14 Smart Summer Restaurants in London Perfect for Client Lunches (With Views, Variety and Subtle Wow Factor)
Whether you’re meeting a long-time client or building a new relationship, a great summer lunch spot does more than wine and dine - it signals care, professionalism and attention to detail. In other words, it reflects well on you and your firm.
The best venues combine setting, service and flexibility, without pushing the budget or making anyone feel uncomfortable.
To help you navigate the bewildering number of options when it comes to London’s lunching scene, we’ve set out 15 standout restaurants across London, plus some fresh openings for a new angle. From riverside terraces to rooftop escapes, each one is ideal for a summer business lunch to leave just the right impression.
@CiD clients, a reminder when we make a reservation for you, you’ll secure a great table and usually some fizz-on-the-house on arrival.
Central & West End
1. The Ivy – West End | ££
A known name with broad appeal. Elegant enough to feel like a treat, but familiar enough not to intimidate. Great for early-stage meetings or relaxed updates.
Menu: British classics, light bites, vegetarian options
Setting: Smart interiors, hidden terraces, uncomplicated menu
theivyrestaurant.com
2. Galvin at Windows – Park Lane | £££
High-impact views and discreet luxury. Perfect for deeper conversations or strategic discussions.
Menu: Modern French, prix-fixe and à la carte
Setting: 28th-floor skyline dining over Hyde Park
galvinatwindows.com
3. Coppa Club – Tower Bridge | ££
Relaxed riverside vibe. Ideal for newer relationships or catch-ups that need space and light.
Menu: Pasta, grills, vegan and gluten-free options
Setting: Riverside terrace, Tower Bridge views, signature igloos
coppaclub.co.uk
4. The Rooftop St James – Trafalgar Square | £££
A calm, exclusive rooftop space in central London. Best for focused one-to-one or small group meetings.
Menu: Mediterranean-inspired, light and seasonal
Setting: Skyline views, heated terrace, quiet atmosphere
rooftopstjames.com
5. Scott’s Richmond – Thames Riverside | £££
A peaceful West London riverside retreat. Great for client loyalty-building away from the noise of the City.
Menu: Seafood-led but with meat and vegetarian options
Setting: Elegant terrace overlooking the Thames
scotts-restaurant.com
City & Canary Wharf
6. Bokan Bar 38/39 – Canary Wharf | £££
Skyline dining that feels sharp and elevated. Ideal for mid- to high-level client meetings.
Menu: European seasonal dishes, share plates and mains
Setting: Rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic dock views
bokanlondon.co.uk
7. Humble Grape – Canary Wharf | ££
A relaxed wine-led venue with just the right balance of warmth and polish.
Menu: Seasonal small plates, vegan, meat and fish options
Setting: Waterfront terrace, sommelier-led service
humblegrape.co.uk
8. Gaucho – Canary Wharf | £££
Bold, confident and well-suited to deal-closing or senior-level dining.
Menu: Premium steaks, fresh salads, seafood, vegetarian options
Setting: Leather interiors and a smart riverside terrace
gauchorestaurants.com
9. Amerigo Vespucci – Canary Wharf | ££
Unpretentious, familiar Italian with consistently good service. Great for relaxed conversations.
Menu: Pasta, grilled meats, fish and vegetarian options
Setting: Spacious terrace, classic atmosphere
amerigovespucci.co.uk
10. Roka – Canary Wharf | £££
Understated luxury and clean design. Perfect for creative or design-conscious clients.
Menu: Japanese robata, sushi, vegetarian and vegan options
Setting: Sleek interior and riverside outdoor seating
rokarestaurant.com
New & Noteworthy
11. Los Mochis – Broadgate | £££
Mexican-Japanese fusion on a City rooftop. Ideal for trend-aware or international clients. (A favourite of Sue’s!)
Menu: Tacos, sashimi, robata grill, allergen-friendly
Setting: Broadgate Circle rooftop, vibrant and modern, super slick service
losmochis.co.uk
12. Singburi 2.0 – Shoreditch | ££
A cult favourite Thai restaurant reimagined in East London. Great for creative industries or casual clients.
Menu: Share-style Thai, bold flavours, no fuss
Setting: Buzzing, low-key, beloved by food insiders
Instagram
13. Fonda – Soho | £££
A fresh, design-rich Mexican dining space with real culinary credibility.
Menu: Seasonal tacos, grilled dishes, mole
Setting: Soho central, smart-casual, lively without being loud
fondarestaurant.co.uk
14. Town – Drury Lane | £££
Warm, welcoming, and confidently stylish. Great for theatre-linked meetings or post-matinee meals.
Menu: Mediterranean-inspired, risottos, grilled fish
Setting: Bright interior, refined casual, central but calm
Instagram
Pro Tip: Add a Thoughtful Extra Touch
Want to leave a lasting impression? Send a car to pick your client up from their office and return them afterward the lunch.
It’s an understated gesture that speaks volumes. No hailing cabs, no last-minute Ubers as they race back for a meeting. Just a seamless, thoughtful experience that says everything you need it to about you and your business.
@CiD clients, a reminder when we make a reservation for you, you’ll secure a great table and usually some fizz-on-the-house on arrival. We’ll even book the car so you don’t have to.