The best lunch spots in Mayfair

As one of the first Indian restaurants in the UK to receive a second Michelin star, Gymkhana needs little introduction. It doesn't make it into our guide to the best lunches in Mayfair on account of its grand tasting menu, however – it's the set lunch menu that's the focus here. Diners can choose from a varied assortment of dishes showcasing all of Gymkhana's strengths, and it's no meagre affair despite the more affordable price, either – don't count on getting much work done after you're through.

Housed in elegant townhouse digs, Mayfair's Tendril offers creative, seasonal dishes that cater to both vegans and non-vegans alike. The restaurant offers both an à la carte and set menu for lunch, guiding diners on a journey of discovery as to what plant-based cooking beyond fake meats looks like. No wonder the restaurant has been making waves in London's plant-based dining scene.

The Michelin-starred Hide is known for its dramatic staircase, as well as for serving some of the most exquisite British fare in Mayfair. Their tasting menu is one to enjoy slowly, lingering over each delicacy. Lunch crowds usually don't have time for that however, which is why Hide offers a seasonal set menu that can be enjoyed in under an hour. Three courses of dishes like Herdwick lamb tartare or glazed roast duck await.

With its lush, immersive setting, the London branch of hit Madrid export Amazónico transports diners to the heart of the rainforest to try tropical flavours, Nikkei fusion delicacies, charcoal-grilled meats, and fresh seafood. A popular choice for business lunch in Mayfair, Amazónico's Ejecutivo Lunch menu features three or four courses of octopus tartare, chicken rolls, grilled salmon, or other exemplary options.

The Wolseley is a bastion of European dining in Mayfair, complete with grand-café lavishness and continental favourites aplenty. During lunchtime, diners can choose the two or three-course prix fixe menu with options such as salmon rillettes, Hungarian goulash, and chocolate éclair. À la carte options are available as well.

Back in 1994, the Gaucho restaurants launched with the aim of bringing the best Argentinian-style steak to London, and they picked Mayfair for their first location. Their elegant flagship is comprised of different stylish spaces across three floors, from a ground-floor terrace to a secluded cocktail bar. If you're a fan of premium steak, their daily set lunch menu is a great deal – you can choose two or three courses, including mains like pan-fried sea bream or sirloin and chips.

It's definitely on the pricier end of things, and it's no quick affair, either, but if you've got money and time to spare, lunch at the London headquarters of celebrated French chef Hélène Darroze is hard to beat. The Mayfair restaurant has maxed out on Michelin stars and numerous other accolades, and the weekday lunch menu showcases Darroze's culinary end boss energy in a selection of exquisite dishes.

Don't head to The REx Deli expecting trays of ready-made salad or a stack of bagels – this is Mayfair, after all. Brought to you by the same folks behind The Cocochine just down the road, this lively dining spot is housed in a beautifully restored set of former stables, retaining many of its original features. A tempting selection of classic British fare is ready to go here, such as hearty pies, golden sausage rolls, fresh bakes. They also serve speciality coffee and an impressive choice of fine wines.

Hawksmoor is one of the best steakhouse groups in the whole world, but its Piccadilly Circus location goes a step further by throwing in plenty of fresh seafood as well. There are multiple menus for lunchtime diners to choose from, including a two or three-course set menu, classic à la carte options, and even dedicated lunch specials like rump steak with Café de Paris butter. With a spacious dining area and a lively atmosphere, this is one of best lunch restaurants in Mayfair if you want premium steak for your midday meal.

In our opinion – and chef Phil Howard's too, it seems – it's hard to beat a plate of nice pasta for lunch. At Notto, the Michelin-starred chef expresses his lifelong love the Italian staple through freshly prepared dishes with rich seasonal sauces. The affordable set lunch menu with three courses at this Mayfair restaurant is a steal, and the open kitchen and big windows make sure there's something interesting going on wherever you look.

Noble Rot's taste in wine is not just on trend, it's trendsetting, regularly picking up awards for its charming wine bars. The Mayfair branch features both indoor and outdoor seating and offers their famously good-value set lunch menu – two or three courses of seasonal “Franglais” cuisine, paired with fine wines. Additional à la carte options are available as well.

Named after a notorious 18th-century local courtesan, this Mayfair gem weaves playful Spanish influences into its otherwise traditional British menu. There's a weekly working lunch menu with two or three courses you can enjoy during lunchtime, as well as à la carte options like Welsh rarebit, wild  garlic risotto, or tomahawk pork chop. You can pair your drinks with fine wines or naughtily named house cocktails like the Bad Kitty.

Richard Caring's 34 Mayfair conceals a sumptuous, elegantly appointed interior that exudes old-school glamour behind its non-descript façade, as well as a leafy garden terrace. The set lunch menu, offered on weekdays, includes two or three courses of globally inspired cuisine. Afterwards you can retire to the bar for a nice cigar, and you might even glimpse a celeb or two while you're at it.

Spread across three stylishly appointed floors, The Maine also features a covered terrace complete with heaters and cosy blankets for year-round comfort. The menu leans heavily into New England seafood, prime steak, and well-crafted pasta dishes, complemented by a selection of expertly mixed cocktails. The prix fixe lunch menu includes two or three courses.

Mount St. Restaurant is one of the most in-demand spots for lunch in Mayfair – having King Charles and Queen Camilla turn up for your grand opening can do that to a place. Intertwining art and decor, the high-end British restaurant is an art lover's paradise, with works by Matisse and Warhol on the walls, accompanied by art-inspired furnishings. The elevated dining experience includes a lunch menu that starts with caviar and only goes up from there.

Hakkasan Mayfair offers a contemporary take on Chinese dining, with a focus on Cantonese cuisine. The dedicated dim sum menu served at lunchtime has made it a big hit with the Mayfair lunch crowd,. The upscale Chinese food can be paired with a curated list of wines, champagnes, and cocktails from the bar.

Your choice of two tapas, bread with aioli, and a soft drink – that's it. El Pirata of Mayfair's lunch offer takes care of business quickly, efficiently, and affordably. The Spanish restaurant has been a reliable choice for lunch in Mayfair also due to the more than 140 Spanish wines you can complete your meal with, including sherrys.