On June 23rd, Duke of York welcomed Cafe Linea to the square. Full of life and already wooing diners, this new neighbourhood nook is serving up Parisian vibes in the centre of Chelsea. The cafe is situated in a prime spot, housed in a Grade‑II‑listed historic arcade, right beside the internationally renowned Saatchi Gallery. It’s warm and inviting and caters from dawn to dusk.
Bright and early, the scents of pâtisseries, viennoiserie and bread fill the air, freshly prepared in the onsite bakery. There’s a spread of enticing rotational minis, including Crème Brulee Choux, English Strawberry tarts and Banoffee & Stracciatella cake (all truly divine). Accompanied by an artisan coffee or a Mariage Frères tea, it’s the perfect way to start the day.
The pastry expertise laces its way through to brunch and dinner with Choux “Everything Bagels”, Lobster Eclairs, and a popular Roast Chicken in a Nest featured on both the Weekend Brunch and À La Carte menus. They’re all clever creations, blending sweet with savoury, whilst celebrating the versatility of pastry.
The À La Carte menu continues with a selection of both British and French delicacies. From the British waters, the buttery Roast Hake sits in a curried brown crab sauce and is accompanied by braised baby gem. It’s full of flavour and melts in the mouth with each bite. French bistro style, the Bavette Steak Frites w/ peppercorn sauce is a true crowd pleaser and offers a taste of a much-loved cuisine. The menu is built around seasonal ingredients and focuses on perfecting classic technique. Head Chef Simon Herrick explains, “We’re not trying to be clever for the sake of it. The aim is food you actually want to eat – food that’s satisfying, thoughtful, and anchored in great ingredients.”
On to dessert, there’s only one star of the show, and for those who have already visited, it comes as no surprise. The Basque Cheesecake with Brie is quite literally the best cheesecake that you will ever taste. It’s silky smooth and baked to perfection, complemented by fresh, slow-roasted strawberries. To pair, the Domaine l’Ancienne Cure, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon Monbazillac ‘Jour de Fruit’ enhances the course with sweet hints of white peach, honey and dried fruits.
At Cafe Linea, the wine collection is central to the experience, and they hold a carefully curated list of over 130 boutique-produced labels that masterfully balance tradition with innovation. Whichever your preference, there’ll be something for you – whether orange, white, red or rosé.
The setting is simply stunning, full of light and airy; it takes on a soft colour palette of cream and duck egg green. The vaulted ceiling and exposed brickwork highlights its historic charm, and the floor-to-ceiling drapes frame the tall arched windows. Tables spill out to the private terrace for al fresco dining and it’s a peaceful setting – enchanting when golden hour shines. Inside, when dusk falls, it’s dimly lit with candlesticks, creating a cosy, romantic ambience.
Bringing delicious food and effortless charm, Cafe Linea is set to be a neighbourhood favourite, if not already so.
90 Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY
