Came for dinner on a Saturday night and honestly, its a place to skip. The only upside of this is sitting next to the canal but just bring your own food, drinks, and something to sit on (if you want) and you'll have a better experience. Staff were nice but seemed rather... undertrained or understaffed? There was a long queue and no one really came by to explain anything, it was all word of mouth from other people who had been waiting already. There was no real organization as far as I could tell and I noticed a lot of mixups with food at wrong tables/parties and back and forth with what was and wasn't available. They also essentially had to be flagged down constantly for water as cups were tiny and it was a hot day in London. Food was... underwhelming, a lot of the dishes that came out quickly were things just assembled on a plate. One dish was literally just raw peas and cheese on a plate and we also had (unevenly) sliced salami and cherries. The cooked dishes we had were very salty... venturing on inedible but for the prices my Asian self still had to try and finish it all. This spot makes me think of why people make fun of food in the UK, if this is considered "amazing" food here then everything else must be worse, but really just seems overhyped or outlived its golden age. Again, the only "benefit" of this spot is location and honestly, just bring your own food and sit near by. Its not worth the money to come here specifically, maybe a nice spot for drinks..? read more

I rarely feel compelled to write reviews but just a fair warning, just don't go. The only reason there is a line to get in is to sit next to the canal and honestly you'll ruin your day in the process. I saw so many people ask the same questions that could have easily been addressed by a sign so I'll help them out: 1. No take out service 2. No bathroom 3. To get a seat, join the end of the queue 4. The queue is 1.5-2 hours long 5. There is no digital or physical menu 6. No drinks other than water or juice 7. Sitting in the sun is not as fun as it looks 8. No garbage can for clients 9. Once finished, queue again to pay 10. Try to minimize interactions with owner and staff 11. The menu is small plates and bread/butter comes with meals 12. The meals come when they come 13. You are not a guest, you are a paying nuisance that has the privilege to eat there 14. Budget 3-4 hours for the "experience" read more

We sought out this restaurant after enjoying its cookbook. It is well worth a visit. The owner was so nice and welcoming, the location is wonderful and the food was wonderful. Add this to your London trip itinerary. read more

So deeply disappointing .... had a great meal here a year ago. What happened? Was served one of the most disturbing dishes I've ever seen... a nearly cold artichoke dotted with seeds and herb stems. Nearly inedible ... No salt, just caraway and fennel seeds dumped all over it. read more

Turkish eggs were delicious, everything here was very high quality and the seating is refreshing read more

Towpath Café - Menu - Mediterranean Near Me - London, XGL

Towpath is a fascinating place to check out when the weather is sunny-ish in London. Located right off the Regent's Canal, Towpath Cafe is unassuming at the same time its impressive. Its very low key, with a food-truck sized kitchen, and a handful of outdoor seating inside and on the sidewalk overlooking the canal. From its location to its food, particularly the baked goods, Italian expresso and terrific fish dishes for lunch served head to tail, and skin on, which also happen to be moist and cooked perfectly, you'll love the quirky originality of this spot. Frankly, its impressive that some of the dishes can even be made in this tiny kitchen. This place has been written up (Time Out, etc.) and is well regarded and the kitchen does make some simple but lovely food from March to November. The view, the food, the unique location and the friendly factor, all make this a spot worth checking out when the sun is in the sky in London. read more

Sweet little place in a peaceful setting on Regents Canal, but be prepared for a very limited menu and little capacity to accommodate substitutions. Coffee is great! read more

