Seemor

ScandiKitchen Cafe & Shop - VictoriaB+?Proceed Cautiously

Name: ScandiKitchen Cafe & Shop - Victoria
Address: 42 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0RE, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.7

42 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0RE · Cafe, Coffee shop, Coffee store · 4.7/5 Google (45 reviews)

Takeout

A bright Scandinavian cafe-deli near Victoria Station serving tasty open sandwiches, meatballs, and standout coffee/pastries at budget-friendly prices, with friendly service and no Wi‑Fi.

Why it gets a B+? for overall quality

Preliminary Grade: This restaurant has only 46 reviews, which is below our 50-review minimum for reliable grading. This grade should be considered preliminary until more reviews are available. ScandiKitchen Cafe & Shop delivers solid food quality with standout coffee and pastries that justify its loyal following, supported by genuinely friendly service and a bright, well-maintained space steps from Victoria Station. Consistent execution and exceptional value make it a reliable neighborhood favorite, though occasional service speed hiccups during peak times and limited destination appeal prevent a higher grade. Ideal for quick Scandinavian lunches and pastry breaks rather than leisurely dining.

Restaurant Summary

Steps from Victoria Station, this Scandinavian cafe feels bright and cozy, with a steady hum of commuters and locals. Staff come across as genuinely friendly, and the space is kept very clean. As one regular put it, "We keep coming back for the coffee and buns," a sentiment echoed in many notes about the calm refuge from the nearby rush. The culinary approach leans toward elevated traditional Scandinavian comfort: meatballs with mash and lingonberries, rye-based open sandwiches, and classic pastries. It is not a temple of innovation, though a miso-roasted cauliflower hints at a modern touch. Expect good ingredients and honest prep more than theatrics—ideal for quick lunches, pastry-and-coffee pauses, and deli browsing. Families should find it approachable: meatballs and mash, porridge, and banana bread are kid-friendly. Open sandwiches with salmon or herring might be adventurous for picky eaters, but you can steer toward simpler options. Seating across two levels helps with prams, though there is no Wi‑Fi and it can get busy at peak times.

At a Glance

Excellent value for central London (mains £4.50-£8)
Friendly staff and very clean space
Standout coffee and cinnamon buns with filter refills
No Wi‑Fi, occasionally slow drinks at peak times
Open sandwiches may feel non-traditional to purists

What Sets It Apart

scandinavian_grocery_retail_in_cafe
free_filter_coffee_refills
budget_pricing_in_central_location

What People Love

Warm, genuine service
Comforting meatballs and lingonberries
Cinnamon buns with proper coffee
Bright space with plenty of seating
Great prices for the neighborhood

Points of Concern

No customer Wi‑Fi, which limits remote work
Occasional slow barista times during rush periods
One-off staleness noted on bread; rare but worth watching
Sandwich dressings may differ from strict Danish tradition for some diners

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost£13-18 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Build a great-value lunch: Meatballs plate (£8) plus single salad (£3)
For vegetarian diners: Veggie meatballs or miso roasted cauliflower (£4) with a salad bowl (£7.80)
On-the-go breakfast: Porridge or yoghurt bowl (£4.93) and a coffee

Perfect For

A quick, affordable lunch near Victoria
Coffee and pastry break between trains
Casual meetups with Scandinavian snacks
Stocking up on Nordic groceries and sweets

Location Insights

Area: Busy transport hub with offices, hotels, and tourist traffic; daytime footfall and commuter convenience drive visits.

Safety: Well-trafficked and generally safe with strong daytime presence and transport police nearby.

Nearby: Steps from Victoria Station, near coach station routes, retail corridors, and theatre district spillover.

BelgraviaAn exclusive, upscale neighborhood characterized by elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture, high-end dining establishments, and proximity to royal and government institutions

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday07:30–18:00 Tuesday07:30–18:00 Wednesday07:30–18:00 Thursday07:30–18:00 Friday07:30–18:00 Saturday08:00–18:00 Sunday08:00–18:00

Available: Takeout

View full analysis on Seemor →