Food & Drink

15 must-visit places for lunch in Central London

lunch central london
lunch central london

Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional fish and chips, a gourmet pie, or a beautifully crafted seasonal dish, here’s where to find the most delicious and satisfying lunches in the heart of London.

Best pub lunch in Central London

There’s nothing quite like a proper British pub lunch. Picture this: a cosy, wood-panelled pub, the smell of slow-cooked meats and freshly poured ales, and a plate of comfort food that just hits the spot.

The Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden

Address: 33 Rose St, London WC2E 9EB, United Kingdom

Opening hours:

  • Mon – Sat 11 AM – 11 PM
  • Sun 12 PM – 10:30 PM

Best for: Hearty and homey meals in a cosy pub setting.

One of London’s most historic pubs, The Lamb & Flag dates back to 1772 and is steeped in history. This charming, wood-paneled pub was once a favourite of Charles Dickens and retains its old-world charm while serving up classic British pub fare. The steak and ale pie is a must-try, with a rich, flavourful filling encased in golden, buttery pastry. If you’re after a proper pint and a hearty meal, this is the place to be.

 

 

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The Newman Arms

Address: 23 Rathbone St, London W1T 1NG, United Kingdom

Opening hours: Tue – Sat 12 PM – 11 PM (closed on Mondays & Sundays)

Best for: A historic, character-filled pub with a legendary pie menu.

Tucked away in Fitzrovia, The Newman Arms is a hidden gem packed with history. Dating back to 1730, this pub has been featured in George Orwell’s novels and has a long-standing reputation for its incredible pies. Whether it’s the beef and Guinness pie or the chicken, leek, and gammon, you’re guaranteed a rich, hearty meal. 

 

 

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The Grazing Goat Pub & Boutique Hotel Marylebone

Address: 6 New Quebec St, London W1H 7RQ, United Kingdom

Opening hours:

  • Mon – Sat 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Sun 7:30 AM – 20:30 PM

Best for: A stylish gastropub experience with high-quality, seasonal dishes.

If you like your pub food with a little more finesse, The Grazing Goat is for you. The Sunday roast is a highlight, featuring locally sourced meats, vibrant vegetables, and homemade sauces. But if you’re after something lighter, their roasted fish dishes and seasonal plates are just as satisfying.

 

 

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The Royal Oak

Address: 74-76 York St, London W1H 1QN, United Kingdom

Opening hours:

  • Mon – Sat 12 PM – 11 PM
  • Sun 12 PM – 10:30 PM

Best for: One of the best Sunday roasts in Central London.

If you take Sunday roasts seriously, The Royal Oak is where you need to be. Whether you’re here for a long, lazy lunch or just a quick pint, The George is one of Fitzrovia’s best-kept secrets.

 

 

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Old Nunshead

Address: The Old Nun’s Head, 15 Nunhead Grn, London SE15 3QQ, United Kingdom

Opening hours: 

  • Mon – Thur 12 PM – 12 AM
  • Fri – Sat 12 PM – 1 AM
  • Sun 12 PM – 11 PM

Best for:

This Tudor-style pub in Nunhead is all about the Sunday roast. Thick cuts of beef, crispy roast potatoes, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and plenty of gravy. If you like a proper, no-nonsense roast dinner, this is the place for you.

 

Best Sunday lunch in Central London

Sunday lunch is a ritual in London, and if you’re going to do it, you might as well do it right. Whatever your Sunday mood – luxurious, comforting, or somewhere in between – this list has got you covered. These are the best Sunday lunch spots in Central London that are worth every bite.

Savoy Grill

Address: 100 Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, United Kingdom

Opening hours:

  • Mon – Sat 12 PM – 3:15 PM, 5 PM – 12 AM.
  • Sun 12 PM – 11:30 PM

Best for: A luxurious Sunday lunch in a Gordon Ramsay-managed restaurant.

If you’re looking for a show-stopping Sunday lunch, Savoy Grill delivers the full five-star treatment. This Gordon Ramsay-run institution is the definition of elegance, from the impeccable service to the perfectly executed classic dishes. It’s indeed pricey, but for a special occasion or a treat-yourself moment, it’s worth every penny.

