Where to Eat Lunch Near London Bridge
Oct 23, 2025
Finding lunch near London Bridge is easy once you know where to look. The area has grown into one of London’s busiest food hubs, where office workers, market traders, and visitors all mix at midday. You’ll find quick bites inside Borough Market, Sunday lunch, riverside brasseries with views of the Thames, and smart restaurants perfect for a business lunch.
This guide focuses only on lunchtime. It’s built for people who want good food, clear prices, and simple choices. You’ll also find ‘O Ver Borough nearby for handmade pasta and seawater-leavened pizza. These food spots are fast, consistent, and a stone’s throw from Borough Market.
TL;DR – Best Lunch Near London Bridge
This is your quick guide to the top lunch spots in London Bridge.
Best overall: ‘O Ver Borough – handmade pasta and pizza, quick service, 6 min walk from the station
Fastest options: Borough Market stalls within 5–10 min of the station
Best for a longer catch-up: Bermondsey Street sit-downs
Best value: weekday lunch deals around SE1
Sunday lunch nearby: classic pubs and roasts within a short walk
Quick Lunch Near London Bridge (30–45 minutes)
If you only have half an hour, there are plenty of places for a fast but satisfying Borough Market lunch. Most are around the station or inside the market itself.
Borough Market – warm rolls, salad boxes, and grilled street food; go before noon to avoid queues
Padella takeaway pasta – handmade pasta that’s ready fast once the line clears
Hays Galleria kiosks – riverside sandwiches and coffee with a Thames view
Station cafés – light sandwiches and soups ideal for a quick bite between meetings
Insider Tips for Lunchtime in SE1
Before you pick a spot, it helps to know how the area flows at midday. Borough Market peaks between 12 and 1:30 pm, when local offices break for lunch. Queues move quickly, but tables can be scarce. If you prefer a quieter meal, aim for after 2 pm when crowds thin and service slows down in a good way.
Many restaurants near London Bridge offer express or weekday lunch deals designed for the office crowd. Terraces open from April to October, and most spots have heaters for cooler months. A few riverside cafés stay open later for informal meetings or catch-ups that stretch past 3 pm.
Sit-Down Lunch Near London Bridge (45–90 minutes)
If you have more time, there are plenty of great restaurants near London Bridge where you can sit down for a proper meal without losing half your day. These food spots strike a balance between good food and quick, attentive service, and they’re all open for lunch.
‘O Ver Borough
Address: 44–46 Southwark Street, SE1 1UN
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 12 pm – 3 pm (lunch)
Handmade pasta and authentic Neapolitan pizza bring the flavour of southern Italy to Borough. The lunch service is quick but never rushed, and the team know most guests come in on tight breaks, so it’s ideal for a working lunch.
What to order
Margherita or Diavola pizza with a side salad if you’re short on time
Pappardelle ragù or Paccheri alla Genovese for something more filling
House wines by the glass or Italian soft drinks for a light pairing
Price range: Pizza + drink ≈ £16 – 20 · Pasta + side ≈ £18 – 24
Good to know: Two minutes from Borough Market food stalls and about six from the station. Vegetarian options available, walk-ins welcome.
Book a table at ‘O Ver Borough or stop by for a quick pizza and a glass of wine before heading back to work.
Hawksmoor Borough
Address: 16 Winchester Walk, SE1 9AQ
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 12 pm – 3 pm
Known for British steak and seafood, Hawksmoor Borough delivers the polish of a special-occasion restaurant with the pace of a business lunch. Service is efficient and the dining room is calm enough for conversation.
What to order
Express two-course lunch menu from around £33
Seasonal fish dishes and classic sides like triple-cooked chips
Fresh oysters if you want a quick starter
Price range: £30 – 45 per person
Good to know: The smart casual setting is ideal for meetings or team lunches.
El Pastor (Stoney Street)
Address: 7A Stoney Street, SE1 9AA
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 12 pm – 3 pm · Sunday 12 pm – 9 pm
El Pastor is a lively Mexican taqueria next to Borough Market — perfect if you want something different from the usual pasta or sandwich.
What to order
Tacos al pastor with spit-roasted pork and pineapple
Fish tacos with chipotle mayo
El Pastor salad for a lighter plate
Price range: £25 – 35 per person
Good to know: Walk-in friendly but fills up fast on market days. Loud, fun, and full of flavour.
Lantana Café London Bridge
Address: 13–14 Old Union Yard Arches, SE1 0LR
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 8 am – 3 pm · Saturday – Sunday 9 am – 3 pm
An Australian-inspired café with healthy plates, good coffee, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s popular with remote workers and locals looking for a calm vegetarian-friendly lunch near London Bridge.
What to order
Halloumi burger or chicken schnitzel sandwich for a fast main
Salmon poke bowl or superfood salad for lighter meals
Speciality coffee or fresh juice
Price range: £20 – 30 per person
Good to know: No reservations needed; counter service keeps things moving quickly.
Côte Brasserie – Hay’s Galleria
Address: Hay’s Galleria, Tooley Street, SE1 2HD
Opening hours: Daily 11:30 am – 10 pm
Côte Brasserie sits by the river inside Hay’s Galleria, offering French comfort food and dependable service. It’s a smart choice for anyone after a mid-range lunch in London Bridge with a relaxed setting.
What to order
Set lunch menu with two courses for about £17.95 or three for £20.95
Steak frites or moules marinières for a classic choice
House wines and coffees served all day
Price range: £20 – 30 per person
Good to know: Plenty of indoor and covered outdoor seating with Thames views, perfect for fans of waterside restaurants.
