6 best London espresso bars
Last updated on February 3rd, 2026.
Ask a handful of Italians where to find the best London espresso, and you’ll likely be met with radio silence.
Many are picky when it comes to their favorite brew, more so when outside Italy.
And while the UK capital has its fair share of London espresso bars, many don't meet Italians' standards.
Which is why in this post, I decided to ask Italians living in London about where they get their espresso fix.
From chain cafes to independent brands, this post reveals the London espresso bars recommended by Italians.
Should you want to try the real deal in Italy, check out my guide on how to plan an Italy trip.
6 London espresso bars recommended by Italians
The takeaway espresso
1. Algerian Coffee Shop
The Algerian Coffee Shop has been around longer than most places in London’s Soho area, dating to 1887.
They offer over 80 coffees and 120 teas from around the world, and are continuously adding to their list.
The London espresso bar is a no-frills experience as it comes in a basic takeaway cup. However, our friend Davide claims the coffee is 'good quality, creamy' and the coffee shop has 'good service.'
At £1 ($1.23/€1.16)* a cup, it’s also incredibly cheap, especially for Soho.
Algerian Coffee Shop, 52 Old Compton St, Soho
Map: best London espresso places
The espresso in a chocolatier
2. Venchi
A visit to Venchi is double the pleasure for your palate. This chocolatier, originally from Italy, has been delighting people with its mouthwatering range of specialty chocolates since 1878.
What’s not known is that Venchi also serves up a mean cup of espresso.
Cristiana tells me that the espresso 'is good quality coffee, creamy and not sour.' A single espresso costs £1.90 ($2.33/€2.20)*, while a robust double will set you back £2.10 ($2.57/€2.43)*.
Venchi, various branches around London, visit the website for more details
The franchise espresso
3. Nude Coffee Roasters
I was slightly surprised by this recommendation as many Italians don’t typically rave about franchise coffee shops.
Nude Coffee Roasters is originally from Australia and New Zealand, and made its London debut in 2008.
Compliments all round
Davide (no.2) couldn’t be more complimentary: 'The staff are really friendly, knowledgeable and have very good coffee for a small chain.'
What’s more, he says that they’re 'really serious about coffee, as they've their own roasting place near Brick Lane.'
He’s right. Nude Coffee Roasters opened a roastery in 2014, which included the installation of the most eco-friendly roaster on the market.
An espresso/macchiato costs £2.94 ($2.33/€2.78)*.
Nude Coffee Roasters, various branches, check the website for more details
The hidden espresso place
4. SoHostel Coffee Club
If you go down to Soho today, you’re sure to find a good London espresso surprise. What you may not know, is that there’s a little hidden gem lurking in Dean Street.
You can find SoHostel Coffee Club right next door to the popular backpacker’s favorite, SoHostel. If you’re picturing this coffee haunt as a basic, mediocre establishment, think again.
Inside is a vibrant and stylish decor, with more importantly, reasonably priced coffee.
Francesco tells me 'there’s a barista from Salerno whose attention to detail is good, so he knows how to deliver a good product.'
Moreover, 'the coffee tastes smooth, dense, intense and not sour.' A cup of espresso costs a purse-friendly £1.70 ($2.09/€1.97)*.
SoHostel Coffee Club, 91 Dean Street
The classic espresso
5. Caffe Vergnano
Luciano Franchi opened the first branch of Caffe Vergnano in London in 2002. The Charing Cross Road branch quickly became a firm favorite with Londoners and Italians alike.
When asked why Caffe Vergnano makes a good espresso, Alessandro replied, 'because it’s creamy, velvety and full bodied.'
Award-winning coffee
What’s more, it has a long finish and they make the espresso using the impressive Elektra Belle Epoque machine.
If you’re curious to find out why Caffe Vergnano is an award-winning coffee shop, you’ll have to go there and find out for yourself.
A single espresso costs £2 ($2.45/€2.31)* and double is £2.60 ($3.19/€3)*.
Caffe Vergnano, various branches around London, visit the website for more details
The Neapolitan coffee
6. Caffe Napoli
Blink, and you might easily walk by this espresso hole in the wall in the Bloomsbury area of London. As its name suggests, Caffe Napoli originates from Naples and serves up an excellent coffee selection.
Along with espresso, latte and the usual coffee suspects, Caffe Napoli also serve specialty drinks. Take your pick from Coffee Granita, Coffee with Nutella, or Shakerato (iced espresso).
Reasonable prices, fantastic coffee
Prices at Caffe Napoli are also very reasonable, with a single London espresso costing £1.80* ($2.21/€2.08). While here, you may also be tempted to try an authentic Neapolitan pastry called a sfogliatella.
Meaning small, thin leaves or layers, they've 2 varieties at Caffe Napoli: frolla and riccia. The former's made from shortcrust pastry, and filled with ingredients such as ricotta cheese, semolina and candied fruits.
Riccia is the shape of the sfogliatella (in pastry form), made to resemble a stack of leaves. It has that satisfying crunch when you bite into it, and usually has a cream filling or ricotta cheese.
Caffe Napoli, 31B Goodge Street
Which of these places would you like to grab an espresso from? Let me know in the comments below.
