📷 2
Photos
Shot by a City Insiders curator.
No. 23
★ 4.0(1 review)Café
intimatechilllocal
About the Vibe
No. 23 is the kind of tucked-away gem you'll stumble upon and immediately want to make your regular haunt. This tiny spot, with just six seats inside, packs a punch with its spearmint counter, pink neon 'Treat Yourself' sign, and repurposed NYC fire hydrant tables. Owner Lotfi, a former fashion executive who traded Paris and London's luxury brands for a life in Leytonstone, brings serious culinary credentials from his 18 years at Luc's Brasserie. The menu leans heavily into healthy, colourful fare with daily-baked pastries and creative options like the thick frittata (£9.95) served with al dente salads. You'll find roasted vegetables, carrot salad, beetroot with rocket, mini quiches, and brioche omelettes on the counter. The coffee comes from award-winning local roastery Alt, and the vibe is kept calm with chilled house music and houseplants dotting the shelves.
Known For
- •daily-baked pastries
- •frittata with salad
- •Alt coffee
- •pink neon decor
Best For
quiet breakfastsolo coffeelight lunch
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 11, 2026
Tiny but mighty Leytonstone café with serious credentials
No. 23 feels like a secret that's just waiting to be discovered, tucked away on Kirkdale Road with its intimate six-seat interior and charming spearmint counter. The space is tiny but perfectly formed, with that pink neon 'Treat Yourself' sign setting the tone for a relaxed visit. Owner Lotfi brings serious kitchen pedigree from his time at Luc's Brasserie, and it shows in the quality of the food. I grabbed a slice of frittata (£9.95) packed with spinach, sweet onion, courgette, and red pepper - the golden crust was thick and warm, letting the subtle flavors really shine. Paired it with a jumble salad of al dente broccoli, feta, sweet potato, and pomegranate that was seasoned perfectly.
The pastries are baked fresh daily in the small kitchen, and you'll find everything from plump croissants to more intricate patisserie from an artisan supplier. The coffee comes from Alt, that award-winning Hornchurch roastery, which is always a good sign. What really sets this place apart is the atmosphere - it's got this calm, friendly energy with chilled house music playing softly and houseplants everywhere. It's the kind of spot where you can actually have a conversation without shouting, which is rare in London these days.