14 ABSOLUTE Best Cafes in Chelsea London
If you’re out and about in West London and are looking for a spot to stop for a drink or a quick bite to eat, you can’t go far wrong with any of the establishments on our list of the best cafes in Chelsea.
You guys know that all kinds of coffee shops in London absolutely get me going, and well, I don’t see why it would be any different when it comes to cute cafes in Chelsea. One of the richest areas of London, Chelsea is also one of the most beautiful. Understandable why sitting in coffee shops in Chelsea on King’s Road and observing the world pass by in a blur would be one of the most local things to do. You know I love finding instagrammable cafes in London, what with my love for speciality coffee and artisan coffee shops, right?
That’s why I’ve told you lately about the best cafes in Stoke Newington, the best breakfast and artisan coffee in Covent Garden, and mentioned in a blur the best cafes in Hampstead a while back.
The Best Cafes in Chelsea
Today is all about one of the richest areas in London, with cafes in Chelsea that deserve all the attention I’m about to give them. After all, where else could you find the best coffee in Chelsea? Lots of them are cafes on King’s Road, one of the most famous streets in London. Posh, lots of liveliness and local bustle, a Kings’s Road cafe is perfectly located if it’s situated in this area filled with shops and cute cafes in London.
Without further ado… let’s see together the best cafes in Chelsea to get the best brunch or just your morning speciality coffee fix!
14 Brilliant Best Cafes in Chelsea London
Before we go any further, if you are a cute coffee shop lover to the degree that I am, you might love these guides:
- The best cafes to study and work in London
- Super cute bakeries and pastry shops in London
- The most instagrammable speciality coffee in London, pink latte edition!
Let’s get on with our guide to the best cafes in Chelsea, where all things are posh, colourful, and tinged with smooth luxury!
Best Cafes in Chelsea: Amar Cafe
First up on this list of the best cafes in Chelsea, is Amar Cafe. To say that Amar Cafe serves the best coffee in Chelsea would be an understatement. Not only that, but this cute cafe located right behind the famous King’s Road is quiet and soothing. Isn’t that why so many people love to take the time to enjoy the day in cafes in Chelsea?
Because as one of the richest areas in London, Chelsea is quiet, even if you can definitely feel that you’re in London. That “village in London” kind of vibe is something I love, and you can find a quite similar one in cafes in Stoke Newington.
If you love finding new spots for artisan coffee in London, the Columbian Coffee selection at Amar Cafe in Chelsea is delicious. For true coffee lovers only, I’d say, with strong and sweet vibes that fit the Chelsea coffee shop vibe perfectly. The hidden cafe offers delicious cakes to go with your morning cup of joe, so if you love banana bread and have been looking for the best pastries in London it seems like Amar Cafe will become your BFF right away.
No plastic cups there, proper ceramic cups that personally remind me of sitting at Parisian cafes with a croissant and orange juice. Not only is it one of the very cute cafes in London but one of the overall best coffee shops in Chelsea.
Ottolenghi Chelsea
Ottolenghi Chelsea is one of the best spots in London to eat breakfast and brunch. There are quite a few Ottolenghi restaurants and cafes in London, and the coffee shop in Chelsea lives up to the hype. You’ve probably heard of the Ottolenghi cookbooks, filled with delicious recipes that span from lunch to delicious desserts. The fame is here to stay: Ottolenghi is one of the best coffee shops in Chelsea to get a luxurious breakfast or brunch.
Fresh pastries in London, croissants, bread boards and delicious cakes are all featured on the Ottolenghi menu. It’s a no-frills cafe in Chelsea, where the food is plain delicious and the drinks mastered to the millilitre. Ottolenghi celebrates its 20th Anniversary in 2022, and the newly-opened Chelsea cafe is one of the largest Ottolenghi coffee shops in London.
Organic produce, locally sourced in the UK as much as possible, cinnamon brioche pretzels, halva and chocolate Danish, and pain au chocolat as you’d find it in the best French bakeries in London. Yes please, and I’ll order double that, no joke. If you’re looking for the best coffee in Chelsea, and would like to make the moment cute and cozy while reading a few pages of a book you’ve just gotten in a second hand bookshop in London, or planning your goals for the day/week/month, Ottolenghi is probably the best coffee shop in Chelsea to do just that
Ottolenghi Chelsea Cafes London
Location: 261 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Sloane Square
Megan’s
Megan’s is one of the cafes on King’s Road Chelsea that have garnered mounds of attention in the past few years. One of the really cute cafes in London, the Chelsea coffee shop turns into a full-on restaurant in the evening. But that’s not why it’s famous, nope – what it’s famous for is both its level of customer service and the deliciousness of their pastries in London. If you’d like to get a beautiful brunch, Megan’s has got to be one of the cafes in Chelsea you’ll want to visit.
