So my mother and I ate at a lot of eateries while we were in London last year. Only Bloomsbury Cafe left us declaring defeat: we just couldn't finish our meals here. Their servings are HUGE, and are so affordable too! I left wishing my mother and I had the ability to save our leftovers for later, because we hated wasting any of the delicious food that we ordered. Even before we got our food we were pretty excited. When you walk in you're greeted here with a beautiful sight: fresh sandwiches, bread, and pastries, all on display right at their main counter. Once we were seated I noticed little flower pots line the window, too. Fresh food and flowers - what more can you ask from a cafe for a first impression? We also loved the owner and his wife: they were very kind and they constantly kept us up to date on our food order, just to mention what was done and what they still needed to do or cook. They clearly work hard to provide fresh fast meals - and we learned quickly as people came in and out of the place that takeaway is available here. But we wanted to enjoy a sit down meal, and enjoy we did! I started mine with fresh squeezed juice - we're talking so fresh you'll want to add sugar to it if you're used to the juice that comes in stores. And when our English breakfasts came out? Just, wonderful. My mother and I each received SO much food. Both meals came with amazing buttered bread (like, I would have happily eaten an entire plate of bread and only bread), hash browns so fresh that they may as well have given us the original potatoes (yum), and what I can really only describe as a mountain of beans, eggs, and meat (well, on mine anyway - not so much on my mother's vegetarian breakfast order). All of it absolutely delicious, and every single bite made me smile wider and wider. Definitely walk on in if you're near this little shop. Don't be afraid to order one meal and share it if there's only two of you, either - you'll likely both leave well fed, and you can always order a little more food if you want too from that great looking counter of theirs... read more

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Had the New Yorker. Hit and fresh bread, what you want in a panini. Staff was friendly and efficient. I'd eat here again if you just want a quick sandwich and not in the mood for pub food. Though I did not have any, their desserts look really good too. read more

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This is near the hostel that I was staying at and the man (the owner maybe?) behind the counter noticed that I was peaking at the menu outside and enthusiastically called out to me from the inside. This small cafe was packed that morning so I gave it a shot. Definitely did not regret it! I ordered a latte with a croissant and an English Breakfast, and was shocked at the amount of food that was given to me - managed to finish everything but 2 out of the 4 triangle slices of toast... I was stuffed... The same man that invited me in saw me trying to get on the wifi, and brought out the password for me, then asked the entire cafe if anyone else needed it. How nice! Overall, it's a cozy little cafe with friendly service and good portions, at least that what I got for my breakfast experience. read more

Bloomsbury Cafe - English breakfast and a latte! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

If you stop by this place, do yourself a favor and stick with their Italian dishes. The colors of their banners in the front should clue you in that the owners are Italian. I ordered the English breakfast which was horrid. While the portion size was huge, the beans tasted as if they came straight from a can and the sausages were tasteless. Also their lattes are made from powder and I would recommend avoiding them. Their Italian breakfast cabiatta sandwich on the other hand was delicious and very affordable at 5 quid. The sandwich comes pressed, panini style, and is filled with gooey mozzarella, Italian cured meats and herbs. The owner Dudie is very friendly and approachable. I told him that the English breakfast sucked and he told me it takes him 2 min to make that breakfast, while 5 minutes to make the breakfast panini. Overall the place should be attractive to people who want a cheap breakfast with an Italian flavor. Avoid anything English related read more

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First of all, the chef/owner and waiter who was there when I went were incredibly nice, hospitable, and accommodating. They were enthusiastic from the second we walked in (granted the restaurant was empty, being 4pm). That said, the service was overbearing and gave us 2 seconds with the menus before repeatedly asking what we wanted to order. A little overzealous? We ended up having to decide quickly, then somehow our order got messed up and we both got the same sandwich (Dodi Special). I was confused when my sandwich didn't seem to have what I thought it would, and upon comparison found them to be exactly the same--granted, very tasty. They were prepared very well and packed with flavor. When we finally checked out (after waiting for maybe 10 minutes before realizing we had to pay at the register), the owner brushed off my friend when she was 10p short. He said she was "like my little one, I have to take care of you!" All in all, great and kind personalities, excellent food, and just a little annoying waitservice. read more

5 stars for the friendly owner! I was warmly greeted with a handshake and ushered to the table by the window. I took the owner's suggestion of the English breakfast without realizing the size of the meal that would soon be brought out. The eggs, toast, sausage, bacon and beans were fairly priced and very filling. I only ate half and don't think I'll have need for lunch. 3 stars for the food, 5 stars for the value and 5 stars for the owner. For real... he's worth the trip. read more

Avoid this unless you want gastroenteritis. A friend and I ate here a 2 days ago, and my stomach is in cramps, I have diarrhoea and chills. I'm so unwell I can't go anywhere. They need to work on their hygiene. It's definitely this place because this friend and I only ate here and nowhere else and he's showing the exact same symptoms. I can't even go to uni or work because of it and I am in the worst pain ever. read more

Very nice gentlemen working here! Large menu if hot and cold sandwiches! We will be back for breakfast! read more

Bloomsbury Cafe - Full breakfast! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

Terrific breakfast sandwiches with egg and bacon on ciabatta. You want this! The white coffee (Italian coffee with cream) is great too! Bottom line, great little place in Bloomsbury for breakfast or lunch! read more

Thanks to all the previous reviews, I stuck to what this cafe is known for- the Italian panini breakfast. It was delicious and filling! I, too, must rave about the cafe owner, who is so energetic and attentive to his patrons. He checked in on all his customers to see if we wanted the wifi password. As a tourist brand new to London, I truly appreciated his kind hospitality & definitely the wifi, which I'm now using to write this review. Having traveled all over the world, I've come to appreciate warmth & good customer service to a higher degree, it certainly makes whatever meal I'm eating more enjoyable! read more

