The best lunch spots in Soho

Just a short stroll from Soho, Sael in nearby St James's is a polished but easy-going spot that's perfect for a long lunch away from the chaos of Oxford Street. The dining room feels refined without being pretentious, and the menu from chef Sam Mills keeps British produce front and centre, featuring dishes like wood-fired figs, Cornish lobster, and one of London's best roasts if you swing by on Sunday. Grab a seat by the bar for a quick pint and plate, or settle in for something a bit more leisurely.

For lunch in Soho, 40 Dean Street is a tried-and-true favourite, respected by Londoners and tourists alike for nearly twenty years. The family-run Italian spot offers all the classics – from antipasti and pasta to pizzas and risottos – at accessible prices, making it a reliable choice for a midday meal. The warm interior with deep-blue walls and quirky decor welcomes two and four-legged guests alike, and it's a top spot for a leisurely lunch in summer, sprawled at one of the pavement tables as the world goes by.

The Great Thai Grab & Go is just around the corner from Soho, dishing up quick and delicious Thai street food that's easy on the wallet. The menu is chock full of authentic dishes, like aromatic curries, crispy spring rolls, punchy pad Thai and juicy satay skewers, all made with fresh herbs and proper Thai recipes. Most dishes come in at £10 or less, with veggie, seafood and meat options in abundance. It's built for speed, but if you've got time, grab a stool and enjoy your food in-house.

Though younger than its sibling 40 Dean Street, 64 Old Compton Street is equally reliable – it's run by the same family, after all, and features a similar menu of Italian essentials – antipasti, pasta, pizzas, and more. The friendly prices go easy on the wallet, making it ideal for a midday bite, while the cosy blue-toned decor, inspired by Studio 54, sets a relaxed tone. The kitchen sources its produce from local suppliers.

When you’re craving proper British cooking for lunch, head to Golden Union. It’s a colourful modern restaurant that’s all about fish and chips, with every meal cooked to order. The fish is sustainably-sourced and there’s plenty of choice. Pies and vegetarian and vegan dishes like battered halloumi and chips are also available.

Misato has a cute yellow and orange facade and is a popular place for casual Japanese dining. For lunch, try a sushi platter or order individual rolls to make your ideal meal. Bento boxes are served too, or try hot dishes like katsu curry or noodles in this warm and welcoming eatery.

40 Dean Street sibling 27 Old Compton Street is inspired by the tavola calda concept popular in Italy – good, quality food served in a quick manner. If that sounds like just the thing for lunch, well, you're absolutely right. The neighbourhood pasta bar offers an assortment of rich sauces to douse your pasta in, including favourites like cacio e pepe and amatriciana. It's easy to spend hours in the vintage-styled restaurant with wood-clad walls, old-school prints, and leather banquettes, but they're just as happy to sort you out with a quick lunch.

The dramatic exterior of Suvlaki will immediately attract your attention. Once inside, you'll find a stylish and modern eatery specialising in authentic Greek recipes. Souvlaki skewers and wraps are the menu's focus, with a variety of fillings on offer. Greek wine and beers from microbreweries in Greece are served too.

Pastaio in Soho serves freshly made pasta daily using seasonal ingredients. The pasta is all made fresh every day and comes in a range of options alongside a small menu of snacks, sides, starters and desserts. The menu caters to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. There's also an international wine list and a couple of Italian cocktails. It's a popular spot for lunch in Soho.

Brasserie Zédel is a stylish Parisian brasserie in central London, featuring authentic Art Deco interiors and a chic vibe. The venue includes a main restaurant, bar, and a Parisian café with an outdoor terrace where you can grab a bite to eat for lunch. Feast on French-inspired dishes like lamb tagine, veggie options, and quick lunch sandwiches, and round it all off with French wines or cocktails. 

If you fancy pizza for lunch try Cecconi’s Pizza Bar. This relaxed and stylish restaurant specialises in wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta dishes. There’s a set menu that makes a convenient lunch option or you can choose from the all-day menu of affordable dishes. Cocktails on tap are served as well.

Grab a traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwich at Banh Mi Keu Deli, to enjoy in the restaurant or whilst you’re on-the-go in Soho. This slick and modern eatery gives Londoners a taste of authentic Asian flavours with a menu of sandwiches, noodles, rice dishes, and snacks, and a huge choice of sandwich fillings.

A sandwich is always a popular choice for lunch and you can get a generously-stuffed deli sarnie at Tongue & Brisket. This casual spot is especially known for its salt beef but you can choose a sandwich or bagel with other classic fillings like chopped liver or smoked salmon and cream cheese.

Get a taste for Vietnamese cooking at Pho. It's a slick yet casual restaurant where you can try out flavoursome street food and classic recipes. If you fancy noodles for lunch, choose from pho, wok-fried noodles, or vermicelli, or otherwise you can go for salads or curry. There's a children's menu too.

Get some of the most sought-after falafel in the city from Wowshee Egyptian Falafel Bar, a market stall in Berwick Street. In fact, the patties here won the 2019 International Falafel Award! Enjoy yours served in either a salad box or a pitta bread alongside loads of other tasty ingredients.

