26 best lunch restaurants in London: The ultimate midday dining guide

Hear us out, because we’re about to make a case for why lunch might just be the absolute best meal of the day. Unlike dinner, a great lunch comes with zero constraints. Want a quick mid-week catch-up with a friend that still leaves you with a whole afternoon ahead of you? Done. Looking for a hedonistic, multi-course feast that stretches all the way into evening aperitifs? You can do that too. Whether you want a crisp glass of white, a shared bottle of claret, or a completely alcohol-free afternoon, daytime dining accommodates it all.

Thankfully, the capital is an absolute paradise for daytime food-lovers right now. We’ve tried and tested hundreds of the best places for lunch in London to track down the ultimate midday spots, and the sheer variety on offer is staggering. Have a scan of your favourite menus and you’ll notice that top-tier kitchens all over the city are offering set lunch menus at seemingly impossible prices, frequently coming in at under £20. Given that a leisurely dinner at the exact same establishment could easily cost you four times that amount, booking a daytime table is a total no-brainer in our book.

If you can’t tell, the SquareMeal editorial team is heavily pro-lunch, but how exactly do we decide what makes the cut for the best lunch restaurants in London? It isn’t just about finding the most exceptional value-for-money deals - it’s also about tracking down the spaces that make daytime dining feel genuinely special, whether that means a glorious, sun-drenched terrace for an alfresco bite or a historic dining room perfect for a long client catch-up. From quick bites to long, lazy afternoons, you’ll find our favourite spots to book below.

Best lunch restaurants in London

The SquareMeal team's expert pick of London's best restaurants, from bright, breezy seafood counters to classic bistro dining.

Casa, Victoria

What: Casa is a Portuguese restaurant with a casual feel and some seriously enviable interiors. Whether you’re at Casa London Bridge, Casa Mayfair, or here in Victoria, you can expect some serious big flavour. The price-to-quality ratio is off the charts, the service is speedy (but never rushed), and breezy Lisbon-style design only adds to the appeal. Order up on the piri-piri chicken, peruse the well-priced wine list, and don’t forget to finish with a pastel de nata and good coffee.
Where: 2 Sir Simon Milton Square, SW1E 5DJ
Organising a private lunch? Check out private dining options at Casa Victoria
Book now: Casa Victoria

Les 2 Garçons, Crouch End

What: Beloved in Crouch End and beyond, Les 2 Garçons is one of London’s great French bistros. The lunch menu is a masterclass in French comfort food, offering classic dishes at very reasonable prices (including what we reckon is one of the best steak frites we’ve ever eaten). Perhaps even more important to Les 2 Garçons is the charm and joie de vivre of owners Robert and Jean-Christophe, who treat everyone that comes through the door like a dear friend.
Where: 14 Middle Lane, N8 8PL
How much: A la carte prices 
Book now: Les 2 Garçons

Rowley's, St. James's

What: Famous for its legendary house butter and charcoal-grilled steaks, this long-standing St James's restaurant is a lunch institution. The dining room still has an air of magic about it thanks to panelled ceilings and an unfathomable number of antique mirrors on the walls. Plus, the set lunch is one of the West End's best-kept secrets, offering their signature steak and unlimited fries at just £27 for two courses.
Where: 113 Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6HJ
How much: £27 for two courses, £32 for three courses 
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Rowley's
Book now: Rowley's

DakaDaka, Mayfair

What: We’re rather enamoured by modern Georgian spot DakaDaka, which shines a light on the breadth of Georgian food, as well as the country’s 8000 year winemaking heritage. Everything about this spot feels slick and sophisticated, from the limewashed interiors to the smart menu, which introduces trad dishes, like lamb and sour plum khinkali dumplings, and fresh baked flatbreads stuffed with molten cheese. The set lunch is the best way to sample some of the best dishes.
Where: 10 Heddon Street, W1B 4BX
How much: £29 for two courses, £35 for three courses 
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at DakaDaka
Book now: DakaDaka

Osteria by Bocconcino, Strand

What: Bocconcino is a trusted name in the capital when it comes to lux Italian cooking, and Osteria offers more of the same in the heart of theatreland. Lunch is a crowd-pleasing combo of salmon tartare, fresh pasta made in-house with creamy tomato vodka sauce, and authentic gelatos. Service is slick, prices are relatively accessible, and the airy dining room makes this a solid lunch spot for all occasions.
Where: 366 Strand, WC2R 0JF
How much: £24.50 for two courses, £27.50 for three courses
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Osteria by Bocconcino
Book now: Osteria by Bocconcino

