Best Lunch Restaurants in South Bank

"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."

"Perhaps the most famous of Corbin & King’s empire, The Wolseley is an art deco building just next to The Ritz. The interior is glitzy, with soaring ceilings and marble columns. This London institution serves excellent bistro classics in style; think schnitzel, juicy steaks and chopped salads."

"Restaurants Brasseries Piccadilly"

"This independent café and espresso bar is directly inspired by Australia and New Zealand’s thriving coffee culture and owner Peter Dore-Smith’s time working in the Melbourne hospitality scene. Hit up Kaffeine for a silky smooth flat white or one of the finest cortados in the whole of London but don’t forget to grab a chewy, buttery ANZAC biscuit for the road. They’re dangerously addictive and the perfect partner for a well-made brew."

"Owner Peter Dore-Smith, originally from Melbourne used to manage hospitality at Lords Cricket Ground. A lover of coffee, he opened this Fitzrovia spot in 2009. The coffee from London roasters Square Mile is always great, but Kaffeine is in the hospitality business rather than the coffee business."

"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."

"For some classic Moroccan and Medit­er­ra­nean dishes head over to Meimo. Just a short distance away from the castle you will easily be able to walk to this venue. Known for being one of Windsor’s finest restaurants, you will be able to enjoy some delicious dishes and a friendly atmosphere throughout the whole of your time in the venue."

"An atmospheric restaurant, well situated at the start of Peascod Street as you head into town. Meimo is a fusion of Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine with some interesting and flavoursome dishes. A real treat for lunchtime or dinner – outdoor seating is great for people-watching in Summer."

"Hugely popular with locals and serving slap-up tagines or platters full of spectacular yet subtle flavour, Meimo’s smart décor and lively atmosphere make this an optimum stop to refuel and revive on a cool Windsor evening."

"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."

"Eggslut opened their first London restaurant in Notting Hill and it was a huge hit. This sees them expanding to Fitzrovia where they'll be serving up more of their eggy buns to Londoners."

"Tahini cookie with finely chopped hazelnuts and dark chocolate chips, it’s earthy and nutty, with a lovely crispness from the sesame seeds on top. 11 Goldhurst Terrace, London NW6 3HY.Open for take-away and local delivery."

"Eat and explore at the same time with London Shell Co., a canal boat restaurant serving British seafood while travelling along Regent’s Canal. Enjoy Dorset Estuary oysters, battered mackerel with tartare sauce and baked brill with crab bisque while cruising past some of London’s most iconic landmarks, from London Zoo to Regent’s Park. If you fancy something a little more static, you can eat on the boat Tuesday to Friday lunchtime when it’s docked at Paddington Central."

"Dinner on board The Prince Regent with The London Shell Co means not one view, but countless. The barge-based restaurant runs cruising dinners, during which diners can enjoy expertly sourced British seafood dishes as they travel via the capital’s canals from Paddington to Camden and back again. From leafy canal paths to landmarks including London Zoo and Regent’s Park, dining here is to see the capital from a different perspective."

"Go one step further than a waterside view, and take your date onto the canal for a scenic boat ride while they tuck into dinner. It's not just the romantic setting that is the draw here - the food really is exceptional, with British seafood taking centre stage among an internationally influenced menu. You just might want to check your other half doesn't get seasick before you step on board."

"Head to Little Venice for an authentic taste of the Mediterranean. The Summerhouse is a bright, unfussy restaurant with a tantalising seafood-heavy menu. It affords canal-side seating, perfect for whiling away summer weekends watching the boats float by."

"Not to be confused with the American aviation specialists, these guys are all about seafood, in fact they are the self-professed “seafood experts.”. We’re not disagreeing having popped into many of their London outposts (they boast five from Battersea to Borough) for a glass of bubbles and a plate of oysters on many occasions over the years. Check out their daily changing specials showcasing the best of British seafood straight off the boats at Brixham Market or order the Full House seafood platter for the perfect long lazy lunch."

"At its best, seafood relies on unpredictability, freshness trumping all, so calling this shoal of restaurants across London “dependable” might come across the wrong way. That said, a reliable supplier is a good one, and Wright Brothers — which gets much of its catch from its own wholesale operation — offers up daily specials alongside dishes served everyday. Whether fish soup and rouille, a pint of Atlantic prawns, or Cornish sardines on toast, it’s quality fish treated well."

"The Wright Bros. chain is one of our favourites, as they serve seafood of consistently high quality. They also have an oyster happy hour period from 3pm-6pm every day when you can guzzle oysters for £1 each (farmed on their own Cornish Duchy oyster farm), which is the best way to spend an afternoon we can think of right now. We enjoyed a full fruit de mer platter at the Spitalfields branch and have never felt happier."

"Born from a man’s dream to recapture the American diner scene, along with home-grilled burgers, hand-cut fries and thick milkshakes, Big Moe’s diner perfectly encapsulates classic American eating. Their menu spoils you for choice, from chargrilled beef and chicken burgers, lamb ribs and steaks to Cod and veggie options. If you want to start your day right, their breakfast menu serves New York-style Cro-dough and huge platters of beef sausages and chicken rashers served with free-range eggs and baked beans."

"Byron Richmond serves proper hamburgers, the way they should be. Properly sourced British beef, ground fresh into 6oz patties and cooked medium so it's pink and juicy and served in a squishy bun with a pickle on the side. Fries, sides, extra-thick…"

"More of a yard than a proper park, Postman’s Park is still one of the largest green spaces in the City of London yet it remains a hidden gem. It’s also full of plaques dedicated to everyday heroes – these stories of self-sacrifice were collected by artist George Frederic Watts and turned into a memorial in 1900 – making it a very peaceful spot."

"The Honourable Artillery Company Museum opened in 1987; it then closed and underwent a complete rebuild. The Duke of Edinburgh reopened the museum in 2011. The collection is dedicated to the Honourable Artillery Company and includes uniforms, silver, medals, weapons, equipment, art, and armour dating back to the 1530s with a special emphasis on the 1600s and 1700s militia."