Food & Drink

15 must-visit places for lunch in Central London

restaurants central london
lunch central london

Craving traditional fish and chips, a gourmet pie, or a beautifully crafted seasonal dish? Discover 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.
  • Distance from Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.6 mile (18 mins walk)

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 Sundays)
  • Best for: A historic, character-filled pub with a legendary pie menu.
  • Distance from Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.1 mile (3 mins walk)

Tucked away in Fitzrovia, The Newman Arms is a hidden gem steeped in history.

Dating back to 1730, this beloved pub has appeared in George Orwell’s novels and earned a lasting reputation for its incredible pies. The beef and Guinness pie, the chicken, leek, and gammon, and every other dish deliver 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 – 11:30 PM
    • Sun 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Best for: A stylish gastropub experience with high-quality, seasonal dishes.
  • Distance from Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.7 mile (20 mins walk)

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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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.

Drunch

Situated a short walk from Oxford Circus, Drunch is a popular brunch spot in the heart of Fitzrovia. Known for its quality comfort food and relaxed atmosphere, it provides an inviting space to enjoy a casual meal with friends or family.

Counter By Naroon

Counter by Naroon, located inside Fitzrovia Quarter, 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: 12 PM – 9 PM
  • Best for: A wholesome, vegetarian-friendly Sunday lunch in a soulful setting.
  • Distance from Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.2 mile (5 mins walk)

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.
  • Thursdays: 7 AM – 9:45 AM, 12 PM – 9:45 PM.
  • Sundays: 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 THAI RESTAURANTS IN CENTRAL LONDON

Dal Fiorentino

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.

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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EXPLORE LUNCH SPOTS JUST STEPS AWAY