Eat&Drink

Best places for lunch in central London

Satisfy your cravings at these top places for lunch in London.

Liven up your lunchtime by catching up with friends, treating that special someone, or making use of excellent value lunch menus throughout our neighbourhood.

Feast on fine dining lunches

Enjoy a unique view of the famous curve while devouring exquisite modern French dishes from Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal. Served from Thursdays to Saturdays, the tasting menu at this intimate two-Michelin-starred restaurant is perfect for lunch with your loved one or someone you’d like to impress.

For worldwide flavours, step into Aqua Kyoto, where Insta-worthy plates full of Japanese flavours make up its set lunch and à la carte menus; or feast on Spanish classics including suckling pig, seafood rice and Galician rib of beef from Michelin-starred Sabor’s wood-fired oven.

Meat-eaters will jump at the chance for lunch at Hawksmoor, a stylish art-deco steakhouse hidden away on Air Street. Enjoy a pre-lunch cocktail before tucking into steaks, seafood delicacies and lunch specials; or choose the terrific value express menu if you’re short on time or funds.

Hang out on Heddon Street

Not sure what to choose for lunch near Regent Street? Head to foodie haven Heddon Street for a feast of foodie options.

A great family choice is Gordon Ramsay’s Heddon Steet Kitchen, which offers seasonal European dishes with an Asian twist – all served from an open kitchen. Kids can pick from their very own menu and eat for free (one for every adult dining from the à la carte menu).

Be transported back to Tokyo’s old-school ramen bars at Heddon Yokocho – named after the city’s bustling alleyways full of food bars. Here, you’ll find steaming bowls of ramen from all corners of Japan. Eating lunch alone? Choose one of the retro Suchu booths that provide a private spot for just you to slurp and savour your ramen.

Or venture to the Algarve by bagging a table among the authentic décor at Casa do Frango. A must order is the flavour-packed hit that is its signature Piri Piri chicken, but there are also plenty of other southern Portuguese specials to tantalise the taste buds.

Soak up those pub vibes

Pair a pint of The Wigmore’s very own craft beer with a choice from Michel Roux Jr’s refined take on a British pub menu. Or settle in historic The George, a Grade II-listed venue that mixes traditional décor with upscale pub grub, from sandwiches to chops straight from the grill and epic Sunday roasts.

Heddon Street’s The Starman offers a more relaxed vibe. Here, you can munch on classic bar snacks or lunch on pub staples – all under the watchful gaze of David Bowie, who’s honoured in an eye-catching artwork on the exposed brick walls. Why? Heddon Street was featured on the album cover for Bowie’s seminal Ziggy Stardust album.

Catch up over a casual lunch

Reconnect with friends over cocktails among the greenery at Madera at Treehouse London. This relaxed all-day restaurant within the Treehouse London hotel serves up unusual takes on Mexican dishes, using organic ingredients. Each dish comes with a generous side helping of special views.

Grab a seat within the vast, bustling room at Brasserie Zédel, which brings Parisian elegance and classic French fare to central London. A favourite of theatre-goes come evening, by day it’s the ideal place for an unfussy meal – choose the two- or three-course prix fixé menu for a low-cost lunch, or try something extra special with the plât du jour.

Pizza is always a winner among friends and family, and Pizzeria Mozza has quickly risen to the upper crust of pizza restaurants in central London and beyond. Renowned over in LA, Nancy Silverton’s first UK venture showcases her famous dough and exciting toppings this side of “the Pond”.

Brunch with your besties

Gather your group and zigzag your way around the shops of Regent Street over to Ziggy Green, the place to be for a bottomless brunch in central London. Enjoy 90 minutes of its signature fizz or go for “tea-total” kombucha with its brunch special, which includes your choice of sweet and savoury dishes. Alternatively, take your pick from the wider brunch menu featuring Aussie-style classics.

It won’t take long to guess what’s on offer at The Avocado Show… but its creative dishes using sustainably sourced avocados are ideal for brunch. From avo fries, to poké bowls and pancakes, this health-conscious eatery will set you off on a feel-good start to the day.

Discover more of the best brunches in central London.

Veg out with plant-based treats

Fast food can be good food, and Neat Burger has set out on a mission to prove it – free from gluten, dairy and allergens, this environmentally and ethically conscious brand has become a hit due to its inventive vegan burgers. Take a seat in its pastel-hued Princes Street base and pick from options made using Neat Meat or Chick’n patties.

A great place for vegans and non-vegans alike, Tendril puts plant-based cooking first with its eclectic lunch menu. Enjoy colourful dishes from chef Rishim Sachdeva, who fuses flavour combinations from around the world.

When it’s warm outside, enjoy lunch at one of Regent’s Streets alfresco hotspots. For a post-lunch pick-me-up head to one of the areas’ top juice bars, or enjoy an afternoon treat with these indulgent afternoon teas. If you’re planning a working lunch, check out these places to work remotely.

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