For those who have landed graduate jobs in Soho, the lunch options are endless.
As one of London’s biggest entertainment hubs, Soho is filled with chain restaurants, unique eateries and buzzing bars – so you will never run out of places to explore.
If you’ve got a graduate job in Soho, check out our list of great places to get lunch, and where to go in London.
Or head back to our Complete Guide to London.
11 places to eat lunch in Soho
1. Papaya
In a rush and want to grab some grub on-the-go?
Take a trip to Soho’s Papaya for fresh, delicious and affordable Thai food.
The long queues speak for themselves but don’t worry, they do move quickly, and the food is well worth the wait.
Generous with their portions and prices, you’ll soon be filling up on their flavourful lunches every week!
Where? 14 St Anne’s Ct, Soho, London W1F 0BD
2. Leggero
Offering nothing but gluten-free dishes, this restaurant is on a mission to redefine Italian cuisine.
With a selection of delicious Italian foods on offer – including focaccia, arancini and tagliatelle – they have already received a number of positive reviews.
They take pride in creating a welcoming atmosphere and want to make sure any dietary requirements are accommodated to with a delicious alternative.
Where? 64 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 4UQ
3. Yalla Yalla
Whether you’re a meat-lover or a die-hard vegan, middle eastern food is hard to beat in terms of suiting every dietary preference.
Located in the heart of Soho, Yalla Yalla serves up a range of delicious mezze dishes to share with colleagues (including hummus, halloumi and batata harra) as well as sizeable wraps to take away, filled with meat, fish, cheese or falafel.
Where? 1 Green’s Ct, Soho, London, W1F 0HA
4. Chilango
With a variety of awards under their belts, including The Evening Standard’s ‘London’s Best Mexican Restaurants’, Chilango’s burritos are hard to beat.
They pride themselves on their authentic seasonings, inspired by the founder’s travels and the people they’ve met along the way. Burritos, tacos, nachos, and salads are all up for grabs – and you can be sure they’ll be packed with a ton of flavour, at a very reasonable price.
Where? 24 Brewer St, London, W1F OS
5. The Breakfast Club
Don’t let its name deceive you; you can expect more than just breakfast bites on The Breakfast Club’s menu, with a feast of gourmet sandwiches, all-day brunches, burgers, and burritos at your fingertips.
With a happy hour every day from 5-7 pm, make sure you put a date in the diary for post-work drinks with your colleagues – if you like Pina Coladas, that is.
Where? 33 D’Arblay St, Soho, London W1F 8EU
6. Flat Iron
This is a go-to destination for meat eaters on payday. Don’t be put off by their simple menu – because what they lack in detail, they make up for in taste.
Their steaks are at a flat rate of £10 and have an array of sides to choose from for as little as £2.50 – the dripping chips and roast aubergine are a must.
Still not convinced? Perhaps the free salted caramel ice cream cone will help change your mind.
Where? 17 Beak St, Carnaby, London W1F 9RW
7. Bar Bruno
Nestled within the buzz of Wardour Street sits Bar Bruno, an independent café serving wholesome food spanning from all-day brunches to generous portions of pasta – either way, you won’t be disappointed.
You won’t be breaking the bank either with their pizzas at £5.50 and bangers and mash at just a fiver.
It’s even open at 5 am for the early risers or for post-gym breakfasts.
Where? 101 Wardour St, Soho, London W1F 0UG
8. Island Poke
London’s latest food trend, poke bowls have taken the capital by storm – and nowhere does them better than Soho’s Island Poke.
Located in bustling Kingly Court (a must for a range of great lunch options), Island Poke has quickly become a go-to for young professionals looking for a lighter lunch.
With carb-free, customisable bowls filled with spicy tuna (or veggie alternative), sushi rice, and a range of colourful vegetables, a lunch from Island Poke will keep you feeling light and energised throughout the afternoon.
Where? 8 Kingly St, Soho, London, W1B 5PQ
9. Bodean’s
A unique American-style smokehouse, Bodean’s is a go-to for a splurge-worthy payday lunch.
Situated on Poland Street and away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, this is a go-to for any BBQ and meat-lovers– did someone say baby-back ribs?
Immerse yourself in the warm and cosy ambience of their restaurant downstairs – or sit at the bar upstairs after work, sipping on Bodeans’ very own “Boss Hog Brew” lager.
Where? 10 Poland St, Soho, London W1F 8PZ
10. Bill’s
Located right in the heart of Soho, this national restaurant chain has always been a popular destination – and especially for young professionals looking for a quick and affordable lunch stop.
Serving up delicious dishes from breakfast to bedtime, you’ll be spoilt for choice whether you’re a meat-eater, a vegetarian, a vegan or gluten-free.
Treat yourself to comfort foods including a halloumi burger, macaroni cheese or a posh fish finger sandwich during the day – or grab a sparkling cocktail after work.
Where? 36-44 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 9TB
11. Bun House
In the middle of Leicester Square and Covent Garden, you’ll find a new restaurant that is revolutionising the bao bun.
Bun House opened its doors last year on the corner of Greek Street and Old Compton Street and is making already making a name for itself with its scrumptious selection of Cantonese steamed buns.
With interesting savoury and sweet fillings to pick from (at just £2.50 a pop!) your options include dark chocolate, custard, and pig’s blood.
Looking for somewhere a little more unusual for lunch in Central London?
Put Bun House in Soho at the top of your list.
If you’re looking for graduate jobs in Soho, you won’t be disappointed by the range of lunch options on offer.
And if you want to check out Soho after work, there are plenty of cocktails, pubs, and bars to try – with Oxford Street, Covent Garden and Leicester Square all in close proximity – so now you know where to go in London!
Find more graduate career advice on our Careers Advice Blog – or check out the latest graduate jobs in London and across the UK!