AVI Bistrot, Belgravia

What: Housed within the chic Lowndes Hotel, AVI is no mere bistro - this is ultra-stylish French dining, courtesy of the team behind the fabulous Prince Arthur in Belgravia. Expect caviar fish and chips, brioche lobster rolls, and an absolutely stellar home-made Big Mac with truffle. The room is gorgeous too - we’d recommend this for a business lunch where you really want to impress.
Where: 21 Lowndes Street, SW1X 9ES
How much: A la carte prices 
Book now: AVI Bistrot

Gilroy’s Loft, Covent Garden

What: Of the many places to enjoy a spot of lunch at Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Gilroy’s Loft is probably our favourite - perhaps even our favourite lunch place in Covent Garden. Pip Lacey’s classy, hyper-seasonal cooking suits this highrise spot perfectly, and it’s a particularly good spot for anyone that enjoys fresh shellfish, with a stunning fruits de mer platter. The set menu is excellent too, serving up signature Guinness rarebit, beer-steamed mussels, and an apple Bakewell tart.
Where: Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Shelton Street, WC2H 9PU
How much: £30 for two courses, £36 for three courses
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Gilroy’s Loft
Book now: Gilroy’s Loft

Vatavaran, Knightsbridge

What: Rohit Ghai’s colourful Knightsbridge restaurant offers drama and luxury across multiple floors, as well as an insight into the diverse culinary landscape of the Himalayas. We especially love the bright top-floor bar for lunch, and the daytime set lunch menu provides surprisingly good value for the area, letting you experience Ghai’s award-winning cooking for just £30 a head.
Where: 14-15 Beauchamp Place, SW3 1NQ
How much: £30 for three courses
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Vatavaran
Book now: Vatavaran

Stanley's Chelsea

What: To be known as Chelsea's secret garden is quite a thing, but this stunning spot pulls it off effortlessly. The florally-bedecked courtyard and the bright, glass-roofed Orangery are absolutely drenched in natural light, making them perfect for a sunny lunch. Meanwhile, ingredient-led British menus offer fantastic value for an elegant, quintessentially Chelsea dining experience.
Where: 151 Sydney Street, SW3 6NT
How much: A la carte prices 
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Stanley's Chelsea
Book now: Stanley's Chelsea

Nipa Thai, Bayswater

What: You wouldn’t necessarily know from the Royal Lancaster Hotel’s gleaming whitewashed facade, but up on the first floor you’ll find Nipa Thai - one of London’s most acclaimed Thai restaurants. It’s one of only a handful to have a prestigious Thai Select Award - given by the Thai government to those that represent authentic cooking - and the setting is as good as the food, with lovely windows overlooking Hyde Park. Staff are brilliant, and the place has a charming, well-worn quality that feels perfect for a celebratory lunch.
Where: Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY
How much: A la carte prices 
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Nipa Thai
Book now: Nipa Thai

Whiteley's Kitchen, Bayswater

What: Flooded with natural light, this bright and airy spot at Six Senses Hotel is an ultra-reliable spot for a casual midday bite. The menu is surprisingly eclectic and ambitious for a restaurant in a hotel (the stuffed chicken wing siu mai is a cracker), and there’s always the option of eating in the lovely secluded courtyard.
Where: Six Senses London, 1 Redan Place, W2 4SA
How much: A la carte prices
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Whiteley's Kitchen
Book now: Whiteley's Kitchen

Best lunch restaurants in London for business meetings

Many thousands of deals over the years have been sealed over good lunches in London's storied restaurants. These are the spots we'd head to if we had clients to entertain, but you'll find lots more great recommendations in our guide to London's best business lunches. 

