Best For Lunch In London

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By Talia Gilliham Food, Drinks & Events Writer, DesignMyNight Talia has over 8 years of experience writing across hospitality and travel, including bylines in TimeOut. Last updated on 2nd September 2026

Whether it's taking a break from your desk or idling hours of the afternoon in a cosy pub, lunch should always be an occasion. And fortunately, London has some of the world's best places to eat, meaning that no matter what you want from your midday, this city most probably has it. Check out our list of places to grab lunch in London to make sure you have one heck of a day, whether it's a business lunch, family lunch or even a Sunday lunch.




The Thieves

Two for One Cocktails

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, tucking into a stellar Sunday lunch or opting for the likes of pad Thai and truffle fried chicken, there's something for everyone here.

Summer lunches can be enjoyed in the charming garden, or head inside for cosy, retro interiors. After your meal, there's all sorts of entertainment on offer - ranging from classic arcade games to live music and even RC racing.

Coq D'Argent

One of the most stunning spots for lunch, Coq D'Argent can be found on the roof of No.1 Poultry. Expect amazing views of St Paul's Cathedral, Mansion House, Monument and beyond, with an outdoor terrace that's perfect for summer.

From 12pm every day, their steak frites set menu is great value. It includes 24-month dry-aged beef top rump, paired with peppercorn sauce, grilled tomato and golden pomme frites.

All Bar One Various Sites

With venues across the city, from Covent Garden to Butler's Wharf and Clapham Junction, All Bar One is a top-notch spot for some lunch. The best bit? There are fabulous offers, including any small plate and a side with a selected drink for just £10.95 per person.

Busaba - Restaurants

Busaba first launched in Soho in 1999, but since has expanded all across London, with venues in Covent Garden, Bloomsbury and beyond now too. The restaurant is famed for its fantastic Thai food, which takes two essential ethoses to their menus: Gan Gin Gan Yuu (you are what you eat) and Sookjai, which is based on the Buddhist value of taking life as it comes with a happy heart.

On the menu, you'll find a fantastic lineup of rice bowls, curries, soups, salads and bites from the wok; our favourites have to be the spicy chicken jungle curry (with a side of jasmine rice, of course) and pad Thai. 

And if you fancy a cracking lunch deal? From Monday to Friday until 3pm, you can grab a lunch deal at a discounted rate of £13.

Forza Wine at the National Theatre

Located within the National Theatre, Forza Wine is a cool restaurant bar that offer killer cocktails, natural wines and an Italian-inspired menu. The stylish venue boasts views of the river, as well as a charming outdoor terrace.

Their £10 lunch special is available on weekdays, including their weekly changing lunch plate. For an extra £5, you can add on a house wine, beer or fizzy drink.

Italian Dining at Larch with Access to Sky Garden

@ Larch on Various dates from Sunday 20th September 2026

Get ready for a flavour-packed adventure at Larch, the ultimate foodie hotspot located on the ground floor near the Sky Garden entrance. This summer, you can savour the essence of Italy with Lunch At Larch & Access To Sky Garden's £34.50 two-course menu featuring mackerel bruschetta, truffle arancini, piccante pizza, and rigatoni alla norma. Add an Aperol Spritz, and your Italian adventure will be complete.

Wingmans Kilburn

£15 Weekday Express Lunch (Mon- Fri 12pm-3pm) and 1 other offer

With wings, jumbo strips, chicken sandwiches and all kinds of sides jumping out from the menu, Wingmans chicken shops in Kilburn and Soho are the perfect spots for a casual lunch. Simply choose your chicken, add a signature sauce and side, and tuck right in.

Get down to Kilburn during the week and the whole experience is friendly on your finances too. Grab the Express Lunch offer, Monday to Friday, to enjoy a killer combo of wings, boneless strips or a chicken sandwich, plus fries and a drink for just £15.

68 Wine Bar & Cellar

Located in Spitalfields, 68 Wine Bar & Cellar is a stylish bar and restaurant that's ideal for a mid-work lunch break. Expect rich wooden furniture, tiled floors and a sultry cellar space downstairs, as well as some of the finest wines from around the world.

