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Where to Eat the Best London Desserts in 2024 – An Expert’s Guide

Do you have a saber tooth tiger size sweet tooth that can only be satisfied by some of the best London desserts of all time?

If so then this decadent list of the best dessert places in London is sure to satisfy all of your most intense sugar-related cravings.

Trust me on this. Not only do I live by the personal life motto, “life is uncertain, eat dessert first”, but I’ve lived in London on and off for the past 6+ years.

Therefore, I know all about really important things like where to find the best cheesecake in London.

So, stop dining at “mediocre at best “dessert shops and add all this expertly curated selection of best London desserts to your latest and greatest London itinerary now!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Where to Stay in London

Looking for an awesome homebase from which ton experience the best London desserts of them all?

If so then check out these uber-fab hotels, which are perfect for people of all budgets.

  • KX Rooms (budget) – Your best bet for a cheap hotel in Zone 1 is KX Rooms. After all, during your stay here you’ll enjoy a private bathroom and clean, safe, albeit cozy sooms. Double and family rooms are also available and come well-equipped with a kettle, Wi-Fi, and hairdryer. It’s also centrally located near King’s Cross St. Pancras Station.
  • Citadines Barbican London (mid-range) – This snazzy aprthotel features studio apartments that come with a kitchenette, dining area, and private bathroom. However, you can always opt for a regular guest room is you want something a bit cheaper.
  • Yotel London City (mid-range) – This fun and fresh modern hotel offers bright rooms with en suite bathrooms and all the usual amenities in Farrington. Continental breakfast is also available for a fee and there’s a 24/7 fitness room available too.
  • St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London (luxury) – Wanna live the luxe life in London? Then book a room inside this 5-star hotel. In fact, all ooms here feature plush furnishings, stunning decor, and orante marble bathrooms. High-end rooms even include clawfoot bathtubs and fireplaces. Other on-site ammentieis include a pool, spa, sauna, and gym – all in the King’s Cross St. Pancras area.

Best London Desserts – SOHO/Covent Garden

1. Cakes and Bubbles

Bottle of Champagne at unusual restaurants in London

Champagne and cheesecake form the backbone of the menu at this innovative dining concept on London’s prestigious Regent’s Street.

And the highlight of any visit to Cakes and Bubbles is the Sweet Afternoon Bubbles – a three-course parade of exceptional desserts sharply paired with sparkling wines.

But, if that’s too much for you then you can always just pick a cake of your choice and dine in or get it to go.

And while there are many amazing desserts here, award-winning pastry chef Albert Adria takes credit for creating the best cheesecake in London.

After all, his signature dish, the “Cheese Cake” transforms a classic pudding into something totally new with the use of Baron Bigod cheese, hazelnut, and white chocolate.

What really makes it unusual though is that, to the naked eye, it resembles a typical block of cheese. The cake is then served with biscuits that are dipped into the mixture.

However, the matcha basque cheesecake is also another worthy contender for your appetite.

Plus, in addition to the lavish, gold-themed dining room, Cakes and Bubbles also features an alfresco terrace for outdoor dining on warmer days.

So, expect a high-end dining experience at this luxurious dessert-only restaurant. Reservations are also advisable since it’s difficult to get a table on the door at one of the best dessert places in London.

But, it’s a cool place to stop before doing the best London night tours.

Address: 70 Regent St., London W1B 4DY, United Kingdom

Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Price: Cakes start at £9.00 each.

How to Get There: Take the Bakerloo or Piccadilly line to Piccadilly Circus station and walk from there.

2. Yauatcha

Head to the OG Yauatcha teahouse in Soho when you’re after an authentic Cantonese dim-sum fix amidst a buzzing atmosphere.

But for those in search of something sweeter, Michelin-starred chef Yauatcha also has a patisserie on-site loaded with the best London desserts to help brighten up your Instagram feed.

Yauatcha’s collection of “petits gateaux” artistically merges the flavors of East and West. Options include handcrafted chocolates, Parisian-style macarons, and cupcakes inspired by the seasons.

If you can, try their signature cake, the Raspberry Delice. This is a Madagascan chocolate and raspberry mousse blended with lychee panna cotta, crunchy biscuit pearls, and cocoa butter, deliciously whipped into the shape of a rosebud.

Linger over your chosen cakes with a pot of tea or a craft cocktail. After all, their expansive menu features a mix of fruit, herbal, and black teas as well as kombucha.