* prices correct at the time of writing
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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I guess there would be no better espresso recommendation than from an Italian. Lots of good options here for next time I get to London. Normally I would gravitate to the New Zealand coffee, except it is served in paper in your image - that’s where my coffee snobbery jumps in. I like crockery.
That's ok, I don't blame you! There are plenty of great NZ coffee places in London too 🙂
This is so good. I'm gonna save this for my next trip to London. I love specific tips like this. And it is nothing better than specific recommendation for a place to have an espresso. I hope i get to try out these places. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
You're welcome! I agree that sometimes you need specific details on where to go 🙂
Somehow I didn't go to any of these coffee shops when I was in London for a few weeks last year! Although I'll be honest and admit that it was a busy time for work, so I was choosing spots based more on their wifi and working spaces than their brew.
These all sound great, I have them marked on my map for next time!
Perfect Cori! When you come back, you'll know where to go 😀
Great tips and perfect timing to read this, since I'm in London now! I've been going to Tiger Cookies and Coffee Shop because it's a 2 minute walk from me, but for tomorrow's espresso run, I'm going to seek out Venchi. I love a good chocolate and what a sweet way to start the morning.
Excellent! Venchi is really good for coffee, and chocolate too 🙂
It took me a few years to get into drinking coffee and from Cold Coffee to Cappuccino to now finally occasionally having espresso, it has been quite a journey so this really helps because yes getting the right coffee can make all the difference. I visit London from time to time, so would be fun to follow this trail and catch a few of these spots.
That's great to hear! I hope you get to try some of these places on your next visit!
The espresso in a chocolatier is a winner for me! I must try that if/when I go back to London! You should do a post about best desserts in London please!
Done! I'll add it to the list 😀 Thank you for suggesting!
Espresso and chocolate are the perfect combo, so Venchi would be on my list for sure. And the prices at SoHostel look like my cup of tea (espresso?) I would love to do an espresso tour of all these places next time I'm in London.
You must try for yourself the next time you're in London. Yes, hostel prices are like this, but Italians love the coffee there 🙂
I'm not a coffee drinker, myself, but it's interesting how the prices of these arguably artisan brews are so much lower than a simple cup of Joe from Starbucks here in the States.
Actually, I think if you convert the prices, they're not too far off! But if the coffee is good, I don't mind paying.
Reading this post makes me want to go for a quick espresso shot! I love coffee and I can't start my day without them. When traveling, I also like to sample the best coffee shops too! I need to add this to my travel bucket list.
That's exactly what I like to read! These are the best coffee places according to Italians too so they're bound to be good 😀
Wow, these all sound like great options. I will definitely try some of them next time I'm in London. I'm actually craving one now!
That's great to hear! I hope you find one you really like 🙂
I'm going to London this winter to pick up a visa. Whilst I'm in the city I'd like to try the Algerian Coffee Shop in Soho. The 3 reasons I'd pick this one are; it's got history dating back to Queen Victoria's time. It' good value, Yorkshire prices and the building must be Instagrammable!
Yes, yes, and yes to all 3! It has so much charm, and is definitely Yorkshire prices 🙂
I'm not a coffee drinker, but I'm always impressed with the way that coffee shops are able to make those beautiful designs on the top of the coffee. I'd love to try the chocolate at Venchi! And I wouldn't say no to a croissant at The Hidden Espresso either!
I totally agree with you, and shame you're not a coffee drinker! The chocolate however at Venchi is so good and worth a visit 🙂
Im not a huge espresso fan. However I think if I had to choose somewhere it would be the Nude Coffee Roasters. I coffee art on the top of their coffee's was pretty cool.
Nude is one of the fast growing coffee bars in the country and they're very good - just as the art on top!
Wow too many options for coffee lovers in London. Venchi looks nice as they are serving chocolate with coffee. Cafe Vergnano's coffee is also creamy and cost effective option. I am confused with so many options.
All are really good but I think my favourite is Cafe Vergnano. They have great coffee and good choices too.
What great options! To be honest, I never had espresso when I lived in London but I wish I did. Your recommendations sound delightful, particularly the coffee in the chocolate house. I am also curious about the Algerian coffee shop. Sounds cheap as chips! 🙂
You never had espresso when you lived in London?! This surely is a mini crime haha! The Algerian Coffee shop has so much charm and good coffee of course! Be sure to visit and try the espresso the next time you return!
I love espresso. And I love London. Good combination, good post 🙂
Thanks Lea! Hope you get to visit some of these places on the list 🙂
I'm not a coffee fan, but I'm crazy about the artistry that now sits on top of the hot liquid. Thanks for sharing your take on the hottest spots!
Thanks Joleisa, hope you check out these places one day!
Great review, thanks for the tips! Will definitely check out at least one of these places when I go to London next time. 'Creamy, velvety and full-bodied" is exactly how I want my shot of espresso to be <3
Thanks Silvia, yes these are the places the experts recommend, so they have to be good!
Wonderful article.Thank you
Thanks Jalil, glad you enjoyed it.
Great thank you for sharing if I ever go to London I will have to try this
Thanks Angelika! They're recommended by the experts!