The Monocle Café

Origins and reputation

Monocle Café opened on Chiltern Street in Marylebone in April 2013 as an extension of Monocle magazine’s London home. The brand, founded in 2007, brings a calm, design-led approach to hospitality that echoes its editorial standards. Since opening, the café has become a steady neighbourhood stop for specialty coffee, light lunches and evening refreshments. The team keeps things simple and well made, with attention to provenance and service. Visitors value the setting on one of Marylebone’s distinctive streets, where independent shops and classic facades shape a quiet sense of place. Open from early morning, it welcomes commuters, shoppers and neighbours who want quality, clarity and consistency. It sits at number 18, a short stroll from the high street, with a frontage that signals confident simplicity.

Experience and service

Customers can expect smooth espresso, filter options and Japanese-inspired dishes such as katsu sandwiches, seasonal salads and cakes. Breakfast and brunch are popular, alongside takeaway coffee for nearby offices and residents. Service is warm and informed, with staff ready to suggest pairings and share product knowledge. Practical touches include clear menus, swift counter service and seating that suits short stops or quiet work. Trust is supported by local-authority food hygiene inspections, and by the reputation of the Monocle brand, which publishes a global magazine, runs a radio station and operates shops on the same street. The result is a compact London café that rewards repeat visits and leaves guests with a clear sense of place in Marylebone. Menu details change through the year, keeping familiar staples alongside fresh additions