Rotunda Cafe

Island Gardens, Saunders Ness Rd, London E14 3EA, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe
(86 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to Rotunda Cafe, a delightful spot nestled in the heart of Island Gardens, on Saunders Ness Road in London. This charming cafe has established itself as a local favorite, thanks to its inviting ambiance, excellent service, and scrumptious offerings. Here, you can truly indulge in a little piece of culinary heaven.

As you step inside, you're greeted by a bright, airy space bathed in natural light, thanks to the large windows that frame beautiful views across the Thames towards Greenwich. The decor is tastefully done, contributing to a relaxed and pleasant dining atmosphere that invites you to unwind, whether you're catching up with friends or enjoying a moment of solitude with a good book.

The menu at Rotunda Cafe is an enticing collection of flavors, presenting everything from delectable toasties to hearty plates and refreshing salads. The toasti varieties are a must-try, such as the Amalfi (£8.90) with its heavenly mix of ingredients that transport you to the Italian coast, or the Venezia (£9.50), which is known for its delightful layers of flavor. Vegetarians will revel in the Vegetariana (£8.60), a wholesome and delicious option that proves you don't need meat to create a satisfying meal.

For those looking for something more substantial, the Bigger Plates And Salads section offers the savory Lasagna (£12.50), bursting with homestyle richness, and the refreshing Burata Caprese (£9.50), a dish that embodies the freshness of Italian produce. There’s something for everyone, and every bite is crafted with care and quality, as many regulars have attested to in their glowing reviews.

The coffee selection is equally impressive, with options like the rich double espresso (£2.60) and smooth flat white (£3.50) being highly praised by visitors. One customer noted that the Allpress coffee served here is among the best in the Isle of Dogs—a sentiment echoed by many who return for their daily fix. And for those with a penchant for something a little different, the matcha latte (£4.50) adds a unique twist to the traditional coffee experience, with hints of spice to tantalize your palate.

What truly sets Rotunda Cafe apart, however, is its commitment to providing a welcoming and child-friendly environment. Many reviews highlight the friendliness of the staff, including Rita and Winston, whose thoughtful service enhances the overall experience. Families with young children will appreciate the baby-changing facilities, making it an ideal stop for parents looking to relax while their little ones nap nearby.

In summary, whether you're a local seeking a new favourite haunt or a traveler exploring the vibrant Isle of Dogs, Rotunda Cafe is a gem worth seeking out. With its captivating views, delightful menu, and attentive staff, it promises an experience that delights the senses and warms the heart. Don’t miss out on this little oasis on the Thames; it might just become your go-to spot, too!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Free water refills
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Trendy
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

08:30 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

86 Reviews
Ayoub

10 Sep 2025

A real gem in the heart of Island Gardens. As a regular customer, I can honestly say Rotunda Café is one of the best things to happen to the Isle of Dogs in a long time. The café is beautifully kept, the food and coffee are consistently great (the Allpress double espresso and flat whites are top-notch), and the staff are absolutely lovely - friendly, welcoming, hardworking, and clearly take pride in what they do. In an area that often feels overlooked and underfunded, Rotunda Café brings warmth, care, and quality. I personally think it’s more than just a café, it’s a sign that our community deserves good things too. I hope more people support this place because it genuinely deserves to thrive. Every visit lifts my day, thank you to the team for everything you do and keep up the great work!

takacs krisztian

31 Aug 2025

On my walk, I bumped into this lovely cafe at the north side of Thames feet tunnel. It is a little peace pod on Thames' side. Customer service is excellent by the stuff Rita and Winston. I had a cup of tea there was outstandingly delicious. Guess what it is dog friendly! You will find baby changing there too! Baby mammies can visit and relax a little whilst the little is asleep. It was a really relaxing 30-40 mins of my day! Thank you

Shah Hussain

07 Aug 2025

Lovely cafe in the park with Greenwich Pak on the other side of the river and the cutty sark. Beautiful cafe with large windows allowing lots of natural light through, pleasant atmosphere. Coffee and food is great. Came here with the family including 3 young kids - very child friendly. We tried the coffee, tea, sourdough toasty and the granola! All the food was great - highly recommend.

Dr Nathan Schramm

17 Jul 2025

Dark chocolate mocha was good and not too sweet. There’s indoor and outdoor seating. Cute little cafe visible when you come out of the tunnel from Greenwich

Noore F

16 Jun 2025

What a gem of a coffee shop! Incredible location, beautiful decor and a surprisingly wide variety of food and drinks for such a little shop. Wish I lived nearby so I’d visit all the time! The matcha had a lighter flavour but still quite nice, it tasted a little spiced too like a chai latte- although it’s different the flavours go nicely together. Had the vegan protein ball too, it’s surprisingly filling and not too sweet!

X

09 Jun 2025

Surprisingly good food and service at the prime location A lot of almond flakes!! Most loaded almond pastries I’ve ever seen <3 not offended by microwave and enjoyed it warm. My friends’ avo bun and toast and toastie and granola look beautiful too. Cortado is decently strong and on the fruity side.

jeff benjamin

08 Jun 2025

Enviable location in a garden setting with a notable view across the Thames towards Greenwich heritage waterfront. A bright interior that manages to suggest rather than dictate a vibe. In a word : pleasant and relaxed. The usual light bites, pasty/cake and beverage arrangement that complies with contemporary tastes. Staff friendly and efficient. Recommended.

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