Kingston has more brunch options than you’d think
Between the riverside restaurants, the historic market, and a growing number of independent cafes, Kingston punches above its weight for weekend breakfast. The Thames-side setting helps — few London boroughs can offer a proper Full English with boats drifting past your window.
This guide covers 10 spots we actually recommend, from buzzy group-friendly restaurants to quiet neighbourhood gems. No filler, no sponsored picks — just the places worth your Saturday morning.
Quick picks: find your perfect brunch
The 9 best brunch spots in Kingston
Megan’s at the Griffin
Best for: Groups, weekend catchups, lively atmosphere
The most popular brunch destination in central Kingston, and for good reason. The Mediterranean-influenced menu works well for sharing, the room buzzes without being overwhelming, and the Turkish eggs are a genuine highlight. Weekend mornings get busy between 10am and noon, but the vibe is part of the appeal. If you’re meeting friends and want somewhere reliably good, this is the safe choice.
Order: Turkish eggs, smashed avocado brunch, shakshuka
Bill’s Kingston
Best for: Families, first-time visitors, central convenience
The easiest recommendation in Kingston — central location on Riverside Walk, broad menu that covers everything from pancakes to Full English, and consistent execution. The buttermilk pancakes are the standout, and the brunch burger works if you’re after something more substantial. Not the most exciting choice, but rarely disappoints.
Order: Buttermilk pancakes, eggs royale, brunch burger
Deer Cafe
Best for: Full English lovers, post-Richmond Park walk
A neighbourhood cafe on Coombe Road that’s earned a reputation for doing the basics exceptionally well. The Full English is generous and properly cooked; the Mediterranean twist (think feta and olives alongside your bacon) works surprisingly well. Near Norbiton Station and handy for Richmond Park, so it draws a local crowd who know what they’re doing.
Order: Deer Full English, Mediterranean Feast, pancake breakfast
Local Hero
Best for: Coffee lovers, solo brunch, quiet mornings
The go-to for Kingston locals who prioritise good coffee alongside their brunch. It’s smaller and quieter than the chain restaurants, which makes it better suited for solo mornings or catching up with one other person. The coffee is specialty-grade and the food menu, while shorter, is well-executed.
Order: Avocado toast, brunch eggs, specialty coffee
Côte Kingston
Best for: French brunch, riverside people-watching, date morning
If you want croissants and a river view, Côte’s Riverside Walk location is your spot. The menu sticks to Parisian brasserie classics — the Croque Madame arrives golden and properly oozy, the French toast is substantial. The outdoor terrace fills up fast on sunny mornings, and the people-watching is excellent.
Order: Croque Madame, French toast, eggs Benedict
Fika
Best for: Instagram brunch, fruity pancakes, catching up
The prettiest brunch spot in Kingston. This Swedish-inspired cafe on King’s Road draws a crowd who care about aesthetics, and delivers on both looks and taste. The fruity pancakes are piled high and indulgent; the avocado toast is done with care. Expect queues on weekends.
Order: Fruity pancakes, avocado toast, Swedish breakfast
Eleana’s Bistro
Best for: Neighbourhood vibes, shakshuka, quiet brunch
Tucked away in Hampton Wick, this bistro feels like eating at a friend’s kitchen table. Small, warm, and everything made with obvious care. The shakshuka arrives bubbling in cast iron; the French toast is actually custardy. Vegan and vegetarian options are handled properly, not as afterthoughts.
Order: Shakshuka, poached eggs on sourdough, Eleana’s Full Breakfast
Fortunella Café
Best for: Quick coffee, market-day pit stop, solo breakfast
Nestled in the historic Apple Market, Fortunella pulls the best coffee in central Kingston. The space is compact — think counter perch rather than leisurely table — but for a quick eggs on toast and a proper flat white, it’s hard to beat. Market day Saturdays get hectic, but the queue moves fast.
Order: Eggs on toast, fresh quiche, handmade smoothie
La Fiesta
Best for: Budget brunch, big appetites, no-fuss breakfast
When you want fuel rather than theatre, La Fiesta delivers. This Castle Street cafe serves honest, customisable breakfasts at prices that feel almost nostalgic. Full English, Mediterranean Breakfast, or build your own — no supplements, no pretension, just eggs cooked how you want them.
Order: Full English, Mediterranean Breakfast, Vegetarian Breakfast
Also in the area
- Avocadium (Kingston) — Avocado-forward healthy-brunch café and specialty coffee on Surbiton Road, near the Kingston/Surbiton border and a short walk from Surbiton High School. Strong vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
When to go for brunch in Kingston
Weekend brunch is busiest between 10am and 12pm, especially around Market Place and the riverside spots.
- Try weekday brunch (most spots serve until 3pm or later)
- Arrive before 10am or after noon
- Choose the neighbourhood spots (Deer Cafe, Eleana’s, La Fiesta) over central Kingston
- Groups of 5+: Book ahead at Megan’s, Bill’s, or Côte
- Couples/solo: Most places don’t require bookings
- Riverside terrace: Book Côte ahead or arrive early for a table on the Riverside Walk
Make a morning of it
A good Kingston morning could look like this:
Bill’s, Megan’s, or Local Hero (central) or Deer Cafe (if you’re near Richmond Park)
Best on Thursday or Saturday morning
Past the riverside restaurants
15 minutes’ walk, peaceful, good for coffee from Local Hero to go
This combination works for visitors making a day of it and locals who want more than just breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kingston has around 10 strong brunch options ranging from riverside restaurants with Thames views to neighbourhood cafes and French bistros. The best choice depends on whether you want a buzzy group setting or a quieter local spot.
Yes, several Kingston brunch spots sit along or near the Thames, offering outdoor terrace seating with river views. These are especially popular in warmer months, so booking ahead at weekends is recommended.
For the more popular riverside restaurants and chain brunches, booking is strongly recommended at weekends. Smaller independent cafes tend to be walk-in only and are usually quieter before 10am.
Kingston is well-connected by train from London Waterloo (around 25 minutes) and by bus from surrounding areas. Kingston station is a short walk from most brunch spots in the town centre.
Deer Cafe has earned a strong reputation for its Full English — generous portions, quality ingredients, and a Mediterranean twist. La Fiesta does a solid traditional version at lower prices.
Local Hero is the standout for specialty coffee. Fortunella Café also takes coffee seriously. The larger restaurants like Bill's, Megan's, and Côte serve decent coffee but aren't coffee-focused.
Côte for something upmarket on the Riverside Walk terrace. Eleana's Bistro for somewhere more intimate and neighbourhood-feeling. Fika if you both care about aesthetics.
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About this guide
This guide is part of Kingston Compass, covering Kingston, Surbiton and New Malden. We focus on practical local recommendations and regularly checked information. All venues are researched and verified by our local team.
Featured in this guide
9 curated venues
Avocadium
77 Surbiton Road
Bill's Kingston
2 Riverside Walk
Cote Kingston
6 Riverside Walk
Deer Cafe
54 Coombe Road
Fika
265 King's Road
La Fiesta
20 Castle Street
Local Hero
22 Thames Street
Megan's at the Griffin
The Griffin Centre
The Griffin
58 Common Road