I’m talking about decadent desserts like delicious cookies and lemon cakes, vegan treats including vegan pancakes, and of course, the classic egg fry-up and avocados on toast. You wouldn’t expect anything less for brunch in coffee shops in Chelsea, now would you? If you’ve been looking for date ideas in London, I’d say Megan’s is the way to go.
The super instagrammable cafe in London surely lives up to its social media reputation. Some of the best coffee in Chelsea, backed by a stunningly lit up decor in one of the richest areas of London – I don’t think cafes in Chelsea can get any better than that, especially for a romantic date.
Megan’s Chelsea Cafe & Restaurant
Location: 571 King’s Road, London SW6 2EB View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Fulham Broadway
Instagrammable Cafes in London: Peggy Porschen
Well, if you regularly visit Instagram, Peggy Porschen is one of the instagrammable cafes in Chelsea you must have seen pass by at least once. All pink and pretty, its design echoes what you’d be looking for in the richest areas in London. A while back, I talked to you about super cute bakeries in London, and I mentioned Hummingbird Bakery in this guide.
I mentioned colorful cakes and delicious drinks, and in a different vibe, that’s what this Chelsea cafe is about. It’s a place to grab brunch with the classic toasts, avocado, and salmon to gulf down with a delicious latte. For a quick and delicious breakfast in London or a snack when you’re visiting the Saatchi Gallery or one of the most famous landmarks in London, the Peggy Porschen cafe is also perfect.
On the menu, are many different layered cakes, decadent cupcakes, and even one of my favorite cakes in London, the carrot cake. You can also eat lunch at Peggy Porschen, but I’d recommend booking first. After all, it is one of the most instagrammable cafes in Chelsea and one of the most famous cafes in King’s Road so you can’t expect to have a table as soon as you turn up. By the way, if you love instagrammable places in London, you should definitely check out the most colorful houses in Notting Hill and jaw-dropping Japanese gardens in London! Places you’ll just lose yourself in, for sure.
You’ll understand why you’re in one of the posh areas of London when you’re sitting down and seeing all kinds of influencers taking pics for their feed. There’s another Peggy Porschen coffee shop in Chelsea, located on Ebury Street, so up to you to choose whether you just want a pic of the cafe’s exterior or the inside decor as well, as they’re a bit different from one another.
Peggy Porschen Chelsea Cafes London:
Location: 219 King’s Rd, London SW3 5EJ View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: South Kensington
Best Cafes in Chelsea: Feya Cafe
Feya is one of the coffee shops in Chelsea closest to Central London. With its brand on Brompton Road, it resembles the vibe of El&n cafes very much. I’m talking flowers everywhere, cute specialty coffee in London, and latte art thoroughly mastered. Looking for pink cafes in London? That’s one right there, and the fact that you can go cheap shopping in London after getting your fill of latte art and delicious brunch bites is an advantage I can’t overlook.
A lot of cafes in Chelsea are located on King’s Road, and for once, you’ve got the opportunity to be closer to all the famous landmarks in London. That includes Regent Street and Oxford Street, but also the instagrammable cafes in Covent Garden, and super fun statues in Leicester Square. Just a stone’s throw away, if you’re used to walking while sightseeing in London.
Now about Feya Cafe, it’s one of the very coffee shops in Chelsea where influencers get their fix of Instagram pictures at every hour of the day. Brompton Road is one of the richest areas in London, and Feya Cafe echoes this luxury perfectly. Some of the most beautiful cakes in London are displayed there, and I also urge you to try having brunch in this cozy Chelsea cafe. Rose avo toast, the best hot chocolate in London?!, and stunning specialty coffee will make your head turn with pleasure.
