Whether you've got a matinee trip to the theatre planned, have just been shopping nearby or are about to kickstart a day drinking bar crawl, you're gonna want to fill up on the finest fare. But, which places tout the top deals and tastiest plates? From cool pubs with vegan Caribbean kitchens to affordable burgers and set menus on rooftops, here's our lowdown on the best restaurants for lunch in Soho.
From the lovely terrace to the stunning interiors that follow a tasteful, green colour palette, Dehesa is a beaut dining destination to stop off at in the middle of the day. Here, you can order a mix of tapas, such as charred octopus, burrata and patatas bravas.
Obicà Mozzarella Bar is, you guessed it, the Italian restaurant for a Soho lunch that specialises in the buffalo cheese it's named after. That's not all though, as there are cocktails to wash down small plates, pasta, pizza and secondi here.
Only taking bookings three weeks in advance due to such high demand, The Devonshire is a great place in Soho to get your fill of gastro grub and a proper British boozer in equal measure. The restauranteurs and publicans behind the likes of Guinea Grill and Flat Iron have joined forces here, bringing you a menu of British favourites made using UK ingredients and in-house butchery.
The Ganton Arms is ideal for a pub lunch in Soho, as it's boasting all the crowd-pleasing favourites. From small plates of pig cheek nuggets to wraps, fish 'n' chips and gut-bustin' pies, this place is delivering the goods when it comes to the best British food.
Bocconcino Soho is a decadent venue situated on Great Marlborough Street, decked out in classy marble interiors with modern chandeliers and huge shelves full of premium wines. Not only can you indulge in sumptuous Italian fare here, but you can also bag yourself a bargain at lunchtime as well. These guys are offering two courses for £26, or three for £29, with dishes including salmon tartare with avocado or cacio e pepe tagliatelle. Yum.
Sister to the popular restaurant 40 Dean Street, 64 Old Compton Street is an intimate Italian eatery that's ideal for both quick and leisurely lunches. Expect plush, comfortable furnishings and bright blue walls, as well as a small number of outdoor seats.
There's all sorts to choose from on the menu, including slow-cooked beef ragu gnocchi, homemade lasagne, goat's cheese pizza and much more - paired with fine wines or cocktails.
Decorated in a flurry of fairy lights and rustic furnishings to resemble the eccentric street food stands of Indian, Mowgli is well worth a visit if you find yourself near Charlotte Street – especially if it's during lunch on a weekday.
Their Lunch Street Feast set menu gives you the option to dine on three dishes for just £15, from gunpowder chicken and chat bombs to paratha wraps and the Himalayan cheese toast. Pair your meal with one of their on-theme cocktails, and you're onto a winner. The other London site in Stratford is also a sight for sore eyes and ideal for a romantic dinner res.
Wondering where to eat lunch in Soho? When you can't decide between Italian and Spanish food, Ember Yard is making sure you don't have to. The slick spot boasts a state-of-the-art charcoal grill for whipping up most of its tapas dishes, alongside a healthy dose of cocktails to accompany.
For a casual lunch in Soho, Arcade Food Hall has you covered. US-style smashed burgers, Middle Eastern shawarma, Thai and more make up the offerings from food traders here, while the drinks at the bar are specially made to reflect the flavours of the kitchens.
In the heart of Soho's super trendy Wardour Street, Kozzee is a go-to spot for special occasions, casual bites and long wine-fuelled lunches. Its rustic-chic interior, warm wooden accents and cosy seating catch your eye long before you walk through the door.
The menu has just as much to hold your attention. You can take your pick from brunch classics like Levant shakshuka, eggs benedict and stacked pankcakes, plus all kinds of wood-fired pizza.
One of our favourite lunch deals in Soho is the £32 set menu at Aqua Kyoto. Book a spot on their rooftop for an extra special touch, before delving into shrimp tempura, tuna tataki and miso salmon with yuzu kosho.