Towpath Café - Mediterranean Near Me - London, XGL

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One of my favorite places while in London. Located along the Regent's Canal, this place is perfect for sunny, warm days. You'll encounter people jogging, walking their dogs, or biking. It was a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle found in the city. Left fairly early to beat the lunch rush but when we got there, we took one of the last few tables in the uncovered area that lines the cafe next to the open view kitchen. Walked up to the counter and ordered two lattes, a cookie, granola, and over easy eggs served on toast. They only serve regular milk so be cautious if your lactose intolerant. We went up to get our lattes while the food gets served directly to where you are sitting. Lattes were good and the cookie tasted freshly baked. Granola came with yogurt and starfruit....it was delicious. Perfectly toasted and a good pair with the tartness from the yogurt and the fruit. Did not get to try the eggs and toast but from what I was told, it was one of the best things he ever put into his mouth. Eggs and toast sound so simple but I guess it can be so delicious at the same time. From what I saw, the bread looked toasted in olive oil and the eggs looked like they were cooked perfectly while the yolk spilled all over the toast after breaking it. I regret not trying it. As the space begins to get filled up, you may end up sharing your table which we did not mind at all because we got to have some good conversations with locals. There are also tables under a covered area in case it rains. Service is great here. Being tourists, we felt very welcomed. I'm definitely a fan and am still left feeling impressed with this place. The ambiance Towpath carried was one that I was craving for during a busy stay in London. Check it out if you're in the area! read more

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Now, a place doesn't get more secret than this. Hidden away on the towpath of the canal, this is a perfect place to sit and spend the afternoon watching the water. I came here to try out their bownie but after hearing about the specialty coffee they did here, I just had to try it. It's from a little place just outside Milan and it's called Piansa. Smooth and mellow, if you take sugar in your coffee, you won't need it here. There is a small selection of mismatched tables and chairs for you to perch on, you can even watch the ducklings swim by! They even do a full cooked brunch and breakfast on the weekends - ideal! Now I have a few things to moan about, not enough for me to remove a star but stuff that should be said. It's a little pricey, £4.80 for a coffee and brownie. The brownie was a little too fudgy for my liking. And finally, they don't have a loo. You all know how I feel about that now! Just for the record, all the food they sell they make themselves, apart from the bread. Now that is impressive! read more

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Quaint cafè situated right on Regent's canal. This joint is actually quite small with communal tables inside a covered unit and few extra seating along the path. Due to its popularity, finding a spot can be pretty difficult especially on weekends so be prepared to wait. Make sure to also plan ahead as weather can dictate your experience since majority of the establishment is exposed to the elements. I definitely liked how friendly and helpful everyone was. Both staff and locals alike certainly made us feel welcomed. Ended up getting a latte with an order of their fried eggs on toast. Coffee was good but food was out of this world! Who knew something so simple could be that delicious. Sure, it's just plain fried eggs on toasted bread but it was certainly better than most breakfasts I've had. Overall, Towpath Cafè is an ideal place to drink coffee and brunch with friends. Awesome ambiance, superb customer service and great drinks/food. Check this joint out especially on a sunny London day. read more

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Location, location, location. (And of course deliciously cheesy toasted cheese sandos.) By now everyone knows that Towpath is *the* must-stop café along the canal between Angel and Victoria Park. (I never make it past Broadway Market, let's be honest.) As they don't do take-away cups, plan your adventure to include a short people watching stay at their long communal tables, order something fabulous off their rotating daily menu, and if you're lucky enough to get there in time, have a bowl of their daily homemade soup as well. Why not make an afternoon out of it? Unfortunately Towpath isn't as hidden as you would like on Saturday mornings right 'round brunch time, so unless you come early, plan on cosying up with your queue-mates and waiting a bit. It's worth it. read more

Towpath Café - Mediterranean Near Me - London, XGL

Working near Soho, I have access to a fantastic array of coffee houses all the time, so when someone who frequents the likes of Lantana, Milkbar, Flat White, Wild & Woods and Monmouth says this is the best coffee he has had for a while, it's worth a visit. This is the best coffee I've had for a while. It's definitely worth a visit. The staff are lovely too, and so are the cakes, not to mention the location on the canal towpath :) read more

