The best lunch in London

Paladar in Elephant and Castle brings Latin American colour and rhythm to a weekday lunch or slow afternoon catch-up. The bright, art-filled space doubles as a wine shop and gallery, with a leafy courtyard out back that feels worlds away from the main road. Plates move across the region, from zesty ceviche and crispy pork belly arepas to rich duck mole and butternut squash quinotto. Everything's gluten-free and easy to share, with friendly service and a relaxed neighbourhood feel that makes lingering over a mezcal cocktail feel completely justified.

If you're after a lunch that does more than just fill a gap, Sagar in Covent Garden is one to have on your radar. It's all about South Indian comfort food, like crispy dosas, fluffy idlis, and rich curries with coconut chutney and sambar, served fast and full of flavour. It's relaxed,  and way more satisfying than whatever's waiting in the meal deal fridge.

Rabieng Thai on Upper Street is an easy choice for a laid-back lunch in Islington. The menu covers all the Thai classics you want in the middle of the day, from zesty tom yum and crisp papaya salad to pad Thai and green curry. Portions are generous enough to keep you going without tipping into food-coma territory, and the cosy, relaxed room makes it a comfortable pit stop between meetings or errands. It's quick, friendly and great value, especially if you're after something tasty that doesn't feel too heavy.

The three-in-one Novikov restaurant combines a contemporary Italian trattoria, an elegant Asian dining area, and a chic lounge under one roof, with dedicated lunch menus available in both dining rooms. Downstairs, the Italian offering includes two- or three-course menus of refined plates such as salmon tartare or tagliatelle with veal ragu and courgettes, paired with the option of a glass of wine or prosecco. Upstairs, the pan-Asian restaurant invites you to explore a tempting selection of dim sum or opt for the set menu, where you can mix and match starters, mid-course dishes, and mains for a tailored lunch in London.

Sael in St James's is the kind of place that makes weekday lunches feel like a special occasion without all the frills. Jason Atherton's British restaurant is elegant yet easy-going, featuring marble floors, brass accents, and a central bar that's usually thrumming with suited regulars and locals catching up over a pint. Chef Sam Mills's menu keeps things seasonal, featuring dishes like wood-fired figs, Cornish lobster, or a proper Sunday roast with all the trimmings.

Cora Pearl in Covent Garden offers a refined spin on classic British cuisine, with dishes like Devon lamb cutlets and wild sea bass elevated by European techniques. Favoured by theatregoers, it's known for stylish pre-theatre menus served with efficiency to ensure guests make curtain time. Sunday lunches are another highlight, featuring starters like scallops thermidor followed by a traditional roast with all the trimmings.

Situated in the heart of Brick Lane, Preem is a long-standing Indian restaurant that's become a popular choice for City workers on their lunch break. Its bright, welcoming interior and quick, budget-friendly menu make it ideal for a midday curry break. From aromatic baltis and biryanis to freshly baked breads, the dishes are packed with flavour – perfect fuel for the rest of the day.

Just off Oxford Street in Mayfair, Kula Café is a family-run spot that keeps things simple with a menu of stacks of crêpes, waffles, and pancakes served all day. It's ideal for a quick lunch that leans sweet, think Nutella and banana or strawberries and cream, though there are solid savoury options too, like smoked salmon and cream cheese galettes or chicken and waffles. Drinks go beyond your standard coffee order, with pistachio crème brûlée lattes, golden milk, and fresh juices.

For a lunch that feels equal parts relaxed and special, Kitty Fisher's in Mayfair is a must. The cosy, candlelit setting sets the scene for British favourites with a Spanish twist — think pork chop with bright salsa verde or seasonal treats like grilled peach panzanella. The playful cocktails, including 'Aphrodite's Spritz', make it easy to linger long past dessert.

For a speedy lunch in London that doesn't compromise on taste, The Great Thai Grab & Go in Tottenham Court Road is where it's at. Pick from a menu of curries and crispy spring rolls to skewers, fresh salads and a trusty pad Thai. Every dish is made with fresh herbs and traditional recipes, with most plates costing around £10 and plenty of options for veggies, seafood lovers, and meat eaters. Plus, there are a few stools if you want to sit in and soak up the vibes.

