London’s best lunch spots

If it’s a special occasion and you’re seeking a lunch spot which will be sure to impress, look no further. Brat earned a Michelin star within six months of opening thanks to Tomos Parry’s artistry, the former head chef of Kitty Fisher’s in Mayfair. This stylish restaurant attracts a cool East London crowd with its Basque-inspired menu, incredible wood-grilled dishes, and trendy dining space. The seafood is truly the star of the menu here, particularly as ‘brat’ is the Northumbrian colloquial for Turbot – which happens to be one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. You’ll also find plenty of other smoky, slow-cooked masterpieces which simply melt in the mouth, including a succulent beef sirloin, fresh langoustines, and a hearty velvet crab soup. There’s also a fabulous burnt cheesecake if you still have room for dessert.

Authentic Italian pasta dishes? Tick. Riverside views? Tick. Incredible desserts? Tick. Emilia’s Crafted Pasta is the place to come for lunch if you’re craving a delicious bowl of freshly made pasta, a punchy Negroni, and homemade tiramisu to finish – just the way Nonna makes it! The pasta is handcrafted in-house every morning, with options such as pappardelle, ravioli, gnocchi and plenty more. If the weather’s nice, you can dine out on the terrace and watch the yachts and pleasure boats cruising in and out of St. Katharine Docks for a Mediterranean café-culture dining experience. Or if the weather is less forgiving, simply cosy up inside the convivial dining space and watch the world go from the window-side tables.

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!