19 Ways to Say “Thank You for Lunch” Professionally
Lunch meetings might seem casual, but they carry weight in professional settings. Whether it’s a client treating you, a colleague catching up, or a manager offering mentorship over a meal, a thoughtful thank-you message goes a long way. It’s not just polite—it leaves a lasting impression.
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When to Send a Thank You for Lunch Message
Timing matters. Send your message within 24 hours. That keeps your gratitude fresh and your gesture sincere.
Use email or a short message depending on how formal the lunch was. For business meals, email is safest. For team lunches or casual invites, a quick message on Slack or Teams will do just fine.
Below 19 Ways to Say “Thank You for Lunch” .
1. “I appreciate you taking the time for lunch today.”
Example: “I appreciate you taking the time for lunch today—it was a valuable conversation.”
Best Use Case: After a mentoring lunch or strategic discussion with a senior colleague.
2. “Thank you for the thoughtful lunch and conversation.”
Example: “Thank you for the thoughtful lunch and meaningful discussion.”
Best Use Case: When the lunch was more than just food—something was shared or learned.
3. “I’m grateful for your hospitality this afternoon.”
Example: “I’m grateful for your hospitality this afternoon—it was generous of you.”
Best Use Case: When a client or senior exec foots the bill at a nice venue.
4. “Lunch was a pleasure—thank you again for the invite.”
Example: “Lunch was a pleasure—thank you again for the invite and the great company.”
Best Use Case: For lunches that felt warm and welcoming, especially with peers.
5. “Thanks again for hosting lunch—it meant a lot.”
Example: “Thanks again for hosting lunch—it meant a lot and gave us a chance to connect.”
Best Use Case: When someone made the effort to host or arrange a team meal.
6. “I truly value the time we spent over lunch today.”
Example: “I truly value the time we spent over lunch today—it gave me clarity on a few key points.”
Best Use Case: After a lunch where important guidance or mentorship was given.
7. “Thank you for the meal and your generosity.”
Example: “Thank you for the meal and your generosity—it was very kind of you.”
Best Use Case: To acknowledge both the lunch and the person’s kind gesture.
8. “Really appreciate you treating me to lunch today.”
Example: “Really appreciate you treating me to lunch today—next one’s on me.”
Best Use Case: For casual business lunches where reciprocation is expected.
9. “Thanks for the great lunch and even better conversation.”
Example: “Thanks for the great lunch and even better conversation—it was refreshing.”
Best Use Case: When the meeting felt informal but productive.
10. “Appreciate the lunch—let’s keep the momentum going.”
Example: “Appreciate the lunch—let’s keep the momentum going on the project.”
Best Use Case: After discussing a live project or collaboration over lunch.
11. “Thank you for making time to meet over lunch.”
Example: “Thank you for making time to meet over lunch—it helped move things forward.”
Best Use Case: When someone’s time is limited and they prioritized this lunch.
12. “Lunch was insightful—thank you for sharing your perspective.”
Example: “Lunch was insightful—thank you for sharing your perspective on the market shift.”
Best Use Case: After a lunch where strategic ideas or trends were discussed.
13. “Thanks for a productive lunch—much appreciated.”
Example: “Thanks for a productive lunch—your insights were very helpful.”
Best Use Case: When the meeting had a clear business or decision-making goal.
14. “I’m grateful for today’s lunch and your advice.”
Example: “I’m grateful for today’s lunch and the advice you shared about career growth.”
Best Use Case: For mentorship or professional development chats.
15. “Thank you for the lunch meeting—very useful discussion.”
Example: “Thank you for the lunch meeting—it helped clarify next steps.”
Best Use Case: After a tactical or status-based lunch conversation.
16. “Appreciate your time and the great lunch.”
Example: “Appreciate your time and the great lunch—let’s catch up again soon.”
Best Use Case: Friendly yet professional tone, good for peer or cross-team lunches.
17. “Thank you for the kind lunch invitation—it was a pleasure.”
Example: “Thank you for the kind lunch invitation—it was a pleasure catching up.”
Best Use Case: For more formal or planned invites, especially cross-departmental.
18. “Thanks for making lunch such a rewarding experience.”
Example: “Thanks for making lunch such a rewarding experience—learned a lot.”
Best Use Case: After a leadership or mentorship-focused meal.
19. “Truly appreciate the thoughtful lunch and your support.”
Example: “Truly appreciate the thoughtful lunch and the support you offered during our chat.”
Best Use Case: When someone was offering personal or emotional support in a professional setting.
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Conclusion
A simple thank-you message after lunch shows respect, gratitude, and professionalism. Choose your words based on the tone of the meeting and your relationship with the person. Whether you’re thanking a manager, peer, or client—being genuine and timely makes all the difference. If you’re ever unsure? When in doubt, kindness wins.