On the other hand, you can browse through a vast selection of wines and moreish cocktails which feature a playful reinterpretation of immortal classics.

So, chase your cakes with the Peony Pisco Sour or re-energize over a Gingerbread Espresso Martini.

Bookings are also recommended if you want to dine in and enjoy the best London desserts, especially at peak hours.

Address: 15-17 Broadwick St, London W1F 0DL, United Kingdom

Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 12:00 am, except when they are open until 1:00 am on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Price: Desserts start at £6.00 each.

How to Get There: Take the Bakerloo, Victoria, or Central line to Oxford Circus station and walk from there.

3. Taiyakiya

Taiyaki waffle and one of the best London desserts of them all.

Taiyakiya specializes in “taiyaki” – yummy Japanese fish-shaped waffles that are thought to bring people luck and good fortune. As if you need a reason to return again and again to eat one of the best London desserts of them all.

Taiyaki are prepared in the shape of a tai fish (red sea bream) and are most typically stuffed with red bean paste.

However, the taiyaki on offer at Taiyakiya, Soho, are also available in Nutella, marshmallow Nutella, and peanut butter varieties too.

However, most creatively of all, you can pick up an extremely Instagrammable taiyaki with soft-serve ice cream topped with edible mermaid’s tails or unicorn horns.

The only problem is that they are almost too cute to eat! And if you’re not feeling the sweets, you can always order savory taiyaki prepared with kimchi tofu and Japanese “arabiki” pork sausages.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your chosen taiyaki – paired with a bubble tea of your choice – and explore the rest of Chinatown; just remember that Taiyakiya is strictly takeaway only so you will have to eat on the go.

Address: 20 Newport Ct, London WC2H 7JS, United Kingdom

Hours: Open daily from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Price: They start at around £4.95 each.

How to Get There: Take the Northern or Piccadilly line to Leicester Square and walk from there.

4. Ikoyi

Ikoyi was the first African-inspired restaurant in London to earn itself a Michelin star. Now, it’s the proud holder of two.

See, head Chef Jeremy Chan and his co-founder Iré Hassan-Odukale explore the spices and tastes of West Africa using seasonal British produce.

As a result, eating at this upscale restaurant is a fabulous experience during which you can choose to eat from a set lunch menu during the day or from a full-tasting menu in the evenings.

Either way, you will work your way up to the grand finale, one of the best London desserts of them all.

Just be aware that menus here change frequently to reflect what’s in season. But, you can expect your eclectic desert to come with a sprinkling of spice.

And while on the costly side, the wine pairing is highly recommended as the menu does tease out the unique flavors across the courses.

Yes, the setting is somewhat muted. However, the cooking at Ikoyi will surprise you with its bold flavors and inventive presentations

And yes, per usual, reservations are essential at one of the best dessert places in London.

Address: 1 St James’s Market, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4AH, United Kingdom

Hours: Open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and again from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Price: Lunch tasting menus start at £75.00 per person.

How to Get There: Take the Bakerloo or Piccadilly line to Piccadilly Circus station and walk from there.

5. Chin Chin Dessert Bar/Labs

One of the best desserts London has to offer.

Known for being the, “best ice cream parlor in England” (at least according to the Times), Chin Chin Dessert Bar and Labs is famous for creating super-rich and creamy ice cream that is made using liquid nitrogen.

The experts here then take this exquisite base and mix in any and every topping you could imagine, creating delicious flavors like burnt butter caramel, sticky toffee pudding, and mango lassi.

Next, decide whether you’d like your ice cream served to you in a sundae, in a cone, or as part of a delectable cookie sandwich.

Finally, add a few delectable items to the top, like bee pollen and pistachio, to create one of the all-time best London desserts around.

Pro Tip: They also have another Chin Chin in Camden if that’s more convenient. Also, be sure to grab a photo BEFORE you dig in.

Address: 54 Greek St, London W1D 3DS, United Kingdom

Hours: Open daily from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm, except on Sundays when they close at 8:00 pm.

Price: Around £7.95 each.

How to Get There: Take the Northern/Central line to Tottenham Court Road station or the Northern/Piccadilly line to Leceister Square station and walk from there.

6. Bubblewrap

Bubble Waffle from one of the quirky restaurants in London

Bubblewrap is known for serving one of the best desserts London has to offer since this London cafe does an amazing job of reinventing egg waffles.

However, just in case you’re not totally sure what this signature Hong Kong street food is, they are basically traditional waffles with a bubble shape that are wrapped up and used as cones for decadent delights like Nutella, gelato, whipped cream, and anything else you can dream up.

