Where to go for a great Eggs Benedict in London

London's best Eggs Benedicts

AA Gill described eggs benedict as “the Marilyn Monroe of brunch”, presumably meaning that the dish is the biggest star in the brunch lineup—iconic, even. The exact origin of this failsafe breakfast combo is unconfirmed, but it was most likely invented in America, despite featuring an English muffin, which was actually conceived by a British expat in New York, just to make things more complicated.

While there are some variations on the original, to qualify as a classic Eggs Benedict, the plate must feature bacon or ham, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce atop a muffin. It might sound simple, but hollandaise sauce can be notoriously difficult to make. Here are some London spots that have perfected the method!

The Wolseley

European

160 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9EB

Ask any London foodie about Eggs Benedict and it’s very likely that they’ll mention The Wolseley. The dish is so popular here, in fact, that it’s available to order at any time of the day! At £13.50 for a small portion (one egg on half a muffin) and £19.75 for a large (two eggs on a whole muffin), it is a little bit of an extravagance, but the grand, gilded beauty of the interior and the top-notch service always makes it feel like quite the occasion, and in turn, very much worth paying a little more than usual.

Based on The Wolseley’s spotless reputation, the dish itself will likely be one of the best you’ve ever tasted, featuring a sauce cooked to perfection and thick slices of melt-in-the mouth ham.

Riding House Cafes

Café

Fitzrovia, Bloomsbury, and Victoria

Now a trio of all-day dining venues, the Riding House eateries not only offer a Kasseler ham Benedict, made with tasty cured and slightly smoked pork, but they also make a ‘Burgerdict’, which consists of a poached egg, dry-aged beef patty and special hollandaise sauce on a muffin. Classicists might turn up their noses, but this stack of naughtiness is now one of the cafe’s signature dishes.

The rest of the menu features coffee by Gentlemen Baristas and Dingley Dell bacon, so you know you’re in good hands… Plus, the decor features an abundance of house plants, lending itself well to Instagram (if that’s what you’re into), so grab yourself a pastel-hued matcha or beetroot latte and get food styling.

Ozone

Café, Kiwi

Shoreditch, London Fields, St Paul’s and London City

These Kiwi-born coffee experts brought their sustainable mindset and sunny hospitality to London over a decade ago. You’ll now find four of their cool, minimal outposts north of the Thames, including Shoreditch, London Fields, St Paul’s and The City.

Their take on Eggs Benedict features bacon and poached eggs on top of bubble and squeak cakes rather than an English muffin, amping up the carby goodness with some fried, buttery mashed potato. Pair it with one of Ozone’s exceptional blends—or a house martini made with cold brew if you’re feeling adventurous—and you’ll probably enjoy one of North London’s best brekkies!

Troubadour

Café, British

265 - 267 Old Brompton Road, London SW5 9JA

Since 1954, the characterful Troubadour in Earl’s Court has been a legendary hub of independent live music and reliable and comforting eats, from shepherd’s pie to mac and cheese. While you might associate the venue with atmospheric, candlelit shows, its Eggs Benedict is one of its most popular menu items, especially for those who like bacon-filled bennies over ham. You even enjoy it al fresco in the charming garden, which features twinkling fairy lights and red and white checked tablecloths that, for some reason, evoke memories of European holidays…