Towpath Café - Mediterranean Near Me - London, XGL

I loved this place so much that I thought that if I keep my mouth shut may be it wouldn't get rather packed. But then I realised being selfish isn't worth and what makes this cafe so nice is also the constant coming and going of customers (as long as I can find an available seat). Located in Regent's Canal off Kingsland Road and not so far away from Broadway Market this is an outside cafe, with just a counter, a few tables, chairs and benches in a fabulous location. It's a wonderful spot not only to grab a coffe, but even to have a breakfast (definitely try the granola) or a very simple brunch (they got quiches and wonderful toasted sandwiches) while taking sun and reading your newspaper, or just knitting while watching kids and dogs play. I can't think in a better way to spend a sunny Saturday morning while drinking my latte. And if you're not that morning person you still can enjoy it as they are open for happy hours as well, and you can have a glass of wine during the sunset Like an enchanted place surrounded by little dwarfs and magical ducks this is definitely my spring/summer spot. read more

Towpath Café - Mediterranean Near Me - London, XGL

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So good. So fast. So friendly. Thank you for the great lunch. The baby ducks in the canal were also fun but guess you can't take credit for that. read more

This is one of my favorite places to eat in the neighborhood, especially while we have this amazing summer weather. Situated right on Regent's Canal, a few 100 yards west of the Kingsland road entrance, the Towpath Cafe is unlike any eating establishment in my E8/N1 postcode. If you come on the weekend, you can thrift shop on the Northeast corner of Kingsland and the Canal at street level, and afterwards walk down the ramp, grab a table on the path or a seat in the tiny platformed alcove with a roof to shield you from the rays. If you have bicycle, you can get it tuned up next door while you sip on a glass of rose or their homemade ginger beer. Designed by the food critic, Lori de Mori, the food is prepared from gorgeous locally sourced ingredients -- fresh tomatoes, red cabbage, green onions, rocket and some lovely sourdough bread. I usually get the grilled cheese, one of the best I've had in the city, even inspiring me to attempt recreating it at home. Their coffee is yummy, their watermelon juice is fresh, their desserts are divine, and next time I go, I plan on ordering the paella, which I've yet to sample. Kid-friendly, pet friendly and yes, hipster friendly too, but laid back enough to not have an air of snobbiness about. Just be sure to not let your kids or hipster friends fall into the canal. read more

Fantastic little place tucked away on the canal north of Shoreditch. Great changing menu with seating right on the canal. Had the fried egg with mojo Verde and the imam biyaldi, which were both superb. Beyond the setting, the best part of this place is the staff, who are kind and incredibly friendly. Highly recommend for a quick bite to eat after a morning walk along the canal. read more

Towpath Café - Fried egg with mojo Verde - Mediterranean Near Me - London, XGL

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What a fab place this is to spend a lazy morning on a Summer's day sitting at one of its many communal tables and benches. The cafe stretches along Regent's Canal (think Dalston rather than Angel) and is south facing which makes it a perfect sun trap - sometimes it is almost too hot. Although it is often very busy (particularly on those sunny days which make it so nice) I always seem to be able to find a spot. Depending on when you come you will either find Breakfast or Lunch items coming forth from the kitchen - the cheese toasties are particularly good - along with well made coffee, cakes and ice cream. Today we also enjoyed home made ginger beer which has a good level of ginger kick without becoming over powering and affogato which, made with home made ice cream tasted divine. However everything we have had here has been great so it feels a little unfair to play favourites! Enjoy! read more

This is a really great little neighborhood cafe. Located on a canal, the cafe has a great vibe and awesome staff. My mom and I went two separate times while in London: once for brunch and once for dinner. For brunch we ordered the egg toast and the grilled cheese. This grilled cheese was unforgettable. At first, I was skeptical because it comes with a jam dipping sauce. But let me tell you this was an excellent combo. They use this really sharp cheddar and green onions and it really pairs nicely with the jam. It reminded me of a monte Cristo sandwich. The dinner was excellent as well. We got meatballs and Syrian chicken with cous cous. Both were incredibly flavorful. The guy who works mornings and makes the coffee was really nice and helpful!! read more

