Best for Lunch in London

A lively afterwork boozer also brings the goods come lunchtime. Head to Shoreditch's The Owl and Pussycat for hearty pub lunch options, with fish finger sarnies, burgers, and fish and chips all stodgy enough to soak up the inevitable lunchtime pint.

Fancy chomping on the colourful Mexican street food of Wahaca whilst swinging in their cool hanging chairs? Of course you do. The Wahaca in Soho is a top shout for lunch in London where you can tuck into a small but mighty feast of sharing plates, going as big or as casual as you like.

Whether you're taking a midday breather at their Shoreditch venue or entertaining at their original Soho site, Andina offers some of the finest Peruvian cuisine in the capital, perfect for jazzing up a dull desk sandwich, or stopping off during a day around town.

Get out of the office and head to The White Swan for a delicious pub lunch, made from seasonal British ingredients. The Chancery Lane boozer is perfect for an intimate bite to eat with goodies such as roast duck breast, day boat fishcakes and toad in the hole filling you up til tea time.

Pasta Remoli bringing a DIY feel to Italian dining in London as the charming spot lets you style your pasta exactly the way you want. Choose your dish, sauce and toppings and enjoy the stripped back interior and more than welcoming atmosphere.

Head down to fire and stone, whether you are in a large or regular group, and you can have some delicious pizzas. Just a stone's throw from Covent Garden's theatres, they have an impressive menu, including pizzas from cities all over the world: from Casablanca to Mumbai.

One of the prettiest spots in London, Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings in Islington is a completely unique space. The venue is divided into sections with a plant-filled Garden Room, The Greenhouse and a Cafe, all perfect for a plate of their seasonal British food.

Ultimate belly builders in Battersea, The Four Thieves is a brimming destination for any lunch-style dining that you fancy diving into. Whether you're getting bold over burgers, guzzling in their dedicated gin garden or going at their selection of in-house brewed drinks, The Four Thieves is a pub like no other in the city, and it's simply made for lunch. 

Stretching across 5 impressive floors, this vintage Georgian town house is an excellent choice for chilled out get togethers with your mates and a classy lunch with clients. Head to the gorgeous first floor restaurant and pick something from the a la carte menu, with drinks on the suntrap roof terrace to look forward to in the warmer months.

A gorgeous spot in Farringdon, Coin Laundry is flooded with natural light and sports 70s vibes with wooden seating, a tiled wall feature and yellow lampshades. The decade has also inspired the food menu, which is packed with dishes such as rabbit balti pie and chicken kiev.

Humble Grape has a variety of tasty dishes to enjoy for lunch in London, from small plates to cheese and charcuterie, to whole meals – all to be feasted on with their 30 different glasses and 400+ bottles of wine.

Head to Borough Market where this charming bar and restaurant boasts a slap up selection of plates to dine out on, from meaty burgers and succulent steaks, to a range of unique daily specials.

Le Bar was created by the same team behind the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant Club Gascon and offers diners Frapas (French tapas). With every drink complementing the flavours that are served by the kitchen, don't blame us if you don't make it back for that 2pm meeting.

Shaws Booksellers might not be the first place that springs to mind when it comes to lunch, but it's time to reassess. While you won't find many hardback books here, this charming St Paul's Pub still has plenty of eccentricities, from Star Wars figurines through to a sturdy British menu.

Looking for the perfect lunch in Marylebone? Make your way to XR for a set menu featuring cured salmon with trout roe, burrata with red pepper and chilli and roasted cheesy aubergine alongside cocktails, orange wine and plenty more.

Jamies Tudor Street is conveniently located right near Temple tube station, making it the perfect place to stop for some lunch. With hot main courses and a selection of delicious sandwiches, there's something to suit you whatever mood you're in. The extensive wine list is also perfect for complementing any meal, lunchtime or otherwise. 

Based in West India Quay, The Sipping Room is a welcoming bar and restaurant that serves both seasonal dishes and inventive cocktails. Open early in the morning and shutting up shop close to midnight each day, the venue caters for your every need. Head down at lunch and enjoy a delicious menu of seasonal classics and comfort food treats.

