There’s no dearth of phenomenal desserts in London. This group of restaurants, though, is taking it up a notch with showstopping creations. From stunning afternoon teas with picture-perfect treats, tea and champagne pairing to lip-smacking cakes freshly baked by award-winning pastry chefs, quick yet comforting bites with killer coffees and adventurous recipes from around the world, the best desserts in London await.
Find hand-crafted pastries with an innovative spin at a newly-opened bakery by day that doubles up as a cosy date night spot by night in London Fields. In Soho, critics dubbed a viral Japanese-inspired French toast as the best pudding in London. The perfect birthday cake awaits for a celebration to remember in Marylebone, while Knightsbridge is home to Bridgerton-inspired creations in one of the most beautiful hotels of the capital. Here are the best desserts in London worth stopping by.
Finish off on a sweet note and book your spot for the best desserts in London on OpenTable before you go.
The best desserts in London – read on for a guide
For one of the best bakeries in London – look no further than Pophams Restaurant in London Fields
A bakery by day and cosy neighbourhood restaurant by night, Pophams Restaurant is a food haven for the sweet tooths. After opening two bakeries in Islington and Victoria Park with the idea to bring an innovative spin on traditional viennoiseries, owner Ollie Gold comes to London Fields with a new stunner. Diners flock to this beautiful, lively yet intimate spot for hand-crafted pastries and plates of shareable, handmade pasta, where dishes shine through an exciting innovative menu that brings traditional recipes to life with a creative approach. Think sticky ginger croissant puddings with vanilla and caramel crème fraîche and Gianduja crémeux with hazelnut praline, pear and cider caramel. Wash it all down with coffee and juice by day, or with a glass of low-intervention wine by night for a romantic rendez-vous with a special someone.
For one of the best desserts in London for birthdays – don’t miss the trendy 20 layer cake at LAVO in Marylebone
If you’re looking for the best cake in town for a special celebration, look no further than LAVO‘s viral 20 layer cake – a deep decadent chocolate cake with peanut butter that drags party people to the heart of Marylebone. Gather your crew around for a one-of-a-kind dining experience that starts with glamourous, plant-filled interiors reminiscent of the coasts of Italy, an elegant Mediterranean escape that makes for a night to remember. If daytime fun is what you’re after, don’t miss the bottomless brunch with roaming performers and musicians highlighting a feast of antipasti, brunch dishes and free-flowing cocktails, prosecco or wine. Stob by the dessert bar for the ultimate indulgence and don’t forget to take plenty of Instagram shots along the way.
For a match(a) made in heaven – try the viral Kinako French toast at Shack-Fuyu in Soho
From popular Bone Daddies founder Ross Shonhan, Shack-Fuyu is home to a French toast creation that one food critic dubbed the greatest pudding in London. The Kinako French toast, the only dessert on the menu, is a sight to behold: a creamy swirl of matcha soft serve sits next to a fluffy, crispy triangle of brioche, all of which is dusted in nutty kinako powder. The combination of the herby matcha and the caramelised bread has become a London favourite. Order a plate and grab a seat at the bar for some people-watching outside. Or sit at one of the intimate booths inside where you can also order from the full menu of yōshoku, a Western-influenced Japanese style of cooking featuring dishes such as an Iberico pork katsu sandwich.
For delicate Bridgerton-inspired treats – visit Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough in Knightsbridge
Known for the Bridgerton afternoon tea, the gorgeous neoclassical chambers in blue and gold at The Lanesborough offer the perfect setting for a chic tea experience with stunning desserts and drinks. Indulge your sweet tooth with delicate cakes and pastries shaped like flowers and honey bees, ideally paired with a pot of Lanesborough Meadow Afternoon black tea, bursting with fruity and rose petal flavours. The selection of sandwiches includes poached Cotswolds chicken with tangy mustard mayo and parmesan, as well as the classic cucumber and cream cheese combination with a touch of chives. Enjoy a glass of champagne while deciding on your choice of black, green, white, or herbal teas.
