Restaurants Perfect For A Long Summer Lunch
London is heating up, and so are its restaurants. New menus with exciting new dishes, drinks, and specials are popping up all around the city, and we’ve rounded up some of the best for you to sample. From Asian fusion and champagne menus to Italian spreads, here are the best new menus to check out this summer.
Rooftops & Sky High Lunches
CÉ LA VI London
High above Paddington Square on the 17th floor, CÉ LA VI London is one of the capital’s newest rooftop destinations, pairing panoramic skyline views with modern Asian cuisine. Its Sun Soaked Rooftop Lunch menu makes an excellent excuse to swap the office desk for something altogether more scenic, offering two courses for £29 or three for £36.
Expect refined dishes designed to showcase the restaurant’s contemporary approach to Asian flavours, all served in an elegant setting where floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive terrace ensure the views remain centre stage. Whether you’re meeting colleagues, catching up with friends or simply making the most of a sunny afternoon, this is the sort of lunch that rarely ends when planned.
Where: 1 Paddington Square, London
Website: ldn.celavi.com
Angler
Perched above Liverpool Street, Michelin-starred Angler offers one of the City’s most refined lunch experiences. The elegant rooftop dining room specialises in beautifully executed British seafood, while the Signature Tasting Experience invites diners to settle in for an unhurried afternoon of seven carefully paced courses.
Seasonality runs throughout the menu, showcasing the finest seafood and produce available, with optional wine pairings elevating each dish even further. Guests can also finish with a British cheese trolley, adding one final savoury course before reluctantly returning to reality.
Where: 3 South Pl, Finsbury, London EC2M 2AF
Website: www.anglerrestaurant.com
Broadwick Soho x El Fenn at Flute
Broadwick Soho’s rooftop bar, Flute, takes on a distinctly Moroccan flavour this summer as celebrated Marrakech hotel El Fenn arrives in Soho for a limited-time residency.
Inspired by El Fenn’s iconic rooftop terrace, the space has been transformed with vibrant design, Moroccan-inspired dishes and cocktails, contemporary art and a programme of cultural events celebrating the creative energy of Marrakech. Between Rooftops, a specially curated exhibition featuring works from leading Moroccan artists, adds another dimension, making this far more than simply a lunch destination.
Where: 20 Broadwick Street, London
Website: www.broadwicksoho.com
Coq d’Argent
Hidden above the Square Mile, Coq d’Argent’s rooftop garden has long been one of London’s best-kept lunch secrets. This summer, the terrace leans into the relaxed spirit of Provence with its Endless Lunch in the Garden experience, pairing four seasonal courses with four glasses of Mirabeau wine.
Surrounded by manicured greenery and sweeping City views, it’s remarkably easy to forget you’re in the middle of London’s financial district. Arrive for lunch and don’t be surprised if the afternoon runs away with it.
Where: No 1 Poultry, Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
Website: www.coqdargent.co.uk
Bar Jackie
Elsewhere in the hotel, Bar Jackie brings a little slice of the Italian Riviera to Soho. Partnering once again with Campari, the bar serves a summer menu of spritzes, Negronis and cicchetti, accompanied by weekly live performances of Italian classics, jazz and swing.
It’s the perfect place to begin with a leisurely aperitivo before allowing lunch to drift effortlessly into early evening.
Where: Berwick Street, London W1F 8TH
Website: www.broadwicksoho.com
Riverside Lunches
Sea Containers Restaurant
Stretching along the South Bank with uninterrupted views across the Thames, Sea Containers Restaurant was practically made for long lunches. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the dining room with natural light, while the riverside terrace offers one of the capital’s best spots for people-watching on sunny afternoons.
The seasonal menu celebrates the best of summer produce with fresh seafood, colourful sharing plates and cocktails designed for leisurely afternoons rather than hurried lunches. Whether you’re catching up with friends or entertaining clients, it’s the sort of place where lunch quietly turns into late afternoon drinks.
Where: 20 Upper Ground, London
Website: www.seacontainerslondon.com
Le Pont de la Tour
Tower Bridge has few finer dining rooms overlooking it than Le Pont de la Tour. Inside, classic French cooking takes centre stage with elegant seasonal dishes and beautifully prepared seafood, while outside the terrace places diners directly beside the Thames.
As the afternoon rolls into evening, the restaurant transforms with La Plage du Pont, its Riviera-inspired terrace concept complete with St-Germain Spritzes, relaxed bar bites and deckchairs overlooking one of London’s most recognisable landmarks. It’s difficult to imagine a better setting for making the most of a warm summer day.
Where: 36d Shad Thames, Butlers Wharf, London, SE1 2YE
Website: www.lepontdelatour.co.uk
Gaucho Richmond
If you’re prepared to venture a little further southwest, Gaucho Richmond rewards diners with one of London’s most picturesque riverside terraces. Sitting directly on the banks of the Thames, the restaurant enjoys sweeping views across Richmond Bridge and Petersham Meadows, making it an idyllic setting for a relaxed afternoon.
Alongside Gaucho’s signature Argentinian steaks and extensive wine list, the terrace offers one of Richmond’s most sought-after outdoor dining spots. It’s equally suited to a celebratory lunch, a leisurely weekend gathering or simply making the most of a sunny afternoon by the river.
Where: Gaucho Richmond, Richmond
Website: www.gauchorestaurants.com
Brasserie Constance
One of London’s newest riverside openings, Brasserie Constance overlooks the Thames at Fulham Pier with an elegant dining room and spacious terrace inspired by the legacy of celebrated florist and cookery writer Constance Spry.
Curated by Michelin-starred chef Adam Byatt, the menu champions seasonal British produce through understated, beautifully executed dishes that allow exceptional ingredients to shine. Pair thoughtful cooking with expertly crafted cocktails and uninterrupted river views, and you’ve got all the ingredients for an afternoon that slips by far too quickly.
Where: Level 1, Fulham Pier, Stevenage Rd, London SW6 6HH
Website: www.brasserieconstance.com
144 On The Hill
Overlooking Richmond Hill and just moments from Richmond Park, 144 On The Hill offers a slightly different take on waterside dining. Begin with a stroll through the park or down to the Thames before settling into the hotel’s elegant restaurant, where the newly launched spring and summer menu celebrates vibrant seasonal ingredients.
The menu ranges from buffalo mozzarella with strawberries and basil oil to grilled mackerel with compressed watermelon, alongside hearty mains including honey-glazed lamb rump, chilli prawn linguine and slow-cooked pork belly finished with rhubarb. Desserts continue the seasonal theme with everything from rhubarb and custard crème brûlée to an indulgent Eton Mess Knickerbocker Glory.
For something more relaxed, the hotel’s lounge and bar menu offers gourmet burgers, crispy duck bao buns, monkfish scampi and generous sharing plates, making it just as appealing for an informal afternoon spent grazing with friends as it is for a more traditional three-course lunch.
Where: 149-150 Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6RW
Website: www.144onthehill.co.uk
Hotel Restaurants
The Drawing Room at Flemings Mayfair
A new addition to Mayfair’s lunch scene, The Drawing Room at Flemings Mayfair offers a refined setting that feels made for unhurried afternoons. Served Tuesday to Saturday between 12pm and 2pm, the recently launched lunch menu combines relaxed dining with the timeless elegance of one of London’s oldest luxury hotels. Expect polished surroundings, attentive service and seasonal dishes that make this a smart choice for everything from business lunches to leisurely catch-ups just moments from Green Park.
Where: Flemings Mayfair Hotel, Half Moon Street, London, W1J 7BH
Website: www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk
The River Restaurant
The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay is set inside The Savoy, one of London’s most iconic hotels, so the set lunch menu really couldn’t be better value for the surroundings.
Two courses are £39, three courses are £47, and for that, there’s a great selection of dishes, including roast cod, salmon agnolotti, and sticky toffee pudding with fior di latte ice cream.
Where: The Savoy Hotel, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
Website:www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com
Café Biltmore
The newly renovated terrace at Café Biltmore transforms Grosvenor Square into one of Mayfair’s most relaxing lunch spots. Sheltered beneath elegant canopies and surrounded by calming greenery, it’s a welcome escape from the pace of central London.
The menu reflects the same easy-going approach, with vibrant dishes including watermelon and feta salad, chargrilled broccoli with labneh, teriyaki salmon donburi and an impressive Hyderabad chicken biryani baked inside short-crust pastry. Designed around sharing and lingering, ordering another bottle is always justified.
Where: 44 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 2HP
Website: www.thebiltmorehotels.com
Nine Elms Kitchen & Terrace at Park Hyatt London River Thames
Blending sophisticated interiors with an expansive outdoor terrace, Nine Elms Kitchen & Terrace offers one of southwest London’s most stylish settings for an extended lunch.