Meat fiends won't want to miss out on temper, a haven of barbecued or smoked morsels with cheeseburger tacos and 'lychilli' margeritas to boot. Better yet, this opulent restaurant also has beef fat tatties and hispi cabbage for sides.
Dishing out signature dragon rolls for sushi and sizzling black pepper fillet beef when you want to share with friends, Inamo Soho is a great place for lunch. To top it off, there's even bottomless afternoon tea available if you fancy something a little different.
Born in Naples and raised in London, Pizza Pilgrims Soho serves up sizzling pizzas, frosty brews, and so much more. Enjoy Neapolitan classics like Margherita and nduja, along with changing specials, tasty desserts and retro gaming fun at this central London hotspot.
A family-run restaurant that's a real hidden gem, 40 Dean Street offers a hearty Italian menu. This intimate spot is decked out in dark wooden furnishings and low lighting, and there's a charming outdoor terrace that's perfect for summer lunching.
Get stuck into plates of slow-roasted pork belly, wild mushroom gnocchi, lobster spaghetti and much more, washed down with one of their many great wines. What's more, you can even bring your dog along.
Need great British meat and rosemary fries? Honest Burgers has just that at its Brewer Street eatery. Choose from chilli beef, crispy chicken, a Southern-fried fritter and more across the extensive menu, with onion rings or beef and bacon gravy on the side.
Inspired by Italy, Amalfi Ristorante is a stunning restaurant found just outside Oxford Circus station. This pretty spot is decked out in greenery and twinkling lights, from the main dining area to the secret botanical gardens upstairs.
They've got an extensive menu of Mediterranean fare, ranging from wild mushroom and truffle sourdough pizza to lobster spaghetti and lasagne al forno - paired with refreshing spritz cocktails.
The best lunch in Soho? Sun & Thirteen Cantons' kitchen residents, Jam Delish, are up there with their vegan Caribbean dishes. Think jerk 'wings' and curried 'goat', all washed down with your favourite pint in the cool, Parisian-influenced space.
Located on Wardour Street, Busaba Soho is a great shout for cheap lunches in Central London. Their weekday deal promises any rice bowl or Pad Thai for just £13 before 4pm, or tuck into small plates like calamari, chicken satay, pork skewers and so much more.
Your companions for a business lunch in Soho are bound to be impressed by the gorgeous Karma Sanctum Hotel. The express menu here is pretty impressive too, fronting a variety of sharing platters at different price points, which include the likes of Japanese dumplings, chicken katsu and chilli squid.
On Sundays, these guys host a Roast & Ritual event, where you'll be able to enjoy a classic roast dinner with a Japanese twist, followed by a Japanese cream tea on the roof terrace. Think roast beef sirloin, pea and parsley risotto, matcha panna cotta and more, all for just £38.
Seek refuge from the hustle and bustle of Soho at laid-back boozer, The Adam and Eve. There's whipped feta and tomato tarts, lamb rump or bavette steak to munch, alongside six screens to catch any of the latest live sport screenings in the chic space.
When you need casual restaurants in Soho for lunch, Pizza Pilgrims Selfridges is where to head. While there's no specific deal, these huge slices are a steal at all times of day, with toppings from pepperoni and spicy honey to smokey aubergine Parmesan all coming in under £15.
Make your way to Beak Street to discover the Soho outpost of Sticks'n'Sushi, the stylish Danish-Japanese restaurant that's one of the most popular venues across Denmark. Expect sleek, minimalist interiors, featuring dark wooden furnishings, soft lighting ad floor-to-ceiling windows.
The menu features plenty of sushi platters, as well as meat and vegetable options for those less keen on fish. we're talkig avocado maki, salmon nigiri, chicken karaage and so much more.
A sophisticated spot for lunching on Upper James Street, Bob Bob Ricard is the perfect place to impress your friends. The stylish but whimsical space features comfy booth seating, 1920s decor and their signature 'press for Champagne' buttons.