Towpath Café - Grilled cheese and egg toast - Mediterranean Near Me - London, XGL

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Lovely little cafe on Regents canal - between Kingsland and Angel. Serve all types of snacks, coffees, cakes etc. Due to the fab location, it gets really busy, especially at the weekends! So expect a bit of a queue for your latte and muffin! The good thing is that it is outside, so you can sit on the grassy areas and watch the swans glide by! Lovely spot! read more

I found this place after meeting friends in Angel, who decided not to get a bite to eat in that area, so we went for a walk on the regents canal. I told them I saw a review of this really cool cafe place on the canal on yelp. They didn't believe at first! as it was quite a long walk from Angel. It is actually better to walk from the Dalston to Angel route, than the other way round! We finally found it just off Dalston, its a very small cafe with a few communal tables and chairs dotted on the canal. Sandwhich dishes are about £6. I got the ham and my friend brought the salmon terrine, which was very tasty with cucumber salad. I think they only have a number of set dishes because after we left about 4pm, the salmon sold out. I also brought the homemade ginger beer which was rather fiery, just how i like my ginger beer! I agree with Ben M. who said it reminded him of those teepee tent/cafes at Glastonbury. I cannot fault the place so I have decided to give 5 stars. A ideal place to have a drink, brunch or cake on a sunny day. Is dog friendly as well. Keep it a secret though! read more

I completely agree with all of the other Yelpers here.... Excellent food, basic but well prepared using seasonal ingredients. The location is fantastic, overlooking the canal with walkers and cyclists passing by. I had a kedgeree when I visited - it was nearly perfect. Nice coffee. During my visit, the best aspect was the friendliness of the staff. The owner really makes the effort to speak to the clients and to build relationships. The only downside is that its popularity makes it difficult to get a place on one of the tables... An essential stop on your way to or from Broadway or as you walk along the canal. Fantastic addition to the area. read more

Canalside cafe just off the kingsland road, a wonderful location with water ducks and music. Run by a lady who originally hails from LA it has a distinctly east london feel and serves sone amazing fresh food. We had whole artichokes, rice stuffed peerless and mussels all while being entertained by a wonderful folk band who sat in a floating platform. Only one complaint make better bloody marys! It tasted like red water! read more

Big fan of this spot. I went here for brunch on a sunny Saturday, and couldn't have been happier. Towpath is along Regent's canal and all the tables are outside, so Towpath is prime real estate for soaking up some London sun. Towpath's menu changes daily and is written on a chalkboard. My friend and I both had a dish with courgette, cannelloni beans, and saffron and it was delicious. The dish wasn't exactly what I imagined - it was hot and somewhat soup-y, but definitely tasty. We also shared a scrumptious oat, chocolate chip, and walnut cookie. Decent selection of wines and beers to supplement the food. Lastly, the folks who work at Towpath are super friendly. Definitely check this place out if you have a chance. Would recommend going on a warm Saturday for breakfast and then heading to Broadway Market for lunch - another foodie haven! read more

The missing Italian pit stop just by the Regents canal (off Kingsland road) presented to you by the lovely food power couple Lori De Mori and Jason Lowe. Rest your sore feet and refresh your taste buds! Sample the delicious coffee, cake/breakfast/lunch or the freshly squeezed fruit juices, all served in retro-Tuscan style. The place to make you dismount from your bike and enjoy the surroundings. Simple pleasure that works oh so well. read more

Lovely place just by the canal, not far from Kingsland Road. It's a perfect spot to stop and sit down and watch life slowly float past, or roll by on a bike as it might be. I can't speak for the coffee or the food here, though they both looked good. My review is based on the cold coffee. Being a gloriously sunny and hot day I wanted something to cool me down. If the review was purely based on that coffee I'd give it three stars. It was pre-made stuff poured out of a jar and not particularly good. I am giving Towpath the benefit of the doubt thought and also giving it an extra star for the friendly staff and the excellent location. read more

