Our Story — Route, Mediterranean Cafe and Deli in London Since 2013

Cafe Route terrace on Dalston Square with warm evening lighting
Est 2013

Our Story

Mediterranean food, specialty coffee and genuine hospitality across four London locations.

Mediterranean sharing plates at Cafe Route with fresh seasonal ingredients

Where It Started

Good food, served properly

Route opened its doors in Dalston in 2013 with a clear idea: bring the warmth and flavour of Mediterranean cooking to East London, without the formality. The menu draws on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions, built around seasonal produce, quality sourcing and dishes made fresh every day.

What started as a single cafe on Dalston Square has since grown to four locations across London. The approach has stayed the same: honest food, proper coffee, and a genuine welcome for every guest who walks through the door.

Cafe Route salad and deli counter with colourful Mediterranean dishes

Cafe / Deli / Bistro

The original Route experience

Cafe Route is a cafe, deli and bistro in the heart of East London. The food is well-travelled and exciting, drawing inspiration from the Middle East and Mediterranean whilst keeping a local, modern spirit.

At the heart of every Cafe Route is the salad and deli counter: inspired salads, fine charcuteries, and seasonal plates made fresh daily. The team bring a passion for food shaped by their rich, diverse backgrounds and a genuine sense of generosity and hospitality.

En Route grab and go counter with freshly prepared Mediterranean dishes

Grab and Go

Route, built for life on the move

En Route brings the same bold, flavour-led food into a format designed for pace and convenience. Freshly prepared dishes inspired by the Middle East and Mediterranean, with a modern London twist.

The standout salad and deli offering features colourful, nourishing bowls, flavour-packed proteins and seasonal ingredients. Quick, satisfying, and full of flavour for wherever your day takes you. Serving breakfast, coffee and lunch.

What We Serve

Mediterranean soul, London spirit

Every dish starts with quality ingredients and a respect for the cooking traditions that inspire us. Seasonal produce, house-baked goods, bold spices and careful preparation, from the first coffee of the morning to the last plate of the afternoon.

Selection of Mediterranean salads and deli items at Route

Salads and Deli

The heart of Route. Colourful, nourishing bowls made fresh every morning with seasonal ingredients, quality proteins and house-made dressings.

Freshly prepared breakfast and lunch dishes at Route

Breakfast and Lunch

Seasonal menus made fresh daily. From hearty morning plates and house-baked pastries to satisfying Mediterranean-inspired lunches.

Specialty coffee and drinks served at Route cafes

Coffee and Drinks

Specialty coffee roasted with care, served by a team that takes it seriously. Plus fresh juices, house lemonades and a curated drinks selection.

Come find us

Follow along on Instagram for daily specials, behind-the-counter moments and the occasional recipe. Or get in touch to say hello, book a table or ask about catering.