Seasonal menus celebrate fresh ingredients while the terrace provides plenty of space to linger over cocktails, wine or coffee long after the plates have been cleared. It’s a relaxed yet polished addition to London’s growing collection of destination hotel restaurants.
Where: 7 Nine Elms Lane, London
Website: www.hyatt.com
TOKii
Blending Japanese precision with relaxed lunchtime dining, TOKii at The Prince Akatoki has reinvented its weekday lunch offering with a collection of beautifully presented bento boxes.
Choose from beef teriyaki, pork tonkatsu, wild mushroom and tofu teriyaki, or the Chef’s Signature Akadashi Bento, inspired by the chef’s home prefecture in Japan. Each arrives complete with akadashi miso soup, hijiki salad, Japanese pickles, lotus crisps and steamed koshihikari rice, creating a satisfying lunch that’s both elegant and exceptionally good value. While not Italian, its emphasis on thoughtful, leisurely dining makes it an equally appealing option for slowing down over lunch.
Where: 50 Great Cumberland Place, London
Website: www.theprinceakatokilondon.com
The Garden Room at The Lanesborough
The Lanesborough’s newly opened Garden Room brings an elegant outdoor retreat to Knightsbridge, hidden behind lush planting just moments from Hyde Park Corner.
Open from midday until late, the covered terrace serves seasonal dishes created by Executive Chef Shay Cooper, from yuzu-spiked seabass ceviche and native lobster rolls to grilled steak sandwiches, alongside an extensive Champagne list, signature cocktails and one of London’s finest collections of Cognac and Armagnac. Whether you’re stopping for lunch or staying well into the evening, it’s an effortlessly glamorous setting that feels worlds away from the traffic beyond its walls.
Where: Hyde Park Corner, London, SW1X 7TA
Website: www.oetkercollection.com
Sanderson
Just across town, Sanderson has introduced a fresh Italian-inspired menu at The Restaurant, bringing generous sharing plates and seasonal ingredients to one of Fitzrovia’s best-known design hotels. Elegant without feeling overly formal, it’s somewhere to gather friends, order a few extra dishes and settle in for an afternoon with no hurry to leave.
Where: 50 Berners Street, London W1T 3NG
Website: www.sbe.com
The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard
Tucked inside Great Scotland Yard Hotel, The Parlour offers a calmer side to Westminster. This summer, the all-day dining lounge celebrates the season with a special Summer of Sports menu alongside its modern British à la carte offering. Seasonal specials sit alongside premium British ingredients, from Cornish cod and Hertfordshire beef to Orkney hand-dived scallops, creating a menu that’s as suited to a relaxed weekday lunch as it is to an afternoon tea after exploring nearby St James’s.
Where: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN
Website: www.hyatt.com
Italian Escapes
Idalia
One of Olympia’s newest dining destinations, Idalia embraces the slower pace of summer with a sun-filled terrace designed for sharing plates, seasonal cocktails and leisurely afternoons. Executive Pastry Chef Lorena Tomassi adds an extra incentive to linger with a collection of playful summer desserts, including miniature Magnum-inspired ice creams and Amalfi lemon ice cream served inside a frozen lemon shell. It’s a refreshing finish to a menu that celebrates Mediterranean flavours from start to finish.
Where: 5 Olympia Way, London W14 0NE
Website: www.pillarhall.co.uk
Marcella
Marcella focuses on seasonal Italian cooking using Italian and British produce, alongside an all-Italian wine list. The summer menu can take you from lovely grilled nectarines, with sheep’s ricotta, black olives and pine nuts, to spaghetti with lardo, roasted datterini and chilli and cod, coco beans, sea beet and trombetta.
where: 165A Deptford High St, London SE8 3NU
website: www.marcella.london
The Italian Greyhound
If there’s one neighbourhood restaurant that perfectly embodies relaxed Italian hospitality, it’s The Italian Greyhound. This summer, its striped terrace has been transformed into the ideal setting for lingering lunches, complete with a new martini menu created with Sapling Spirits. Start with a clarified tomato martini garnished with mozzarella and a sun-dried tomato skewer before sharing cicchetti, octopus gildas, crisp veal saltimbocca and the handmade pasta dishes the restaurant has become known for.
Where: 62 Seymour St, London W1H 5BN
Website: www.theitaliangreyhound.co.uk
La Trattoria at The Pelham
Inspired by generations of family recipes, La Trattoria at The Pelham celebrates the simple pleasure of sharing good food around the table. Head Chef Roberto Roncolato’s menu is rooted in traditional Italian cooking, with dishes prepared slowly and served generously. Expect comforting classics including parmigiana di melanzane, lasagna al forno and cotoletta di vitello before finishing with warm frittelle served with cream and orange zest. Pair everything with an Aperol Spritz and the atmosphere becomes unmistakably Mediterranean.
