Top 10 Late-Night Cafes and Restaurants in London

New York might be the city that never sleeps, but London isn’t far behind. Many of the capital’s bars, restaurants and gyms are open 24-hours a day, and, thanks to the night tube, it’s never been easier to get around. Just because it’s midnight, doesn’t mean you can’t grab a decent coffee or bite to eat somewhere.

So, without further ado, these are our top 10 late-night cafes and restaurants in London:

Bar Italia

Address: 22 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4RF

Nearest train station: Covent Garden

Not to be mistaken with the restaurant chain, Bella Italia, this popular café is open till 5am on weeknights, and 12am on Sundays. It’s located on Soho’s historic Frith Street – home of jazz club Ronnie Scott’s – has a classic Italian look about the place, and does terrific cappuccinos. The custard tarts here are also to die for.

The Cut

Address: 68 the Cut, London, SE1 8LZ

Nearest train station: Waterloo

The Cut is an independent bar/restaurant housed inside London’s Young Vic theatre. Many visit for its cocktails and craft beers, but the coffee here is also outstanding. The Cut is walking distance from Waterloo Station, and serves great food throughout the night.

Polo Bar

Address: 176 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4NQ

Nearest train station: Liverpool Street

Essentially a breakfast café, Polo is a go-to spot for fry-ups, pies and hot drinks in the wee hours. All food is homemade and freshly prepared on-site, using the finest ingredients. The café has been trading since 1953, and has a relaxed, upbeat ambience to it.

Maroush

Address: 21 Edgware Road, London, W2 2JE

Nearest train station: Marble Arch

Maroush comes highly recommended for its Lebanese cuisine. The Edgware Road branch is set over two floors and has the feel of an informal café-style diner. It boasts a large dining area, perfect for business lunches, and by night, offers live music. Better still, it’s open till 2am, every day.

Balans Soho Society Café

Address: 60 - 62 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4UG

Nearest train station: Covent Garden

You may be familiar with the brasserie chain, Balans, which has sites in Kensington, Clapham and Shepherd’s Bush. Its Soho restaurant is open 24-hours a day, Monday to Sunday, and provides mouth-watering small and large plates, as well as brunch options.

VQ Bloomsbury

Address: 111A Great Russell St, London, WC1B 3NQ

Nearest train station: Tottenham Court Road

VQ is the place to go for all-night breakfast, burgers, pasta and salads, with sites in Chelsea, Bloomsbury, Notting Hill and Aldgate. Its various restaurants are modern in style, with trendy wooden seating and lighting. If the halloumi fries don’t take your fancy, you can always go for something sweet like the buttermilk pancakes.

Somine

Address: 131 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2PB

Nearest train station: Dalston Kingsland

Somine might not be much to look at, but it’s worth a visit for its Turkish tea alone. The restaurant has an extensive late-night menu, combining vegetarian and meat options, along with soups and desserts. It’s ideally placed for those working in the city, just a short walk from Dalston Kingsland train station.

Hubbard & Bell

Address: 199 - 206 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BW

Nearest train station: Chancery Lane

This upmarket restaurant can be found in the Hoxton Holborn Hotel, and is open 7am to 2am, Monday to Saturday. Its Italian deli-style menu features such classics as arancini and ravioli, not mention fabulous steak. Alternatively, you can just pop in for coffee and dessert.

Shoreditch Grind

Address: 213 Old Street, London, EC1V 9NR

Nearest train station: Old Street

Should you ever find yourself in Shoreditch at night, there’s an excellent coffee shop on Old Street, open until 11pm. Shoreditch Grind has an awesome 50s style façade which calls to mind an old cinema. The espresso here is phenomenal, and so too are the pastries.

Scooter Café

Address: 132 Lower Marsh, London, SE1 7AE

Nearest train station: Waterloo

Originally a scooter boutique, this late-night café bar is as quirky as they come. Between the mismatched furniture and scooters dotted about the walls, it’s really a blast from the past. All the usual coffee shop staples are available including teas, cakes and delicious hot chocolate. Keep an eye out for the café’s resident tabby cat.

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