Feya Cafe Chelsea Coffee Shop
Location: 146 Brompton Road, London SW3 1HX View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Knightsbridge
Pink Cafes in Chelsea: El&n Cafe
Thanks to its super instagrammable cafe interior, I think that El&n Cafe has missed no spots when it comes to marketing. It doesn’t even need introduction anymore; who doesn’t know about those pink cafes in London? If only it were only one of the very cute cafes in Chelsea! But no, the Brompton Road coffee shop also serves some of the best cupcakes in London, along with definitively amazing specialty coffee. You’ve probably seen their cute pink latte art while you were scrolling down Instagram, and to be fair, those cute animals imprinted on the foam of their delicious specialty coffee are a sight to behold.
Although there are lots of instagrammable cafes in Chelsea, the Brompton Road El&n Cafe has garnered attention and fame thanks to its all-pink interior. The outside of the El&n Cafe coffee shops in London is equally stunning, and you can see influencers takings pics all day, every day. Lucky latte, Blue sapphire latte, and Red Velvet Cake latte are all part of their instagrammable cafe menu, and best believe that El&n Cafe does specialty coffee in London better than any other.
Pink trees, pink flowers, pink everything – if you’ve been looking for those oh-so-picture-worthy pink cafes in London, you’ll be served at El&n Cafe. For a brunch in a Chelsea cafe, or for the cutest lunch, that’s definitely one of the best date ideas in London. Alternative, cozy, stunningly instagrammable cafes scattered around London: it’s safe to say that El&n Cafe has nailed down marketing and food deliciousness to an art.
El&n Cafe Chelsea London
Location: 239 Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW3 2EP View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: South Kensington
Bread Ahead Chelsea
One of the best things to do in London Bridge is visiting the Bread Ahead Bakery, and there’s just no other way to put it. I’ve told you all about the famous cinnamon buns and donuts at Bread Ahead Bakery in a dedicated feature to them a while back. And my opinion has not changed a bit when it comes to ranking them as one of the best bakeries in London. And now, Bread Ahead has expanded with their Chelsea cafe located on Pavilion Road, where you can also find the Ottolenghi coffee shop.
If you’re looking for the best coffee in Chelsea, first of all, Bread Ahead is a must-visit. However, if I’ve selected Bread Ahead for this guide to the best cafes in Chelsea, it is also because the atmosphere there is cozy and really, like, artisan coffee in London type of vibe. Opened in 2013, Bread Ahead first set its mark on one of the most famous markets in London, Borough Market, which is also one of my favorite food markets in the world.
I remember not living in London yet and watching videos of YouTubers trying their doughnuts. That was decadent and when I learned that aside from their Bakery School, they would also be opening a cafe in Chelsea, you can imagine how gassed I was. At their Chelsea coffee shop, Bread Ahead has an extended menu that also includes delicious sandwiches, their famous doughnuts, and much more food freshness. Start the day there with a notebook to write down your goals or take your other half for a romantic date breakie, and I mean – what could be better?
Bread Ahead Chelsea
Location: 249 Pavilion Road, Chelsea, London SW1X 0BP View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Sloane Square
Cute Cafes in London: The Ivy Chelsea
When it comes to instagrammable cafes in Chelsea, can we really do quirkier than The Ivy? I think not, on my part. When you visit The Ivy, you can definitely feel that you’re about to have breakfast in one of the richest areas in London. The Chelsea cafe is instagrammable all you want, with plants scattered around the place that give off a very homey vibe. I’d definitely recommend booking before you visit The Ivy though. It’s one of the most visited coffee shops in Chelsea, and it’s understandable, given how delicious the food is there.
Not only that, but it’s one of the cafes in Chelsea that have nailed down the customer service part. I’ve never seen staff so friendly, and whatever you need, they’ll help out with. I love finding nature in London, and I’ll soon be writing about the best nature spots in the city, starting with the best roof gardens in London, and restaurants and coffee shops with plants and flowers inside. I think we’ve started out great, what with flower cafes in Chelsea like El&n Cafe, Feya Cafe and now, The Ivy.
This is one of the cafes in Chelsea where influencers gather for beautiful photos. Come for picture perfect backgrounds, but one thing is for sure: you’ll stay for the food, and you’ll come back for the atmosphere of this cafe on King’s Road. And that’s a fact.
The Ivy Cafes in Chelsea London
Location: 195-197 King’s Rd, London SW3 5EQ View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: South Kensington
Bluebird Chelsea
If I say that Bluebird is one of the cutest and quirkiest cafes in Chelsea, you’ll understand me straight away. While most cafes on King’s Road are all about that instagrammable “pink cafe” vibe, Bluebird has something for everyone. Not to say that it’s not one of the very instagrammable coffee shops in Chelsea, because it surely is.
