The 15 Best Business Lunch Restaurants in London 2024

Written by
Sam Morrison
October 3, 2024

0

min read
Needing to ace a pitch or swoon a client? We’ve gathered the best restaurants for a business lunch in London. Scroll for a brief overview of the best business lunches in London, and why each venue made the list.

1. Umu

££££
Asian, Japanese/Sushi
⭐️

Why it’s best for a business lunch: Everything is prepared with care at Umu. With expert head-waiters on hand to share their top recommendations, you can bring your team, clients, or potential future ventures and dine well catered to. From Kyoto to Mayfair, Umu offers the highest quality ingredients and natural flavour. Let simplicity speak for itself while you focus on dining with your colleagues.

2. Bar Jacki

£
European, Italian
⭐️

Why it’s best for a business lunch: Sometimes you need to let the conversation breathe, give it some air at BarJackie. Here you can bring your business lunch outdoors year-round with their winter garden. It’s dog-friendly, cute, cosy, and colourful- and we all know that helps ease tough business conversations.

3. The Blue Boar Pub

££
British, Burgers
⭐️

Why it’s best for a business lunch:  Nobody’s guard is up when comfort food is laid down. Bring your business lunch to The Blue Boar Pub for a modern approach to British tradition and pure comfort.

4. Ibérica Canary Wharf

££
Mediterranean, Spanish/Tapas
⭐️
4/5

Why it’s best for a business lunch: The ruby reds, dark woods and industrial interiors designed by award-winning architect Lazaro Rosa Violan invite you to wind down, enjoy some wine, and relax over a Spanish meal. Skip the busier bar vibes downstairs and grab a table on one of their two mezzanines for an atmosphere that feeds quality conversation. Or, go one step further and book a private room that’ll be sure to impress.

5. Brother Marcus

££
Mediterranean, Breakfast
⭐️

Why it’s best for a business lunch: Brother Marcus keeps it simple with brunch and Mediterranean classic dishes. For delicious food and a Mediterranean dining experience with vegan and vegetarian options, this one  is your go-to for a relaxed business meeting.

You can make it a working lunch and enjoy the free WiFi, brunch specialties and cosy seating. With several locations across the city of London, it’s a convenient option if you are on the move throughout your day.

6. Azzurra

££££
European, Italian, Seafood
⭐️

Why it’s best for a business lunch: Azzura is the perfect place if you know seafood restaurants in London are your client’s sweet spot. The entire place is adorned with coastal details, representative of the careful consideration that goes into every touchpoint, from the food to the atmosphere. Seasonal catches are brought over from the British Isles and paired with timeless Italian cooking to deliver a meal to remember. Azzura is an excellent spot for client meetings and business celebrations. Sail away with me money, now, now now!—that’s how it went, right David?

7. Cinnamon Bazaar

££
Indian
⭐️

Why it’s best for a business lunch: It’s no wonder Cinnamon Bazaar is on the top of our best Indian restaurants in London list. With a name like that, what do you think you’re going to get? Colour, flavour, and a bit of bizarre. Cinnamon Bazaar is the perfect place to entertain clients with delicious food, vibrant energy and a dining room with decor to match. Plus, there’s a special large party menu if you need to host multiple business partners.

8. Dalloway Terrace

££
British, European
⭐️

Why it’s best for a business lunch: Dalloway Terrace, an ornate terrace within Bloomsbury Hotel, offers the very best of British cuisine. Wash down your main course with afternoon tea or a Pomelo & Cardamom cocktail and take in the secret garden year-round.  If you’re looking for somewhere that oozes quintessential, this is the place. Top Tip - for bonus points after an important meeting here, pass by the Bedford Square Gardens for a post-lunch stroll.

9. The Rosebery

££££
Restaurant, Bar
⭐️

Why it’s best for a business lunch: The stylish interiors of this dining room will make any business meeting a win. Enjoy a glass of wine, a relaxed sip of tea or a freshly baked scone at this great spot. Nestled inside the world-renowned Mandarin Oriental Hotel, it’s no surprise this is one of the best restaurants for a business professional to visit.

10. Porte Noire

£££
Restaurant, Bar
⭐️

Why it’s best for a business lunch: You can go for lunch, or dinner here. Or, you could go for lunch and stay for dinner. It’s that good. Though keep in mind, Monday through Wednesday they’re not open until 16:00, and closing at 23:30. Otherwise, Thursdays and Fridays’ open hours are 12:00 - 23:30, Saturday 11:30 - 23:30 and Sunday 11:30 - 17:30.

