lawyer lunch

Good places for lunch in the City for over-worked, under-paid lawyers. Send us your reviews

The Evangelist

The Envagelist is a large, stylish gastro-pub situated just round the back of Blackfriars. It's a particularly great place to eat if you're in a large group but also boasts smaller tables and comfy sofas for more intimate lunch dates. The regular menu offers a host of delicious options (including healthy salads, pasta dishes and chunky sandwiches that come with a side-order of fries) while a small number of daily specials are also provided to keep the frequent visitor happy. An extensive wine list and well-stocked bar complete the picture. Portions are generous and the food, which is prepared in full view by a number of skilled chefs, is always well-presented. Expect to pay around Ł10 for a main course. It's a popular venue so it's essential to book if you're in a large group but only really necessary on Fridays for a party of two or three. The Evangelist, 33 Black Friars Lane EC4 (020 7213 0740)

Noodles: The Chi Noodle and Wine Bar

Chi makes a nice change from endless sarnies and is good value. There is a large menu of noodle dishes, soups and so on in the style of Wagamama. The portions are immense and you could do well to share dishes if you are in a group. There are a few tables on the ground floor but more downstairs (longer with benches) with the advantage that the queue isn't breathing down your neck waiting for you to leave. Go early or be prepared to wait - it's worth it. Lunch without alcohol costs around Ł15 per person for a starter to share, a huge main dish and a soft drink. If you are feeling brave try the saki... The Chi Noodle and Wine Bar, Bride Court (by St Bride's Fleet Street), London EC4

Shakespeare's Globe Restaurant

A quick walk from the City and adjacent to the famously restored theatre, this first floor restaurant affords excellent panoramic views of the river and St Paul's. Although the menu is rather limited (only three items offered per course), the food is good and atmosphere relaxed. A great escape from the realm of traditional business lunches. Shakespeare Globe Restaurant, Globe Centre, New Globe Walk SE1 (020 7928 9444)

Vegetarian: The Place Below

It's worth knowing about The Place Below, which is located in the crypt under the Norman church of St-Mary-le-Bow. The menu in this veggie cafeteria-style restaurant changes daily with a choice of several entrees, both hot and cold, all served with generous helpings of salad. Make sure to get one of the absolutely scrumptious desserts like berry crumble with cream. Best to get there early - it can be difficult to find a seat at peak times. The Place Below, St Mary-le-Bow church, Cheapside, London EC2 (020 7329 0789) no reservations

Indian: The Rajasthan

A newcomer to the City, this bright and airy Indian restaurant can transform an otherwise dull lunch hour into a hugely enjoyable curry experience. All the usual dishes are here, together with less well-known regional specialities. You'll need to book at both lunchtimes and evenings and it's much more fun to be in the bustling main room upstairs. Build in an extra fifteen minutes after you have asked for your bill as you may be offered a free liqueur! The staff are helpful and polite and prices are surprisingly reasonable. This is genuinely an Indian restaurant with a difference. Lunch for 2, with beer, around Ł50. The Rajasthan 49 Monument Street, London EC3 (020 7626 1920)

The Royal Exchange

Situated in the heart of the city next to Bank underground, The Royal Exchange is a great place to meet for lunch or an early evening drink. The food is an eclectic mix of tapas and seafood and is light and fresh, perfect for those summer days. Prices are in the region of Ł15-Ł20 per person for a two course meal. For special occasions private rooms are available over-looking the court yard, which was the old London stock exchange. Our readers rate the venue for its friendly service. The Royal Exchange, Threadneedle Street, London EC3 (020 7618 2480)


	The Evangelist The Envagelist is a large, stylish gastro-pub situated just round the back of Blackfriars. It's a particularly great place to eat if you're in a large group but also boasts smaller tables and comfy sofas for more intimate lunch dates. The regular menu offers a host of delicious options (including healthy salads, pasta dishes and chunky sandwiches that come with a side-order of fries) while a small number of daily specials are also provided to keep the frequent visitor happy. An extensive wine list and well-stocked bar complete the picture. Portions are generous and the food, which is prepared in full view by a number of skilled chefs, is always well-presented. Expect to pay around Ł10 for a main course. It's a popular venue so it's essential to book if you're in a large group but only really necessary on Fridays for a party of two or three. The Evangelist, 33 Black Friars Lane EC4 (020 7213 0740)

	Noodles: The Chi Noodle and Wine Bar Chi makes a nice change from endless sarnies and is good value. There is a large menu of noodle dishes, soups and so on in the style of Wagamama. The portions are immense and you could do well to share dishes if you are in a group. There are a few tables on the ground floor but more downstairs (longer with benches) with the advantage that the queue isn't breathing down your neck waiting for you to leave. Go early or be prepared to wait - it's worth it. Lunch without alcohol costs around Ł15 per person for a starter to share, a huge main dish and a soft drink. If you are feeling brave try the saki... The Chi Noodle and Wine Bar, Bride Court (by St Bride's Fleet Street), London EC4

	Shakespeare's Globe Restaurant A quick walk from the City and adjacent to the famously restored theatre, this first floor restaurant affords excellent panoramic views of the river and St Paul's. Although the menu is rather limited (only three items offered per course), the food is good and atmosphere relaxed. A great escape from the realm of traditional business lunches. Shakespeare Globe Restaurant, Globe Centre, New Globe Walk SE1 (020 7928 9444)

	Vegetarian: The Place Below It's worth knowing about The Place Below, which is located in the crypt under the Norman church of St-Mary-le-Bow. The menu in this veggie cafeteria-style restaurant changes daily with a choice of several entrees, both hot and cold, all served with generous helpings of salad. Make sure to get one of the absolutely scrumptious desserts like berry crumble with cream. Best to get there early - it can be difficult to find a seat at peak times. The Place Below, St Mary-le-Bow church, Cheapside, London EC2 (020 7329 0789) no reservations

	Indian: The Rajasthan A newcomer to the City, this bright and airy Indian restaurant can transform an otherwise dull lunch hour into a hugely enjoyable curry experience. All the usual dishes are here, together with less well-known regional specialities. You'll need to book at both lunchtimes and evenings and it's much more fun to be in the bustling main room upstairs. Build in an extra fifteen minutes after you have asked for your bill as you may be offered a free liqueur! The staff are helpful and polite and prices are surprisingly reasonable. This is genuinely an Indian restaurant with a difference. Lunch for 2, with beer, around Ł50. The Rajasthan 49 Monument Street, London EC3 (020 7626 1920)

	The Royal Exchange Situated in the heart of the city next to Bank underground, The Royal Exchange is a great place to meet for lunch or an early evening drink. The food is an eclectic mix of tapas and seafood and is light and fresh, perfect for those summer days. Prices are in the region of Ł15-Ł20 per person for a two course meal. For special occasions private rooms are available over-looking the court yard, which was the old London stock exchange. Our readers rate the venue for its friendly service. The Royal Exchange, Threadneedle Street, London EC3 (020 7618 2480)