Yet, the decoration based on plants and a mix of vintage-looking and very modern furniture makes for the perfect brunch in Chelsea – or dinner, or just a quick coffee, innit. There’s all the space you need, and even if Bluebird gets quite busy at weekends, it’s very much one of the cafes in Chelsea to visit as soon as you get the chance.
If you’re looking for a perfect spot for street food in Chelsea, or quick bites before you get on with your day, Bluebird is it. I’m talking about high-end burgers, almost a fine dining restaurant but not quite. And that’s why I’ve included it in this guide to the best cafes in Chelsea, as the main restaurant is located upstairs, while the coffee shop part is on street level. And because, duh, this Chelsea cafe is perfect for those weekend morning brunch moments with friends or your other half.
Bluebird
Location: 350 King’s Road, London SW3 5UU View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: South Kensington
Best Cafes in Chelsea: Baker and Spice
If you’re even half of the food lover that I am, Baker and Spice is your next destination, and there’s not much to discuss when it comes to that. This is one of the cafes in Chelsea mixed up with a bakery, and if you’ve been looking for the best pastries in London, you’re going to be served. Baker and Spice has this kind of cozy slash homey feel to their interior, and you’re going to have trouble choosing what cakes and pastries you’ll want.
Since 1995, Baker and Spice has been baking up the London cafe scene with delish sandwiches, artisan bread, cakes, and probably the best coffee in Chelsea. That’s really one of the places that you’ll want to visit to just blow off some steam at the end of the week. Yes, because you can actually get brunch in Chelsea at Baker and Spice. It’s a bit on the higher end of the budget spectrum, but yet again, you’re in Chelsea, nothing short of one of the richest areas of London.
And again, Baker and Spice is one of the cafes in Chelsea that’s worth every penny. Especially when you think that cakes, bread, and pastries are all fresh, daily, you can taste deliciously fresh salads and even decadent brunch bits. If you’d like to learn about other spots to get a halal brunch in London, or a vegan brunch, I’ve already written up those guides for you guys, and you might find some new favorites in there!
Baker and Spice Chelsea Cafe and Bakery London
Location: 47 Denyer Street, Chelsea, London SW3 2LX View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: South Kensington
French Bakeries in London: Aux Merveilleux de Fred
Okay, I’ll say it: one of the very best cafes in Chelsea is Aux Merveilleux de Fred. It’s also the French bakery in London that I always visit whenever I’m around the National History Museum and the Science Museum in South Kensington. The Merveilleux are pastries crafted from meringue, with delicious cream and colored chocolate toppings. The first time I ever visited Aux Merveilleux de Fred was not in their Chelsea cafe – it was actually while I was working in Rue de Rivoli in Paris.
It only makes sense that Chelsea being one of the richest areas in London, would have a proper Aux Merveilleux de Fred coffee shop and bakery. Their pastries are to die for, and I’m not saying this only because I’m French. If you’d like to get other real French pastries in London, you should definitely pay a visit to Belle Epoque Patisserie in Stoke Newington, or Chez Antoinette in Covent Garden. Both offer real French pastries, and Aux Merveilleux de Fred just has very different, very posh pastries – even in France.
So if you’re ever looking for quirky and cute cafes in Chelsea, do think of Aux Merveilleux de Fred. Even after years spent in London, I think that place is way too underrated for the addition it is to the Chelsea coffee shop scene. And that’s a fact.
Aux Merveilleux de Fred Chelsea Cafe and Bakery
Location: 88 Old Brompton Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 3LQ View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: South Kensington
Chucs Chelsea
Located on Lower Sloane Street, Chucs Cafe in Chelsea is the second of the brand. This Chelsea coffee shop is all about boating life. The cafe slash restaurant is “designed like an opulent yacht”, and it’s a boutique restaurant. This means it’s not only smaller than most cafes in Chelsea, with only 18 covers, but it’s also much richer-looking, echoing the vibe of the richest areas in London.
I’m particularly attracted to Chucs Chelsea as it’s one of the coffee shops that double as a fancy lunch and dinnertime place. If you love collecting memories of the best coffee roasters in London, you’ll be happy to know that Chucs Chelsea cafe offers Difference coffee – a delicious blend of beans that is sure to wake you up. In addition, there are plenty of fresh juices and smoothies to choose from to start your day on the right foot.
