From flaky manakish to fiery shakshuka, London’s breakfast scene is brimming with Arab-inspired flavours.
London’s love affair with Arab-world cuisine shows no signs of slowing down, and nowhere is that more evident than at breakfast. Whether it’s the comfort of a warm za’atar manakish, a perfectly poached egg over spicy shakshuka, or a fresh-baked ka’ak bun with labneh, the capital offers a vibrant cross-section of Arab breakfast traditions. We’ve rounded up the very best Middle Eastern breakfasts in London, so you can start your morning off right.
Aram by Imad
The refugee-turned-restaurateur is the force behind the FACT Dining Award–winning Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, and now Aram at Somerset House. Aram brings the rich flavours of the Middle East to London’s iconic cultural landmark. Dishes range from the Zaatar Croissant, stuffed with fried egg, Aleppo chilli, ajvar mayo, halloumi and grilled tomatoes; and the Roasted Aubergine Salad; to the Aram Falafel Plate and Imad’s Shish Tawook with tender chicken and spiced potatoes. Desserts shine bright too, from the Date Banoffee to the Pistachio Yoghurt with poached pear and hibiscus, chocolate and pistachio.
Where: Aram by Imad, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA.
When: Daily from 9am to 9pm
Contact: www.arambyimad.co.uk
Beit El Zaytoun
Located on the corner of New Kings Road in Chelsea, lies Beit el Zaytoun. Founded by Lebanese entrepreneur Ayman Assi in 2019, this breakfast spot is ideal for a hearty Arab breakfast in London. With portraits of musical icons like Fairuz lining the walls, and an extensive menu of classics, this spot features Lebanese eggs or Zaatar and Cheese Manakish platters, best washed down with a strong cup of Arabic coffee.
Where: Beit El Zaytoun, 15-17 Barretts Green Road, London, NW10 7AE
When: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 12pm.
Contact: https://beitelzaytoun.com
Bunhead Bakery
A stone’s throw away from Herne Hill station is the FACT award-winning Bunhead Bakery. Known for their sourdough buns infused with Palestinian flavours, Bunhead has risen to the top of the list for the best Arab breakfasts in London. Indulge in their buns, focaccia sandwiches or sweet treats to start your day the right way. Be sure to arrive early, as the queue will be long, but the reward is totally worth it, and Bunhead remains one of our favourite Middle Eastern breakfasts in London.
Where: Bunhead Bakery, 145 Dulwich Road, London, SE24 0NG
When: Thursday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm
Contact: www.bunheadbakery.com
Café Tamra
This Lebanese sibling-owned café is the belle of South London’s ball. Open seven days a week, it serves up hearty breakfasts with flavours from the Middle East. Think Lebanese Breakfasts with homemade falafel and hummus, Tamra’s Chicken Shawarma on an open tortilla, and Turkish Eggs. Come for the food, stay for the welcoming (and dog-friendly) vibes.
Where: Café Tamra, 63 Northcote Road, London, SW11 1NP
When: Monday to Sunday from 8.30am to 4pm.
Common Breads
Born in Beirut and now based in the capital, Common Breads has become a household name for Arabs in the city. Sleek interiors and a prime location in Victoria make this a great spot for marvellous Middle Eastern breakfasts in London when you’re browsing the city sights on a weekend. Best known for their ka’ak sandwiches and fragrant manouches, you won’t want to miss their breakfast.
Where: Common Breads, 110 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SA
When: Monday to Sunday from 8am to 6pm
Contact: @commonbreads
Honey & Co. – Lamb’s Conduit Street
Honey & Co. brings its signature Middle Eastern warmth to Lamb’s Conduit Street, offering a bright and welcoming spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu celebrates the flavours of the region with generous plates, fragrant spices and a strong sense of seasonality. Start with mezze before moving on to dishes such as pomegranate molasses chicken with cracked wheat salad, currants and pistachios, or comforting roast potatoes with chive butter. The drinks list includes spritzes, wines and refreshing soft options, while the cakes and desserts remain a major draw.
Where: Honey & Co, 54 Lamb’s Conduit Street, London WC1N 3LW.