Though it may be the younger counterpart to Soho's long-standing 40 Dean Street, 64 Old Compton Street delivers the same reliability, with the family behind it ensuring a menu full of Italian favourites like antipasti, handmade pastas, and pizzas. The restaurant sources all of its produce from local suppliers to ensure quality and freshness. Inside, the Studio 54-inspired dark-blue decor and vintage accents lend the restaurant a lively yet inviting atmosphere.

Zoya Grill & Lounge in King's Cross offers a fresh reinterpretation of classic Indian dishes, set against the backdrop of a dramatic, design-forward venue spanning three spaciouis levels. The kitchen serves up everything from punchy appetisers to standout mains like the fragrant Zoya chicken and tender lamb shank, alongside beloved staples like rich curries and smoky tandoori plates. Round off your visit with a handcrafted cocktail or unwind in the lounge with a flavoured shisha.

The Great Thai Restaurant is a fab little spot just off Oxford Circus that knows how to do lunch right. The food here is both affordable and full of all the fragrant flavours that make Thai food such a hit. Skip the sandwich and tuck into plates like creamy massaman curry, refreshing papaya salad or stir-fried glass noodles packed with vegetables and chilli. Everything's cooked fresh, portions are generous, and service is speedy.

Drawing inspiration from Italy's tavola calda concept, 27 Old Compton Street specialises in fuss-free, high-quality food served fast. That's just the thing for a quick London lunch, letting you can tuck into generous plates of pasta in sauces such as cacio e pepe or amatriciana. With its wood-lined walls, vintage vermouth prints, and brown leather seating, it's as inviting for a leisurely meal as it is for a satisfying bite when in a hurry.

El Pirata is a much-celebrated Mayfair tapas restaurant that's recognised in particular for its set lunch menu. Enjoy your choice of two tapas with bread, aioli, and a soft drink for a satisfying midday meal. There's also a Saturday brunch, a large main menu of classic tapas, and more than 140 Spanish wines available.

Sweetings is a classic London seafood restaurant that only opens for lunch. At this traditional British venue, you'll find a broad choice of fish and seafood, including oysters, caviar, and fish meals. Favourite homemade British desserts are also on the menu. Accompany your lunch with wine, available by the glass or bottle.

Aqua Shard is on the 31st floor of The Shard and offers panoramic views of London. A three-course set menu is available every day at lunchtime, making this restaurant a popular venue for a special meal. As well as the main menu, you can enjoy afternoon tea and weekend brunches here. Private dining is also available.

Two Michelin-starred eatery Gymkhana evokes the feel of elite colonial members' clubs in India. This luxury restaurant encompasses a number of spaces and specialises in northern Indian cuisine. As expected from such an institution, an indulgent lunch menu is available, with lots of different options like chicken tikka or Goan prawn curry making it ideal for sharing.

Brasserie Zédel brings grand Parisian brasserie vibes to London with Art Deco interiors and a classic French menu. Grab a sandwich from the café menu for a quick lunch or try the plat du jour or express lunch menus for a more filling meal. At Brasserie Zédel, you can also sample classic French wines and aperitifs.

At Kerridge's Bar & Grill you can enjoy traditional British dining surrounded by a specially commission and curated art collection. Expect elevated cuisine, with a two or three-course menu du jour available for both lunch and dinner each day, plus a wide variety of drinks. There's an express weekday lunch option as well – one course with a drink, affordable and convenient.

Small-batch bakery Chatsworth Bakehouse started in lockdown, quickly building up buzz by serving up some of the most in-demand sandwiches in town. You should definitely order in advance to secure yours – queuing might eat up your whole lunch break otherwise. The generously-filled gourmet sandwiches change regularly and there are also various other breads and bakes to grab for a snack later in the day.

Noble Rot is a trend-setting wine bar with a kitchen that gives off an exclusive feel despite remaining accessible. Expect fine British and European cuisine, including a daily-changing set lunch option with your choice of two or three courses. Snacks are also available at the bar for lighter bites, while the extensive range of unusual and hard-to-find wines from across the world is sure to charm fans of wine.

Barrafina is a sought-after London destination for quick bites at lunchtime, though you can swing by for a longer, more indulgent meal too. There's an assortment of top-notch tapas to try at these sleek venues, with the counter seats especially convenient for those who like to watch the chefs at work. A variety of Spanish wines and sherries helps lunch flow smoothly, too.

