Best Lunch Restaurants in Essendon

"It may be large and bustling rather than intimate, but this exquisite high-octane brasserie from makes for a mighty impressive date place nonetheless. Steak tartare, oysters, shellfish and schnitzels are among the highlights — some of which are more classic aphrodisiacs than others. 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB, thewolseley.com"

"This Fitzrovia cafe’s impact cannot be underestimated — even in the context of its second site on Eastcastle Street. Another Square Mile stalwart, the initially short-lived (but now happily revived) guest espresso program brought global roasters to the very centre of London, and in being weekends only to begin with, emphasised the rarity and uniqueness of the coffees served. Incredible consistency and a willingness to innovate: it is, refreshingly, as simple as that."

"Peter Dore-Smith’s Fitzrovia institution shares something intangible with the rest of London’s best cafes — in acquiring reach and regard beyond their local area, they have not lost their importance to those closest to them. With newly secured outdoor tables on the street, this is the perfect place for just a peerless espresso, some of the best banana bread in London, or a full Aussie brunch."

"Another one that helped shape the London coffee scene, this Australian style coffee shop serves excellent speciality coffee. Food is seasonal, with a weekly changing menu. Kaffeine has two shops in Fitzrovia, one on Great Titchfield Street and one on Eastcastle Street."

"A new vegan operation linked to outstanding Chinese restaurants Xi’an Impression and Xi’an Biang Biang Noodles, Tofu Vegan promises to do what so many restaurants couldn’t: succeed on Upper Street in Islington. Dongbei sweet potato noodles; hot and fragrant deep-fried asparagus; and Chongqing-style mock chicken feature, but the star is shimmering dòufu huā, a wibbly cloud of beige saturated with buzzy chilli oil and black beans."

"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."

"Vegetarian haven Mildreds is delivering from its King’s Cross and Dalston locations. There’s a vegan Sri Lankan curry, mock duck bahn mi, heat-at-home meals, and more."

"Not many places in London live up to the full New York City deli experience, but The Counter at The Delaunay on Aldwych comes pretty darn close — although it's styled as traditional middle European. The huge wiener schnitzel (don't laugh, it's classic Swiss and made from veal) is a stunner, but the chicken noodle soup carries the flavour crown. An impressive feat given the dish's usual association with sick beds."

"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."

"Not everyone has an appetite for oysters and shellfish, sometimes all you fancy is a decent fish and chip supper. Hook in Camden has its favourites - famous tacos, nibbles and specials - but it’s the “new school” plates that will definitely fill a gap. There’s the Classic (fresh cod or haddock in panko breadcrumb with homemade seaweed salted chips and homemade tartar sauce on the side); the Cajun Fresh (cod/haddock in panko breadcrumbs and cajun spices with homemade seaweed salted chips and homemade cajun sauce on the side); or the Lemon & Basil (fresh cod/haddock in lemon and basil tempura with homemade seaweed salted chips and homemade garlic truffle sauce on the side)."

"What: Hook doesn’t put on any airs and graces, but instead offers up solid seafood cookery in tried and tested classics, with the odd contemporary twist. The go-to choice here is the classic fish and chips, which gave Hook its name, but we suggest giving the Cajun-style version a go; it comes battered in panko breadcrumbs and Cajun spices and is accompanied by seaweed-salted chips.Where: 65 Parkway Road, NW1 7PP"

"Restaurants Austrian Marylebone. If your idea of romance is waltzing round old Vienna to the sound of Strauss, you can capture some of that old ‘Blue Danube’ magic with a trip to this instantly comforting Mittel-European number from Messrs Corbin & King. Schnitzels, sausages, ice-cream coupes and – of course – incomparable viennoiserie provide welcome sustenance, with excellent hot chocolate and coffee adding that vital X factor."

"Corbin and King’s refined Marylebone homage to Viennese waltzes past and present is always a fine, low-key luxurious breakfast venue, and in the spirit of fried batter its Austrian crêpes, served either with apricot and brandy jam or a gianduja-approximating hazelnut and chocolate, make a winning centrepiece around which to build an Austrian feast."

