London’s best lunch spots

Lokanta Bar & Grill is a standout destination for lunch in London, combining Mediterranean warmth with modern flair. The restaurant’s enticing menu features Turkish and Mediterranean classics, like meze platters, grilled kebabs, and seafood dishes. Diners rave about its relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, making it an ideal spot for both casual and special lunches. Fresh ingredients and an emphasis on flavour ensure an authentic Mediterranean dining experience that encourages repeat visits.

North Pole Bar & Grill, nestled in Greenwich, offers a laid-back but vibrant atmosphere perfect for a hearty lunch. Its menu is an eclectic mix of BBQ, grills, and modern British comfort food, featuring options like lamb chops, chicken shish kebabs, and vegan-friendly choices. With a large menu catering to diverse tastes, it’s ideal for a group outing, whether you’re craving a classic steak or something lighter. The lively, welcoming environment makes it a popular spot for families and friends to gather over a satisfying meal​.

A three-course set lunch menu costs a very reasonable £28 at Hawksmoor’s Air Street venue and is served from 12-3pm Tuesday to Sunday. This award-winning steak restaurant is the perfect spot for foodies seeking top-tier dishes, great service, and a sophisticated dining experience. Starters include potted beef and bacon with Yorkshires, a smoked mackerel salad or a heritage tomato and summer herb salad. For the main event, a 35-day aged rump or fillet tail for a supplementary £6.50 or opt for royal sea bream or charcoal-roasted cauliflower which is included in the price. And for dessert, you can choose from a trio of naughty delights, including strawberry cheesecake, sticky toffee sundae or the famous peanut butter shortbread, which is incredibly moreish!

The Pear Tree is a modern Australian café and deli situated in the Surrey Quays area, which is always buzzing during lunch hours. The all-day menu features Asian and European influences throughout, with highlights including lobster spaghetti with fennel and smoked chilli, king prawn nasi goreng, and a to-die-for Korean chicken burger with kimchi slaw and gochujang. There are also plenty of other delicious mains, burgers and salads, plus a variety of breakfast dishes like avocado toast, banana pancakes and Huevos Rancheros, which are served until 5pm. Plus, there’s a great selection of vegetarian and plant-based dishes across the menu and select dishes can be made vegan upon request as well.

This spot is a must if you’re in Soho looking for a great vegan lunch spot. Established back in the 80s, Mildreds has certainly made a name for itself on the London food scene with its creative and colourful plant-based dishes, which will definitely excite your palate more than a simple salad or nut roast! This restaurant is centred entirely around vegan and vegetarian diets, also catering to those with wheat and gluten intolerances. On the all-day menu, you’ll find internationally inspired dishes like kimchi fried rice, Sri Lankan coconut curry, plant-based burgers, and plenty of mouthwatering puddings. On the drinks menu, there’s a large selection of refreshing cocktails with gorgeous botanical ingredients such as the Lychee Rose Martini and the Orange and Rosemary Spritz. There’s also some cracking mocktails too!

Minnow is a dog-friendly neighbourhood restaurant in Clapham, serving modern European seasonal dishes, cocktails and desserts. If you fancy sharing lunch over a bottle of wine with views of the park, Minnow has a large terrace that’s perfect for al fresco dining, even as the weather begins to turn cooler thanks to its outdoor heaters. The starter menu is loaded with fan favourites, including burrata salad, beef carpaccio, moules marinière and many other delicious plates. Highlights on the main menu include pan fried cod served with samphire and pea and mint purée, an incredible bavette steak with charred peppers and mojo sauce, and vegetarian gnocchi with aubergine, goat cheese and basil oil. Lunch is served weekdays from 12-3pm, but we advise you book as this place is rather popular!