Best Lunch Restaurants in Epping Forest

"Don’t be put off by the celebrity clientele; you don’t have to be rolling in it to breakfast like a king at The Wolseley, The restaurant is famous for having the best Eggs Ben in London and, at £7.50 a plate, it’s hardly got a Mayfair price tag. If you do feel like splashing out, mind, there is a luxurious caviar omelette on the menu for £70. 📍 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB"

"In 2003, restaurateur royales Corbin and King were steering The Ivy, Le Caprice and J Sheekey when they opened this homage to Europe’s “grand cafés”. 15 years on, the former trio are in the care of Caring while The Wolseley stands steadfast. Its breakfast is its most formidable offering, with a peerless omelette Arnold Bennett."

"Afternoon tea is totally a thing in the UK, and London has the most options of any city. Traditional afternoon tea is really less about the tea (although it is served) and more about the food!. Clotted cream and scones, crustless sandwiches,  and a myriad of bite-sized sweet pastries and cakes are served in most establishments."

"The founders set up Kaffeine after being inspired by the coffee culture in Australia and New Zealand. It’s an independently owned cafe and espresso bar with two locations just five-minutes walk from Oxford Circus or Tottenham Court Road. Their customers are all super advocates of the amazing brews they push across the counter on a daily basis."

"Located at 66 Great Titchfield St, Kaffeine is one spot to try some of the best coffee in London in the heart of the city. With a massive list of gourmet coffee concoctions, as well as the classics, it’s a great pit stop to sit back and relax. For the true barista experience, be sure to take part in their group latte art classes!"

"With its two West End shops, Kaffeine has become a staple of the London coffee scene – and being an Australian/New Zealand operation, knows a thing or two about flat whites. It also runs courses in "latte art" and other essential coffee-making skills."

"Mildreds is a certifiable veggie institution, serving meat-free dinners in Soho since 1988. Over the years it has increasingly catered for vegans too, and now diners can safely assume everything on the menu is vegan unless marked otherwise. Favourite dishes include the Sri Lankan sweet potato curry, the beetroot and white bean Polish burger and shimeji mushroom gyoza dumplings."

"Mildreds is a bit of a classic, having served vegetarian meals in Soho since 1988. It now caters to vegans too, offering up flavors from Asia, South and Central America and the Middle East, alongside British classics and Mildreds’ famous burgers. I highly recommend the Sri Lankan sweet potato curry, and the shimeji mushroom gyoza dumplings are delicious, too."

"True to its Soho location, Mildreds combines the eclectic and the fun. With a no-booking policy, this spot is perennially full and bustling. Once you gain entry to the crowded restaurant, the options promise a culinary trip around the world."

"The brief for the design of The Delaunay was ‘Where would a 1940s woman carrying a hat box and leaving New York by train eat beforehand?. ’ The elegant interior features white tablecloths and dark-wood accents to highlight the mittel-European food at this Corbin & King classic. Think goulash, tarte flambée and, of course, oysters."

"When it comes to places to eat outside in London, this Canary Wharf restaurant is a great shout. Not only does Humble Grape have you sorted for breakfast, brunch and dinner but it's also got an impressive selection of wines available."

"What do you get when you put a Korean, a Filipino and an Aussie chef together?" enquires one reader. The answer is 100 Hoxton, a low-lit, concrete-hued hangout that gives fusion food a good name. "You'll want to order every small plate", insists one fan – perhaps braised octopus with garam masala or crunchy, salty soft-shell crab with peanut brittle and a dousing of fresh lime from the dinner menu."

"From soft shell crab doused in honey and garlic sauce through to Asian takes on ceviche and hand-dived scallops, Rapsa is bringing a delicious taste of the Philippines to Hoxton High Street. Staking their claim as one of London's best places for seafood, it's well worth a visit."

"This Victoria Park cafe run by Hasan Yildiz and Fulya Naim positions itself elegantly between neighborhood standby and journey-worthy, thanks to a considered approach to coffee selection and, admittedly, a prime location next to one of east London’s loveliest parks. Mainstay coffee comes from London veteran Caravan to make milky drinks rich and sweet, while a guest espresso, and a filter or two, could come from any of Europe’s current top roasters: La Cabra of Aarhus, Friedhats of Amsterdam, The Barn (of) Berlin. A range of snacks, natural wines, and quality olive oils round out an offering whose adaptation to the needs of locals during the COVID-19 pandemic was as natural as they come."

"A short walk from Paddington tube station, Smith's Bar & Grill is one of the best outdoor restaurants in West London. Join them on the terrace for a slick Christmas offering, complete with roast turkey and pudding with brandy custard."

"The world’s first purpose-built public art gallery was established more than 200 years ago, because its founders believed as many people as possible should see great paintings. A philosophy that will never get old!. Today, Dulwich Picture Gallery houses one of the finest collections of Old Masters in the world, especially rich in French, Italian and Spanish Baroque paintings, as well as in British portraits from Tudor times to the 19th century."

"London's Dulwich Picture Gallery is the oldest public art gallery in the country, opening its doors in 1817. The gallery was designed by architect Sir John Soane and is a Grade II listing on England's National Heritage List for its design. Today, the Dulwich Picture Gallery has one of England's best collections of Old Masters."

"The Tower of London is one of the top tourist activities in London and a great one for families. This is where you’ll see the Crown Jewels and tour the tower with a yeoman warder. The Tower may be better suited for older children, but younger children will enjoy playing make-believe in this real-life castle and fortress."

"Now home to the British Crown Jewels, the Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1078. It served as a prison from 1100 to the mid twentieth century. This has led to the phrase “sent to the Tower”, meaning imprisoned."

"The Tower Of London is an iconic London stop so make sure to see it during your 4 day London itinerary. Skip The Line At The Tower Of London And Crown Jewels and buy advance tickets here!"

"If a trip up to the stunning viewing gallery of one of London’s tallest buildings sounds like a pocket drainer, think again. Situated inside a glass oasis at the top of the “Walkie Talkie”, Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden, filled with greenery and boasting panoramic views of the capital. It’s totally free to head up there, but you’ll need to book in advance, with post-lockdown visits starting up again from July 29."

"For a lunch date to remember, 155 meters high at the top of the famous ‘Walkie-Talkie’ building, the Sky Garden offers spectacular views of the city. But it’s the incredible tropical garden which makes this iconic London landmark a must-see. There are multiple restaurants and bars to choose from, but for informal yet stylish lunchtime dining, we highly recommend Darwin’s Brasserie to take in some of the best views of the city."

"At the Sky Garden you’ll get panoramic views of the city and you can also stop for food and drink. You have to book a ticket in advance to visit but it’s free. Head to skygarden.london for more info."

"If in need of a break while exploring the luxury boutiques of Mount Street in Mayfair, or the surrounding gourmet offerings, Mount Street Gardens are beautifully maintained and almost hidden. Perch on one of the many benches and admire the trees of this exotic hideaway."