative dishes, their menu is perfectly balanced with great flavours and varied choices. It’s not just your standard avocado on toast, it’s far from it. Try their Avo Scrambled Egg Croissant or the Ultimate Avo on Toast. If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t go wrong opting for their Matcha Pancakes.
Open 7 days a week from 9 am, Avobar has taken breakfast in Covent Garden up a level and you don’t want to miss it.
Where: 24 Henrietta Street, London, WC2E 8ND
Website: avobar.co.uk
26 Grains of Neals Yard
The team over at 26 Grains of Neals Yard knows a thing or two about putting together a delicious breakfast in Covent Garden. From their 5 Grain Porridge with toppings including banana, tahini, honey, cinnamon, sesame seeds & cacao nibs, to their fried eggs in Ras el Hanout butter with labneh, pistachio dukkah, herbs & sourdough.
On a sunny day, the bi-fold doors are fully opened with tables available inside and out. Order yourself a freshly prepared coffee and take in the Scandinavian-inspired interiors whilst relaxing in the lovely atmosphere that is ever present. You can visit from 9 am every day and dine for brunch and lunch if you visit after breakfast hours.
Where: 1 Neal’s Yard, London, WC2H 9AW
Website: 26grains.com
Lily’s Cafe
After spending a few moments in Lily’s Cafe, you’ll soon forget the busy streets of London. Tucked away in a beautiful conservatory on the ground floor, lies a delicious cafe run by world-class pastry chef Kimberly Lin.
A blend of wellness and fun, both the menu and interiors are inspired by gems, zodiac signs and the elements. Foliage drapes over the ceiling with a huge skylight to let the sunlight flood in, while fiery amber walls and blue seating make for a striking backdrop to enjoy your breakfast.
Food-wise, the freshest of ingredients are used. Enjoy bacon on brioche, banoffee toast or chilaquiles and pair this with a tea infusion or cold juice. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, tantalising cakes and desserts are available to round off your meal and if you haven’t got space left after your Covent Garden breakfast, we suggest having one to take away.
Where: 3 Henrietta Street, London, WC2E 8LU
Website: lillys-cafe.com
The Ivy Market Grill
Along the cobbled streets of Covent Garden piazza, lies a modern European eatery, known as The Ivy Market Grill. Part of the Ivy Group, they bring the brand’s familiar luxury with a sophisticated yet relaxed feel to the heart of Covent Garden.
Pop in for breakfast and peruse their range of classic breakfast dishes such as a Full English Breakfast, Eggs Royale, Smoked Salmon Crumpets, and Avocado Benedict among many other freshly prepared meals. There is also a great range of juices and coolers for you to choose from as well as tea and coffees.
The perfect location for Theatre goers, The Ivy Market Grill also has a very appealing lunch set menu for £17.95. As far as breakfast in Covent Garden goes, this is fun with a bit of fancy thrown in.
Where: 1a Henrietta Street, London, WC2E 8PS
Website: Ivycollection.com/the-ivy-market-grill
Grind
A popular choice for coffee lovers, Grind is also a favoured place for breakfast in Covent Garden. Their menu isn’t large but does pack a punch with their range of perfectly executed dishes enjoyed alongside their expertly blended Macchiato, Mocha or Lattes.
Order smashed avocado, cheese & tomato croissants, a sharing platter, or a burrata bruschetta. If you don’t fancy one of their coffees, try out one of their smoothies, or juices for a healthy start to your day (or alongside your dish!) Later in the day, Grind offers a delicious array of cocktails and wine to enjoy alongside their food options and it makes for a great spot to just sit and watch the world go by.
If you find yourself a big fan of their coffee after your visit, you are in luck as you can order their coffee directly to your door through their online shop with their coffee pod subscription. This means you can get the taste of Grind without even having to leave the house.
Where: 42 Maiden Lane, London, WC2E 7LJ
Website: Grind.co.uk/covent-garden-grind
Tuttons
If you find yourself in the area on a Saturday or Sunday and fancy breakfast in Covent Garden, turn to Tuttons to satisfy your cravings.
Priding themselves on showcasing the best of British seasonal produce but with a twist, Tuttons guarantees a memorable dining experience. Classic breakfast dishes feature on the menu such as a full English, scrambled egg & smoked salmon, eggs benedict or a traditional Cumberland sausage sandwich. Sweet-tooth diners can enjoy pancakes with maple syrup, pastries and croissants.
