The 30 Best Unique cafe in Croydon

“I had the 'Full English' with fries, a blueberry smoothie and a filter coffee. The food was incredible! the restaurant was clean throughout and the staff were polite and attentive 10/10 would definitely go back when in the area!”

“My new favourite spot. Service 10/10. Food 10/10. Huge portions, fully customisable. If you’re looking for some good food then get down to Elly’s!! Such a homely atmosphere.”

“What a place. Small, friendly, cozy, with lovely food served by lovely people; incredible value for money too!”

“The place is welcoming,tidy and clean,also the staff are motivated.”

“Never had a bad meal. Recommended”

“I lived in the round the corner for twenty years and only just tried this place. It was a great breakfast with the best toast in the area, wish I'd started going sooner.”

“I recently stumbled upon this hidden gem of a café tucked away on a quiet side street, and it instantly became my new favorite spot in the city! From the moment I walked in, the cozy ambiance enveloped me—soft lighting, plush seating, and the irresistible aroma of freshly ground coffee beans wafting through the air. The baristas are true artists; my latte came with intricate foam art that was almost too beautiful to drink (but I did, and it was perfection—rich, velvety, and perfectly balanced). The menu is a delightful mix of classics and innovative twists: I opted for the avocado toast with poached eggs and a side of their house-made granola parfait, and every bite was fresh, flavorful, and made with high-quality ingredients. What really sets this place apart is the attention to detail—the friendly staff remembered my name on my second visit, and they even have a rotating selection of local pastries that are baked daily. Whether you're grabbing a quick espresso or lingering over brunch with friends, this café nails it every time. Affordable prices, impeccable service, and a vibe that's equal parts relaxing and invigorating. 5 stars without hesitation—do yourself a favor and go! ☕✨2.1sFast”

“Came from Australia to see family and an awesome pub with great beer and drinks to have a great experience. Staff were amazing and know how to make a good espresso martini. Definitely be back.”

“No longer Aqua. Noto Italian restaurant and café. My mixed grill was very good and I was full. Wife had seabass and said it was tasty. They are going to have jazz and r n b lunchtimes in the near future so give it a try and a follow.”

“Cute place, I didn't try the hot menu but thoroughly enjoyed the Pistachio Cheesecake and Coco Loco smoothie, indoor and outdoor seating and toilets provided. I already love the gardens and the cafe is just the cherry on top.”

“I had an amazing afternoon at The Store. The service was outstanding. The manager was welcoming and kind. I came to do some work during their Friday hotdesk session. She let me know where the sockets were for my laptop, welcomed me to make myself comfortable, and kept checking if I was okay. I ended up eating from the hotdesk menu, where you can get unlimited coffee. I had two meals, both were really nice and well presented. I called my brother to join me because it was so nice and he came and we had cocktails to end a successful work session. They were delicious also. It was fairly quiet in there. When I first arrived there was a lovely mum and baby club at the back in a separate space, so there was plenty of space to sit and feel comfortable. I usually use headphones when I’m out but the vibe was good and the music was comforting so I didn’t use my headphones. The restaurant was clean with a good atmosphere and stunning decor. I felt really focused. The lights that hang over the tables could do with a wipe though, as there was some dirt that looked like it might fall into the table. One of those things that once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Overall it was a brilliant spot and I will be visiting much more regularly now. Highly recommended.”

“Myself and my daughter went for dinner expecting a nice pub roast, but the menu was Thai only, well we chose from the menu we ate and my God the food was absolutely out of this world great choice too, enjoyed it thoroughly.”

“Good service. Nice place to sit and chill for a bit. Coffee tasted great too. Perfect”

“Nice place, good service I suggest this place”

“This is the best café/greasy spoon in the whole of south London. I say south London because I can’t comment on what cafés in other areas of London alike.. The owner is an amazing gentleman he is kind hospitable warm and welcoming. It is a comfortable service from start to end. He’s very attentive fantastic for families. Fantastic for builders fantastic for mums who just wanna have a cup of tea and a catch up. Or even if you’re going in for a hangover breakfast! This place is for everybody there are vegetarian halal and of course the traditional pork options. I myself eat halal food whilst my husband does not eat halal food and we both were able to have an exceptional meal. Cafés like this are the last of a dying breed this place is real community!”

“Friendly, family-owned restaurant. Sandwiches, fry ups, burgers. Generous portions and low prices. I've been coming here for years.”

“Went here for a birthday dinner and wasn't expecting a good time due to the current circumstances, but we was pleasantly surprised. We were seen promptly, and was greeted by staff who were positive and making us laugh constantly. The food came quite speedily, and was cooked to great standards, especially the ribs and the burger. The service and delivery was spot on. Will definitely recommend. Special shout-out to Shannen who was an amazing waiter.”

“The overall dining experience was truly delightful, and the food comes in very generous portions. I ordered the Lamb Cutlets, which is my preferred dish at every restaurant I visit, and the serving here was easily the best size I have ever encountered. The dish consisted of four substantial pieces, and the portion was definitely satisfying. I left the restaurant feeling completely full and content. I would highly recommend this establishment and plan to visit again soon. The staff was also friendly and exceptionally helpful, adding to the overall positive atmosphere.”

“Excellent little place. Great coffee, good value, really friendly service and a very good selection (incl. GF, DF, vegan etc) of delicious cakes, biscuits, juices, sandwiches etc. So glad such a lovely place is just around the corner. Will definitely be back.”

“Fantastic place highly recommend Tim Ria most loveliest people ever met.”

“Cosy, welcoming micro pub with large selection of beers & spirits. Friendly landlady. Would definitely visit again.”

“Before my football match i popped down to this café , it is a real gem. Not only is the food halal and very well prepared, but the customer service truly stands out. The staff are polite, welcoming, and made the whole experience enjoyable. A great place to relax and enjoy — will definitely be coming back.”

“Lovely place! Plenty of seating, the decor is very nice and cosey. The lady who owns it is just so lovely and welcoming and to top it off the food is delicious and reasonable priced and the special teas are so tasty. (Wishing tree is a nice touch too) Will definitely be going back”

“one of the best peri peri chicken I've ever had!”

“Paratha we're tasty, tea was great. Outstanding service. The San Sebastian Cheese Cake is out of this world amazing. I recommend the Paratha Inn for authentic pakistani parathas.”

“It was great the coffee was nice and the cake seems to be freshly baked when I came in”

“The atmosphere at FILTR was great, the coffee (my oat milk latte) was very smooth and tasty, it is great sustainably sourced coffee. I tried their coconut matcha latte on another occasion and I think they do coffee the best (I felt their was not enough matcha itself in the drink, but this may be personal preference). Seating available inside and outside, which is great to sip your coffee when the sun is out! Incredibly friendly and welcoming staff, great customer service!”