For the ultimate sizzling brownie – don’t miss Fatt Pundit in Soho
Though Fatt Pundit is best known for its savoury Indo-Chinese classics, owners Huzefa and Hamza Sajawalit recently teamed up with Soho neighbour Snowflake Gelato on a dessert that keeps diners coming back for more. The snowflake brownie is a stunner you can hear sizzling in its cast iron hot plate as it makes its way from the kitchen to your table. The dish comes topped with a scoop of both vanilla and chocolate honeycomb ice cream. For Christmas, the brownie has been given a festive makeover with candied kumquats, green cardamom and cinnamon.
For award-winning doughnuts and pies – book at St. John in Spitalfields, Marylebone and Farringdon
Located in Spitalfields, Marylebone and Farringdon, the venerated St. John is a London staple and was a go-to destination for the late chef and author Anthony Bourdain. But while most know it as a meat-focused establishment, founders Trevor Gulliver, Fergus Henderson and Jon Spiteri have ensured that St. John’s dessert game is on par with its savoury dishes. Doughnuts are top-notch and typically filled with fragrant vanilla cream or raspberry. Or go for the Eccles cake, a Lancastrian specialty featuring a puff pastry cake studded with syrupy currants. St. John’s serves its creation with a piece of cheese to offset the cake’s decadent sweetness. For those with the ultimate sweet tooth, pair your order with a glass of dessert wine. If you’re not intending to stay for a full meal at St. John, the flagship Bread and Wine has a takeaway hatch for pastries to go.
📍 Spitalfields — Check availability
📍 Marylebone — Check availability
📍 Farringdon — Check availability
For one of the best desserts in London at brunch – visit Christopher’s in Covent Garden
If you’re in the mood to pair a stylish cocktail with your sweet craving, look no further than Christopher’s. Their beloved French toast is a light and fluffy creation topped with either caramelised peaches, maple syrup and mascarpone, or an overflowing cup of melted chocolate. It’s best enjoyed with one of Christopher’s signature martinis with options such as Thai spice and lychee rose; they have a dedicated martini bar in a restaurant that’s spread out over two floors. There’s also an extensive selection of wines, cocktails, and liqueurs. If you’re looking for a full meal, Christopher’s serves up steak, Maryland crab cakes, and ceviche in an Art Deco dining room.
For stylish desserts and drinks – try Harry’s Dolce Vita in Knightsbridge
Diners flock to Harry’s Dolce Vita—from famed restaurateur Richard Caring—for its highly Instagrammable toadstool dessert. The mushroom is created with white chocolate and nestled in a sweet pistachio biscotti crumb and a pool of raspberry and pistachio sauce. Crack the solid outer layer to reveal a soft vanilla filling. Drinks are as stylish as the dessert; pair the toadstool with a basilica sour featuring lime, egg white and basil. Harry’s vintage Italian glamour is not to be missed; the walls are adorned with 1950s film noir posters.
For Instagrammable desserts in a pink flower-themed coffee shop – don’t miss EL&N in Belgravia and Chelsea
At EL&N -in Belgravia and Chelsea – the ruby, sapphire, and emerald-coloured cakes, macarons, and eclairs are a reflection of luxury fashionista Alexandra’s Miller bright, pop aesthetic. The strawberry cake is a standout, filled with layers of vanilla mascarpone cream and strawberry compote, then covered with pink ombré and white rosettes and a white chocolate ganache. Pair it with a butterfly pea flower mocktail or a Turkish delight hot chocolate. Make an entire meal of it with the top-notch brunch; the stunning eggs Florentine featuring a pair of poached eggs on a bed of spinach with a drizzle of hollandaise sauce and a scattering of edible flowers is a must-order.
📍 Belgravia — Check availability
📍 Chelsea — Check availability
Finish off on a sweet note with the best desserts in London and book your spot on OpenTable today.
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