Knightsbridge’s hottest spots for brunch

Chaiiwala

Indian street-food specialist Chaiiwala started out on the streets of New Delhi in 1927 and, while things may have changed quite a bit for the brand since then, its desire to deliver delicious, affordable food remains unchanged. For a brunch with a difference, try one of its butties, rolls or burgers, such as its chilli chip butty or the karachi bun kebab. For something a bit more familiar, order the wonderfully named English-ish breakfast, which comprises a masala omelette, masala beans, lamb bacon rashers, chicken sausages and two slices of toast.

241 Brompton Road, SW3 2EP; chaiiwala.co.uk

My&Sanné

If you like your brunch to have an international feel, then look no further than this buzzy Brompton Road spot, which brings flavours of Greece, Italy, Turkey, Australia and Asia to the table. Its brunch menu is a thing to behold, running the gamut of classics, such as ham croissant with poached egg, and blueberry pancakes, to dishes with a twist, most notably its tiramisu French toast, and stracciatella truffled omelette. For a taste of something further flung, the Australian avocado tartine or Turkish eggs hit the spot.

215 Brompton Road, SW3 2EJ; myandsanne.com

Harry’s Dolce Vita

Brunch venues don’t get much swankier than this smart Italian restaurant, which really understands what eating at the weekend is all about. Served from 11am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays, the brunch menu has been designed for hearty appetites (eggs Benedict comes with thick-cut chips, no less) with classic plates of waffles and bacon, and steak and egg fighting for attention with the likes of a grilled half chicken in a creamy ‘nduja sauce, veal Milanese, and aubergine parmigiana. For those feeling particularly decadent, there’s always the seafood platter of lobster tail, squid, prawns, clams and mussels.

27-31 Basil Street, SW3 1BB; harrysdolcevita.com

The Aubrey

Mandarin Oriental’s “eccentric Japanese izakaya experience” has just launched an indulgent new weekend brunch menu featuring Asian twists on classic fare. Matcha pancakes and French toast, “Tokyo” eggs royale with yuzu hollandaise and house-made tea-smoked salmon and warm mochi sit alongside The Aubrey’s fresh sushi and sashimi and other small dishes. Soak in the maximalist surroundings – inspired by the Japonisme influence on artist Aubrey Beardsley, whom the restaurant is named in honour of – and opt for bottomless champagne, sake and cocktails for £50 per person for 2 hours.

66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA; mandarinoriental.com 

Sette

Located within the super luxe Bulgari Hotel, Sette is about as swish as it gets when it comes to weekend brunch. Diners can choose between shared items and either three or four courses of elevated dishes that include beef tartare, lobster tagliolini, and short rib and bone marrow agnolotti, with the option of adding some free-flowing champagne to the mix. Die-hard brunchers will no doubt also make good use of the Bloody Mary Bar, which serves variations on the cocktail depending on your preferences. With live music also on offer, Sette is the place to go to celebrate the weekend in style.

4 Knightsbridge Green, SW1X 7QA; settelondon.co.uk

Co.

Coffee and food boutique Co. describes itself as an elevated concept, and this is reflected in its wide-reaching menu of simple yet carefully created dishes. Tucked away on Park Close, Co. specialises in single-origin coffee and elegantly healthy dishes such as its slow-cooked porridge with spiced prunes, saffron pear, and chai-infused coconut, acai bowls of seasonal fruit, and raw veg pad thai. For those feeling less virtuous, there’s always its milk bread sandwich of panko chicken, habanero and ginger buffalo sauce, or Lebanese ground beef with harissa, crème fraîche, fried egg and feta to fall back on.

5-6 Park Close, SW1X 7PQ; co-london.co.uk

Stefan Chomka is the editor of Restaurant magazine