Plus, added bonus? This is one of the best dessert places in London that releases whimsical, limited-edition flavors regularly.

Therefore, the menu is always changing and forever featuring something new for you to try, like their festive, seasonal reindeer face.

But, if none of the flavors on offer tickle your fancy, then customize your waffle however you like before taking tons of photos of the supremely Instagrammable interior of their Coven Garden location, complete with a rosebud studded interior and a swank terrace out front.

Pro Tip: You can also visit their flagship store in Chinatown if that’s a little easier for you.

Address: 20B, Lower Ground Floor, The Market, The Piazza, London WC2E 8RB, United Kingdom

Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Price: Starts at £8.49 each.

How to Get There: Take the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden and walk from there.

Best London Desserts in Hackney & Shoreditch

7. Brawn

Brawn is a European-inspired neighborhood hang-out on Columbia Road that features a light and airy Mediterranean-style dining room – a space that is flooded with natural light and offers diners a view of Ravenscroft Park.

In terms of the menu, Brawn offers sharable starters and mains that focus on meat – particularly pork.

Whatever you do though, be sure to save room for one of the best desserts London has. Seriously, trust me on this. You will not want to share your order at one of the best dessert places in London’s East End.

See, desserts here are artfully crafted using strong flavors that represent strong French and Italian influences.

In particular, they are best known for their experimental Panna cottas, which are laced with a generous dose of grappa.

And if you can, try to time your visit for holidays and special occasions to savor themed desserts like rhubarb cheesecake on Valentine’s Day.

Additionally, Brawn stocks a decent selection of natural wines pooled from France and Italy. They also have an equally impressive list of aperitifs and soft drinks that include kombucha and refreshing cordials.

Just try to book your table in advance to avoid disappointment and expect to spend a leisurely couple of hours savoring the food and wine here.

Address: 49 Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG, United Kingdom

Hours: Open Monday from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm and Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm and again from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm.

Price: Desserts start at £6.50 each.

How to Get There: Take the overground to Hoxton station and walk from there.

8. Cafe Cecilia

Dish filled with Guinness ice cream that is one of the best London desserts of them all.

Fresh to the London dining scene, the newcomer Cafe Cecilia is named after the head chef’s grandmother.

Meanwhile, culinary eizard Max Rocha models his menu after his mother’s home cooking while his father is responsible for the minimalist interiors that provide you with a beautiful setting from which to enjoy your meal.

Additionally, his sister designed the logo, creating a family spirit that forms the ethos of this canalside eatery.

Hailing from Dublin, Rocha has also playfully threaded Irish favorites into his menus.

Therefore, is signature dish is Guinness Bread – served with eggs on the breakfast menu and Guinness-flavored ice cream for lunch and dinner.

And even if you’re not a fan of this classic Irish stout, the taste is relatively subtle and it will fill you up for hours!

Pro Tip: Reservations are required for lunch and dinner while breakfast is walk-in only.

Address: 32 Andrews Rd, London E8 4FX, United Kingdom

Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 10:45 am and again from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Also open from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Price: Guiness bread ice cream starts at £4.50 per scoop.

How to Get There: Take the overground to Cambridge Heath station and walk from there.

9. Rochelle Canteen

This unique cafe is located in the bike shed of the old Rochelle School.

Abnd the best time to eat at Rochelle Canteen is during the summer when you can sit on their gorgeous open-air terrace that overlooks vibrant local greenery.

It has a fun, laid-back, family-friendly vibe that makes it a dreamy spot for lunch.

In terms of food though, the cusine here is Inspired by modern European plates and British staples and the menu routinely changes weekly to reflect what’s in season.

So, expect to find the likes of chocolate torte and warming crumbles throughout the winter. In contrast, gelato, sorbets, and fresh summer berries add flavor and color to the best London desserts during the warm summer months.

Homemade tiramisu is also a house speciality since it is created with intense Italian coffee and requently pops up on the menu due to its popularity.

Complement the European vibe of this beautiful restaurant with a chilled glass of rose or sparkling wine – like the Fernet Branca which pairs beautifully with the Tiramisu.

Address: 16 Playground Gardens, London E2 7FA, United Kingdom

Hours: Open Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 pm to 7:45 pm and on Tuesday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Price: Desserts start at £7.50 each.

How to Get There: Take the overground to Shoreditch High Street station and walk from there.