The Park, Bayswater

What: Jeremy King’s shiny New York-style grand cafe is a masterclass in bright, breezy design. Large windows look out over Kensington Gardens, flooding the spacious dining room with natural light. The real draw is the charmingly old-school all day menu, offering retro brasserie classics like steak frites, shrimp cocktail, and lobster rolls, plus a build-your-own sundae.
Where: 2 Queensway, W2 3RX
How much: A la carte prices
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at The Park
Book now: The Park

Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill, Mayfair

What: While Mayfair is rarely synonymous with bargains, Bentley’s offers a legendary set lunch menu that is spectacular value. Sip crisp wine on the heated terrace for some prime al fresco people-watching, or grab a seat at the oyster counter and chat with Bentley’s ever-entertaining shuckers. There’s nowhere better to indulge in top class seafood.
Where: 11-15 Swallow Street, W1B 4DG
How much: £35 for two courses, £39.50 for three courses
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill
Book now: Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill

Fitz's Brasserie, Bloomsbury

What: Located inside the Kimpton Fitzroy, this glamorous brasserie combines 19th century grandeur with contemporary style. The stunning dining room is flooded with natural light, whilst corniced columns add a touch of stateliness to a business lunch or a special occasion. The menu has something for everyone, from raw seafood and fish to sharing steaks off the grill, but it’s the setting that really makes this a special lunch choice.
Where: Kimpton Fitzroy London, 1-8 Russell Square, WC1B 5BE
How much: A la carte prices
Book now: Fitz's Brasserie

The Orangery TCR, Tottenham Court Road

What: True to its name, this stunning glass oasis is flooded with natural light - perfect for the vertical hydroponic farms on-site that grow herbs, leaves and vegetables for the restaurants. It’s a gorgeous, peaceful sanctuary away from the shopping chaos of Tottenham Court Road, and the lunch menu offers great value, featuring fresh, healthy bowls and light bites that are perfect for a midday refuel.
Where: 81 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1DG
How much: £28 for two courses, £33 for three courses
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at The Orangery TCR
Book now: The Orangery TCR

Bellamy's, Mayfair

What: A favourite of the late Queen, sophisticated French brasserie Bellamy’s is the epitome of understated Mayfair elegance. If you just want proper old-school cooking, this is where you come - order from the Table d’Hote menu for soupe au pistou and roast poussin at bargain prices, or go all in on the full menu. For a classy lunch with impeccable service, you can’t beat Bellamy’s.
Where: 18-18a Bruton Place, W1J 6LY
How much: £38 for two courses, £45 for three courses
Book now: Bellamy's

Best value lunch restaurants in London

Lunch is where you'll find arguably the best value deals in the city, with set menus regularly clocking in under the £20 mark, and some exceptional restaurants offering special menus. Looking for more great value restaurants? Check out our guide to the most affordable set menus in London right here. 

Baccala Seafood & Wine, London Bridge

What: This understated Bermondsey local has a proper cult following, and it’s an absolute must-visit for seafood lovers. Baccala specialises in classic Italian coastal dishes - no faff, just great ingredients and great cooking. The relaxed dining room feels like a mini-Mediterranean escape (we especially love grabbing a seat at the bar) and the weekly-changing set lunch menu is one of the best value secrets in South London - great for London Bridge-adjacent business lunches.
Where: 194-204 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ
How much: £25 for two courses, £30 for three courses
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Baccala Seafood & Wine
Book now: Baccala Seafood & Wine

Chishuru, Fitzrovia

What: Adejoke Bakare’s Michelin-starred West African powerhouse is a triumph of flavour, but amazingly, it also remains some of the best bang-for-your-buck cooking in London. The contemporary, pastel-hued dining room matches the joyful energy of the food. Bargain hunters should go for the £55 set lunch menu - a spectacular, affordable gateway to her boundary-pushing cooking, making world-class Michelin dining accessible for a fantastic midday treat.
Where: 3 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 8AX
How much: £55 for four courses
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Chishuru
Book now: Chishuru

Restaurant St Barts, Barbican

What: Michelin-starred dining doesn't always have to mean a 15 course marathon. This sleek, minimalist space offers one of the best set lunch menus in London - the Business Lunch Hour is just £60 for three courses, celebrating the best of British produce and getting you in and out of the door in your lunch hour. Massive floor-to-ceiling windows flood the dining room with natural light, making it a spectacular setting for a business lunch that delivers incredible value for food of this calibre.
Where: 63 Bartholomew Close, EC1A 7BF
How much: £60 for three courses
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Restaurant St Barts
Book now: Restaurant St Barts

