Best for Lunch in London

Whether you work near Spitalfields or are simply visiting, it's worth a trip to Taberna do Mercado as Nuno Mendes brings his renowned cooking to East London. The restaurant serves Portuguese sharing plates, from fish through to roasted pork. 

Heading to Shoreditch for lunch? Looking for affordable gastro grub in a warming pub enviroment? Well, shucks, here's just the tasty treasure for you. A Geronimo favourite brimming with affordable pub lunches and draught London beer, kick back at one of the best boozers in Shoreditch this lunchtime. 

Based in the heart of Britain's political scene, the Loose Box offers guests a refreshing lunch menu composed of delicious British dishes. With each ingredient having been sourced from a local farm, visitors to this characterful restaurant can rest assured that each meal has the smallest carbon footprint it possibly can. With a handful of sharing platters and a number of seasonal specials, this refreshing Westminster restaurant is sure to become a favourite amongst the area's busy working people. 

Patch St. Paul's has a great selection of salads and American Style BBQ menu. It also has a big choice of Spanish Tapas, platters, party bowls and a solid drinks selection which makes it a perfect spot in town for lunch. A cool city cocktail bar, Patch St. Paul's is great for a drinks with friends over one of their top burgers or Tapas dishes. 

Calcutta Street delivers delicious Indian street food to Brixton. Expect an interior made of hand-painted murals, film posters by important Bengali figures and neon signs, and a menu that delivers on street food made from British produce and Indian spices.

It might be one of West London's best restaurants but Dock Kitchen is more than reasonable when it comes to lunch. Head to the bright and airy seasonal spot for a £10 set lunch during the week.

One of the prettiest spots in London, Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings in Islington is a completely unique spot. 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.

Smollensky's is the first port of call for any East Londoners living in Canary Wharf or those looking for an affordable place to dine in London where you can tuck into a menu of Modern American cuisine. Lap up the contemporary atmosphere and seek out this fab place to have lunch in London promising a lively atmosphere and lovely nosh.

The White Swan is a lovely gastro pub on Fetter Lane. With a traditional bar area and upstairs dining room it is a large space catering to any group, any time of the day. The British pub fare is hearty and delicious and served in the perfect atmosphere for a break from work or a day off. Stop by before 1pm to get the express lunch deal of two courses for just £14.50.

Trade Union is the perfect place for lunch in London, offering alcohol free treats, alcoholic drinks and tonnes of pizza. They serve up delicious Vagabond Coffee, and a menu packed with Italian treats, including sourdough pizzas, all in an industrial chic setting.

The Pig’s Ear is a great Chelsea pub, offering up locally brewed craft beers and ales in a traditional pub setting. Not only that, but take a trip up to their elegant Dining Room come lunch time and you’ll be treated to a delicious meal of British and French cuisine.

Located in the heart of Mayfair and open from midday, this modern venue with a traditional edge isn't messing around when it comes to lunch. Come here from Monday to Saturday for British-inspired plates and an impressive selection of beers, wines and spirits.

Found just moments away from Primrose Hill, The Queen’s is a beautiful and 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 lighter, more healthy options if you’d prefer to keep it light. Gather around the fire if you’re visiting during the winter or head up to dine on the terrace if the sun’s out!

Machiya in Soho is a new Japanese restaurant that's been turning heads with its commitment to serving only the most authentic flavours and dishes. Alongside Japanese whiskies, cocktails and sake served behind the bar, the team of expert chefs offer traditional plates of tonkatsu, teriyaki and yaitori upstairs, all inspired by the dishes that are eaten in dining halls across Japan.

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.

Having succeeded with their Islington bar, Simon Bastable and Andrew Green have taken their Four Sisters name to the St Paul's area. With wood panelled floors, an elevated seating area and a smattering of beautiful knick knacks, the venue's cocktail menu steals the show; guests will be able to sample a selection of drinks, all made using various homemade bitters and syrups. 

The Refinery utilises fresh and seasonal ingredients to great effect from its rustic base in Fitzrovia. Variety is a huge strength too; there’s always something to tuck into whether you’re after a seasonal salad, 10oz t-bone steak, whole Scottish lobster or one of their signature flatbreads. The liquid menu features interesting cocktails and 40 wines available by the glass.

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.

This Shoreditch eatery deals only with the finest produce, which is carefully sourced and freshly prepared on the day. The delightful A La Carte menu offers a variety of delectable treats, and is particularly prominent with grilled meat and seafood options. There's also a strong range of fresh sandwiches, salads and soups to be snapped up right through until 5pm, so whether you're looking to indulge in something of a lunch time feast or hoping to snap up something a little lighter, there's something for you at The Jones Family Project. 

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.

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. Nibbles, followed by cocktails makes for good socialising. 