Best London Desserts in Mayfair

10. Crome

French toast from one of the best dessert places in London

As the first cafe dedicated entirely to French toast, Crome is one of the best dessert places in London for a pudding that doubles up as meal!

See, Crome prides itself for creating the tallest stacks of fluffy bread that are piled high with all your favorite toppings.

And with savory and sweet variations to choose from, you definitely won’t walk away hungry from one of the best dessert restaurants London has.

You’ll also love that their signature brioche is gently fried in butter for those taking the savory route or cinnamon batter for sweet seekers.

Toppings are then added and range from fresh berries and mint to salted caramel and chocolate and lavish red velvet. Although, it’s hard to resist the s’mores style toast with toasted marshmallows.

Specialty drinks at Crome also deserve just as much attention as their French toasts since they offer classic coffees and frappes, as well as over-the-top Oreo Spanish lattes and iced tiramisu for you to slurp on.

On the other hand, matcha, beetroot, or charcoal lattes might do the trick if you’re looking for some healthier options.

Other than that, just enjoy the funky lavender interiors with a small outdoor terrace. Just book well in advance this is place is kind of small.

Address: 36 James St, London W1U 1ES, United Kingdom

Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, except on Saturday and Sunday when they open at 10:00 am.

Price: French Toast starts at £10.50 each.

How to Get There: Take the Central or Jubilee line to Bond Street station and walk from there.

Best London Desserts in Balham/Brixton

11. Trap Kitchen

Trap Kitchen started off as a humble, pop-up takeaway shop on a Balham housing estate.

However, overnight success lead them to launch their first brick-and-mortar store in the same location.

Currently though. Trap Kitchen now has additional locations in Camden and London Bridge (as well as Manchester) and features a menu filled with exotic twists on seafood classics like buckets of lobster, slabs of crab, and chunky mac and cheese – all of which some with a generous side of waffles.

Yup, these seriously soft waffles have just the right amount of crunch and are dusted with Oreo cookies, creating an exquisite experience for your tastebuds that you do not want to miss out on.

So, try one of their trademark slushes and order an “adult” version if you want a generous helping of rum to go with it. Otherwise, the cocktail list is robust enough to warrant hanging around for a second drink.

Although it’s a bit further afield, the Bedford Hill joint is well worth a trip since you can choose to sit outdoors and indulge in a bout of people-watching as you dive into your food.

Address: 76 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9HR, United Kingdom

Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the Central or Jubilee line to Bond Street and walk from there.

12. Whipped London

Slice of New York cheesecake.

Here’s your second contender for the best cheesecake in London. Because Whipped London whips up (get it?) a classic New York-style dessert with some of the creamiest cream cheese expertly layered by Michelin-trained pastry chefs.

It is then baked for 10 hours and comes in a variety of flavors like simple vanilla cheesecake. Alternatively, pimp up your selection with more vibrant variations like cookie dough, red velvet, or blueberry drizzle.

Plus, when you dine in, you can add a side of fresh whipped cream or ice cream to one of the best London desserts of them all.

However, in addition to mind-blowing cheesecake, Whipped London also serves chunky cookies that are impossible to resist.

After all, they’re created with Belgian chocolate and organic vanilla pods. So, it’s be wise to take a bag back to your hotel to scoff them down in relative privacy.

It’s also nestled in the bustling Brixton Village and comes with counter-service, in addition to a small outdoor seating area where you can pounce on tables as they become available.

Address: Unit 65, Brixton Village, Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PS, United Kingdom

Hours: Open daily from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, with extended hours until 10:00 pm Wednesday through Saturday.

How to Get There: Take the Victoria line to Brixton and walk from there.

Best London Desserts in Notting Hill

13. SUMI

Indulgent matcha crepe cake.

SUMI is a swanky West London Japanese restaurant with fantastic sushi, sashimi, and cocktails that are served to you in a refined yet casual setting.

And as the little sister to Endo Kazutoshi’s Michelin-starred Endo at the Rotunda, SUMI offers a more chill vibe where you can savor expertly-crafted sushi.

However, SUMI is also one of the best London dessert restaurants for traditional Japanese puddings too.

In fact, the matcha mille cake is a must-try since it consists of thin layers of green tea crepes bound together with fresh whipped cream. Its vibrant green hue also makes it all the more exciting to dive into.

Plus, Cocktails at SUMI are pretty special too. Therefore, pair your matcha mille cake with their Little Wasabi cocktail – Haku vodka shaken with lime, shiso syrup, and a dollop of the spicy paste – which is guaranteed to clear out any cobwebs!

