Where to get breakfast in South Bank

Start the day as you mean to go on with a delicious big breakfast!

Whether you favour light and healthy options or are in search of a giant fry-up to set yourself to rights after a big night out, South Bank has plenty of choices.

And even better yet – many of these breakfasts are served up super early, leaving you with plenty of time to relax while you enjoy your morning feast.

Comptoir Libanais

At the colourful Comptoir Libanais restaurant at Southbank Centre the menu boasts a delicious choice of flavoursome Lebanese favourites like shakshouka, ful moudamas, za’atar-roasted mushrooms, poached eggs on cumin-whipped labné, and homemade hummus and freshly baked manoush flatbreads slathered in zaatar and olive oil. For that extra morning pick-me-up, add in a signature tahina and date molasses latte or a pot of fresh mint tea.

Must-try dishes: the Lebanese full breakfast – which is also available in veggie and vegan versions.

How early does it open? Daily from 9am.

The Black Penny

Famous for its outstanding breakfasts (served all day long), this bustling café between the Waterloo tube station and the London Eye is a treat. Signature items include the excellent potato hashes, and the generously portioned scrambled eggs. There’s plenty of space inside, including a small mezzanine area that’s ideal for breakfast meetings, plus tables on the pavement outside.

Must-try dishes: salt beef hash with spinach, green tomato chutney and poached egg, brioche French toast with whipped lemon ricotta and blueberry compote, bubble n squeak with fried egg

How early does it open? Mon-Fri, from 8am, Sat and Sun from 9am.

The Victory

Standing high above the hustle and bustle of Waterloo Station this contemporary pub opens from 8am for breakfast. Ideally located for catching up on breakfast after an early arrival in the city, or to fill up before embarking on a journey, the breakfast menu has lots of filling options, including, of course, a big classic fry up with all the favourites.

Must-try dishes: bacon sandwich, Cumberland sausage sandwich, Victory breakfast (sausage, bacon, eggs, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, hash browns, chips and sourdough toast)

How early does it open? Daily from 8am (breakfast served until 11:45am).

Grind

Known for their speciality coffee, the Grind is the ideal place to start your day if mornings for you are all about getting the best caffeine hit. Grind now has two handy locations at Waterloo Station – on the Balcony overlooking the station concourse 0and in the adjoining Sidings complex next to Leake Street, as well as a small counter service at the National Theatre. In addition to big breakfast plates, there’s also a choice of fresh pastries by the coffee counter.

Must-try dishes: smashed avocado on sourdough, sweet potato harissa cakes with yoghurt and poached egg, pancakes with candied banana, roast pecans, Nutella and whipped cream

How early does it open? Mon–Fri from 7:30am, Sat and Sun from 9am (breakfast served until midday)

La Gamba

Breakfast is served riverside at South Bank's family-run Spanish restaurant La Gamba on Saturday and Sunday mornings, making for an ideal place to enjoy the start to the day in South Bank before the neighbourhood fills up later in the day. Available from 9am-12pm you can enjoy a classic breakfast boccadillo - a build-your-own breakfast baguette made with freshly baked bread each morning, or you can never go wrong with a classic smashed avocado on toasted sourdough.

Must-try dishes: a breakfast boccadillo with chistorra (a fast-cured Spanish sausage from the Basque region) and a fried egg.

How early does it open? Breakfast is served from 9am on Saturday and Sunday

Giraffe

The popular casual dining chain is known for bringing global classics to the masses in a family-friendly and lively atmosphere, and Giraffe's South Bank branch at the Southbank Centre is amongst their biggest. There's plenty of space to sit inside and out while people-watching along the busy riverside promenade. A consistent family favourite, they even have a separate breakfast menu for the kids where they can choose from their own child-sized cooked breakfasts and pancake stacks.

Must-try dishes: The huevos rancheros is a filling way to start the day, or if you have a sweet tooth try the strawberry and cream pancakes.

How early does it open? Breakfast is served from 9am

Gail’s

London’s favourite posh bakery chain has two branches in South Bank, one just behind the London Eye, and a second on Stamford Street near Blackfriars Station. Every day of the week Gail’s opens bright and early to serve the freshest baked goods. For a quick but satisfying breakfast before the city has barely opened its eyes, you can’t go wrong.

Must-try dishes: croissant, pain au chocolat, cinnamon bun, chocolate muffin

How early does it open? Mon–Fri from 6:30am, Sat and Sun from 7am.

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