The Jugged Hare is an excellent British gastro pub in London. With an open kitchen where you can watch the team prepare and serve their delicious food from a state-of-the art eight-spit rotisserie and a charcoal grill, it is perfect for lunch or dinner. This gastro pub is a celebration of good food and wine and much more than just your local pub. The taxidermy-based décor of The Jugged Hare will warmly welcome you with a twist of eccentricity, much to our delight. 

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 of the best lunchtime grub you can get in London. 

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 a piled high-patties, lunch at Blues Kitchen is a lie down and undo your buttons kind of affair.

With floor to ceiling windows, bare bulbs and vintage wooden furniture, The Pearson Room is full of simple beauty. The venue is located in Canary Wharf and has an amazing wine list along with delicious modern European plates, perfect for lunch with a classy twist.

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

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. 

Something of a jack-of-all-trades, The Phene in Chelsea prides itself on catering for whatever mood you might be in. Whether you're gearing up for a huge night out at the traditional bar, enjoying a lazy weekend in a cosy armchair or enjoy a traditional 3-course gastro-pub dinner, the Phene won't disappoint. We'd recommend heading down on the weekends and sampling the great brunch and lunch on offer. 

At first sight this handily situated St Pauls cafe seems like a delightful yet fairly straight laced sort'a place. Look a little closer though, and you'll be rewarded with all sorts of weird and wonderful sights! Star Wars figures on the blackboards and fun Scrabble-esque reserved plaques really give this cute place some distinctive pizzazz. 

Featuring a petanque pitch, outdoor terrace and a maze of bars and private dining spaces, Hay’s Galleria is one of the most memorable venues in central London. It’s also a stellar choice for lunch, with chefs cooking up a menu that changes as often as the weather washed down with quality wines available at accessible prices. With Happy Hour offering 50% off between 5 and 8pm daily, it’s tempting to head back after work, too.

While walking around Soho, you might find yourself slipping into Roses Thai Café for a lunch packed with Asian delights. Offering authentic Asian cuisine, including everything from classic spices to vegetarian curries, and Asian inspired cocktails, this might be your favourite little Thai hideaway.

Feeling like you might need some food in Farringdon? When lunchtime strikes, let Yorkshire Grey be your guide as they present guests with a dashing selection of pub grub inspired bites alongside some of your favourites in draught beer.

Located in Fitzrovia, The Gentlemen Baristas Store Street is a great place to stop by for a shopping break. The stylish and laid-back venue serves all-day brunch plates as well as having a host of award-winning coffees, and putting on coffee lessons.

Homely and welcoming Ben's Canteen has venues in Earlsfield and Clapham and is a perfect spot for a hearty lunch. Along with wine and craft beer, the restaurants serve takes on classic dishes such as Duck Nuggets, DIY Guac and a cracking scotch egg.

This sophisticated restaurant bar on Liverpool Street is comfortable and smart. Open all day, the kitchen serves up a delicious lunch from their modern European menu. Whether it's impressing a client, taking a break from a hectic work day or just your day off, this is a relaxing spot to grab some food. The outdoor atrium and terrace make for the perfect alfresco dining spots when the weather is nice. 

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 enviroment. 

With an outside courtyard perfect for catching summer sunshine during after work drinks and a stunning interior that can be privately hired for birthdays and corporate get togethers, The Old Bank of England is a wonderful city pub. They serve up delicious homemade pies, perfect for a lunch away from the office in opulent surroundings. 

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.

Head to View 94 for a delicious lunch, whether it’s a fancy affair in their fine dining upstairs restaurant or a more relaxed bite of European food in their Bar Lounge. The best part of the venue is the views, which you can see from the windows or the Champagne Terrace.

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. 

One of the best places for lunch is Gillray's Steakhouse and Bar. Absolutely wonderful after a day of shopping or sightseeing. The tantalising menu is prepared using the finest quality ingredients sourced from English farms. They pride themselves on their Aberdeen Angus steak.

Hide Bar isn't only a well known place to try artisan cocktails, this hidden gem also has a kitchen to boast that uses fresh local Borough market produce to create some ultimately crafted plates. Head to this cool haven for an intimate lunch of European inspired dishes where you can tuck into tapas style food or enjoy something bigger. 

Jamies London Bridge is the perfect place to enjoy a long lunch any day of the week. Serving up delicious modern British food, there is a mix of sharing platters, smaller bites and hearty main meals. You can also complement your meal with a glass of wine from their extensive international list. The huge dining room is perfect for an office lunch out or for your day off! 

Le Bar is the latest addition to Farringdon's diverse bar scene, offering potent drinks alongside a menu of stunning frapas (French tapas) dishes. The bar was created by the same team behind the renowned Michelan-starred restaurant Club Gascon. With every drink complementing the flavours that are served by the kitchen, an evening at this restaurant bar will leave you feeling full and with a huge smile on your face. 

We have Tom and Ed of the award winning ETM Group to thank for this stunning menu; combining European cuisine with a touch of American and Asian influences, diners are presented with one hell of a menu. Innovations such as Torbay wild bass with squid ink risotto will have you salivating every second until your meal arrives. Enjoy sophisticated food in classy surroundings and relax to the soothing notes of the baby grand piano during your Saturday brunches.