I don’t know how aware you are of Italian restaurants in London, but Chucs does have quite a few Italian dishes on the menu. I’m talking delicious pizza, affogato, chicken milanese, and much more. Even for breakfast, you’ll have lots of vegan and vegetarian options – that includes famous salmon on sourdough toast, English breakfast, and vegan chia seed bowls. So you can basically your own lil vegan brunch in London. Really one of the cafes in Chelsea to keep an eye on, as its dinnertime atmosphere is just as exciting as the morn’ cup of coffee they serve.
Chucs Chelsea Coffee Shop & Restaurant
Location: 65 Lower Sloane Street, Chelsea, London SW1W 8DH View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Sloane Square
Best Cafes in Chelsea: Greenspeares Chelsea
Ah, Greenspeares – way too underrated for my liking, and I really wanted to make you discover this gem of coffee shops in Chelsea as soon as I could. Located on Walton Street, Greenspeares is a Chelsea cafe that, first of all, offers specialty coffee in London. By now, we all know how crazy I am about specialty coffee. Whether we’re talking beetroot latte, red velvet cake late like the one you can get at El&n Cafe, or simple matcha latte, I’m here for it.
At Greenspeares, you can without a doubt get some of the best brunch in Chelsea London. I mean, toasties and hummus, vegan cornbread, smashed avocado on toast, light sandwiches… Greenspeares is it, guys. I love it when a cafe in Chelsea really matches the needs of their clients, whether it is by serving up delicious vegan food and/or providing a really nice atmosphere to really relax come Saturday morning. You could even go cheap designer shopping after the breakie, and go back home to end up the day in a beautiful, laidback chill.
Greenspeares Cafe in Chelsea
Location: 23 Walton St, London SW3 2HX View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: South Kensington
Hagen Espresso Bar
You know what I love more than just visiting coffee shops in Chelsea? Tasting original coffee from other parts of the world. You can easily understand why Hagen Espresso Bar would be one of my favorite cafes in Chelsea. First of all, there’s not too much space to sit down there for hours. But that’s good, as it reminds me of how I used to take my coffee when I was living in Rome: al banco, backed down in two minutes, and off you go with your day. Just your shot of the best coffee in Chelsea, you know.
If you’ve been looking for authentic cafes in King’s Road, then Hagen will definitely become one of your favorite coffee shops in Chelsea. That is, only if you’re a true coffee lover. Aside from their Chelsea location, Hagen Espresso Bar also has quite a few other branches in Mayfair, Marylebone, South Kensington, and Belgravia.
All in the richest areas of London, all really well-maintained, with a customer service that will make you treat and repeat. After all, this is a Copenhagen-dreamed coffee shop, and it’s only fair that the great customer service you get there would get replicated in London. But what really steals the spotlight is the coffee: whether you get a cappuccino, macchiato or double, you’ll probably rank Hagen as the best coffee in London. Even if it’s not served in Italian cafes.
Hagen Espresso Bar Chelsea Coffee Shop London
Location: 151 King’s Road, London SW3 5TX View on Google Maps
Nearest Station: Sloane Square
14 Brilliant Best Cafes in Chelsea London
There you have them, all the coffee shops in Chelsea that really bring their own lil’ thing to the London cafe scene. When they don’t offer lunch or dinner, those cafes built in one of the really posh areas of London bring out their A-game for breakfast and brunch. Some influencer favorites in terms of cafes in Chelsea will always remain Peggy Porschen and El&n Cafe, which you’ll love if you’ve been looking for pink cafes in London.
Yet, there are so many other amazing coffee shops in Chelsea, on King’s Road and tucked right behind. And they deserve attention just as much as any other cafes in Chelsea, pink or not. So, if you’ve been looking for the perfect brunch in Chelsea, or just a King’s Road cafe because you happen to be there, follow the guide and you’re sure to have your fill of artisan coffee in London, gorgeous bites and beautiful photos for your Insta feed!
If you love discovering beautiful hidden places in London, maybe you’d love to read this next:
- 24 crazy fun things to do in London on a romantic date or with friends
- Aesthetic places in London to study and work
- Beautiful cafes in Stoke Newington and Covent Garden coffee shops
Until next time!
PS. Did you know there are many free beautiful roof gardens in London?
Having previously lived in both Paris and Rome as a fashion makeup artist, she enjoys the freedom that freelancing offers and loves to spend her time seeking out new and exciting spots in London.