Find quick lunch spots, cheap eats, and fast casual dining
Find the best lunch in London without fuss. This guide points you to quick lunch spots London locals use, from compact bakeries to family sandwich bars and no-fuss delis. Find hearty portions, strong coffee, and quick takeaways that fit a tight schedule. Head out from central stations to pick cheap eats in the city centre, or choose fast casual dining when you want a seat and speedy service. Each pick focuses on location, value and simple quality, with practical tips on ordering and timing. Use these short, honest recommendations to decide where to eat in London, so you can eat well, save time and get back to your day.
Tokyo Bagel
Image / Tokyo Bagel
Coffee-led bagels with a neat Japanese twist.
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What to expect
Compact interior with a tidy counter and a few tables. Staff are welcoming and happy to chat. Menu mixes classic bagels with Japanese-inspired flavours and a few shareable plates. Good for take-away or a sit-down breakfast with a buggy-friendly layout.
Plan your visit
Order at the counter and ask for your bagel warmed. If you want a relaxed table, aim for early morning on a weekday. The place works well as a grab-and-go stop or the first pit stop before exploring the South Bank. Bring cashless payment and a reusable cup if you prefer.
Bankside Sandwich Bar
Image / Mindtrip
Hearty, homemade sandwiches close to the South Bank
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What to expect
A small, no-frills counter with a menu of ciabattas, buns, wraps and toasted baps. Fillings include jerk and Cajun chicken, breakfast baps and homely options that taste made from scratch. Seating is limited, so most trade is takeaway. Service is friendly and brisk on busy days.
Plan your visit
If you want a seat, aim for early morning or mid-afternoon. Otherwise plan for takeaway and head to nearby South Bank benches. Try a filled wrap or a toasted bap for a quick, filling meal. Bring a reusable container if you prefer to eat on the go.
Simply Bread
Image / AutoReserve
Fresh bakes, bold flavours, Simply Bread turns a quick lunch into a proper find.
Good for
What to expect
Find a lively, no-fuss spot where everything is made to order and portions don’t skimp. Staff are friendly and efficient, ready with local tips and the occasional extra treat. Vegan choices stand shoulder to shoulder with hearty favourites, and the atmosphere feels local rather than touristy. Seating is limited, service moves quickly, and the focus stays on fresh, straightforward flavour.
Plan your visit
Head out mid-morning for the widest selection, or drop in early afternoon for a quicker queue. Ideal for solo stops, catch-ups with friends, and easy business lunches. Check the bakery’s Instagram for daily highlights, bring a small group or grab a takeaway and explore nearby streets.
Balance
Image / www.balancekitchen.co.uk
Cosy, calm café for strong coffee, easy work sessions, and relaxed morning meet-ups.
Good for
What to expect
Find reliable coffee, a broad selection that covers vegetarian and vegan options, and generous portions that keep things simple but satisfying. The space is compact and laid-back, with plug sockets for laptops and tables for meetings. Service is friendly and efficient, even when it’s busy, and outdoor seating makes for excellent people-watching on sunny days. Perfect for a focused morning, a relaxed catch-up, or a quick break between plans.
Plan your visit
Head out in the morning for a quieter table, or aim for mid-morning to enjoy the livelier atmosphere. Bring a laptop if a few hours of work is needed, choose a window seat for street views, and pick outdoor seating if the sun’s out. Ideal for solo travellers, business meet-ups, or casual catch-ups with friends.
Greensmiths Deli & Grocery
Image / Greensmiths Deli & Grocery
A cosy South Bank deli where brilliant basics meet warm, friendly service.
Good for
What to expect
Expect a welcoming, unfussy spot with a neighbourhood feel. Friendly staff will help with local tips and short orders, and there is extra seating upstairs for a quieter sit-down. Shelves hold a curated mix of store cupboard items and fresh basics, plus grab-and-go options for those on the move. Good for solo mornings, easy catch-ups with friends, or a practical pit stop on a city walk.
Plan your visit
Head here as part of a South Bank wander, or drop in between museum and riverside stops. Aim for the quieter upstairs seating if a calm start to the day is wanted, and ask staff for quick recommendations. Bring a small tote if planning to pick up pantry bits, and allow a few extra minutes to browse the shelves.