Forge is the ideal choice for business lunches or laidback gatherings close to Bank station. A venue known for its stripped back brickwork and luxurious leather booths, Forge serves a menu of hand-picked choice meats and seasonal specialties straight from the furnace.

With a buzzing lunch atmosphere, Jamies St Mary at Hill serves up a charming array of British dishes where their infamous sandwich (Jamies Special - Chicken Fillet, Bacon and Melted Cheese on Ciabatta) is a favourite for lunch in London. There's sharing platters, big plates and burgers to wrap your chops around at this casual London restaurant. 

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. Their menu of classic foods and drinks will keep you merry whether you're looking for a brunch, lunch or dinner affair. 

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.

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 lunch.

Showcasing the deliciously light and aromatic flavours that have come to epitomise Vietnamese street food, this bustling Kingsland Road favourite serves everything from small plates to chicken dishes, Vietnamese curries to noodle-based plates. There’s traditional cocktails and a carefully sourced wine list, if it’s a liquid lunch, and don’t underestimate the preparation here - Viet Grill’s classic beef Pho takes over 18 hours to make!

With over 150 years of experience in their blood, Balls Brothers is a bit of an institution and a favourite for a quality lunch in London. With a timeless style that echoes old world charm, Balls Brothers Minster Court is a sound option for classic English gastronomy and relaxed social dining in their vintage inspired restaurant space. 

A restaurant found amidst one of the most notorious clubbing spots in the West End might not be at the top of your list for eating lunch in London, but Haymarket Kitchen continues to pull in the punters. This is a slick and contemporary space for relaxed dining, with menus featuring Mexican and European influences and a curated list of cocktails sure to get those feel-good juices flowing.

Spread across two floors, Kitty Hawk's 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.

If you're looking for somewhere cosy and comforting to hang out on the weekend, Ealing Park Tavern props up the perfect amount of pub charm for you to enjoy. A top pick for lunch in London, head to this beauty out west and enjoy a menu of classic British gastronomy that's all seasonally prepared to feed those eager punters. 

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.

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.

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.

Bababoom delivers on big Middle Eastern flavours made from quality British produce, making it the ideal place for lunch in London. From Persian flatbreads topped with chargrilled meat to healthy, vegetable and falafel-packed lunchboxes, your midday meal is sorted here.

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.

St Bart’s lays 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.

The Botanist brings a suave and trendy lunchtime option to the Broadgate Circle foodie hub. 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.

The perfect venue for a midday meal needs to have a bright interior for the perfect lunch mood. Coin Laundry is filled with natural lighting and a menu to complement it. The restaurant and bar has lunch options to please any taste buds, and an even tastier craft cocktail menu.

Canova Hall has a variety of lunch options open to you. Not only do they serve up tasty Italian treats, including their 48-hour fermented sourdough pizzas cooked in the all-wood oven, but on the weekends you can make it bottomless for just £20pp.

Found yourself in the heart of Chelsea and looking to chow down on a little lunch? Perfect for just that, join Sophie's Steakhouse not only for a top selection of meat dishes, there's bubbly, cocktails and plenty more to keep you going through lunch.

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.

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 complimenting any meal, lunchtime or otherwise. 

28 West serves up classic Americana treats with a modern twist on the banks of the Canary riverfront. The menu’s depth makes it suitable for a quick bite, but we’d tip coming in to sample their ‘bun and bones’ selection. Chicken burgers, steaks, lobsters and ribs steal the show, and there’s a delightful choice of continental craft beers and experimental cocktails for good measure.

Settle into the Crowne Plaza Hotel Battersea for an afternoon of delicious lunch. Their kitchen serves up light bites, afternoon teas and modern European dishes – basically something for everyone – while the bar offers a wonderful selection of drinks. Meanwhile, you can relax into their cosy couches and take in the spectacular views of the River Thames, away from the bustle of the city centre.

The toastie specialists at Morty & Bob's have teamed up with Night Tales, creating a cafe-cum-bar called NT's in Hackney. The venue serves as a laid back cafe by day, but completely transforms itself after dark, when the DJs, live music and master mixologists behind the bar dial things up a bit. Head down at lunchtime and eat your way through the venue's incredible selection of cheese-heavy toasties. 

Nuthin' says Gump like this restaurant themed on the 1994 cinematic classic, Forrest Gump. If you didn't already know the Bubba gospel is that 'Shrimp is the fruit of the sea", and with that this makes for one fun place to eat lunch in London where you'll find some Alabama inspired soul, colourful interiors and that undeniable Forrest spirit. 

Ditch your soggy sandwiches and head to Crab Tavern this lunch time for a deliciously fresh seafood meal. The Boradgate Circle restaurant serves up some of the City's best seafood, from a Soft Shell Crab Burger to a Seafood platter.