Spread across two floors, Kitty Hawk is a hot spot for lunch near Liverpool Street. Join the swanky bar and restaurant as they serve hearty steaks in their downstairs venue, and if you're looking for a spot of liquid lunch head upstairs to the swish and buzzing bar.

From dining on all-day dishes on the outdoor terrace to grabbing a quick bite to eat before heading to Liverpool Street Station, Devonshire Terrace is a pretty spot for lunch in the City. Make it your go-to for client meetings, taking a break from hectic work day, or just chilling on a day off.

Do it Deep South, and do it right. A must-try destination in the heart of Shoreditch, there's a naughty dash of New Orleans at Blues Kitchen that East London is finding hard to resist. Whether you're being bold with a bowl of brisket, gunning down a crab burger or ploughing through piled high-patties, lunch at Blues Kitchen is a lie down and undo your buttons kind of affair.

This former bowls club is still sporting plenty of interesting features in its new life as a pub, with blue patterned walls and a gorgeous ballroom space. If you're stopping in for lunch, make sure you try one of their burgers, with the signature topped with crispy pork belly.

A firm all-rounder when it comes to an affordable lunch in London, the Somers Town Coffee House boasts dining notoriety thanks to a roster of themed rooms delicious plates, a hidden garden and craft beer aplenty. 

Sure, it's in the heart of The City, but prepared to be surprised by the level of countryside cuteness going on at The Jugged Hare. Tuck into this taxidermy-filled, cosy spot for an afternoon of classic British dining - with their namesake signature always worth a try.

Postpone the trials and tribulations of city life and relax in this intimate spot instead; The Botanist is a sophisticated restaurant featuring funky tables, marbled pillars and cosy booth seating. Settle in for a lunch break featuring the finest British and European cuisine, with signature cocktail serves to be enjoyed in the Soda Room lounge downstairs.

Located in the heart of Chelsea, The Phene is a charming gastropub that has got a slick choice come lunchtime. From light lunches that let you combine proteins and salads through to open sandwiches, lunch here is a healthy and tasty affair.

With a cool, laid-back and easy going vibe, Heist Bank is the perfect place for a casual and quick lunch. Located near Paddington, the venue is a stylish mix of industrial design and quirky touches, along with having a pool table, delicious pizza and plenty of craft beer.

Looking to book out a special occasion restaurant for lunch in the West End area? Meet The Restaurant at Sanderson, where globally-inspired seasonal cuisine and artisanal cocktails are served up in a striking, contemporary setting. The menu is always changing and there's a heritage courtyard garden to retire to in the event of decent weather.

From the bright and airy space to the casual set up, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill is perfect for a mid-shopping treat. The restaurant is part of Gordon Ramsay's empire and serves some of the best steaks in the area, along with a nifty selection of sushi - and we've not even started on the classic cocktail menu...

Found just moments away from Primrose Hill, The Queen's is a characterful pub that's great for lunchtime if you're in the Camden area. The menu is comprised of fresh and seasonal mains made from scratch, or there's a choice of sandwiches and more healthy options if you'd prefer to keep it light.

Home to a slap-up selection of Mediterranean dishes, this unique Soho restaurant fronts a state-of-the-art charcoal grill, alongside a range of refreshing cocktails and some very slick interiors in which to enjoy them.

If steak is your thing, you're going to love this restaurant. From Chelsea to the City, Marco Pierre White and James Ogilvie Robertson are serving up some of the best cuts in the business, with swanky surroundings to match.

This quintessentially British restaurant is great for a midday pit stop as they serve a seasonal mix of easy plates. There's something for everyone, with lighter plates including a delicious salmon salad, or if you're feeling famished, try one of their steaks.

The Barge House is all about food, drinks, music and good times by Regent's Canal. Menus are packed with soul-satisfying options that change according to the seasons, with craft beers, carefully selected wines, spirits and amazing cocktails on the cards should you fancy dabbling in a couple of cheeky drinks.