Dang, wish I had taken photos. I was so sure that there would be so many reviews of this place. This place is on the towpath not too far from Kingsland road. It is a counter service with outdoor tables (note there is only only one big table for indoor seating). They have a lovely grilled cheese, tortilla, cakes, coffee, wine, etc. A great place to sit and soak up the sun, people watch and chill along the canal. read more

Cute little canal side cafe. Great for the summer if you can grab a seat outside, but also nice inside watching the rain through the big open glass windows. Food is simple and not too expensive. Breakfast is my fave with eggs on toast, granola etc. They have a good selection of cakes as well for a tea or coffee break mid afternoon. read more

The Towpath cafe is one of those little places that allows you to pretend you are somewhere very far away. even that your life might be something quite different. Sitting on the canal in the sunshine eating their buttered toast with homemade jam in the morning the only comparison I could think of was the teepee tent at Glastonbury at five in the morning, it was so quiet and relaxed and separate to the rest of the world we know... read more

What a cute place! Stumbled upon this while exploring Regent's Canal one day. This is a very small cafe on the canal. Fantastic while the weather remains good; once winter rains set in in ernest I am not sure it will remain quite as charming. One downside, as mentioned elsewhere, is that there is are no toilet facilities. The cakes and coffee were excellent; I suspect any of the more substantial lunch items would be equally good. read more

Granted, I'm reviewing this place without even having a bite to eat or drink to taste. However, they didn't even give me a chance as I waited in the queue for almost 15 minutes with not even a hint that I was going to be served anytime soon. The lady working was busily writing on the chalkboard about what was next on the menu and didn't seem to notice or care that there was a line forming behind her. I live nearby and was looking forward to trying this place out but I'm afraid I am going to give it a miss because, after all, first impressions are everything, right? read more

What a lovely little spot this is! As you walk unsuspectingly along Regent's canal, suddenly there it is: an unexpected and more than pleasant little surprise. Take a break, have a drink and a piece of cake and relax while watching the water and the people flow past you. read more

Very good and fresh surdough bread based open sandwiches. But they seem overwhelmed by their success !

You can't beat this place on a sunny day. Fantastic people watching, really friendly staff (esp the chefs), awesome coffee and incredible wild garlic eggs with sourdough toast. The other food looked equally incredible (menu is a bit tricky to read and understand, but just ask the ladies at the till!) and the cakes were amazing, and the prices are really great for the quality of the food. Will be returning many times. read more

Superb, superb food here at the Towpath. Just had what I reckon is the best meal of the year for me, for lunch! Awesome combination of cumin lamb, spiced cauliflower and delicious chickpeas. Actually incredible. No joke, the only thing to touch this I've had this year was at Bistro Bruno Loubet. I was swearing so enthusiastiacally my mate tried it and he agreed and then there were two gasping lunatics raving about this meal. To be honest I couldn't believe it, finding food this good at this price is so hard in London. We both agreed we'd feel we had still got a specatular meal if we paid twice what we did. Honestly, sensational. Lady chef there deserves all the big ups! read more

The food at this place is to to be tasted to be believed. I just had an incredible cumin lamb, spiced cauliflower and crispy chickpeas that is actually probably the best meal I've had all year, and it was for lunch! The combination was, honestly, sensational. My mate tried it too and we both sat there swearing with enthusiasm about how good it was. I actually couldn't believe it. The only thing I tried this year to rival it was at Bistro Bruno Loubet. Really an amazing find. The chef lady at the Towpath is a serious talent, can't big her up enough. Understand this is gushing enthusiasm but the food totally warrants it. Totally. read more

Great canal side cafe, just what London needs more of!

Location, location, location. The main selling point here is the location. Poor choice of drinks and foods. On a sunny day though nothing beats this location right on the canal. Sitting there watching the people go by is quite a lot of fun. It does get very busy though. read more