The best lunch spots in Mayfair

Not the easiest to spot, Chisou’s reputation is built on its intimate, tranquil space in the heart of Mayfair. These guys pour their energy into creating exquisite and tasty Japanese dishes that change seasonally to guarantee the best quality all year round, with a focus on presentation and impeccable service.

This is the place for the curious and the connoisseurs, with an a la carte menu that serves sashimi, nigiris, makis, and rolls separately and invites diners to venture into an explosion of flavours with each piece. We recommend sharing two or three small plates for starters, particularly the Ika, featuring squid with quail egg, topped with spring onions and seaweed, the Sunomono, a selection of the finest seafood marinated in traditional Japanese vinaigrette, and some edamame beans with sea salt for that extra kick.

Follow with a selection of sushi, opting for the larger portions if sharing, or let yourself be tempted by the Chisou signature dishes, starring unique dishes such as the Snow Crab Truffle topped with salmon tartar, or the Aburi Otoro Oshizushi, a seared fatty tuna pressed sushi, served with caviar and truffle soy. Order your favourite sake and enjoy!

We can all agree that London is a city renowned for its diverse cuisine, and depending on the borough you are visiting, you may temporarily feel like you are abroad somewhere in the likes of Japan, Spain, Thailand, Italy, or France – if you don’t look up at the clouds or have the ‘stand behind the yellow lines’ warning echoing against your eardrums, that is. The multicultural mix is one of the beauties of the English capital, and we are here to guide you to the best places to travel within the city without ever having to leave it.

Chef José Pizarro owns the casual, Spanish restaurant at the Royal Academy of Arts, making it the dreamiest lunch spot for the art-lovers out there who are into Jamón Ibérico and tortillas, especially the slow eaters who enjoy a long chat in between sips of red wine combined with the savoury palates of olive oil seasoning and the best of what charcuterie and seafood have to offer. We recommend a mixture of the traditional tapas with the larger platters for a well-rounded experience over a bottle of Rioja. For dessert, order a Basque cheesecake and blueberries with a glass of Moscatel before heading home for a very traditional (and needed) siesta.

Next stop: Australia! Daisy Green owns half of London’s coolest brunch and lunch spots with unmissable tastes and atmosphere. Take your squad and sign up for the bottomless brunch with 90 minutes of Daisy fizz mimosa and a combination of sweet and savoury dishes or peruse the menu for other options.

The smoked salmon royale over dark rye bread, topped with avocado, poached eggs, lemon hollandaise and house chilli pesto, is a personal favourite. Other specialties include the roasted Atlantic salmon over a white bean and avocado puree, with raw kohlrabi, candied beetroot, and a soft herb and citrus dressing, and the BBQ monkfish skewer with chermoula, aubergine, house tzatziki and preserved lemon salsa, with some yummy focaccia.

Vegans and those seeking gluten-free options will also rejoice at the variety of dishes available (and no, it’s not just avocado on toast), with options ranging from a cauliflower steak over a caramelised cauliflower puree, topped with cacao vinaigrette and labne, to a roasted butternut squash with zhug, hazelnut butter, and pomegranate. Finish your meal with some dessert or ask for a When Ziggy Played Guitar for a cheeky exit.

A traditional luxury experience at the Washington Hotel, Madison’s offers the ideal setting for a business lunch or a special occasion that deserves the finest of the dining experiences. The classical menu features a fusion of popular dishes from international cuisines, starting with the old-fashioned take on Fish & Chips, with mushy peas, thick cut chips and tartare sauce, a Beef Bourguignon with bacon and potato puree, Spinach & Ricotta ravioli, Chicken Tikka Masala, and a Dal Makhani served with naan and steamed rice.

The lighter options include a Croque Madame, a Washington club sandwich with bacon, egg, chicken and cheese, a Banh Mi Vietnamese baguette sandwich, and a homemade soup of the day. Skip dessert and come back for the famous Afternoon Tea.

Last but not least, step into Bar Remo, where the enticing aroma of Italy wafts invitingly from the moment you approach the door. This beloved family-run establishment has been serving Italian delicacies in the heart of Mayfair for over 90 years, offering an exquisite selection of traditional dishes that celebrate the rich flavours of Italian cuisine.

Think indulgent, delicate gnocchi tossed in vibrant pesto or savouring a variety of linguini options with seafood, rich sauces, and cherry tomatoes. The antipasto platter, brimming with an assortment of cured meats and artisanal cheeses, is perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. And let’s not forget about the pizzas – crispy, golden crusts that cradle a medley of fresh toppings – or the creamy risotto with porcini mushrooms that offers a true taste of comfort.

For those with dietary preferences, Bar Remo sees you! Gluten-free pasta and pizza bases are available upon request for a small additional charge, ensuring everyone can indulge without restrictions. The menu also accommodates a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and halal options. Simply chat with the staff about your specific needs, and they’ll be more than happy to guide you through your choices.