Welcoming Clerkenwell cafe serving generous, freshly made sandwiches, wraps, breakfasts, and mint tea with standout hospitality at budget pricing.
Anfa Cafe delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality and outstanding service warmth, with genuine repeat loyalty and consistent execution over years. The pleasant neighborhood setting and excellent value reinforce its appeal as a local favorite, though it remains a destination for nearby workers and regulars rather than a cross-town draw. Lunchtime queues and modest ambiance prevent grade A territory, but this is precisely what makes it work—unpretentious, reliable, and genuinely welcoming.
Anfa Cafe feels like a neighborhood spot where the welcome is as nourishing as the portions. The room comes across as warm and bustling, with food assembled in view and easy conversation at the counter. One diner summed it up simply: "They remember your usual and make it just right." You get the sense of real hospitality without the fuss, and a place that is easy to settle into for coffee and a hearty lunch. The cooking leans classic cafe fare with Moroccan lift—think kofta, harissa, and mint tea alongside English breakfasts and jacket potatoes. The culinary approach is elevated traditional: familiar formats like wraps and salad boxes, brightened with house sauces and juicy ginger and lime chicken rather than showy techniques. It suits diners who value freshness, big portions, and made-to-order care. For families, this is quietly kid-friendly. There are plenty of comfort items kids tend to like—cheese and beans jackets, bacon sandwiches, eggs, hot chocolate—and staff are happy to adjust (no bread, extra eggs). While there is no formal kids menu, the straightforward dishes and flexible service make it easy to feed different appetites.
Area vibe: Historic Clerkenwell/Farringdon area with a mix of design firms, media, and residents; daytime office crowd and locals.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked during business hours with good lighting and steady footfall.
What's nearby: Near Farringdon and Smithfield; surrounded by cafes, pubs, and creative studios; frequent lunchtime takeaway traffic.
Ginger & Lime Chicken, Lamb Kofta and the Cheese & Beans jacket potato are standout choices at very wallet-friendly prices.
No reservations needed, expect lunchtime queues, limited parking, and generous portions.
A warm, busy neighbourhood spot with counter ordering, Moroccan touches, and a cozy, compact interior.