"In 1224 an order of the Franciscans was given a piece of land within Newgate. The area where the Friars settled was poor, as evidenced by local streets such as Stinking Lane and the Shambles. In 1306 the Franciscans commenced ‘a magnificent edifice’."

"Located next to the late princess’s home, at Kensington Palace, this vast playground’s many sections are inspired by the stories of Peter Pan (J M Barrie was another nearby resident). There are teepees, a giant pirate ship and surrounding sandy beach, giant musical instruments, and extensive plantings which offer ample space for hiding."

"We’re going to West London now and to Kensington Gardens, specifically to the Diana Memorial Playground. The Princess of Wales was known for her love of children and humanitarian work to help kids around the world. There are also many sections inspired by the story of Peter Pan, as J M Barrie was a nearby resident to this park."

"Located next to Princess Diana’s home, the Diana Memorial Playground has a huge wooden pirate ship, sensory trail, tepee and a beach set against a backdrop of trees and plants. There are also lots of seats for parents too. The playground is open all year round, but you may have to queue to enter during busy times."

"Feast Your Eyes|Photograph by Maz McEwan | Courtesy of Crosstown Doughnuts. Betsy and Jo, founders of pop-up stand You Doughnut, have perfected the art of the bitesize doughnut, resulting in mouth watering morsels with a choice of toppings and sauces. The doughnuts are always fresh, ensuring that they are consistently delicious."

"While lots of doughnut shops fry their products, Dum Dum Donutterie only bakes its delicious selection. Dum Dum offers its own take on the cronut, but with some far-out toppings, you won’t see anywhere else. The options at any of their three locations include the dulce de leche Peter Andre’s Yum Yum Dum Dum, the coconut-infused Croconut, and the super-popular Zebra with layered traditional and chocolate croissant dough."

"What: Dum Dum deal in a real array of doughnut products – from filled classics and ring doughnuts to the now infamous cronut hybrids. As a point of difference Dum Dum bake, instead of fry, all their doughnuts for what we like to think of as a healthier twist. Although that claim is entirely unsubstantiated."

"This June, Nadeem Lalani Nanjuwany and Ravinder Bhogal’s Marylebone eatery Jikoni will become the first carbon neutral independent restaurant in the UK. Sustainability has been on the founders’ minds since opening in 2016, and since 2019 the restaurant has been powered by solar power, wind power and carbon neutral ‘green gases’. But over the past few months they’ve taken things to the next level by partnering with non-profit organisation Climate Neutral."

"If there's one thing we want to be seen doing, it's dining beneath a marigold awning. And so we shall be going to Jikoni to eat on their covered terrace. Complete with wool blankets, statuesque heaters and hot water bottles on request, even the most eclectic weather doesn't stand a chance here (and neither do the sweetcorn and lime leaf fritters once we've seen them)."

"Jikoni’s brunch is a many-splendoured thing: fenugreek waffles with tamarind-glazed bacon, aloo tikka channa chaat, mutton keema Sloppy Joe. The piña colada pancakes are worth saving space for — a substantial stack topped with caramelised pineapple and coconut ice cream. All the fun of the cocktail with none of the brain-freeze."

"Atul Kochhar is the first Indian chef in the world to receive a Michelin star. His new restaurant, Kanishka, on Maddox Street, explores lesser known regions of Indian food. Cooking methods include salting, smoking and fermenting, made necessary by the remoteness of the regions."

"From Sikkim venison tartare to banana old fashioneds, Kanishka is the Mayfair restaurant cooking up impressive dishes in London. If you're after tasty bites and beautiful decor to match, then you've come to the right place."

"Whether you're looking for a place that'll impress or just wanna get a few Instagram-worthy shots, head to Kanishka for all that plus stunning Indian plates and lip-smacking cocktails to wash it all down."