A huge breakfast menu near the Tufnell Park tube station.

The Venue
Moonlight Cafe’s name might suggest something romantic, but the restaurant is a fairly generic greasy spoon, with a bright red facade and windows covered in the standard cheery stock photos of burgers and breakfasts. Inside, it’s more spacious and slightly more modern than the usual, with wooden tables and chairs, white and blue walls covered in mirrors and faded landscapes, and dim lighting. A flatscreen television mounted near the ceiling usually blares sports or music videos. But the scene isn’t completely kitsch-free - pictures of ice cream and more burgers adorn the counter.

The Atmosphere
The cafe opens and closes early, catering to early risers, lunch-seekers, and afternoon coffee-sippers. It’s quiet, often empty except for a few solitary diners, but the hangover crowd livens things up at weekends.

The Food
Moonlight’s main appeal lies in its all day breakfasts, which make up a staggering part of the menu. You can choose from 12 set options, from sausage, egg, chips and beans for just under £4, to a full English for just over £6, or create your own combinations. There are also omelettes, and items paired with toast—including eggs, mushrooms spaghetti. Breakfast portions are generous. Sausages are disappointing, with tough skin and bland insides, but the bacon is good, crispy at the edges, and very tender. Poached eggs are cooked perfectly, and fried slices are fluffy and addictive. The chips and hash browns don’t look homemade, but they’re crunchy, greasy and comforting.

The cafe’s lengthy menu also includes 17 sandwiches, 10 grilled meat dishes with sides, 10 different jacket potatoes, and nine burgers; there are also roast dinners, chicken dishes, meat pies, fish and chips, and pastas. The most expensive mains are around £7, but most cost far less. Desserts include ice cream, pancakes, and pie slices.

The Drink
The coffee that comes free with breakfasts isn’t great. But cappuccinos are better than expected. Lattes, espressos, hot chocolates and teas are also served. Lemon tea comes infused with a large portion of lemon slices. The orange juice is erratic, sometimes arriving in a tall glass tasting freshly squeezed, and sometimes served in a tiny juice box. Milkshakes are included in the otherwise standard list of cold beverages. At just under £2, they’re the menu’s most expensive drink.

The Last Word
Worth visiting for a hangover breakfast, but only if you’re in the area.

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