Tuck into small plates like tempura aubergine, sauteed chorizo in red wine and goat's cheese croquettes, or opt for one of their Japanese katsu sandos instead. 

Humble Grape Bars

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.

Balls Brothers Austin Friars

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.

Mowgli London Charlotte Street

Mowgli on Charlotte Street is a laid-back space that's beautiful to look at, with fairy lights lining the walls, whole trees and rustic furniture to give the essence of street food stands in Mumbai – where the menu takes its inspiration. 

If you're on a budget and want to sample some of Mowgli's greatest menu hits, visit during lunchtime Monday - Friday to dine on their £15 Lunch Street Feast. You'll get to choose one dish from each of the three courses, from treacle tamarind fries to yoghurt chat bombs and gunpowder chicken. And there's also a site in Stratford if you find yourself hungry in East.  

26 Furnival Street

Burger & pint for £20 and 1 other offer

Conveniently placed near Chancery Lane, Holborn and the City, 26 Furnival Street is a neighbourhood pub with considerably more up its sleeve than crisps and peanuts. Come for the acclaimed pizzas, then accidentally fill the table with carbonara bites, kofta, patatas bravas and crunchy halloumi.

Those in the mood for something substantial can turn to haddock in pale ale batter, a proper stacked burger or steak frites. The pub's commitment to local independent suppliers adds extra substance to an already appealing proposition.

 

Bricco e Bacco

If you're looking for a luxurious lunch on a budget, then head to Bricco e Bacco in Fitzrovia. This stunning Sicilian restaurant is decked out in bold, red interiors, and is run by an Italian family of butchers, who have been perfecting their skills since opening their first venue in Monreale 2003.

Their set lunch menu changes every week, costing £21 for two courses, or £26 for three. Sample dishes include penne arrabbiata, bruschetta and tagiatelle with beef ragu, and there are suggested wine pairings to suit each menu.

Parcel Yard

Enjoy our elevated Restaurant menu, with options for 1 to 3 course dining! and 4 other offers

Brimming with lunch goodies in the form of beefy burgers, sandwiches, salads and a hefty selection of mains, The Parcel Yard is a lunchers delight. Great accessible setting, perfect pit stop in between trains and a grand old range of Fuller's cask ales - this pub brings some delish pub grub to King's Cross at some more than reasonable prices. 

The Devonshire

If you're on the hunt for some moreish gastro pub food in London, then make sure to hit up The Devonshire. Book up to three weeks in advance as this popular Soho watering hole has shot to fame thanks to both social media and word of mouth. Created by Oisin Rogers, Charlie Carroll and Ashley Palmer-Watts, a group of well-known publicans and restaurants, it's spread over two floors. Downstairs, you'll find shabby-chic brick walls and a focus on delicious bar snacks, whereas upstairs provides a rusted red dining room complete with crisp, white tablecloths, and serves plates of scallops with bacon and vinegar, plus half a whole lobster and duck fat chips.

Smith's Bar & Grill

For an affordable lunch in London, check out Smith's Bar & Grill's weekday set menu. Available Monday through Friday from 12pm to 5pm, the venue offers two courses for £20 and three for £25. Expect pulled pork tacos, steak, seafood risotto and much more.

Pasta Remoli - Restaurants

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.

Golden Lion Fulham

For those of you who fancy a delicious lunch without burning a hole in your pocket, the Golden Lion Fulham has just what you need. Take advantage of the 'Lunch With Mates' deal, which includes a mouthwatering main dish and drink for £6.75. Booyah.

The Botanist, Broadgate Circle

Postpone the trials and tribulations of city life and relax in this intimate spot instead; The Botanist, Broadgate Circle 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.

Megan's - Various Sites

Whether you're heading to Dulwich, Parsons Green or Balham, Megan's offers you the perfect place for a spot of lunch. Head along the pretty venues to delve into a menu of lip-smacking Mediterranean eats, not to mention bubbles and cocktails aplenty.

Crust Bros Covent Garden

Crust Bros Covent Garden is the West End lunch spot everyone will be talking about. Personalised Neapolitan pizzas, vegan options like Vegan Harlem Truffle, and indulgent sides such as Cheese Fondue Bomba make it perfect for groups, couples, or solo diners.

