As much as we grumble when photo-taking obstructs our access to good eats, we're just as often the people battling the hangry to get that perfect pic for the gram. For that aesthetic feed, here are 20 of the most instagrammable food spots in London, from Instagram famous places that check all the good content boxes (fairy lights, millennial pink, floral walls, white marble, you name it), to those that are lesser known but just as photo-friendly.
1. Sketch, Mayfair
Sketch's pink facade has become an essential stop for the London instagrammer. The fancy afternoon tea experience is the perfect opportunity to go all out and dress up-- even the bathroom is photo-friendly! If you're looking for something a little quieter, but just as gorgeous, check out The Glade:
2. Elan Cafe, Chelsea
Elan's year-round flower wall has made it an instant hit with the London community and tourists alike. Pro-tip: the large flower wall is only at the Brompton Lane location. We went around 11 a.m. in the tourist offseason on a weekday and were able to snag the table in front of the wall (seating is timed-- one hour only). If you don't want to queue, just ask one of the friendly waitstaff and the customers already seated there if you can grab a quick photo!
3. Peggy Porschen, Belgravia
If you're really gunning for that millennial pink Instagram aesthetic, Peggy Porschen's famous pink facade is pretty perfect. Given its status as a haven for Instagrammers and bloggers, you may have to wait quite a while for the tables outside, but the little cakes are delicious (if not a little pricey).
4. Duck & Waffle, Bishopsgate
Duck & Waffle is known for its stunning 40th floor view, but the food itself is just as breathtaking. Open 24 hours a day, the restaurant amasses an eclectic group of diners. Try the titular "Duck & Waffle," composed of a crispy confit duck leg atop a waffle, topped with a fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup.
5. The Royal Exchange Grand Cafe & Bar, Bank
The cafe at the Royal Exchange is surprisingly not as well known, but the coffee options are wide, and the bar is full stocked. The atmosphere is elegant and professional, so show up appropriately dressed and be discrete with any photography.
6. Farm Girl, Notting Hill
A popular Australian spot for colorful lattes (rose, lavender, 'liquid gold,' 'butterfly matcha,' etc.) and its classic "brekkie" options like avocado toast, Farm Girl is full of personality-- everything in the place, from the decor, to the food, to the staff themselves, is bright and colorful. Keep in the menu's 'health conscious' focus; expect to see items on the menu like activated charcoal, bee pollen, and coconut bacon.
7. Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury
Hit up Dalloway Terrace (named after Virginia Woolf's eponymous character) for bougie brunch or cocktail hour. Pro-tip: go in the winter to see the place transformed into a cozy Narnia-like winter haven, complete with frosted winter foliage and thick blankets.
8. The Ivy Chelsea Garden, Chelsea
The Ivy arguably puts on the most consistently and spectacular floral displays in all of London. The place regularly updates its facade in relation to holidays and festivities (the Chelsea Garden Show & Valentine's Day versions are particularly gorgeous), so check Instagram before you go to see what the current one is. Once inside, ask to be seated in their similarly stunning garden terrace.
9. Attendant, Fitzrovia
For a truly unique experience, Attendant is a refurbished old Victorian gentlemen's toilet-- meaning you can sip your coffee in the company of some approximately 120 year old urinals. At the very least, the place will lend itself to some potty humor in your captions (ha!).
10. Aubaine at Selfridges, Oxford Street
If you follow any London instagrammers, you've probably seen the increasingly popular hashtag #wisteriahysteria. The elegant French interior is the perfect opportunity to take one of the ever-popular looking-dramatically-off-into-the-distance 'candid' photos.
11. Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings, Clerkenwell
This location combines some of the most popular Instagram trends: hanging potted plants, assorted florals, white marble, and mismatched vintage furniture. The combination greenhouse/cafe/bar is a self-described "plant packed paradise."
12. Clerkenwell Grind, The City
Whether or not you "...can't help falling in love" with cafe/bar combo Clerkenwell Grind is up to you-- but at the very least, you'll be able to grab a couple of snaps of the multiple neon decorations (including the amusingly-relatable one above the bar: 'I remembered and I was like f***), the millennial pink velvet bar stools, and the strategically placed palm fronds.
13. Coppa Club, Tower Bridge
Heated igloos?! Coppa Club's igloo-style bubbles allow for stylish alfresco dining even during the coldest days in London. Only open during the winter, the igloos are extremely popular, so book ahead of time and make sure to specifically request one. Miss it? The place switches out the igloos for Mediterranean-style cabanas in the summer.
14. The Winter Garden, Marylebone
The tall palm fronds in the beautiful 8-story glass atrium of the Landmark hotel provide a tropical, elegant feel to The Winter Garden's afternoon tea experience. Make sure to try to the gooseberry and elderflower jam with a scone (which according to Queen Elizabeth II's royal chef, should be eaten jam-first, clotted-cream second).
15. Yolkin, Piccadilly
For a twist on the classic, popular macaron, hit up Yolkin. The founder, Sammie Le, came up with the idea when trying to reduce food waste when making macarons, electing to repurpose the leftover yolks into an ice cream-- putting the 'yolk-in' to the sandwich. Pick up a classic flavor, or build your own!
16. The Corner Room, Bethnal Green
Tucked away on the first floor of the Bethnal Green Town Hall Hotel, The Corner Room boasts of great value, with artistically plated seasonal fare. The wall of mismatched, reclaimed lampshades hanging on the ceiling even have their own hashtag (also check out the 'staircase-to-nowhere). Swing by in the morning to build your own 'tapas' brunch
17. UCHI, Hackney
Tucked away in a residential area in Hackney, UCHI's decor and dishes alike are meticulously thought out, reflecting a clean, minimalist, Japanese-inspired aesthetic. Order a bunch of small bites for the perfect flat-lay.
18. Host Café, The City
Located in Saint Mary Aldermary, a historic Gothic Church, Host Cafe maximizes its unique setting and provides a great hideaway from the bustle of the city. The snacks are artisanal, the ceiling gorgeous, and the sofas incredibly comfy.
19. Palm Vaults, Hackney
Palm Vaults has certainly made its rounds on Instagram, captivating its audience with bright pink and palm-frond wallpaper, potted plants, succulents, and vivid lattes in a whole bunch of colors. If you're lucky, you might be able to grab a snap of a well-dressed pup, as the place is dog-friendly!
20. Rail House Cafe, Victoria
Because we all know at some point we're going to be awkwardly half-sitting/half-standing on our booth or chair, trying to get that perfect flat-lay picture, and the food itself better look just as good (if not better) from above.