The best restaurants for lunch in Covent Garden

Providing an elegant, intimate setting somewhere between laid-back comfort and suave refinement, this stately establishment specialises in classic Italian dishes. Lunch is a two- or three-course affair, featuring starters like tomato tartare with black olives and breadcrumbs, mains such as pan-fried cod with roasted pumpkin, and pannacotta or gelato to round things off.

Successfully replicating Dishoom's formula of atmospheric furnishings and updated takes on Bombay-style street food, the Covent Garden branch of the popular group offers all-day dining. Expect house classics such as biryanis and the signature black daal, along with a location-specific special, the masala fish that's perfect for sharing over lunch.

Wahaca, the UK’s first carbon-neutral restaurant group, is committed to sustainability – as well as to great food. The colourful cuisine on offer spans a broad range of Mexican favourites such as tacos, burritos and enchiladas, perfect for a quick mid-work bite. Rainbow bowls and wholefood salads are available also, as are vegan and gluten-free options.

At the Covent Garden offshoot of Angela Hartnett's Michelin-starred restaurant, you can indulge in authentic dishes from the north of Italy. Seated around a long marble-top bar or on the surrounding leather banquettes, you can try a set lunch of antipasti, secondi, and/or dessert. Expect flavourful dishes such as ribollita bread soup, pappardelle Bolognese, or mushroom ragu with polenta and gorgonzola.

With a history dating back more than a century, the beloved J Sheekey seafood establishment serves fresh delicacies from the deep in an elegant wood-panelled interior. The set lunch menu includes maritime classics such as fillet of sea trout, steamed Shetland mussels and red miso & lime broth, or Cornish sardines with garlic, lemon and parsley. Vegetarian options are available as well.

With a broad range of sushi rolls and yakitori skewers, the Henrietta Street branch is just the thing for when you want a quick bite for lunch. Sharing platters of Japanese delicacies are available, as are salads for health-conscious diners. If you're low on time, you can order your food in advance and pick it up.

A landmark of the London dining scene, the iconic Ivy features green banquettes, contemporary British art, a glitzy central bar and stained-glass windows. You can choose between two or three courses off the set menu with classic British dishes such as the signature shepherd’s pie, fish ‘n’ chips, or sticky toffee pudding.

Famed steak and seafood purveyors Hawksmoor are ready for aficionados of heftier lunch fare with a two- or three-course menu. Based in an old brewery, you can start your meal with potted beef & bacon with Yorkshires or a smoked mackerel salad, then continue with 35-day-aged rump or royal sea bream. Finish with gloriously sticky toffee sundae. Veggie options are available as well.

A lively food court run by a renowned street food business, Seven Dials Market consists of street food vendors, bars, an events space and even a bookshop. There's sure to be something for everyone here, with options ranging from pizza and pad Thai to curries, Filipino specialities, and dumplings. Lots of sweet treats and smaller bites are available as well.

Weekday lunch at the Covent Garden branch of Browns includes two or three courses of classic British dishes like chicken & leek pie, smoked haddock fishcake, or sausage and mash. Enhance your meal with various sides like thick-cut truffle chips or onion rings, and treat yourself to a signature cocktail. The grand setting will make every lunch feel special.

This plush bohemian brasserie serves French delicacies all day, accompanied by French wines and cocktails. On weekdays, they offer a two- or three-course prix fixe menu with entrées such as sweetcorn soup or braised rabbit croquettes. You can choose between mains like pan-roasted salmon or steak haché, with a crème brûlée, ice-cream macaron sandwich, or gateau to finish.

Opened in 2023, Luci quickly made a splash on London's dining scene. This upmarket all-day Italian venue features a bakery, a ground floor restaurant, and does takeaways too if you're busy rushing around Covent Garden. The à la carte menu for lunch and dinner features antipasti like polpette and burrata, pasta, and Neapolitan pizza.

Offering a refreshing change of pace when you're in a hurry but don't want to resort to crisps or a cold sandwich, Kastner & Ovens prepares a nutritious, seasonal salad buffet that changes daily. There are also savoury snacks such as homemade quiches and sausage rolls and quiches, as well as soups. The food is fresh, health-minded, flavourful and ready to go.

A project by two long-time friends who took a shot at the indie café business and, judging by the hand-drawn thank-you notes adorning the walls, succeeded, Drury 188-189 offers different salads for lunch, as well as sandwiches and soups. A brunch menu is also available, which is especially handy if you’re big on breakfast but had to skip it.

Having incited a feeding frenzy among the capital's seafood fans, this snug eatery with tiled walls and small tables features a menu that's dependent on the catch of the day, so you never know what you're in for. You can be sure it'll be fresh and tasty though. If you're looking for a hint of maritime leisure for your lunch, Parsons will certainly float your boat.

Jamaican patties make for an excellent lunchtime snack. Jamaica Patty Co, established with the goal of bringing the Caribbean island's authentic flavours to London, bakes the patties in-store, and offers several other lunch options such as soups and hot dishes too. You can complement them with fresh juice as well.

Koshari Street, a contemporary eatery in Covent Garden, sells Egyptian street food that's great when you're on the move. The titular koshari, Egypt's national dish, is a grain-based bowl with various toppings, from vegan options like jackfruit or spicy cauliflower to meaty ones such as chicken or lamb. You can build your own bowl or choose one of the house options for a healthy lunch.

Styled as one of Central Europe's grand cafes, The Delaunay is a classy spot for a leisurely lunch. The two- or three-course Prix Fixe menu at this all-day restaurant includes favourites such as borscht, smoked haddock kedgeree with poached egg, and Sacher torte. There are other hearty options on the à la carte menu as well, whilst the adjoining Delaunay Counter serves classic Alpine fare and has a terrace.

Clos Maggiore is considered one of the most romantic dining establishments in the capital, all cosy intimacy, cherry blossoms and roaring fire. The menu changes seasonally, with a typical lunch menu featuring courses such as steak tartare, asparagus & pea risotto, pork belly, rump steak and more. The lunch offer comes with a glass of bubbles included in the price.

The Covent Garden branch of The Black Penny cafés is split across two floors and features a private dining area that’s just the thing for team lunches. You can choose from a range of small plates and sharing platters, with filled buns available as well. The speciality coffee is sure to keep the energy levels up, and there are alcoholic drinks for celebratory toasts, too.

Spinning off his acclaimed Restaurant Story, two-Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers continues his work at Story Cellar. This restaurant focuses on Parisian-style rotisserie chicken, along with daily grill and fish specials, charcuterie, and small plates for lunch. Story Cellar has counter-style seating, pluss a walk-in wine cellar where guests can store their own personal collections.

Making its way to London from LA, the food at casual and family-friendly Chill Since '93 is an ideal choice for lunch. This laid-back spot has chilled music on the speakers and a clean and contemporary aesthetic. On the menu, you'll find square pizza, sandwiches, and indulgent cookies for dessert.

Christopher's is a glamorous spot for upmarket American dining, ideal for all occasions. This sophisticated restaurant encompasses a number of different areas, including private dining facilities. Brunch is served every day but the all-day menu includes tasty lunch options as well such as burgers, steaks, and lobster mac 'n' cheese.

Ecco Pizza in Drury Lane is a casual eatery that serves food all day long and has been open since 2004. It's an easygoing spot with counter service that serves tasty, affordable food. Pizza is available for lunch in addition to sandwiches, burritos, and tacos. The food is freshly prepared and in demand.