L'Escargot is a Soho venue with a rich history, serving up classic French dishes. Enjoy meals like foie gras pâté or French onion soup in this refined and unique environment, with a prix fixe menu featuring two or three courses the ideal choice for lunch. Naturally, escargot are on the menu in large or small portion sizes, and there's also a large choice of French wines.

Islington restaurant Trullo is a mainstay of Italian dining in the capital. This contemporary neighbourhood eatery is a popular place for a traditional Italian lunch. On the menu, you'll see antipasti, pasta recipes, and dishes fresh from the charcoal grill. The options change regularly and everything is made from seasonal and sustainable produce.

Secret Sandwich Shop is actually pretty well-known, despite the name. Tucked away from the street, this place will have you feeling like a savvy Londoner in in no time. Come here at lunchtime for soft and fluffy Japanese sandos made with shokupan bread and a choice of fillings, including everything from simple tuna mayo to the signature sando with seven different veggies.

Scott's attracts an A-list clientele with its luxurious seafood menu and sleek venue. Here you can enjoy caviar, oysters, shellfish, and other main meals for an indulgent lunch. Whilst seafood is the focus there are plenty of plant-based choices available too. A varied choice of wines and cocktails is offered from the bar.

Open since 1900, Paul Rothe & Son is a classic London lunch spot. The timeless exterior is a hit on Instagram and the menu is ideal for midday cravings. Simple fillings including meats, cheeses, and plant-based ingredients are on offer, sandwiched in your choice of bread. Baked potatoes and two types of soup are also available each day.

Opened in 1994, St John is a renowned British restaurant that has held a Michelin star for more than 10 years. Lunch is served every day at this London institution, with a new menu every time to make each visit a unique experience. Expect traditional flavours like whole bone marrow, rabbit, and sweetbreads. There's a bar menu too for sandwiches and quick lunches.

Tongue & Brisket serves generous deli sandwiches for lunch at all its locations. Patrons can choose between bagels, rye bread, and white bread with homemade fillings like salt beef, smoked salmon and cream cheese, or chopped liver. Soups, salads, and other snacks are also on the menu here, with vegetarian options and a vegan bagel available too.

Set within Somerset House, Spring offers seasonal menus that change every day. There's a commitment to serving quality produce, with the set lunch menu including your choice of two or three courses. Spring is also a restaurant with a conscience – they're well known for their campaigns to reduce food waste and plastic usage.

The Quality Chop House began life in 1869 as a working men's eating house and has since evolved into a contemporary British restaurant. The menus here change daily, but you can always expect premium meat. As well as the à la carte menu there's a set lunch option with three courses on weekdays and a Sunday lunch feast. Vegetarian choices are available too.

At Lima you can discover the vibrant tastes of Peruvian food. Combining traditional ingredients from South America with British produce, the à la carte and tasting menus are accompanied by express option for flavour-filled lunches at both of Lima's London branches. You can also choose from a selection of South American and European wines.

Opened in 1926, Veeraswamy is London's oldest Indian restaurant and it has gained a Michelin star for its charm and tradition. A light weekday lunch menu is on offer, including business lunch platters when you need a satisfying working lunch. On weekends, you can choose from a special menu of lunchtime dishes as well.

A modern take on a Japanese izakaya, Dinings SW3 provides attentive service and a contemporary menu of revitalised Japanese cuisine. The set lunch menu at this Chelsea mainstay features items such as donburi bowls and steamed mini burger buns, complemented by an array of sake, cocktails, fine wines, and other tipples.

Fallow is focused on creative, sustainable, and well-balanced food that you can enjoy throughout the day. There's a set weekday lunch menu, offering three courses at an affordable price, but you can also go your own way with the main menu. The food here is contemporary British cuisine, and the restaurant is among the buzziest ones in London. Seating is available indoors or on the heated terrace.

City Caphe is a popular destination for hungry City workers at lunchtime – it can get busy so be prepared to queue. The easy-going spot serves authentic Vietnamese dishes made to traditional family recipes. Try out noodle soup or rice or cold noodles with your choice of toppings for a satisfying lunch in London's financial district.

Hakkasan is a modern Chinese restaurant in Mayfair. They're known for their tasting menus that take you on a journey through Cantonese cuisine, but there's also a special menu of dim sum that's available for lunch. You can try things like steamed shui mai dumplings or sesame prawn toast, washing your lunch down with wine, champagne, or cocktails from the bar.

