London Westminster

With one of London’s highest concentrations of office workers, Westminster has no shortage of restaurants at every price range—at least for a weekday lunch. Sandwich shops, delicatessens, and takeaway shops rest on most corners. Come nighttime, it’s a different story; restaurants raise their prices and sandwich bars close. Many places shut down entirely over the weekend. Strutton Ground, a short pedestrian road between Victoria and Great Peter St., has a variety of sandwich and salad bars and cheap Chinese buffets. South of Victoria, Tachbrook Street has a number of cheap eats, as well as a tiny but excellent food market (open M-Sa 9am-5pm). Pubs in the area also provide good dining options .

Goya, 34 Lupus St. (☎7976 5309; www.goyarestaurant.co.uk). Pimlico. Join the local clientele for a post-siesta meal. Mirrors, large windows, and bright wood give the sunny interior an elegant aura. In good weather, sit outside and enjoy the sun more directly. Generous, diverse tapas (mostly £4-7), including plenty of vegetarian options; 2-3 per person is more than enough. Special sangria £3; alcohol only served with food. Wheelchair-accessible. Open daily 11:30am-11:30pm. £10 min. for AmEx/MC/V.
Tiles, 36 Buckingham Palace Rd. (☎7834 7761). Victoria. Despite Tiles’s proximity to Buckingham Palace, the ambience inside this wine bar and restaurant is more continental than British. With cozy wooden tables, faded Spanish-tile floor, and chalkboard menu, the upstairs has a casual, hole-in-the-wall feel. Downstairs is more formal, with exposed brick, candles, and secluded couches. Creative mains include honey-roasted duck (£11), goat cheese and pepper-stuffed chicken (£10), and fishcakes with chips (£8.50). Wheelchair-accessible. Open M-F noon-11pm. Kitchen open noon-2:30pm and 5:30-10:30pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Mange, 2 Greycoat Pl. (☎7263 5000; www.mange.co.uk). St. James’s Park or Victoria. Just around the corner from Strutton Ground, this popular lunchtime caterer is a perfect pit stop for upscale picnic fixings. A meticulously arranged deli case displays an ever-changing mix of prepared salads (£2). Soups (£1.80-2.25), sandwiches (£3-4), yogurt, fruit, and juices available for takeaway only. Several vegetarian options. Also an excellent spot for a quick, healthy breakfast. Open M-F 8am-5pm. £5 min. for MC/V.
Relish, 8 John Islip St. (☎071 828 0628). Pimlico. A line of hungry office workers often spills out the door of this fresh lunch shop. Order tasty deli sandwiches (£2.40-3.70), baked potatoes (£2.50-4), salads, and plenty of vegetarian options. Come early for the best selection. Diners lucky enough to find a table can stay to enjoy the eclectic Beatles/Europop music mix. Open M-Th 7:30am-3:30pm, F 7:30am-3pm. Cash only.
Noodle Noodle, 18 Buckingham Palace Rd. (☎7931 9911; www.noodle-noodle.co.uk). Victoria. Additional location across from the Apollo Victoria Theatre on Vauxhall Bridge Rd. Tropically-colored walls and Lionel Richie’s “Live and in Concert” over the speakers makes this Chinese restaurant a unique experience. Massive portions and tasty noodle and rice dishes make this a great place for a sightseeing break. Side dishes (£4) aren’t a great deal, but the mains will feed you 3 times over (£5-7). 3-course special (£11) M-F 3-10pm, Sa noon-11pm. Takeaway available. Open daily noon-11pm. £10 min. for AmEx/MC/V.