Where: 15 Cromwell Place, South Kensington, London SW7 2LA
Website: collezione.starhotels.com
Theo’s on the Terrace
Few chefs understand relaxed Italian cooking quite like Theo Randall, and his summer terrace at InterContinental London Park Lane offers exactly the sort of lunch that effortlessly stretches into the afternoon.
Inspired by the Amalfi Coast and Sicily, the menu features generous antipasti, Sicilian-style pizza al taglio and classic Italian desserts served on the hotel’s terrace overlooking Mayfair. Open daily from midday, it’s an ideal spot for a long lunch before an afternoon stroll through nearby Hyde Park.
Where: InterContinental London Park Lane by IHG, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London W1J 7QY
Website: parklane.intercontinental.com
Set Menus
Park Hyatt London River Thames
For an elegant lunch without the fine-dining price tag, Park Hyatt London River Thames has introduced a seasonal weekday set menu that’s well worth seeking out. Curated by Executive Chef Karl O’Dell, the menu showcases vibrant summer ingredients across two or three beautifully balanced courses, with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine included. Expect dishes such as rainbow trout sashimi and Cornish cod with mussels, all served in the hotel’s sophisticated surroundings overlooking the Thames. Available Monday to Friday from midday until 3pm, it’s an excellent excuse to escape the office for a more leisurely lunch.
Where: 7 Nine Elms Lane, London
Website: www.hyatt.com
Sam’s Waterside
West London favourite Sam’s Waterside continues to prove that exceptional cooking doesn’t have to come with an eye-watering price tag. Its seasonal set menu offers two courses for £20 or three for £25, making it one of the capital’s best-value lunches.
Begin with dishes like rare roast beef with anchovy mayonnaise or wild mushrooms on toast before moving on to cavolo nero ravioli or sea trout with braised leeks and vermouth cream. Desserts, including burnt Basque cheesecake and strawberry Eton mess, provide the perfect excuse to stay a little longer.
where: 3 Kingham Ave, Brentford TW8 8GB
Website: www.samswaterside.co.uk
TH@51 Courtyard
Hidden away in Westminster, TH@51 Courtyard provides a peaceful escape from the bustle of Victoria. Its leafy courtyard, complete with a bespoke summer-themed chandelier, creates a surprisingly tranquil setting for weekday lunches.
This summer’s Dine 4 Pay 3 promotion makes it particularly appealing for group lunches, while the relaxed menu of seasonal dishes and carefully crafted cocktails encourages diners to slow down and enjoy the afternoon rather than rush back to the office.
Where: Suites and Residences, Taj 51, 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF
Website: www.stjamescourthotel.co.uk
Kaia
Located inside The Ned, Kaia brings vibrant Asian-Pacific flavours to the heart of the City. While its poke bowls and open-kitchen grill are popular throughout the week, Saturdays belong to Kaia Brunch. The experience begins with unlimited sharing starters before guests choose a main course and finish with a generous dessert platter. Upgrade to the premium brunch or add free-flowing cocktails, and what starts as lunch quickly turns into an afternoon feast with friends.
Where: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
Website: www.thened.com
Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill
A Mayfair institution for more than a century, Bentley’s remains one of London’s finest places for a seafood lunch. While many come for the oysters and Champagne, the restaurant’s seasonal lunch offering makes it just as appealing for a leisurely weekday meal. Fresh seafood, beautifully prepared fish and impeccable service have kept Bentley’s at the top of London’s dining scene for generations. If the weather allows, secure a table on the elegant terrace and settle in with a lobster Caesar salad and a chilled glass of wine.
Where: 11-15 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4DG
Website: www.bentleys.org
Fenchurch Restaurant
If you’ve always wanted to dine above London’s skyline, Fenchurch’s chef’s set menu offers one of the easiest ways to do it. Served high above the City, the lunch menu pairs spectacular panoramic views with Caribbean-inspired cooking, offering two courses for £47 or three for £54. It’s a chance to experience one of London’s most impressive dining rooms without committing to a full tasting menu, making it ideal for celebrations or simply elevating an ordinary weekday.
