Where to have a chic lunch in London: My favourite places
If you ask me if I want to meet for lunch, catch up and wear a cute outfit, I’ll be first in line.
I’m exactly the kind of person who could spend hours over good food with friends, talking about anything and everything. And if I can do it somewhere chic, surrounded by beautiful interiors and a fabulous atmosphere, then even better.
For me, lunch is so much more than just a meal. It’s an excuse to get dressed up, catch up with friends, discover somewhere new and, ideally, linger over that second glass of wine because nobody is quite ready to leave yet.
London has no shortage of beautiful restaurants, but there are some places that just have that feeling — somewhere you walk into and immediately know you’re going to have a good time.
So, if you’re looking for somewhere stylish for your next girls’ lunch, a long overdue catch-up or simply an excuse to put on your favourite outfit, these are a few of my favourite spots to consider.
Following the success of its New York locations, Dante has brought its signature style to Mayfair — and it’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for somewhere that feels both relaxed and effortlessly chic.
They open for breakfast too, so you don’t have to save this one purely for lunch. I love the interiors: high-end and glamorous, yet warm and cosy enough to make you feel completely at ease once you’re inside.
The menu offers plenty of choice, from fresh salads and tempting sharing plates to pasta, making it an easy choice when you’re dining with friends and everyone is in the mood for something different. Add in the impeccable service and you have all the ingredients for a lunch that feels like a little treat.
I really enjoyed both the quality of the food and the relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere. It’s exactly the kind of place I love for a chic lunch with friends — somewhere you can dress up, settle in and happily spend a few hours catching up. This really makes it one of the top choices for chic lunch in London.
22 MAYFAIR
22 Mayfair has been a wonderful addition to London’s dining scene over the past few years. Primarily a boutique hotel and private members’ club, it is also home to a chic, high-end restaurant that is open to the public — so you can enjoy the experience even without membership.
Compared with my previous choice, Dante Mayfair, 22 Mayfair feels more polished and refined, with a slightly less relaxed atmosphere. The space is more intimate, but the luxurious interiors and impeccable finishes give it a real sense of glamour.
This is definitely one of those restaurants where you can embrace the opportunity to dress up a little more. It has that sophisticated Mayfair feel where a fabulous outfit doesn’t feel overdressed — in fact, it feels like part of the experience.
If you’re looking for a lunch that feels a little more special, glamorous and grown-up, 22 Mayfair is a beautiful choice.
Cecconi’s Mayfair will always be a safe option for me. It has been well established for many years and is one of those places you can rely on for more than just a chic catch-up with friends — it works just as well for a business meeting or a lunch where you want to know you’re going to have a great experience.
I call these the places where you know exactly what you’re getting — and with Cecconi’s, that’s a good thing. You’re getting great food, impeccable service and that unmistakable Cecconi’s atmosphere that makes the whole experience feel effortlessly polished. You will not get Carbone vibe but you will get fabulous and more chilled experience.
It has that timeless Mayfair glamour that never really goes out of style, and I love that you can dress up and feel completely at home in the setting. Whether it’s lunch with the girls, a meeting or simply an excuse to spend a few hours over good Italian food, Cecconi’s is one of those restaurants that rarely disappoints. And if you visit Zuccini Fritti is an absolute must. It is excellent choice if you want to share and for me almost their signature dish. Simply a perfect choice for chic lunch in London
If you’re looking for somewhere that feels chic but doesn’t take itself too seriously, Mister Nice is definitely one to have on your list. Tucked away in Mayfair, it has a fun, glamorous energy that makes it particularly good for lunch with friends.
The atmosphere is lively and sociable, with the kind of setting that encourages you to settle in, order another drink and make an afternoon of it. It feels stylish without being too formal, which I think is exactly what you want when the plan is to catch up, eat well and enjoy yourself.
The menu has plenty to choose from, so it works well whether you’re in the mood for something light or want to properly indulge. But for me, the biggest appeal is the atmosphere. It has that buzzy London feeling where lunch can very easily turn into a much longer afternoon.
And yes, this is another one where I would definitely make an effort with the outfit. If your idea of a perfect lunch involves good food, good friends, a glamorous setting and absolutely no rush to leave, Mister Nice is very much your kind of place.
This article is not sponsored.