Lunch Deals and Set Menus Around London Bridge
Many restaurants around SE1 run fixed-price menus that keep costs predictable and service brisk. They’re perfect for office workers or anyone on a schedule.
Two-course lunches around £25 – 30, often served until 2:30 pm
Three-course options at mid-range brasseries and hotels
Express menus that guarantee service in under 45 minutes
Look for the phrase “lunch deals London Bridge” on menus and websites. It usually signals better value than ordering à la carte.
Sunday Lunch Near London Bridge
Sundays in Borough are made for good food and slower afternoons. Whether you want a traditional roast, a modern British lunch, or something Mediterranean, the London Bridge area has plenty of places that make the weekend feel special. These are a few local favourites worth booking ahead.
The Coal Shed
Best for: A refined roast in a relaxed setting
Located just off Tooley Street, The Coal Shed serves one of the best Sunday roasts near London Bridge. The menu rotates between aged beef sirloin, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, and vegetarian wellington, all served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and seasonal vegetables.
Sunday lunch: £28–£34 per main
Atmosphere: Modern British restaurant with a calm, upscale vibe
Opening hours: Sunday 12–9 pm
It’s ideal if you prefer restaurant comfort over a noisy pub crowd.
Hawksmoor Borough
Best for: Classic Sunday roast with cocktails
Hawksmoor’s Borough branch delivers the same attention to detail it’s known for across London. Their Sunday roast features slow-roasted rump, beef-dripping potatoes, and rich bone marrow gravy — served with Yorkshire pudding the size of your plate.
Sunday roast: £27 per person
Set lunch: 2 courses £29 | 3 courses £33
Opening hours: Sunday 12–9 pm
The bar makes an excellent Bloody Mary if you’re easing into the weekend.
The Market Porter
Best for: Traditional pub Sunday lunch
A Borough Market landmark, The Market Porter is where locals go for a proper roast. Expect beef or chicken with all the trimmings, crispy potatoes, and plenty of gravy. It’s relaxed, reliable, and just steps from the station.
Mains: £18–£22
Vibe: Lively, old-school London pub
Opening hours: Sunday 12–10:30 pm
It’s walk-in friendly but fills up fast by mid-afternoon.
Arthur Hooper’s
Best for: Lighter Mediterranean-style dishes
Arthur Hooper’s sits right on the edge of Borough Market and offers a more relaxed, European approach to Sunday dining. Think roasted lamb shoulder with salsa verde, grilled vegetables, and plenty of wine by the glass.
Mains: £20–£25
Atmosphere: Bright and modern
Opening hours: Sunday 12–9 pm
Perfect if you want something a little fresher than the classic roast.
'O Ver Borough
Best for: Italian Sundays done right
If you’d rather swap roast potatoes for wood-fired pizza or handmade pasta, 'O Ver Borough serves its full à la carte menu all weekend. Pair a Neapolitan pizza with a glass of Falanghina, or try the seafood linguine, a local favourite for a longer Sunday lunch near London Bridge.
Mains: £16–£28
Atmosphere: Warm, Italian hospitality with a modern feel
Opening hours: Sunday 12–10 pm
Book a table at 'O Ver Borough and enjoy an easy, authentic end to your week.
Practical Info
Lunch spots cluster around three areas: Borough Market, Bermondsey Street, and the riverside walk.
Station → Market ≈ 6 – 8 min
Market → Bermondsey Street ≈ 10 – 12 min
Peak time = 12 – 1:30 pm
Best quiet window = after 2 pm
Bookings help at set-menu spots. Walk-ins work well after the rush.
FAQs
Where can I eat lunch near London Bridge?
You’ll find everything from quick Borough Market stalls to riverside brasseries and casual cafés. For authentic Italian, O Ver Borough is two minutes from the station and ideal for a sit-down lunch.
Is Borough Market good for lunch?
Yes. Borough Market is one of London’s top lunch spots, especially between 12 and 2 pm. Choose from street-food stalls, fresh pasta, or gourmet sandwiches for a fast and filling Borough Market lunch.
What time does Borough Market open for lunch?
Most traders start serving lunch from 11 am, though the busiest period is 12 to 1:30 pm. Some cafés open earlier for breakfast and stay open until 3 pm.
Where can I get a cheap lunch near London Bridge?
For value, try Borough Market stalls, Padella’s takeaway pasta, or set menus at places like Côte Brasserie – Hay’s Galleria. Expect to spend around £10 – 20 for a good lunch.
Where can I find vegetarian lunch near London Bridge?
Many restaurants around SE1 offer vegetarian or vegan dishes. Lantana Café serves healthy plant-based plates, and O Ver Borough has vegetarian pasta and pizzas.
Is there a Sunday roast near London Bridge?
Yes. Traditional pubs around Borough and the riverside serve Sunday lunch with all the trimmings. Book ahead for popular spots after 12:30 pm.
Final Thoughts
Lunch near London Bridge can be quick, relaxed, or indulgent. These lunch spots all sit within a few minutes’ walk of the station. From market stalls to riverside tables, SE1 has options for every schedule and budget.
If you want something dependable, two streets from the market, 'O Ver Borough is a strong choice. We’ve stopped in often between meetings and it never disappoints. Check out our food menu or drop in for a pizza and a glass of wine before heading back to your day.
Written by the 'O Ver Team
Based at Borough Market SE1. Our team eats, writes, and lives local, sharing the best lunch spots near London Bridge straight from experience.