Where: Level 37, Sky Garden Walk, 1, London EC3M 8AF
Website: www.skygarden.london
Smith’s
Smith’s isn’t just one of London’s prettiest waterside restaurants; it’s also one of its best-value lunch destinations. Served Monday to Friday, the lunch menu offers two courses for £26 or three for £29, showcasing fresh seafood, quality steaks and generous seasonal salads. With views across St Katharine Docks and a terrace made for sunny afternoons, it’s remarkable value for one of London’s most desirable waterfront settings.
Where: Smith’s Bar & Grill, Sheldon Square, London
Website: www.smithsbarandgrill.co.uk
Terraces
Riviera Terrace at The Churchill Bar
The French Riviera arrives in Marylebone this summer as Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill transforms its terrace into a sun-soaked escape inspired by the Côte d’Azur. Overlooking leafy Portman Square Garden, the Riviera Terrace serves Mediterranean classics including salade niçoise, tuna tartare, grilled sea bass and freshly shucked oysters alongside a dedicated spritz menu featuring inventive seasonal cocktails and alcohol-free serves. Whether you’re stopping by for a leisurely lunch or easing into evening aperitifs, it’s an effortlessly elegant spot to while away an afternoon.
Where: 30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH
Website: www.hyatt.com
Orrery by Pierre Minotti
Marylebone favourite Orrery has long been one of the neighbourhood’s best spots for refined French dining, and this summer there’s even more reason to linger. Begin on the Orrery Terrace by Renais Gin, where seasonal cocktails and elegant bar snacks set the tone for the afternoon beneath the sunshine.
When it’s time for lunch, head inside to discover Chef Pierre Minotti’s seasonal menus, celebrating the very best British and French ingredients. Choose from the carefully curated à la carte selection or settle in for the seven-course tasting menu, where you’ll see beautifully executed dishes and good wine pairings.
Where: 55 Marylebone High Street, London, W1U 5RB
Website: www.orrery-restaurant.co.uk
bbar
Opposite Buckingham Palace, bbar has long been one of Victoria’s best all-day dining spots. Beneath London’s largest living wall, the lively restaurant and cocktail bar serves a menu of modern classics alongside an inventive drinks list, making it an excellent choice before a West End matinee or after a morning exploring nearby St James’s Park.
Where: 43 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PP
Website: www.bbarlondon.com
Vori
Bringing a taste of the Greek islands to Holland Park, Vori has quietly become one of West London’s most charming neighbourhood restaurants. The terrace is exactly the sort of place you’ll want to settle into on a sunny afternoon, sharing colourful mezze, grilled seafood and generous plates inspired by regional Greek cooking. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it easy to lose track of time over good food, chilled wine and easy conversation.
Where: 120 Holland Park Avenue, London W11 4UA
Website: vorigreekitchen.co.uk
Escape the city
The Loch & The Tyne
Less than an hour from central London, Adam Handling’s Michelin Bib Gourmand gastropub offers a countryside lunch that’s well worth the journey. Set in the heart of Old Windsor, The Loch & The Tyne combines relaxed hospitality with produce-led British cooking served in a beautiful garden terrace surrounded by herbs, fruit and vegetables grown on-site. Whether you’ve spent the morning exploring Windsor Great Park or simply fancy escaping the city for the afternoon, it’s a great choice.
Where: 10 Crimp Hill, Old Windsor, Windsor SL4 2QY
Website: www.lochandtyne.com
The Estate Grill at Great Fosters
Just outside the M25 in Egham, Great Fosters has been welcoming guests for centuries, and its relaxed Estate Grill is one of the estate’s hidden gems. Overlooking the hotel’s beautifully landscaped gardens, the restaurant serves seasonal dishes showcasing local ingredients, many cooked over the grill. Spend the morning wandering the historic grounds before settling onto the terrace for a leisurely lunch accompanied by a crisp glass of wine. It’s an idyllic countryside setting that feels a world away from central London.
Where: Stroude Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 9UR
Website: www.alexanderhotels.co.uk
The Oak Hall at Barnett Hill
Set within an elegant Queen Anne-style country house in the Surrey Hills, Barnett Hill offers the perfect excuse to escape the city for the afternoon. Its two AA Rosette Oak Hall restaurant celebrates the very best seasonal produce from local suppliers, with beautifully presented dishes that reflect the changing countryside around it. After lunch, take time to explore the surrounding gardens or nearby walking trails before making the gentle journey back to London.
Where: Barnett Hill – part of the Alexander Hotels Collection, Blackheath Lane, Wonersh, Guildford
Website: www.alexanderhotels.co.uk