When: Monday to Sunday from 12pm to 10.30pm
Contact: https://honeyandco.co.uk
Imad’s Syrian Kitchen
Founded by Syrian refugee Imad Al Arnab, this spot is tucked away in Kingly Court just off Carnaby Street. Its traditional cuisine and welcoming hospitality perfectly mirror Arab culture, making it the ideal spot for an Arab breakfast in London. Stock up on Poached Eggs and Labneh, Shawarma Benedict, and plenty of dips to indulge in. Don’t forget to try their Qahwah, Syrian coffee, for the ultimate way to caffeinate your day.
Where: Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, Soho, London, W1B 5PW
When: Monday to Sunday from 9am to 10pm
Contact: www.imadssyriankitchen.co.uk
Logma
Founded by Ziad Halub and Farsin Rabiee, Logma Cafe Bistro serves a seasonal menu that champions local and organic produce where possible. While the menu will evolve, regular dishes include Kofte and Aubergine sandwiches, alongside Fesenjan, Kofta Pita and Tahini Buns. Guests can also look forward to fresh morning pastries and comforting stews served with saffron rice, as well as proper Arabic coffee and mint tea. One evening a week, the bistro stays open late to serve a set menu inspired by the original supper club.
Where: Logma, 81 Goldsmiths Row, Hackney, London, E2 8QR
When: Daily from 8.30am to 2pm
Contact: @logmaldn
ShakeShuka
Embark on a traditional Arab meal at ShakeShuka – a Palestinian kitchen in the heart of Marylebone. Order their signature Shakshouka with sojuk or halloumi, or a selection of typical Arab breakfast mezze like Foul Mudammas and Warak Enab. Support this family-run business, and experience some seriously tasty Arab cuisine.
Where: ShakeShuka, Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5PH
When: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 11pm
Contact: www.shakeshukarestaurant.co.uk
T by Tamara
Founder Tamara Al Saadi has created a genuine home away from home, especially for Arabs who miss their homeland. With an extensive Middle Eastern breakfast menu filled with flavours from the Levant, it’s hard not to praise this breakfast spot. Their traditional Mezze platter and Sumac Egg sandwich will have you wanting more, paired with their indulgent baked goods and a hot shot of Turkish coffee – you’re perfectly prepped for the day ahead.
Where: T by Tamara, 17 Seymour Place, London W1H 5BF
When: Wednesday to Monday from 9am to 5pm.
Contact: https://tbytamara.co.uk
Ta’mini
In the unsuspecting Parsons Green, you’ll find Ta’mini amongst the Arabs in Southwest London. This Lebanese bakery is as traditional as it gets, featuring a massive clay manakish oven and chaotic yet warm service. Fill up with piping hot Manakish, savoury and sweet pastries, and creamy Hummus. With a steaming cup of mint tea, you’ll feel right at home.
Where: Ta’mini, 801 Fulham Road, London, SW6 5HE.
When: Monday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm
Contact: www.taminilebanesebakery.com
The High Llama Bakery
In the esteemed Fitzrovia, High Llama Bakery is a new addition to the capital. Originally from Downtown Beirut, they’ve brought bountiful Levantine flavours to the centre of London. A plethora of coffees, home-baked pastries, breakfast bowls, and deli wraps are all at your disposal, so be sure to try them out.
Where: The High Llama Bakery, 38 Riding House Street, London, W1W 7ES
When: Daily from 8am to 5pm
Contact: www.thehighllama.co.uk
Villa Mamas
For more indulgent Middle Eastern breakfasts in London, visit Villa Mamas in the heart of Chelsea. With a brand new brunch menu, they’ve just upped their game as one of the best Arab breakfasts in London. Try their Avocado and Feta Salad, Bahraini Shakshuka, slow-cooked Fava Beans with lemon or the Za’atar Khobez. Or you can make it a bottomless brunch – for endless food from this hotspot, which is also open in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.
Where: Villa Mamas, 25 Elystan Street, London, SW3 3NT.
When: Monday to Sunday from 12pm to 10pm
Contact: https://villamamas.com