 

 

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Counter By Naroon

Address: 63 Great Titchfield St., London W1W 7PR, United Kingdom

Opening hours: 

  • Mon – Fri 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Sat – Sun 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Best for: An elevated pub Sunday roast with a perfect pint of Guinness.

The Devonshire has become one of the most talked-about restaurants in London – and for good reason. If you can get a table (you’ll need to book well in advance!), you’re in for one of the best Sunday lunches in town. Their beef cheek and Guinness suet pudding is rich, melt-in-your-mouth, and absolutely packed with flavour. Pair your meal with a pint of their famously well-poured Guinness, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate Sunday experience.

 

 

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Govinda’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant

Address: 9 Soho St, London W1D 3DL, United Kingdom

Opening hours: Daily 12 PM – 9 PM

Best for: A wholesome, vegetarian-friendly Sunday lunch in a soulful setting.

Sometimes, Sunday lunch doesn’t have to be all about meat and gravy. At Govinda’s, you’ll find hearty, authentic Indian vegetarian dishes that taste like home cooking. The thalis are a standout, offering a selection of curries, dal, rice, and freshly made breads – perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself).

 

Berners Tavern

Address: 10 Berners St, London W1T 3NP, United Kingdom

Opening hours: Daily 12 PM – 9 PM

  • Mon  – Sat: 7 AM – 9:45 AM, 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 9:45 PM.
  • Sun: 7 AM – 9:45 AM, 12 PM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 9:45 PM.

Best for: A visually stunning dining experience with a refined Sunday menu.

Berners Tavern is hands down one of the most beautiful restaurants in London. The high ceilings, grand chandeliers, and walls lined with stunning paintings make you feel like you’re dining in a work of art. The food lives up to the setting, with perfectly executed dishes like steak tartare, roast chicken, and a decadent mac & cheese with braised beef. And this is the kind of place that’s perfect for a special occasion or a treat-yourself Sunday. 

 

 

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Places to have quick lunch bites in Central London

Sometimes, you just don’t have the time for a long, leisurely lunch—but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for something boring. Yet, no worries, Central London has an incredible range of grab-and-go spots that serve up quality meals without the wait:

The Great THAI Grab & Go

Address: 53 Great Portland Street W1W 7LG

Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11 AM – 5:30 PM (closed on Saturdays & Sundays)

Best for: Authentic Thai food on the go with fast service.

If you’re in Fitzrovia yet craving for a taste of Thailand without the sit-down fuss, The Great THAI Grab & Go should be your go-to Thai restaurant in Central London . This small but mighty takeaway joint has been serving up quick, fresh, and flavour-packed Thai dishes for years, making it a go-to lunch stop for busy professionals and shoppers around Oxford Circus.

 

BEST RESTAURANTS FOR LUNCH IN FITZROVIA

Dal Fiorentino

Address: 15 Great Titchfield St. London W1W 8AZ

Opening hours: 

  • Mon – Fri 8 AM – 7 PM
  • Sat – Sun 11 AM – 6 PM

Best for: Authentic Tuscan-style sandwiches.

A little slice of Florence in Fitzrovia, Dal Fiorentino specialises in schiacciata sandwiches, made with freshly baked rustic bread and top-quality Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Whether you go for stracciatella cheese with cured meats or a fresh vegetarian option, you’re guaranteed a delicious, filling meal at a great price.

MORE DETAILS ON ITALIAN RESTAURANTS IN FITZROVIA

Ugly Dumpling 

Address: 30 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1JG, United Kingdom

Opening hours:

  • Mon – Wed 12 PM – 10 PM
  • Thur 12 PM – 10:30 PM
  • Fri – Sat 12 PM – 11 PM
  • Sun 12 PM – 8:30 PM

Best for: Gluten-free Chinese dumpling treats.

Ugly Dumpling is not your average dumpling joint—this place takes classic Asian dumplings and gives them an innovative, fusion twist. The cosy, artistic vibe makes it a great spot to grab a quick lunch and soak in the fun atmosphere. Plus, they offer gluten-free options, which is a huge win for dumpling lovers with dietary restrictions.

 

 

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