22 Other Ways to Say“Thank You for Lunch”

Expressing gratitude after being treated to lunch is a gesture of politeness and appreciation.

To convey your thankfulness with variety, here are 20 alternative ways to say “Thank you for lunch,” along with example sentences and explanations that can help you deliver your message warmly and appropriately.

Expressions of Gratitude:

1. “I really enjoyed our lunch together, thank you.”

• Example: “I really enjoyed our lunch together, thank you—it was a delightful break from the office.”
• Explanation: This expression emphasizes the enjoyment of the company along with the meal.

2. “Thanks for the great company and the delicious meal.”

• Example: “The conversation was as satisfying as the meal itself—thanks for the great company and the delicious meal.”
• Explanation: Conveys appreciation for both the social and culinary aspects of the lunch.

3. “I had a wonderful time, thanks for lunch.”

• Example: “I had a wonderful time hearing about your travels—thanks for lunch.”
• Explanation: Implies that both the meal and the overall experience were appreciated.

4. “Lunch was fantastic, thank you for inviting me.”

• Example: “Lunch was fantastic, thank you for inviting me and for the insightful discussion.”
• Explanation: Expresses enjoyment of the meal as well as appreciation for being included.

5. “Grateful for the lunch and the conversation.”

• Example: “Your stories never cease to amaze me. Grateful for the lunch and the conversation.”
• Explanation: Shows equal appreciation for the meal and the interpersonal interaction.

Courteous Responses:

6. “Much appreciated, the meal was superb.”

• Example: “The new restaurant you chose was exquisite. Much appreciated, the meal was superb.”
• Explanation: Offers thanks while complimenting the choice of the venue or quality of the food.

7. “I cannot thank you enough for the lunch treat.”

• Example: “Your choice of restaurant was excellent—I cannot thank you enough for the lunch treat.”
• Explanation: Conveys a sense of deep gratitude for the meal.

8. “Thank you for your generosity at lunch.”

• Example: “The cuisine was remarkable, and the service was even better. Thank you for your generosity at lunch.”
• Explanation: Recognizes and thanks the person for their willingness to pay for the meal.

9. “That was a delightful luncheon, thank you.”

• Example: “Your company and choice of food never disappoint. That was a delightful luncheon, thank you.”
• Explanation: An elegant expression that appreciates the meal and company.

10. “Your hospitality over lunch was much appreciated.”

• Example: “From welcoming me to ensuring I had a wonderful meal, your hospitality over lunch was much appreciated.”
• Explanation: Thanks the host for the warm reception and overall company during the meal.

Warm Appreciation:

11. “Thanks for making lunch such a pleasant experience.”

• Example: “I’ve missed these conversations with you; thanks for making lunch such a pleasant experience.”
• Explanation: Emphasizes that the person’s presence made the mealtime enjoyable.

12. “The lunch was lovely, thank you for this kindness.”

• Example: “The atmosphere of the café and your company made for a perfect afternoon. The lunch was lovely, thank you for this kindness.”
• Explanation: Notes the generosity and thoughtfulness behind the meal invitation.

13. “Heartfelt thanks for the lunch invitation.”

• Example: “Discussing old times over a great meal was a joy. Heartfelt thanks for the lunch invitation.”
• Explanation: Shows a deep and personal appreciation for being invited to lunch.

14. “I’m touched by the delicious lunch you hosted.”

• Example: “Today’s menu choices were incredible. I’m touched by the delicious lunch you hosted.”
• Explanation: Indicates that you’re emotionally moved by the efforts of the host.

15. “Thank you for the treat, it brightened my day.”

• Example: “The homemade pasta was divine—thank you for the treat, it brightened my day.”
• Explanation: Suggests that the meal was a highlight and brought cheerfulness to your day.

Expressions of Pleasure:

16. “A meal to remember, thank you.”

• Example: “What an unexpected delight at that riverside spot—a meal to remember, thank you.”
• Explanation: Insinuates that the experience was remarkable and will be fondly remembered.

17. “The meal was a true delight, thank you kindly.”

• Example: “The combination of flavors was something special. The meal was a true delight, thank you kindly.”
• Explanation: Conveys high praise for the meal and overall appreciation.

18. “That lunch was a pleasurable treat, many thanks.”

• Example: “Your enthusiasm is infectious, and the meal was top-notch. That lunch was a pleasurable treat, many thanks.”
• Explanation: Notes that the entire lunch experience was enjoyable.

19. “What a delightful repast, thank you for your company.”

• Example: “It’s rare to find someone who appreciates fine art and cuisine. What a delightful repast, thank you for your company.”
• Explanation: Uses a more archaic term for a meal to indicate that both the food and the social interaction were pleasurable.

20. “How thoughtful of you to organize this lunch.”

• Example: “I appreciated the private chef experience—how thoughtful of you to organize this lunch.”
• Explanation: Expresses gratitude specifically for the planning and execution of the lunch.

21. “Thanks a bunch for the lunch.”

• Example: “The afternoon break was just what I needed—thanks a bunch for the lunch!”
• Explanation: A casual and friendly way to thank someone for the meal provided.

22. “Immense thanks for the warm hospitality and sumptuous meal.”

• Example: “Every dish was a culinary masterpiece, and your welcome was heartwarming. Immense thanks for the warm hospitality and sumptuous meal.”
• Explanation: Communicates deep gratitude for both the meal’s excellence and the host’s gracious welcome.

By using different ways to thank someone for lunch, you not only convey your gratitude but also emphasize aspects of the experience that were particularly meaningful to you.

Whether it’s the delicious food, the lovely atmosphere, or the person’s generosity, these phrases help personalize your appreciation and can strengthen the bond between you and your lunch companion.