Bloomsbury Cafe - Italian Milanese panini breakfast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

Bloomsbury cafe We were looking for a quick bite before heading to the British museum. We saw Bloomsbury was close by and appeared to have decent reviews... We were greeted by a cute cafe that has a few tables and quite the extensive menu. The restaurant was clean and the staff friendly. I'm assuming it was the owner that immediately greeted and sat us. Whoever he was, he was very attentive. As mentioned, the menu was quite extensive, they also have an offering of pastries available. I ordered the English Breakfast and my husband ordered a panini. At the time of ordering, there was only one other guest. The food seemed to take longer then it should have to prepare. Big plus for the cafe, they served 3x time amount of food indicated on the menu (and didn't charge more). I was to get one egg, bacon and sausage, instead I got 3 of each (anyone who gives me extra food is ok in my book). However, my husband also got served English breakfast when he ordered a panini. We didn't bother mentioning anything as we were in a rush to get to the museum. The food was decent, I thought the eggs, sausage, bacon and toast was good. The beans I could have done with that. Also the coffee was good (FYI white coffee is a latte). Overall, an ok visit. Nothing special, but not terrible. If I hadn't been served extra food, I probably would have left a lower rating. read more

Excellent little cafe, great service, free wifi, fresh squeezed oj and fruit salad, wonderful Italian sandwich and lasagna. Amazing chocolate croissant! read more

Was looking for quick but healthy option before touring the British Museum. The food was fantastic, the owner and staff were very attentive and pleasant. Would definitely come again. The breakfast looks great. I had the Italian ciabatta with a Greek salad, freshly squeezed orange juice and a cappuccino. Delicious! read more

This place is pretty good, the service was on point, the portion size was huge for what you pay, considering it's in central London, and nearby the British mueseum. We came in, and the owner greeted us warmly, asked where we were from (California), and gestured toward an empty table. They had menus out on the table, and we ordered drinks and our meals, with me getting orange juice and an Italian Milanese sandwich. The others in my group got a meat lasagne, neapolitan pasta, a jacket potato, and an eggplant sandwich. The owner was nice enough to accommodate my special request that the milanese sandwich had eggplant in it as well. My particular milanese sandwich came with a ciabatta in a panini form, with grape tomatoes, pretty good sauce, and moist chicken, and an arugula salad. The owner joked that I should eat more, because it looked like I had lost weight. To be honest, I was getting plenty; I had been given pasta because my mom couldn't finish her bowl. I normally finish everything on the plate; indeed, ever since I arrived in London, I was constantly searching for extra food outside of our usual meals because of the smaller portion sizes. But here, we had leftovers, even taking a few breadsticks to go. read more

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Panini was not very good. A weird sauce that was not listed on menu was on there which made it taste funny. Nice owner, but would not return or recommend. Many better cafes in London. Maybe we ordered wrong thing though as others seemed to enjoy. Muffin also didn't seem fresh. read more

This cafe is by far my favorite spot in London!!! I come almost every day for late breakfast or lunch, and I have never been disappointed. The serving sizes are generous, the staff is friendly and attentive, and the food is absolutely delicious. Whether grabbing a croissant and coffee to go, or looking for a cute little spot to enjoy a meal, this is the place to go! My personal favorites are the Italian Breakfast panini, the chicken salad, and the full English Breakfast. Everything is freshly made upon order. I have seen a wide variety of people dine here, from studying-abroad students to businessmen, and nobody leaves disappointed. If I could give this place more than 5 stars, I would. P.S. If you are a student, you get a discount! Even more of a reason to check this place out!! ;) read more

Great food, great service, and at a great price. A great cafe to grab a bite to eat and super fast. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good time. read more

Bloomsbury Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

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We were invited in by the owner when we were shyly peeking in, looking for a good coffee. The man had a chat with us- turned out his wife is Polish as we are. The counter was full of breakfast and dinner dishes but we decided to stick to a coffee and a huge muffin with custard. Both were delicious, the service was very pleasant and the prices not painful. Definitely worth recommending. read more

This small restaurant is understaffed and disorganized. We visited for breakfast when there were very few patrons. The panini order for one of our small party was promptly forgotten. When this oversight was brought to the attention of the staff the panini was put on the panini grill and immediately forgotten until burned. Unfortunately I would not recommend visiting until these issues are rectified. read more

The menú is simple, Paninis, the Service is great AND very friendly. If you want to have a fast simple lunch with good taste, truly recommend it. read more

The Italian breakfast is delicious, I loved this place. Very friendly service, great coffee and free wifi. I will be coming back!

The owner was extremely friendly and offers a significant student discount on coffee and a pastry. Great for a break between classes or for a quick stop on the morning commute. I tried to spend an afternoon working in the cafe, though, and his enthusiasm quickly went from friendly and fun to intrusive and distracting. The coffee and food are good, the student prices are great, but it is definitely a quick stop, not an eat-in location. read more

We absolutely love this place! Every time we go we are welcomed by the extremely nice owner as well as the workers. Every meal we have had here has been incredible and we have gone many times. I would recommend this place to anyone in the Bloomsbury area that wants a healthy meal for reasonable prices. Everything is delicious and the staff is wonderful! Again I must say the owner is amazing and so attentive to every single customer that walks through his doors. He is always smiling and happy whenever we are there. I hope to be able to return here many more times! read more