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 10 best brunch spots in Kingston
1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. Browns Kingston
Best for: Special occasions, impressing visitors, riverside views
When brunch calls for white tablecloths and a Thames view, Browns delivers. The Charter Quay terrace is hard to beat on a sunny morning, and the menu leans classic British with some flourishes. The Lobster Benedict is what regulars come for. It’s pricier than the casual spots, but that’s the point.
Order: Browns Lobster Benedict, steak and eggs, Full English
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
When to go for brunch in Kingston
Weekend brunch is busiest between 10am and 12pm, especially around Market Place and the riverside spots.
For a quieter experience:
- 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
Booking recommendations:
- Groups of 5+: Book ahead at Megan’s, Bill’s, or Browns
- Couples/solo: Most places don’t require bookings
- Riverside terrace: Book Browns or arrive early at Côte
Make a morning of it
A good Kingston morning could look like this:
- Start with brunch at Bill’s, Megan’s, or Local Hero (central) or Deer Cafe (if you’re near Richmond Park)
- Walk through Kingston Market (best on Thursday or Saturday morning)
- Head down to the Thames path past the riverside restaurants
- Continue to Canbury Gardens — 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.
FAQs
What is the best brunch in Kingston upon Thames?
For broad appeal, Megan’s and Bill’s are the safest choices — central, reliable, good for groups. If coffee quality matters, Local Hero is better. For views, Browns or Côte. For value, La Fiesta.
Where can I get riverside brunch in Kingston?
Browns Kingston has the best Thames-side terrace. Côte Kingston is also on Riverside Walk with outdoor seating. Bill’s is nearby but set slightly back from the water.
Which Kingston brunch spot has the best Full English?
Deer Cafe has earned a strong reputation for its Full English — generous portions, quality ingredients, and a Mediterranean twist that works. La Fiesta does a solid traditional version at lower prices.
Do I need to book brunch in Kingston?
Most places don’t require bookings for small groups, but weekends get busy between 10am and noon. For groups of 5+, booking ahead at Megan’s, Bill’s, or Browns is recommended. Smaller cafes (Local Hero, Fortunella) don’t take bookings.
Is there good coffee at Kingston brunch spots?
Local Hero is the standout for specialty coffee. Fortunella Café also takes coffee seriously. The larger restaurants (Bill’s, Megan’s, Browns) serve decent coffee but aren’t coffee-focused.
What’s the best brunch for a date in Kingston?
Browns for something upmarket with river views. Eleana’s Bistro for somewhere more intimate and neighbourhood-feeling. Fika if you both care about aesthetics.
Featured in this guide
10 curated venues
Bill's Kingston
2 Riverside Walk
Browns Kingston
3 Charter Quay
Cote Kingston
6 Riverside Walk
Deer Cafe
54 Coombe Road
Eleana's Bistro
Chandlers House
Fika
265 King's Road
Fortunella Cafe
8 Apple Market
La Fiesta
20 Castle Street
Local Hero
22 Thames Street
Megan's at the Griffin
The Griffin Centre
Find them on the map
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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.