The best museum and gallery cafés to visit in London

After absorbing the beauty of artwork, nothing beats a post-exhibition coffee and treat—a moment to unwind, savouring a hot cuppa while reflecting on the collections just witnessed. Today, art gallery cafes have evolved beyond simple coffee stops, offering an array of small plates and fulfilling lunch options, some even presenting restaurant-level experiences rivalling city favourites. In this guide, uncover the best gallery cafes in London for a delightful pre or post-exhibition stop.

The Magazine at Serpentine

The Magazine at Serpentine. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: Zaha Hadid's vision comes to life at The Magazine, a stunning amalgamation of modern design and historical architecture. It's not just a restaurant; it's an experience—perfect for a casual morning coffee, a leisurely brunch with friends, or a delightful family outing. The restaurant's innovative approach to sustainability shines through its menu, curated to celebrate seasonality and minimise waste. Collaborating with Cooking Sections Climavore project, they've reimagined dishes to adapt to changing climates, offering a selection from light cream teas to hearty meals like burgers, Shakshuka, and miso aubergine. After exploring the exhibitions in the North and South Galleries, this stylish spot makes for the perfect place to unwind .

Location: The Magazine, Serpentine North Gallery, West Carriage Drive, London, W2 2AR. Website: benugo.com. Instagram: @themagazine_sg

South London Louie at South London Gallery

South London Louie at South London Gallery. Photo by MTotoe

#FLODown: South London Louie, nestled in Peckham within the South London Gallery since January 2023, has swiftly become a beloved neighbourhood gem. Part of the renowned Louie Louie establishments, it's a spot that caters to every taste bud with its specialty coffee sourced from Redemption Roasters and a scrumptious selection of sandwiches, toasties, salads, and baked goods. Transforming into a lively hub in the evenings, it hosts events ranging from wine tastings to musical nights. Beyond its culinary offerings, it's a welcoming haven perfect for catch-ups or cozy date nights, with an inviting outdoor seating area for a tranquil escape. It’s the perfect place to visit following a visit to South London Gallery.

Location: South London Louie, 67 Peckham Rd, London SE5 8UH. Website: southlondonlouie.com Instagram: @south_london_louie

The Garden Museum Café

Garden Cafe at the Garden Museum. Photo by Andrew Burton.

#FLODown: The Garden Café, an urban sanctuary nestled at the foot of Lambeth Bridge within The Garden Museum, offers a serene dining experience. Bathed in natural light, its spacious dining room presents a constantly evolving menu focused on simple, seasonal dishes. Headed by Chef Myles Donaldson (formerly of St John Bread & Wine in Spitalfields and Noble Rot in Soho), the kitchen delivers a weekly changing selection of modern British and European cuisine, all set within a stunning glass-and-steel pavilion. Accompanying these delightful meals is a curated selection of low-intervention wine, beer, and cordials. Open seven days a week for lunch and with dinner service on select days, it's truly a peaceful location to dine after visiting the Garden Museum. They also serve a delicious selection of cakes and biscuits throughout the day!

Location: 5 Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1 7LB. Website: gardenmuseum.org.uk. Instagram: @gardenmuseumcafe.

Burgh House & Hampstead Museum Cafe

Burgh House & Hampstead Museum Cafe. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: The Buttery Café nestled within Burgh House in Hampstead offers a historic dining experience in its basement and Gertrude Jekyll Terrace. The charming dining area, surrounded by greenery, suits both outdoor relaxation and cosy indoor gatherings. From coffee and cakes to seasonal lunches and traditional Sunday roasts, it's the ideal spot for leisurely catchups and weekend unwinding.

Location: Burgh House, New End Square, London, NW3 1LT. Website: burghhouse.org.uk. Instagram: @burghhouse1704.

 The Gamble Room at The V&A

The Gamble Room at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

#FLODown: The V&A proudly boasts the world's oldest museum restaurant, established in 1856 and later replaced by the breathtaking Gamble, Poynter, and Morris Rooms adorned with grand prints and resplendent ceramic tiles. The Gamble Room is among the grandest locations, featuring intricately designed columns, shimmering chandeliers, and stained-glass windows. It rivals even the V&A's outstanding exhibitions. Whether grabbing a brie baguette from the museum deli or indulging in afternoon tea, it offers a truly beautiful setting for a pre or post-exhibition meal. In the summer months, their courtyard becomes one of the city's best spots for a morning coffee.

Location: V&A MuseumCromwell Road, SW7 2RL. vam.ac.uk

Pharmacy 2 at Newport Street Gallery

Pharmacy 2. Newport Street Gallery. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: Pharmacy 2 is a playful revival of Damien Hirst's famed 1998 Notting Hill restaurant. It re-emerged in 2016, showcasing vibrant decor and faux drug paraphernalia in collaboration with restaurateur Mark Hix at Hirst’s Vauxhall Newport Street Gallery. While it once offered seasonal British-European dishes, the establishment now exclusively serves teas, coffees, and pastries. It's always worth popping in to see when visiting the Newport Street Gallery.

Location: Newport Street Gallery, 1 Newport Street, London, SE11 6AJ. Website: newportstreetgallery.com. Instagram: @newportstreetgallery_london.

  The Wallace Café and Restaurant

The Wallace Collection Cafe.

#FLODown: Situated within the Wallace Collection, the courtyard café is a serene oasis adorned with pastel hues and greenery. Flooded with natural light and adorned with art, it's a tranquil haven for a charming museum dining experience. Indulge in French-style brasserie dishes, casual café bites, or a delightful afternoon tea. Don't miss their delicious carrot cake paired with a delightful coffee; it's the perfect pre- or post-exhibition treat.

Location: Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN. Website: wallacecollection.org. Instagram: @wallacemuseum.

The Café at The Camden Arts Centre

The Café at Camden Art Centre

#FLODown: The Café at Camden Art Centre is a glass-walled hidden gem overlooking an intimate garden just off Finchley Road. The space is home to Bar Bicicletta, embodying the essence of Venetian living and dining, offering a seasonal menu featuring organic breakfast items, light lunches, and Italian-inspired small plates. The café also serves coffees, teas, and pastries throughout the day, transitioning into offering an array of fresh wines, tap beers, and specially crafted cocktails in the afternoons.

Location: Camden Art Centre, Arkwright Rd, London NW3 6DG. Website: camdenartcentre.org. Instagram: @camdenartcentre.

Royal Academy Café 

RA Cafe. Photo by Agnese Sanvito.

#FLODown: The RA Café, situated on the ground floor of Burlington House, offers a tasteful setting with vibrant murals by 20th-century RAs. It's a haven for modern British cuisine, whether it's fresh salads, sandwiches, or indulging in afternoon tea. The café caters to both quick bites for those rushing between exhibitions!

Location: Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD. Website: royalacademy.org.uk. Instagram: @royalacademyarts.

Claridge's ArtSpace Café

Claridges Art Space Cafe. Designed by John Pawson.

#FLODown: Claridge's ArtSpace Café adds a vibrant touch to Claridge's Hotel, serving a daily menu focused on breakfast and lunch. The stylish café, designed by John Pawson, blends minimalism with a gallery-like ambiance. It offers an array of delights, including bagels, seasonal salads, croque monsieurs, and their signature crêpes and Claridge’s cakes. Not just a café, it also acts as an entrance to Claridge's ArtSpace—a large gallery featuring rotating exhibitions and a collection of art books and prints.

Location: Claridge's ArtSpace Café, Brook's Mews, London W1K 4HR. Website: claridges.co.uk.