Forget your usual lunchtime sandwich and try an open version from ScandiKitchen. This modern Nordic restaurant serves open-faced sandwiches, salads, and hot food for breakfast and lunch. Coffee, cake, and pastries are also available, and you can even pick up hundreds of authentic Scandinavian goods from the on-site delicatessen.

Benita Bakery is a modern café and bakery that's a top spot for lunch in London. Freshly-baked products are available every day, and their lunch box offerings are very convenient for groups of co-workers looking to share a meal. There are different boxes to choose from, including sandwiches, salads, and other options.

Grab an affordable lunch full of Southern Indian flavours from Ganapati in Peckham. The dining room is simple but it is full of vibrancy and colour, plus there's outdoor seating. The lunch offering includes a choice of thali meals and other set dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options.

Try Atis for a fresh and healthy lunch that's good for your body and soul, as well as the planet. Found across London, Atis serves healthy and nourishing bowls in a crisp and clean setting, as well as providing catering services. Choose a salad, grain, or seasonal bowl, or build your own with all your favourite ingredients.

The Maine celebrates the cuisine of New England in a sophisticated venue that's brimming with refined style and classic looks. It's a glamorous spot with both indoor and outdoor tables. At lunchtime you can choose from à la carte dishes or go for the prix fixe menu. Expect plenty of seafood, oysters, and steak.

If you're willing to queue for lunch, head to Mentmore Terrace and get a pitta loaded with falafel and fillings from viral sensation Pockets. This bustling falafel counter dishes up freshly-steamed breads overflowing with crunchy falafel, salads, pickles, and sauces. The place often sells out early so best be quick.

You can get lunch on the go in London from The Kati Roll Company. These vibrant street-food spots are cosy and offer food to eat-in or take away. The speciality here are loaded hot wraps, made with an Indian paratha and packed with flavoursome ingredients ranging from chicken tikka to potato and veg patties. Indian soft drinks like lassi are served as well.

Famed chef Yotam Ottolenghi sure knows how to put on a lunch spread. His London lunch restaurants-slash-delis tempt lunchgoers with counters piled high with different salads, bakes, and other quality Middle Eastern fare – just walk in and start pointing at all the things you want. Takeaway is always available, but most of the stylish modern venues also have a large communal table where you can sit down and meet a new face or two while feasting.

Sample Egyptian street food that's ideal for a speedy London lunch at Koshari Street. This modern eatery serves flavourful bowls based on the Egyptian national dish, an unusual mix of pasta, rice, lentils, and tomato sauce. The classic option is vegan-friendly but you can add extras like chicken, lamb, or spicy potatoes.

Island Poké offers a health lunch in London, bringing Londoners a taste of Hawaii with its tropical bowls. They have branches throughout the city. These relaxed and informal eateries offer set recipes as well as the option to craft your own ideal bowl with a choice of bases and extra toppings. Poké bao buns are on the menu as well.

Open from lunchtime til late, Wok to Walk is a vibrant spot serving tasty custom meals for any time of day. These casual places are all about stir-fries and you're free to create your perfect mix. Choose a base from rice, noodles, or mixed veggies before adding extra ingredients, sauces, and toppings for a hot lunch meal that's just right.

Check out Bibi's if you favour a fresh and healthy lunch. Freshly-prepared salads are the focus at these cute and contemporary venues, and the tasty mixes on offer often sell out quick. You can mix and match your favourites to create your perfect salad box. Drinks and fresh savoury bakes are on offer here as well, plus catering services are available.

Centrally-located restaurant Malevo Tower Bridge serves Argentinian dishes and has plenty of options that are ideal for lunch. Whether you want something light and affordable or an indulgent meal, this vibrant restaurant full of original art will satisfy. Special lunch dishes here include empanadas served with salad, Argentinian sandwiches, and grill platters to share.

Banh mi, a crispy Vietnamese baguette stuffed with different meat, veg, and herbs, is a reliable choice when you need a quick lunch on the go, and the Kêu eateries are known for serving some of the best ones. The satisfying crunch of the bread and refreshing flavours make for a filling meal, and it's convenient to eat while rushing from meeting to meeting. The different options and ease of transport mean it's a good choice when you want to feed the whole office, too.