Like every office in the capital, "where are you going for lunch?" echoes through Esquire HQ around 1:00pm everyday.
With Wardour Street and Berwick Street on our doorstep we’re spoilt for choice – yet we often find ourselves sleep-walking in the same generic sandwich shops day in and day out.
To address this problem, we took on the daunting task of investigating the best independent or lesser known lunch spots in London's most vibrant area – the fruits of which you can (literally) sample below. Thank us when you're full.
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Once just a modest three-wheeler food van on Berwick Street Market, Pizza Pilgrims set up a permanent home on the corner of Dean Street back in the summer of 2013. Having travelled the length of Italy – eating and learning how to cook authentic pizza on the way – the Elliot Brothers have perfected the art of crafting chewy, thick-based Napoli-style pizzas.
Recommendation: The ‘Nduja’ – a Margherita with a spicy, Calabrian pork sausage. Available to eat in or takeaway.
11 Dean Street, London W1D 3RP, pizzapilgrims.co.uk
A tuna sandwich or pasta salad is always a safe option. But who wants safe. Tucked away just off Wardour Street on St. Anne’s Court is Thai takeaway Papaya. At £5 a dish, you’ll even come out with some change. The queue is long, but it moves fast, so make sure you have your chopsticks at the ready.
Recommendation: Chicken pad thai or green curry with chicken and vegetables on a bed of sticky rice – simple and perfect.
14 St Anne's Court, London W1F 0BD
Proving you should never judge a book by its cover, this tiny white van at the top of Berwick Street looks like it might sell dodgy burgers, but in fact serves some of the finest Asian food we've found in Soho (from a street vendor: the finest full stop). It's an Esquire office staple – full of flavour, generously portioned and with a menu so varied, you wonder how on earth they manage it in less than a square foot of space.
Recommendation: Most of the people in the long queue will be asking for the Singapore Noodles – oh, and dumpling sare fantastic too.
Berwick Street
Simple yet universally loved, over recent years there’s been a surge of upmarket rotisseries opening in London, all giving Nando’s a serious run for their money. And Clockjack Oven – a stone’s throw from Golden Square – is one of the best. Choose from free-range chicken pieces (comes with a choice of four homemade sauces), salads, burgers (pictured above) or wraps. For those working against a tight deadline, pre-order your lunch online and pick up at the designated time. Easy.
Recommendation: The signature Clockjack Chicken Burger – crisp, buttermilk-marinated chicken thigh, topped with jalapeno peppers and salsa for a little punch.
14 Denman St, London, Greater London W1D 7HJ, clockjackoven.com
A basement bar and restaurant, as the name aptly suggests, this one is dedicated to everything Scandinavian. Although more of an evening haunt, they also do an extensive lunch menu. A great choice for a hearty lunch that won't break the bank or keep you for two hours.
Recommendation: Meatballs (what else?) smothered in the authentic cream sauce with a generous dollop of mash.
25 Newman Street, London, W1T 1PN, nordicbar.com
Surrounded by delis and chains, one can easily overlook this Japanese supermarket, which has a surprisingly impressive selection of authentic bento boxes and sushi to takeaway. From deep fried treats such as tonkatsu (breaded, deep-fried pork cutlets) to a healthier option of salmon teriyaki, each bento box comes with a generous portion of steamed rice as well as pickles and a potato salad.
Recommendation: The sushi is fantastic – if you know what you want, order directly from a menu instead.
48-50 Brewer St, London W1F 9TG
Named after the signature Korean dish, Bibimbap (it literally means ‘mixed rice’), dishes up the ultimate comfort food – stone-bowl rice dish served with meat or seafood (tofu is available for veggies), sautéed vegetables and a fried egg. Other dishes include fried noodles, salads and Korean pancakes.
Recommendation: Feeling brave? Add a few dollops of the excellently spicy koch’ujang (red pepper paste).
11 Greek St, London W1D 4DJ, bibimbapsoho.co.uk
Pronounced ‘koo-a eye-na’, this is a real Hawaiian restaurant in the heart of the Soho. Their flagship Hawaii establishment also happens to be one of Barack Obama’s favourite hangouts when he’s back in his home state. Devour the 1/2lb burger with pineapple, teriyaki marinated chicken sandwich or grilled mahi-mahi fillet surrounded by Dick Brewer shaped surfboards and tropical ceiling fans. Alternatively you can take it back to your desk and demolish it there.
Recommendation: Our go-to is the burger with avocado and bacon. For obvious reasons.
26 Foubert's Pl, London, UK W1F 7PP, kua-aina.co.uk
For a genuine taste of Italy, head over to I Camisa & Son, a family-run rustic Italian deli and grocers on Old Compton Street. The walls are lined with cakes, biscuits, coffee and sauces as well as a huge collection of Italian meats and Parma ham hanging from the low ceiling. The sandwiches here are well worth the spiraling queue. Load up the freshly baked bread with a filling of your choice and enjoy.
Recommendation: Bresaola (air-dried, salted beef), parmigiano, rocket and olive oil.
61 Old Compton St, London W1D 6HS, icamisa.co.uk
Solving the age-old dilemma of how to enjoy a curry at lunch without limping back to the office 3 hours later, this ingenious little joint takes Indian food and sticks it in a burrito (or a wrap or taco, if you're that way inclined). As fusions of distant culinary cultures you can enjoy for £5 on an hour lunch break go, this is the best.
Recommendation: Your first instinct will be to go for the chicken. No worries there. But on your third or fourth visit, give the Mutton Madarsi a whirl.
Souce: EsquireUK
