Wondering where to eat lunch in the West End? Covent Garden might be famous for its theatres and shopping, but its lunch scene is what truly takes centre stage. Sure, it has its fair share of tourist traps, but if you know where to look, you'll find some of London's most exciting dining spots tucked away between the crowds. Whether you're after a quick pre-theatre bite, a wallet-friendly weekday nibble, or a Michelin-level meal to linger over, Theatreland's got a food scene that's hard to beat. Ready to find your new go-to? Here's our pick of the best Covent Garden lunch restaurants.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 14th February 2025
Busaba Covent Garden on Floral Street is a true hidden gem in the heart of Theatreland. Step inside this chic little oasis, and you'll instantly be swept away by its intimate, cosy atmosphere. Bringing the vibrant flavours of Bangkok to Central London, it serves up fresh and authentic Thai dishes that'll have you hooked for life. Think stargazer monkfish curry, mussaman duck leg, sriracha ho fun noodles, stir-fried morning glory, and classic pad Thai with prawns.
Best places for lunch in Covent Garden for families, you ask? Balthazar on Russell Street offers a slice of Paris in the heart of London, featuring the perfect blend of French flair and brasserie charm. The menu is a love letter to French cuisine, with all the classics like steak frites, escargots, and crème brûlées on offer, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their three-course prix fixe menu is the perfect lunchtime treat, featuring delights like roasted celeriac soup, moules marinières with frites, and a perfectly prepared steak tartare.
Monmouth Kitchen brings together the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean and South America, offering a modern blend of Italian and Peruvian small plates, all paired perfectly with fine wines and signature cocktails. The setting is sleek yet laid-back, with natural materials like exposed concrete columns, polished copper, marble tables, and vintage furniture decorating the space. It's the perfect spot to savour lunch bites like sea bass ceviche, smoked BBQ chicken pizza, honey-glazed beef short ribs, and zesty tuna with chilli lemon tacos.
Located on the Strand, Osteria Del Mare is a vibrant Italian restaurant that specialises in seafood, with a fresh fish counter to greet you as soon as you enter. Expect pretty floral displays, colourful artwork and hanging lampshades, with large windows that let in lots of natural light.
Between 12 and 5pm Sunday to Friday, you can secure a three-course lunch for £28, or two for £24. Think salmon tartare with avocado, rib-eye steaks, mushroom pizzas and more.
Temper Covent Garden is turning up the heat — literally. This spot is all about the fiery art of barbecuing, serving in-house butchered steaks and meats sizzling over an open flame. Split over two levels, the ground floor kitchen is where the magic happens, with tacos, smoked meat parathas, and even deep-dish cookies cooked over a fire pit and giant wood oven. Swing by for lunch and sink your teeth into goodies like beef briskets, tajin carnitas, smoked goat tacos, sour macha mussels, or chateaubriand steaks while nestled on a counter seat and watch the culinary drama unfold up close.
Fancy a light lunch in Covent Garden? Perched high above the bustling piazza, SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden serves up a vibrant fusion of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavours, creating a menu that's as dynamic as it is delicious. Ascend the spiral staircase and step into what feels like a grown-up Rainforest Café, complete with a lush ceiling of leafy greenery and plush red velvet booths. Their all-day menu is packed with fresh, spicy, and decadent plates, from classic gyoza and samba rolls stuffed with snow crab to Japanese wagyu ishiyaki and tasty ceviche.
Inspired by the iconic Irani cafés of 1960s Bombay, Dishoom Covent Garden offers a lovingly curated menu of Indian comfort food and top-tier drinks, served all day, every day. The softened interiors, nodding to Bombay's old talkie cinemas of the 1940s, set the scene for indulging in delights like chicken ruby, black daal, crispy okra fries, and gunpowder potatoes. Feelin' thirsty? Opt for the endlessly refillable house chai, or mix things up with refreshing lassi concoctions. There's also a solid selection of wines by the glass and soft drinks like Limca or Thums Up, imported straight from the bustling streets of Mumbai.
On the hunt for the best casual lunch in Covent Garden? Inspired by Argentina's rich culture and cuisine, Gaucho Covent Garden dishes out top-notch steaks in a stylish setting. This chic haunt is the go-to spot for enjoying tender, carbon-neutral steaks and vibrant Latin American dishes paired perfectly with an impressive selection of Malbecs and other tasty beverages. For a midday treat, their three-course Garden Menu is a real winner, featuring delights like beef tartare tacos, barbacoa-glazed salmon, fillet steak salad, and indulgent chocolate sorbet with poached cherries, all for just £30 per person.
Looking for the perfect Sunday lunch in Covent Garden? A carnivore's dream, Hawksmoor Seven Dials is a chic underground hideaway decked out in polished wood, sleek leather booths, and parquet flooring. Despite the swanky atmosphere, the friendly staff keep things wonderfully laid-back at this meaty joint. The star of the show, though? The steaks, of course, which are some of the best in town — guaranteed to crush any and every meat craving. For lunch, you can sink your teeth into specials like a Sunday roast of 35-day dry-aged juicy rump steak served with all the trimmings, a mouthwatering fish and frites sandwich, or charcoal-grilled piri piri chicken.
