Restaurants with the best set menus in London
Side-step the hassle of decision-making
Some snobby, foodie types may frown at the set-menu, considering it a lazy option by which to feed oneself. These same folk relish every moment it takes to deliberate their a la carte choices, mentally comparing and contrasting flavours and all the while - and this is the real joy - narrating the decision to the entire table. Super. Super company.
So, unless you're especially eager to try a particular dish, hand the decision-making over to the chef and have one of the pre-selected menus - it'll be easier on the pocket and it'll make you far better company around the dinner table.
Lunch starts from £24.90 for two courses at Texture, where dishes are ingredient-led and influenced by the Scandinavian heritage of chef Agnar Sverisson.
Alexis Gauthier’s healthy fine dining is a bargain at lunchtime, and nowhere else will you eat in such super-chic, elegant surroundings for just £18 for two courses.
Jason Atherton’s informal restaurant boasts a mouth-watering standalone dessert bar. The set lunch is every bit as exciting as the main menu, and is £26 for two courses.
Historical recipes from the 14th century onwards are faithfully reproduced here. The set menu only offers two options per course, but it’s £38 for three courses which is a snip compared to the a la carte.
Lima’s food is all about gutsy, flavoursome dishes. Incredibly for a Michelin-starred restaurant, the set lunch/pre-theatre meal is a steal at just £20 for two courses.
This neighbourhood restaurant has been going strong for over 30 years, and young Welsh chef Bryn Williams continues to enhance its reputation with his fantastic Modern European menu. The two course lunch has the incredible price tag of £13.
Tom Pemberton’s honest British food has made this a neighbourhood favourite. Dishes like crispy pork and dandelion, and sardines with kohlrabi and monk’s beard feature on the set menu, which is fantastic value at just £13.50 for two courses.
Dabbous
39 Whitfield Street W1T 2SF
It’s impossible to get a table in the evening, but the lunchtime set menu features some of the same extraordinary dishes as the main menu. £28 for four courses.
