Cappuccino
Proper espresso drinks — the neighbourhood’s morning ritual.
Café · Deli · Lower Road
Espresso with a smile.
Panini, pastry, proper coffee.
Neighbourhood espresso, pressed paninis and a properly stocked deli — Italian staples and South African favourites, with a warm welcome on Surrey Quays’ Lower Road.
Google rating
4.6/ 5
About 90–117 reviews · locals praise coffee, paninis and the owners’ welcome
- Cappuccino
- Paninis
- Fresh OJ
- Italian & SA deli
Café favourites
Menu highlights
A snapshot of what locals order most — no invented prices. Ask at the counter for today’s fillings and pastry tray.
Veggie & chicken panini
Pressed hot, with a bright side salad when you want a plate.
Baguettes
Hand-filled classics — from chicken escalope to mozzarella & avocado.
Madeleines & pastries
Italian breakfast pastries and sweet treats — often sell out early.
Fresh juices
Including freshly squeezed orange juice — a local favourite.
Deli counter
Italian staples & South African goods
Beyond the coffee machine, La Cigale is a compact food hall: pastas, sauces and Italian sweets on the shelves, plus South African favourites — biltong and other cured meats that keep regulars coming back.
Grab a panini or baguette, squeeze in at the window counter if a seat is free, or stock the cupboard. Seating is limited; the welcome is not.
- Pastas & sauces
- Italian sweets
- Biltong & SA goods
- Off-licence essentials
From public praise
What regulars notice
Coffee quality, paninis, fresh juice, the deli shelves and the people behind the counter — what visitors mention again and again.
Coffee & hospitality
“AMAZING coffee, yummy food and sincere hospitality — everything made with care. A true independent favourite.”
Pastries & deli
“Excellent Italian breakfast pastries, coffees and lunches. Stock up on pastas, sauces, South African beef jerky and sweets — real neighbourhood feel.”
Paninis & fresh OJ
“Wide range of sandwiches and paninis, great coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. The owners are always welcoming.”
Welcoming owners
“The couple who run this place are friendly and give excellent service. Specialised Italian deli with a nice sandwich selection — seats are limited.”
Visit
Find us on Lower Road
Address
172 Lower Road
Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
Phone
020 7237 0444Hours
Mon–Sat · about 06:00–18:00
Sunday · Closed
Hours can vary — please call ahead to confirm.
Near Surrey Quays Overground. A calm spot for coffee after Southwark Park — seating is limited, so takeaway is always welcome.
Fancy a cappuccino?
Pop in for espresso, a panini or deli bits — or call ahead if you need to check today’s hours.