Pair with a frozen beer or cocktail, soak up the lively soundtrack, and enjoy the energy of Covent Garden in full swing.

Karma Sanctum Soho

Whether you're looking for a quick lunch spot or an afternoon tea, Karma Sanctum Soho is a prime restaurant for a Japanese-style meal or mini slides paired with chips. Their express lunch includes two mains and a soft drink for just £15.50.

Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen

Add a side of drama to your next leisurely lunch at Gordon Ramsey's Hell's Kitchen. Inspired by the sweary chef's hit TV show, it serves up all his signature dishes. 

You can tuck into everything from beef Wellington and lobster risotto to pan-seared scallops and wagyu tomahawk. Pair your plates with a glass or two from the extra special wine list, packed with crisp whites, deep reds and spectacular sparkling.

The Grill by Tom Booton

The Grill by Tom Booton offers a modern British dining experience on Park Lane, setting the bar high for destination dining. As you step inside the gorgeous dining room, you'll be greeted by parquet floors and a striking Murano chandelier, adding a touch of sophistication while the attentive staff strive to ensure your utmost comfort. As for food, the menu features delicacies like lobster perched atop a crumbly tart filled with Westcombe cheddar, as well as ribeye steak with mushroom ketchup, creamed spinach, and red onions.

MOI

MOI in Soho is here to reset your London lunch expectations. This is a midday meal with intent, where Japanese finesse meets British produce and everything passes briefly over live fire. The set lunch distils the restaurant's ethos into something refined but refreshingly efficient: miso soup and house pickles to start, immaculate sashimi and chef-selected nigiri at the sushi counter, then a main that balances comfort with craft.

Depending on your mood, that might mean delicately steamed Devon brill with spring vegetables or a richer hit of charcoal-fired sirloin glossed in sansho sauce. Finish with sake-poached pear and yuzu sorbet, and you're back on the street feeling virtuous but satisfied. 

ALBA

A sophisticated choice for lunch that also works well if you're in a rush, ALBA offers a 55-minute Express Lunch Menu on weekdays. From 12 to 4pm, you can enjoy two courses for £32 or three for £39, promising indulgent Italian flavours.

Relax in this stylish Knightsbridge restaurant, boasting an open kitchen and lots of pretty greenery. On the menu? Everything from tuna tartare to aubergine parmigiana and ravioli Genovese.

Decimo

Perched on the 10th floor of The Standard, London, Decimo brings a heady mix of Spanish and Mexican flavours to the capital's lunch scene. Helmed by chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, the restaurant is known for its signature live-fire cooking and a confident, smoke-kissed approach to bold flavours.

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views across the London skyline, lending a sense of occasion to even the most midweek of lunches. The menu might open with marinated red peppers, before moving on to grilled 'al pastor' poussin with pineapple or beef cheek cooked in adobo. There's also a thoughtful plant-based option in black beans with kale and crispy tortilla. On the side, expect dishes such as charred hispi cabbage with garlic and fried potatoes with aioli, while the agave-based cocktail list offers plenty of reason to linger long after the plates have been cleared.

The Bubbly Show by Searcys

@ {10-11} Carlton House Terrace on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th March 2027

Promising one of the most luxurious lunches around, The Bubbly Show by Searcys is an elegant afternoon event that's taking place across two days this March. This is a celebration of Champagne and English sparkling wine, hosting some of the vey best producers around.

You'll find them in a stunning, Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse, promising sophisticated surrounds. Your ticket includes unlimited drinks tastings and a selection of scrumptious antipasti, and their premium upgrade includes a mouthwatering Champagne lunch.

Lahpet West End

In the heart of Central London is a modern dining destination whipping up some of the finest (and only) Burmese cuisine in the capital. Adorned with leafy foliage and earthy interiors, it's a tranquil setting to enjoy a spot of food during the day. Lahpet's express lunch menu is a thing of beauty - for just £15 per person, you can have your pick from an array of sides like shan tofu fritters or a tea leaf salad to go with your main. Think rakhine mohinga (spicy fish noodle soup) and tender, mutton curry.