The professional service, menu full of good food, and curated collection behind the bar sweeps city workers away on the daily. It’s one of those fancy restaurants in London you’ll tell your mum you went to.

11. Hutong London

££££
Restaurant, Bar
⭐️

Why it’s best for a business lunch: If you’re not afraid of heights, or getting a deal done, this is your spot. Hutong is a great place for a business lunch to show personality and power. The elevated location on the 33rd floor of London’s tallest listed building, the fiery Chinese cuisine and commanding architecture and lighting make this restaurant one of your best restaurants to make a strong impression on this side of the London Bridge.

12. Sparrow Italia

££££
Italian
⭐️

Why it’s best for a business lunch: Looking for restaurants in Mayfair for a business lunch? Key the classy music and pull two tables together, we’ve found your place to gather. Honouring the values of Italian tradition, Sparrow sets the tone for a chic seated dining experience. This is a great place to wine and dine clients.

13. Hawksmoor Wood Wharf

£££
British, Steak
⭐️
4.5/5

Why it’s best for a business lunch: The hidden gem has surfaced and it’s floating on the canals by South Dock. Hawksmoor Wood Wharf is one of the coolest restaurant options for a business lunch in the City of London. Enjoy the sweeping views, waterside bar and à la carte menu. From fresh oysters to brunch, steak to vegan options, there’s something for everyone. Bring your most innovative teams or clients here to enjoy eco-friendly architecture, modern design, and quality British food.

14. Sambrook’s Brewery Tap

££
Restaurant, Bar
⭐️

Why it’s best for a business lunch: Sambrook’s Brewery is a relaxed atmosphere that’s happy to make visitors feel at home. There’s a real community feel here. If you’re looking to do some team bonding, celebrate a victory, or relax new clients, this is your spot. Who doesn’t like pizza and beer?

15. Le Petite Beef Bar

££
European, Steak
⭐️
4.3/5

Why it’s best for a business lunch: There’s nothing small about Le Petite Beef Bar. This jewel in iconic Chelsea will catch you with a wink. With Beefbar classics, any meal here is a winner for business lunches. Show your client you mean business with this comforting yet luxurious option. Open Friday through Sunday for lunch, and throughout the week for dinner.

Go get that deal done at lunch 

Whether it’s a relaxed atmosphere or a Michelin star you’re looking for, this list has you covered. From Mayfair to Covent Garden, for the best business lunch restaurants in London, Ambl has the answer. Download the app today and start booking your lunches, dinners, and everything in between straight from your phone.

How do you choose a restaurant for a business lunch?

To choose the appropriate atmosphere, a good rule of thumb is to pick places with professional ambiance, elegant decor and to always go for more formal than informal. Go the extra mile by considering these three main factors when choosing a restaurant for a business lunch: 

  1. Who your client is: Consider they’re likes, values and culture. Are they into adventure? Maybe go somewhere exotic. If they’re more traditional, match that.

Think of their character profile. Is it most important to find a place that’s eco-friendly, trendy or fancy? 

How about taste and dietary restrictions? Show you care by selecting a place that offers vegan or vegetarian options, two courses to match high standards or a wine list from their favourite supplier’s location. 

  1. What type of relationship you’d like to build: Do you want the marble pillars of a luxurious restaurant to speak to the foundations of your relationship, or is it best to find a more relaxing location to offer a sense of humility and comfort? 
  1. Location-specific: If you’d like to go to a specific area in London for your business lunch, you could visit one of these Soho restaurants, or search per your desired neighbourhood. 

If your clients are travelling in, maybe it’s best to find a place near their hotel, or somewhere scenic to show off the city. You could also take the opportunity to choose a restaurant near a store that carries your product, or to showcase the area of a future site. 

Once you’ve answered these questions, search for the place that matches your fit with Ambl and book with confidence.

Business lunch restaurants in London FAQ

Where to go for a business lunch in London?

Still haven’t found your spot from our list above? Maybe you’re looking for something more location-specific? Try these restaurants in Mayfair if that’s your area, or use the Ambl app and search by neighbourhood, style of restaurant, or type of food.

How long should a business lunch last?

A business lunch is best kept at 90 minutes, not too much, not too little. You want to make sure you have time to wine, dine and make the sales pitch. Leave them wanting more by not dragging it on to a bore, while making sure you have time to chat about something other than business. A hard pitch goes well with some light conversation and great food.

Who pays for lunch at a business meeting?

In general, the party who extends the invitation is expected to pay for the meal. This is the most common practice in business settings and shows respect, hospitality and desire to pursue the partnership. Exceptions to this rule include collaborations, cultural considerations and tradition.