Also known as cheesecake San Sebastian or burnt cheesecake, Basque cheesecake is a crustless dessert known for its caramelised exterior and custard-like consistency. Its recipe is based on the original from La Viña in San Sebastián, and it has become a real favourite in the UK over the years.
There are several different places across the city to get your fix, from classy restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide to charming bakeries selling cakes whole or by the slice. Read on to discover the very best Basque cheesecake London has to offer.
Best Basque Cheesecake In London: Where To Buy
1. La Maritxu London
- Location: Greenwich, Soho and Marble Arch
- Price: slices from £6
- Why we recommend: this is the most well-known place for Basque cheesecake for a reason, these viral desserts are mouthwatering across all their locations
The most famous spot for London Basque cheesecake has got to be La Maritxu, a family-run business with locations in Greenwich, Soho and near Marble Arch. Owner Lucia named the bakery after her sister Maria, and she's pursuing her dream of bringing Basque culture and cuisine to London.
They specialise in this creamy cheesecake, often going viral for it, with several different varieties available across their stores. From a classic Basque cheesecake to a tiramisu version, all of their cheesecakes are gluten-free. These can be purchased by the slice or whole, with mini versions of the products available too.
These viral cheesecakes are sold whole and by the slice.
2. Le Choux
- Location: 332 Ladbroke Grove, North Kensington, W10 5AD
- Price: whole cakes from £38
- Why we recommend: if you're looking for somewhere to get an entire cheesecake, this is it, and they even deliver to your home
A West London patisserie that makes all their products fresh daily, Le Choux is run by a small team of talented pastry chefs. Their philosophy is flavour above everything, and they use the highest quality ingredients, including ethically and locally sourced cream and organic milk.
Their commitment to sustainability also extends to minimal, recyclable packaging and a zero food waste policy. They sell Basque cheesecake whole, which contrary to the classic recipe features a buttery biscuit base. These can be bought from the store, or delivered to your house.
This sustainable patisserie serves a delicious whole cheesecake.
3. Brat
- Location: Shoreditch and Hackney
- Price: £10.50 per slice
- Why we recommend: this stylish restaurant is often praised for its Basque cooking, and the dessert never misses
A trendy restaurant with venues in both Hackney and Shoreditch, Brat is a titan in London's Basque culinary scene. The acclaimed destination features trendy interiors, from the simple wooden furniture to the sultry low lighting, often favoured as a date night spot.
Their burnt cheesecake is served by the slice, topped with fig. And if you're not just coming for dessert, try out small plates like roasted scallops, Moorland beef tartare and raw sea bass with tomato too.
Brat is all about quality Basque cooking.
4. Sakurado
- Location: across London
- Price: £7.50 per slice
- Why we recommend: there are multiple different sites to get your fix of Basque and Japanese goods, and their whole cakes are very affordable too
Though a Japanese patisserie may not be the most obvious place to look for Basque cheesecake, Sakurado serves an indulgent burnt dessert across their locations. You'll find these guys everywhere from Vauxhall to Soho and Kensington, with five London stores in total.
Their products are available to purchase both in-store and online, with home delivery options available. The Basque cheesecake is available by the slice, or whole in five and eight-inch sizes. Plus, these are both halal and gluten-free. If you're in the mood to sample a range of cheesecake, they've got tasty Japanese options too.
Sakurado is a Japanese bakery with a Basque twist.
5. Lurra
- Location: 9 Seymour Place, Marylebone, W1H 5BA
- Price: £11 per slice
- Why we recommend: you'll get a proper taste of Basque cuisine here, and you can even take home an entire cheesecake
Inspired by an unplanned trip to San Sebastian from the owners, Lurra is a Basque restaurant in Marylebone. This Michelin Guide-recommended destination prepares charcoal-grilled dishes using only the freshest produce, from 45-day dry-aged steaks to tantalising tapas dishes.
Their cheesecake is available by the slice for dessert, or you can order a whole one from their online shop, costing £85 for 10 to 12 slices worth. As for the interiors, expect comfy booth seating and a simple white colour scheme, alongside shelves filled with books and ornaments.
Explore Basque culture and cooking at Lurra.
6. Elliot's
- Location: Borough and Hackney
- Price: £9 per slice
- Why we recommend: for more of a sit-down dinner experience, these charming restaurant bars are a must-visit
Whether you're in Hackney or Borough, head to Elliot's for a restaurant, bar and natural wine store all in one. They specialise in wood-fired cooking, which extends to their cheesecake, available by the slice on their dessert menu.
If you fancy a full meal here, their main courses include corn-fed chicken, chalk stream trout and wood-fired sourdough pizzas. Their menus change with the seasons though, so be sure to check before visiting.
Enjoy an entirely wood-fired meal at Elliot's.
Want to discover even more sweet treats? Check out the best ice cream in London.