Sune, Hackney

What: Positioned right by the canal at Broadway Market, Sune is a neighbourhood restaurant that matches the effortless cool of its Hackney post code. Stripped-back, sunlit interiors are perfect for enjoying a long lunch, and the modern European cooking offers something distinctive. They offer a brilliant value set lunch from Wednesday to Friday that highlights top-tier seasonal produce, plus, co-owner Honey Spencer is one of the top sommeliers in the capital, so treat yourself to a glass of something whilst you’re here.
Where: 129A Pritchard's Road, E2 9AP
How much: £25 for two courses, £29 for three courses
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Sune
Book now: Sune

ZIMA Soho

What: Quirky ZIMA is tucked away inside an old Soho townhouse, and offers something pretty unique in London - traditional Russian and Eastern European cooking, alongside homemade nastoykas (a traditional Polish spirit), infused in-house. There’s lots hiding behind the door - folksy interiors, a hidden courtyard terrace, and a brilliant set lunch menu for just £20.
Where: 45 Frith Street, W1D 4SD
How much: £19 for lunch platter
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at ZIMA Soho
Book now: ZIMA Soho

Mele e Pere, Soho

What: For those who bemoan the loss of old Soho, Mele e Pere stands as one of the few remaining institutions, still serving confident Italian food after many decades. It’s an outstanding spot for lunch, particularly if you love proper Italian cooking, generous pasta dishes and antipasti. Our advice? Grab an upstairs table and dive into the thoroughly reasonable set lunch menu, complete with pork and fennel meatballs, and porcini risotto.
Where: 46 Brewer Street, W1F 9TF
How much: £18.50 for two courses, £22.50 for three courses 
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Mele e Pere
Book now: Mele e Pere

Best outdoor lunch restaurants in London

There's nothing like a good lunch in the sun, and on the rare occasions it shows up in London, these are the spots you want to head for. For more ideas, check out our ultimate guide to the best outdoor restaurants in London.

Yasmin, Soho

What: Set high above the buzz of Soho, this rooftop gem is all about colourful Middle Eastern small plates and highrise views. The sun-drenched terrace is perfect for an al fresco lunch, while the bright, stylish interiors keep things light and breezy. It’s fantastic value for a premium central London spot too, with loads of delicious small bites that you can pick at gently, or go big on for a feast.
Where: 1 Warwick Street, W1B 5LR
How much: A la carte prices
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Yasmin
Book now: Yasmin

Shambles Restaurant & Wine Bar, Teddington

What: This beloved, family-run Italian local boasts one of the prettiest hidden garden terraces in Southwest London, making it an absolute dream for al fresco lunches. The Early Bird menu offers serious value, stretching to four courses for £31, and offering classic Italian dishes like fettuccine in ragu, polpette, and tiramisu. What better to enjoy under the Shambles wisteria pergola?
Where: 83-85 High Street, TW11 8HG
How much: £22 for two courses, £26.50 for three courses, £31 for four courses
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Shambles Restaurant & Wine Bar
Book now: Shambles Restaurant & Wine Bar

Café Mission, Shoreditch

What: We’re often raving about Cafe Mission - this criminally underrated Shoreditch rooftop spot deserves more attention. Cool, industrial-chic interiors meet highly accessible, health-conscious cooking, as well as an all day breakfast. The space is beautifully bright, making it a lovely place to park up with a laptop post-lunch, before grabbing a late afternoon drink under the parasols on the al fresco terrace.
Where: 7-9 Fashion Street, E1 6PX
How much: A la carte prices
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Café Mission
Book now: Café Mission

Clara's, Shoreditch

What: Anyone who frequents Shoreditch will doubtless have seen the sunshine yellow front of Clara’s; if you haven’t already popped your head in, we’d recommend it. The Med-inspired menu has a real holiday vibe to it - Cantabrian anchovies in good olive oil, radicchio with orange and mustard - and there’s a lovely bright dining room, as well as pavement side bistro tables. The bar mixes great aperitifs too, making this a good shout if you’ve got the time for a long lunch.
Where: 17 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA
How much: £20 for two courses plus an espresso
Planning something special? Check out private hire options at Clara's
Book now: Clara's

If you've got clients or colleagues to entertain, check out our expert guide to the best restaurants for business lunches in London - discreet, sophisticated spots that are guaranteed to seal a deal.