While the menu might focus on British cuisine, their interiors have an American feel to them – just like you were in Hollywood. It’s a great way to kickstart your day, any time of the week.
Where: 11-12 Russell Street, London, WC2B 5HZ
Website: tuttons.com
The Black Penny
The Black Penny isn’t the largest establishment, but where it lacks in size it makes up with delicious food! Their menu is broken up into four different sections – the Breakfast Classics, Black Penny Hashes, Oats and All Day Buns. We recommend multiple visits so that you get to try a selection.
If you’re a fussy eater or just can’t decide what you want, their fully customizable full English is an easy option. If this isn’t what you are craving, their ozdemir pasha with Grilled halloumi, fried eggs, butterbean hummus sumac, fresh tomato, onion and parsley salad on sourdough toast is well worth a try. Or why not tuck into their green eggs – a dish of scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and fresh herbs on sourdough toast.
For coffee connoisseurs, The Black Penny prides itself on producing great coffee. They use fresh specially selected hand-picked coffee cherries, grown in Brazil & Ethiopia. A great way to start the day, you’ll find yourself coming back time and time again.
Where: 34 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AA
Website: theblackpenny.com
Monmouth Kitchen
Enjoy a leisurely stroll from Covent Gardens piazza and you’ll arrive at Monmouth Kitchen – a contemporary Peruvian and Italian restaurant. Using the finest ingredients, they make breakfast more of an experience than your everyday meal.
Their inclusive breakfast starts with pain au chocolat and butter croissants served warm with their own homemade orange preserve. Following this, enjoy a cold selection of homemade breads, seasonal fresh fruits, cold cuts, cheeses and freshly squeezed juices. For your main breakfast option, choose from their a La Carte menu. Dishes here include: The English, The Italian, The Peruvian, The Vegetarian or Cinnamon Fresh Toast.
Monmouth Kitchen is a calming space where you can socialise with others or enjoy a delicious meal solo. Whether it’s a personal visit or business, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling full and ready to face the day ahead.
Where: 20 Mercer Street, London, WC2H 9HD
Website: thekitchensrestaurants.co.uk/monmouth-kitchen
Apple Butter Cafe
Apple Butter is a nice spot to enjoy breakfast or lunch. It’s also a place to visit when you are craving your caffeine hit. The all-day dining venue has a cosy and welcoming atmosphere with something special inside – a charming apple tree planted at centre stage.
The restaurant opened just over three years ago by successful Middle Eastern-born business operators and brothers Saleh and Mohammad Alayan alongside Faycal Abdel Khalek. Each brought their own skills and expertise to the table and the restaurant has been a hit ever since. Their breakfast menu is vast and varied, including the likes of truffle scrambled eggs, breakfast quesadillas, mango smoothie bowls and pancakes. Beverage-wise, you can enjoy everything from a Dalgona coffee or vanilla iced latte to a range of teas and soft drinks. Head for breakfast meetings Monday to Friday or a treat at the weekend – you won’t be disappointed.
Where: 32-34 Monmouth Street, London, WC2H 9HA
Website: applebuttercafe.com
Dishoom
Dishoom is one of the most coveted Indian restaurants in London and while it might not be the first place that springs to mind when considering where to go for breakfast in Covent Garden, it’s one you don’t want to miss. Elegantly decorated with dark wood and black accents alongside opulent shades of pink and green, it’s a spot to be admired. Whether heading for a languid breakfast with friends, an early date with your other half, or entertaining clients, it’s sure to suit the occasion.
Dishes include Kejriwal – two fried eggs on chilli toast, to a Parsi omelette or Akuri. This is an Irani cafe staple of three eggs, spiced, scrambled and piled on home-made buns served with a grilled tomato. Other options include the Big Bombay and a host of Dishoom’s signature naan rolls, as well as fruits, grains and breads. Pair your meal with one of their signature cocktails, hot drinks, coffees and fresh juices.
Where: 12 Upper St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2H 9FB
Website: dishoom.com/covent-garden
Breakfast in Covent Garden Top Tips
- Covent Garden can get very busy due to it being a touristy destination. Try to book your breakfast in Covent Garden in advance to ensure you get a table.
- A few of these Covent Garden restaurants have outside seating. Specify if you want to sit outside when you book to avoid disappointment.
- Check for dietary requirements before booking. Many will offer gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Don’t miss our guide to gluten-free afternoon teas.
Have you been to any of the above eateries for breakfast before? Are there any restaurants you think we should add to our list? Which of the above restaurants is your favourite? Let us know in the comment box below.