Starting out in New York, The Kati Roll Company has now expanded to London with its small and cosy restaurant in Soho. Specialising in hot wraps, their portable nature makes them ideal for lunches. Get an Indian paratha stuffed with fillings like chicken tikka or potato and vegetable patties.

Try tapas in a laid-back and sociable setting at Copita. These small dishes are ideal for lunch and here you can sample a seasonal menu with classic options like patatas bravas as well as original dishes with a Moorish influence. Spanish wines, beers, and sherries are available if it’s a boozy lunch.

La Porchetta Pollo Bar dishes up huge portions of classic Italian dishes. The restaurant is cosy and informal, with a wide variety of pizza and pasta dishes to try. Vegan-friendly pizzas are available, as is gluten-free pasta. You can also choose antipasti like bruschetta, Italian breads, and deep-fried mozzarella.

Stylish all-day venue Café Boheme serves classic French cooking. There’s a three-course set menu that’s a great lunch option, or you can choose à la carte dishes like sandwiches, omelettes, or moules frites. There’s a cheerful atmosphere and live jazz music is on every afternoon to make lunch even more special.

Treat yourself to a luxurious French lunch at L’Escargot. The dining room is refined, with plush seating and an enviable art collection. This is the capital’s oldest French restaurant, still serving classic dishes like French onion soup and foie gras pâté. The two or three course set menu is great for lunch.

When you fancy a kebab at lunchtime, treat yourself to an elevated version from Le Bab. This buzzy modern spot reinvents that late-night favourite into something sophisticated you can enjoy at any time. Opt for the classic pork shawarma or try something different like a paneer kebab or loaded shawarma fries.

Get a simple and hearty lunch from Quo Vadis. This refined restaurant and members club is based in the former home of Karl Marx and has a bright and calm feel with elegant stained glass windows. Made with British produce, the menu includes pies, cullen skink, and the famous smoked eel sandwich.

Nopi is a restaurant from top Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi, bringing his notable Middle Eastern flavours into an airy setting in Soho. Seasonal all-day menus are on offer at this bright and modern establishment, including plenty of small plates that are well-suited to lunch as well as larger dishes.

Starting out as a pop-up, Indian eatery Kricket now has several London branches, including one in Soho. It’s a modern industrial space that combines British ingredients with authentic Indian flavours. Menus are seasonal, including small and large plates like pakoras or beef keema, along with plenty of drinks options.

Temper is a meat lover’s paradise and the small dishes on the menu make an ideal lunch. Meat comes from small farms and is butchered in-house. Dine in whilst viewing the basement fire pit, which is one of the largest in London, at the Soho location. Barbecue is an art form here.

For a budget-friendly lunch break, grab some authentic food from The Real Greek. The restaurant is rustic and well-lit with both indoor and outdoor seating. There’s a lunch menu with tantalising set options like dolmades, falafel, and spicy feta dip, or go for a souvlaki wrap with your choice of side dish.

Head to Bistro1 to enjoy a Mediterranean set lunch menu. It's a popular place for lunch and pre-theatre meals. This bright restaurant is decorated with colourful lanterns and serves food with a broad range of Mediterranean influences. Salads, kebabs, moussaka, and pasta dishes are amongst the options on the menu.

Koya is a minimalist Japanese noodle bar specialising in udon. It serves meals throughout the day, including lunchtime. Hot and cold udon, donburi, and various small plates are a highlight here. Enjoy your meal in the modern setting, whether seated at a communal table or at the chef's counter for a view of the kitchen. There's also a dedicated gluten-free menu.

Dishoom has been a standout on the Indian restaurant scene for many years now, with the Carnaby spot being particularly popular for all meals of the day, including lunch. Its Bombay-style decor and menu of Indian classics draw both locals and visitors, which often results in queues. The 24-hour slow-cooked black daal is a highlight, as is the chicken ruby, masala prawns, chilli cheese toast, we could go on.

The Soho Bao is the original Bao and it's been winning Michelin Bib Gourmand awards for years. It attracts lunchtimers who come to enjoy the range of Taiwanese-style small plates like the famous steamed milk buns that have made Bao famous citywide. While the classic bao is a staple, locals often opt for the confit pork version.

Modern Sri Lanka meets Soho at this stylish restaurant on vibrant Frith Street. Egg hoppers are a highlight here as well as the tasty bone marrow: two coconut-flavoured halves served with warm roti. At lunchtime, it's less busy but at dinner, without a booking, expect to queue, but it's well worth the wait.

This veggie restaurant in Soho is a popular spot for lunch, especially among vegetarians and vegans. Mildreds has other restaurants in Covent Garden, Camden Town, Kings Cross, and Dalston, but the Soho branch on Greek Street is the original restaurant, opening in 1988. This renowned plant-based spot is intimate and serves an all-day vegan menu featuring dishes like vegan kofte, burgers, and curry. Finish your meal with a signature cocktail.