From flaky manakish to fiery shakshuka, London's breakfast scene is brimming with Arab-inspired flavours.
London's love affair with Middle Eastern 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 spots, so you can start your morning off right.
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.
GO: Visit https://beitelzaytoun.com for more information.
Bunhead Bakery
A stone's throw away from Herne Hill station is the well-loved 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.
GO: Visit www.bunheadbakery.com for more information.
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.
GO: Visit www.cafetamra.co.uk for more information.
Common Breads
Born in Beirut and now based in London, Common Breads has become a household name for Arabs in the city. Sleek interiors and a prime location in Victoria make this a great breakfast spot 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.
GO: Follow @commonbreads on Instagram for more information.
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.
GO: Visit www.imadssyriankitchen.co.uk for more information.
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.
GO: Visit www.shakeshukarestaurant.co.uk for more information.
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 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.
GO: Visit https://tbytamara.co.uk for more information.
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, creamy Hummus. With a steaming cup of mint tea, you'll feel right at home.
GO: Visit www.taminilebanesebakery.com for more information.
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.
GO: Visit www.thehighllama.co.uk for more information.
Villa Mamas
For a more indulgent breakfast, 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.
GO: Visit https://villamamas.com for more information.