Pro Tip: Advance reservations for SUMI are recommended especially for dinner dates or weekend visits.

Address: 157 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2RS, United Kingdom

Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Price: Their Matcha Mille cake is £10.00.

How to Get There: Take the Circle or District line to Bayswater and walk from there.

14. Buns From Home

Buns from buns from home and one of the best London desserts of them all.

After going a bit stir crazy during the first lockdown, Barney Goff started baking his very own “buns from home” and would deliver them to eager customers via bicycle.

Well, his buttery pastries sold like hotcakes and, following a successful crowd starter campaign, Buns From Home now operates from a cute bakery in Notting Hill.

So, enjoy hand-rolled cinnamon buns made lovingly with French butter sourced from Normandy.

Although, adventurous pastry aficionados can try buns topped with exciting things like tiramisu, mixed berry cheesecake, and gingerbread men.

And if you’re visiting London during the weekend, swing by to find out what special treats have been cooked up.

Because these limited edition weekend pasties vary weekly and include things like figs, matcha, and sorbets to go with your delightful buns fo choice.

Pro Tip: Buns From Home is takeaway only – you slo can’t miss their photogenic lilac canopy!

Address: 128 Talbot Rd, London W11 1JA, United Kingdom

Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, with extended hours until 7:00 pm on Saturdays.

Price: Buns start at £3.00 each.

How to Get There: Take the Circle or Hammersmith and City line to Ladbroke Grove and walk from there.

Best London Desserts in Wandsworth

15. Lockdown Bakehouse

Besides being one of the definitive places in London to grab freshly baked pastries, sourdough bread, savory pies, and sweet treats, the Lockdown Bakehouse is brimming over with community spirit.

In fact, the Lockdown Bakehouse is a pop-up that, like Buns From Home, was established during the pandemic.

And that’s mainly because two local business owners lost their livelihood. They then threw themselves into supplying essentials to National Health Service (NHS) workers affected by the crisis.

Nowadays, though, the bakery is thriving as a dine-in bakery and delivery service.

So, among the best London desserts at the Lockdown Bakehouse, you will find sponge cakes, doughnuts, brownies, rocky roads, and buns.

However, if you’re undecided, opt for their signature lamingtons. These traditional Australian cakes consist of cream and jam coated in chocolate and adorned with coconut flakes.

Lamingtons by the Lockdown Bakehouse are also the perfect snack to keep in your bag while exploring the sights and landmarks of London.

Address: 6 Ferrier St, London SW18 1SW, United Kingdom

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Price: Items start at £2.20 each

How to Get There: Take the overground to Clapham Junction and then walk from there.

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16. The Cadogan Arms

English Trifle is one of the best London desserts of them all.

The Cadogan Arms is an epic gastropub on the King’s Road where traditional British desserts are dished up alongside pub staples.

However, the vibe here tends to be more on the bourgeois side, so think chandeliers and stained glass paneling while pub grub gets an ultra-glamorous makeover.

The dessert menu also sees a revamp of conventional puddings, with luxurious sticky toffee pud or a decadent cheese board proving to be reliable choices.

However, the Cadogan Arms is really one of the best dessert restaurants in London where you can enjoy an authentic English trifle.

But, just in case you’re not totally in the know, Trifle is a timeless British dessert consisting of layers of sherry-soaked sponge, berries, custard, and whipped cream.

And If you’ve seen that notorious Friends episode, fear not since beef, peas, and onions do not factor into the trifle at the Cadogan Arms! Instead, rhubarb takes center stage and is topped with generous helpings of ultra-smooth cream.

Add in some atmospheric dark wood interiors that date back to 1838 and this opulent pub provides a cozy sanctuary for anyone visiting London during the cooler months.

It’s also an ideal spot to stop for either lunch or dinner after exploring the West End.

Pro Tip: Bookings are recommended for larger groups at peak hours. But, you can generally grab a table in the afternoons without any trouble.

Address: 298 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UG, UK

Hours: The dining room is open Monday through Thursday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Price: Desserts start at £8.00 each.

How to Get There: Take the Circle Line or District Line to South Kensington station and walk from there.

Map of the Best London Desserts

Best London desserts map.
Click here for the full map.

Additional London Resources You’ll Love

There you have it! That about wraps up this guide to the best London desserts of all time!

Tell me, did your picks for the best dessert places in London make the list? If not then let me know in the comments below!

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