If you've got steak, seafood and a strong vegan choice on your mind when in Shoreditch, then head over to The Jones Family Project come lunchtime. The smart basement restaurant has made its name with top quality cuts, but also caters to all dietary requirements, with a selection of different menus.

This sweet retreat in the thriving centre of Clerkenwell is the perfect hangout for those work lunches, intimate dinners, quaint catch ups and rowdy knees up. Available for private hire, this venue has all your needs covered, all under one roof.

Looking for a top pub this lunchtime in London? Hark on down to Battersea and enjoy your lunch with a gastro twist as this South London favourite promises guests a true British dose of dining in a comfortable, charming and welcoming environment. 

Have lunch at Drake and Morgan and you'll be treated to a delicious and fresh menu of meat, fish and vegetable dishes, washed down with a fabulous selection of cocktails and wines. In a rush? Their deli can give you a quick bite to eat on your way back to the office.

Located in Canary Wharf, Smollensky's is a fill your boots sort of place, with an emphasis on American-style dining. Grab a space on the terrace on a sunny day and work through the likes of steaks, burgers, and cajun-spiced chicken.

St Barts puts on a choice of homemade burgers, classic British mains and renowned flatbread spreads from its Smithfield base. The focus falls on the best British ingredients they can lay their hands on, with meat coming from the nearby market and a whole host of artisan wines and Meantime Brewery beers to wash it all down with.

Located inside a Grade-II listed Georgian townhouse, The Harcourt is a beautiful spot for lunchtime in Marylebone. Blessed with five rooms featuring stunning artworks and contemporary design, this is one opulent space to settle in to sample some modern European delights, with a nod to their Scandinavian heritage obvious throughout.

Located on the corner of the main fine dining restaurant, Ooty Station is the perfect lunch spot in Marylebone. Offering a bespoke menu from Head Chef Manmeet Singh Bali, and hand-crafted cocktails, it's a brilliant quick fix with fine dining quality. 

A chilled out space of contemporary elegance, this is a great place in the city to unwind and reflect on your day. The venue serves up tasty and immaculately presented British fare, with friendly service and an array of cocktails, wines and quality microbeers to match.

For an authentic taste of Thailand head to Rosa's Thai Cafe. The sleek little venue brings you plates such as Pad Thai and Mussaman curry as well as cocktails inspired by South East Asia; find them across London.

Tuck into authentic wood fired pizzas as well as the traditional gastro-grub spread of burgers, sandwiches and steaks at the Nags Head where hearty nosh comes as standard. This Angel resident satisfies those punters looking for a laid-back boozer with some country side appeal.

A stylish all-day bar, The Anthologist is a great bar in Bank for social after work drinks and dinner in chic surroundings. For a private lunch with friends or dinner parties, groups can book an area or table and enjoy some seriously tasty lunchtime grub.

Looking for a fresh and stylish place to drop in to for lunch time in the city? Balls Brothers Austin Friars offers all that and more, serving up seasonal dishes cooked from scratch just along from Liverpool Street. Menus change daily and food comes prepared in a theatrical open plan kitchen, and there's a superb array of cocktails, wines and beers if you were looking to make it a boozy one.

Available Monday to Friday until 3pm, lunch at Roka is a must if you're working in the Canary Wharf area. Leave the desk sandwich in the communal fridge and get your chops into some of the best Japanese small plates in town.

Hide Bar isn't only a well known place to try artisan cocktails, this hidden gem also has a kitchen that uses fresh local Borough market produce to create some crafted plates. Head to this cool haven for an intimate lunch of casual dishes, including the likes of their signature burger, avo on toast, and pan-fried cod with crushed potatoes. 

With large plates, small plates, antipasti and sharing boards, this Hackney restaurant is one of London's top lunch spots. Stop in for a quick bite from the deli, or settle in for a long one, this friendly local restaurant is a delightful hangout.

From sashimi salads through to 28-day aged rump steaks, Timmy Green is bringing the best of Aussie dining to London. The NOVA Victoria restaurant is a master of fast and casual dining, with a delicious menu served in a gorgeous and light setting.