The menu here is a unique combination of British and Russian cuisines, with dishes including truffle and Champagne pie, pan-fried lemon sole and Scottish salmon tartare.
Looking for American restaurants in Soho? Red Dog Saloon is a fabulous spot for lunch. Found on Berwick Street, it rustles up all kinds of mouthwatering US-style grub, using an award-winning smoker to create beautifully prepared dishes, from brisket and pulled pork to ribs and burgers.
Situated on Poland Street, La Familia is a welcoming restaurant bar that focuses on bold Latin American flavours. Their unique interiors combine rustic, reclaimed decor with modern touches like neon signs and quirky artwork.
Head to their upstairs taqueria for a scrumptious menu of beef birria tacos Oaxaca cheese quesadillas and crispy pork bites. Plus, there are delicious cocktails or tequila to wash it all down.
If you're looking for sauce-covered sustenance in Soho, look no further than Wingmans. There's all kinds on offer, from jumbo strips and succulent wings to sandwiches and sides - there's even halloumi and cauliflower bites for any herbivores in your midst.
Head here on Wednesday and it gets even better. You buy one dish of wings, you get another 50% off for the entire day.
The all-day menu of small plates and bigger meals at Balans is best for a healthy lunch in Soho. Whether you fancy chowing down on smoked trout tacos or warm feta and grape salad, these guys are delivering the internationally-inspired menu to satisfy those cravings.
Situated within the Hotel Café Royal, Cake & Bubbles is a charming restaurant bar run by Albert Adrià - named as the world's best pastry chef by The World's 50 Best Restaurants. It's a great choice for elegant lunches, with comfy leather seating and a warm colour scheme.
The savoury menu ranges from buttermilk fried chicken bites to club sandwiches and tuna tacos. plus, there are a huge selection of sweet treats, cocktails and Champagne to brighten up your meal.
At MOI, lunch is anything but an afterthought. The Soho favourite distils its Japanese-meets-British philosophy into a set menu that's precise and elegant. Expect miso soup and house pickles to set the tone, before pristine sashimi - black bream with blackberry ponzu or buttery chutoro - shows off the kitchen's light touch.
A chef's nigiri selection follows, alongside comforting bites like mackerel or akami tuna onigiri, while mains lean into MOI's love of live fire: steamed Devon brill with watercress and Tokyo turnip on the lighter end, or charcoal-fired sirloin with sansho sauce and pickled maitake if you're feeling flush. Desserts keep things clean and citrusy with sake-poached pear and yuzu sorbet. It's all wrapped up in under an hour if needed, making it one of the slickest set lunches in Soho.
Sometimes, only a bit of Italian will hit the spot. Bella Italia Argyll Street is the ideal place to nab all the carbs, such as wild boar tortellini, nduja and salami-covered pizza or garlic butter dough bites, at a reasonable price.
Though the name may suggest that this venue is only for the morning, The Breakfast Club on Old Compton Street dishes out some killer lunches too. Think egg and avocado sandwiches, big stacks of pancakes with cream or crispy fried chicken, with delicious cocktails or milkshakes to wash it all down.
If you're looking for a classy lunch destination, head to Café Royal Grill on Regent Street. This is a Grade II-listed landmark that was once a favourite of Oscar Wilde, featuring gold-gilded mirror walls, paintings on the ceiling and bold red furniture.
Their menu is made up of hearty British favourites, from grilled Dover sole to fillet steak and roasted beets with horseradish creme fraiche. Plus, there are plenty of wines and cocktails on offer too.
Whether you're a long-time veggie, card-carrying vegan or just fancy a meat-free meal, Mildreds has something to excite your tastebuds. Serving plant-based plates since 1988, it brings you traditional British dishes plus plenty with an international twist.
Think ale mushroom pot pie, kimchi bokkeumbap, salsa roja smothered burrito and Sri Lankan coconut curry. The drinks list is just as dreamy, packing in cold brew infusions, creative cocktails, craft beer and wines from around the world.
