It’s easy to spend a lot of money on food in London, but the city hides plenty of delicious suppers to balance out the more extravagant options. For cheap eats, London offers excellent meals for less than £15, even at suppertime, and every one of them is well worth a visit. Hot stone bowlbibimbab,cacio e pepe pasta and steaming bowls of Vietnamese soup are standing by to fill you up even when you’re feeling less than flush. These are our 25 favourite cheap eats in London.
Where to Find Great Budget-Friendly Eateries in London
London may be known for its extravagant and pricey dining options, but there's no need to break the bank when searching for a satisfying meal. Venture off the beaten path and you'll discover a wide array of restaurants that offer delicious food without emptying your wallet. We've compiled a list of our top 25 recommendations across various neighborhoods in London, each catering to different tastes and budgets.
Among our favorites is Padella, a pasta haven in Shoreditch and Borough Market, renowned for its velvety cacio e pepe dish priced at just £11.50. If you're craving daal with buttery roti, head over to Roti King in Euston, where you can indulge in this flavorful combination for a reasonable £6. For taco lovers, Club Mexican in Kingly Court, Spitalfields or Seven Dials offers a fantastic all-you-can-eat deal for only £15 on Tuesdays.
In addition to these recommendations, we've included a price range for each spot we consider to be among the best restaurants in London to further inspire your gastronomic adventures. And if you're still unsure where to dine on your next visit to the capital, take advantage of our London restaurant finder quiz to discover the perfect eatery.
Exploring London's Culinary Delights
London's food scene is a tantalizing mosaic of flavors and global influences. The city offers a remarkable array of dining options, from traditional British fare to international culinary delights.
Embark on a culinary adventure with a visit to London's exceptional Indian restaurants, where you can savor the authentic spices and flavors of this vibrant cuisine. Alternatively, indulge in the delectable creations of Italian restaurants that serve up mouthwatering pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas.
While traversing the bustling streets of London in pursuit of these delectable meals, you might want to consider a cozy place to stay. Whether you're looking for convenience after a late-night dining experience or simply seeking accommodation close to the culinary action, Airport hotels in London at hotels-of-london.com offer a range of options that cater to your needs.
For those with a discerning palate and an eye for excellence in accommodation, perusing options on tophotels.com may reveal the perfect pairing of luxury lodging and access to the finest restaurants in the city. Your London food journey could be elevated with a stay in a hotel that matches the sophistication of the city's gastronomic offerings.
If you have a craving for sushi or Thai cuisine, you're in luck! London boasts an abundance of restaurants dedicated to these delightful flavors. For those who prefer vegan or vegetarian options, there are numerous eateries that cater to your preferences, ensuring a satisfying and wholesome experience.
While experiencing the city's diverse culinary offerings, don't miss the opportunity to try quintessentially British dishes. Treat yourself to a traditional Sunday roast, a hearty serving of perfectly cooked meat accompanied by all the trimmings. Or partake in the beloved British tradition of afternoon tea, enjoying a delightful assortment of delicate sandwiches, scones, and pastries.
For further inspiration, explore London's most iconic restaurant dishes, all of which are surprisingly affordable. From the renowned Quo Vadis smoked eel sandwich (£11.50) to the delectable roast bone marrow from St John (£14), you can explore these flavorful delights without breaking the bank.
London's culinary landscape is a treasure trove of gastronomic experiences. By embracing the city's diverse food scene, you can embark on a delicious journey that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Which areas do locals in London eat in?
Londoners are lucky – there are multiple foodie hubs flecked across its four corners, and almost all of the neighbourhoods in the city have at least a handful of excellent restaurants to choose from. Soho in central London sees brilliant restaurants jut up against each other down narrow streets and alleyways, from Michelin-starred restaurants to wine bars, curry shops to pizza joints (there's also lots of street food in Soho for those hunting for cheap eats, such as on Berwick Street Market). Covent Garden is the place for post- or pre-theatre menus (these, incidentally, are often very good value). Outside of central London, we'd opt for the likes of Notting Hill, Brixton, Islington and Shoreditch when looking for a bustling food scene.
Delightful Dishes at Singburi
Situated in London's bustling streets, the well-renowned Singburi, a Thai eatery kept alive by a hard-working family, is an absolute haven for food enthusiasts. Though a website is absent, their Instagram handle narrates the culinary narrative of Singburi, showcasing the daily-changing, enigmatic specials board. Be sure not to miss the spectacular Moo Krob, an irresistible fusion of crispy pork belly with chilli and basil priced at £9.75 or the salted fish rice at an affordable £8.50. Add a curry to your order for a fiery kick. Everything on the menu is a must-try, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.
If you're in a group, it's recommended to sample a wide array of options but beware, your spice levels might hit the roof!
Find us here: Singburi, 593 High Rd Leytonstone, E11 4PA
Andu Ethiopian Vegan Café's Unforgettable Flavors
A hidden gem tucked away in Dalston, the Andu Ethiopian Vegan Café is celebrated amongst locals who regularly call in for a hearty vegan meal. Rapid service, paired with the inherently delicious vegan menu, has sealed its reputation. At the heart of this simplicity lies six diverse dishes, a medley of aromatic stews, vegetables, a variety of dals and greens that can be decadently savoured through a sampler plate at £10 or, stick to tradition by placing your order directly on an injera- the classic Ethiopian sourdough-risen flatbread at £12. The injera serves as an excellent utensil to absorb the tangy residues of the sauces, creating a complete culinary experience.
Find us here: Andu Ethiopian Vegan Café, 528 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AH
Visit our website: anduvegancafe.com
Sambal Shiok
Mandy Yin’s Malaysian laksa bar in Holloway has a cult following and it’s easy to see why. There’s an addictive quality to the intense fiery hit of the flavourful laksa broth which comes in a big steaming bowl packed with rice noodles, tofu puffs, bean sprouts, green beans and chicken, all for £14.90. If you like it spicy but don’t want your head blown off, go for the hot broth and get some extra coconut milk to calm it down. Guaranteed to warm you inside and out.
Address: Sambal Shiok, 171 Holloway Road, London N7 8LX
Website: sambalshiok.co.uk
Diwana Bhel Poori House
Just behind Euston Station, Drummond Street is a haven of South Asian food and Diwana Bhel Poori House is one of the best for an affordable feast, turning out Indian vegetarian classics since 1971. Plump for the Diwana signature tali at £13.10, a generous spread of biryani rice, dal, curries, chapatis, raita and a sweet pudding or a chunky Masala Dosa, a rice and lentil thin pancake stuffed with savoury potato and vegetables for £9.30. Be sure to order a creamy mango lassi with any leftover change.
Address: Diwana Bhel Poori House, 121-123 Drummond Street, London NW1 2HL
Experience Unique Italian Flavours at Ciao Bella
Indulging in a meal at Ciao Bella is like being a part of a grand feast. The restaurant presents mammoth-sized pasta dishes that defy the dimensions of your head. The ambiance is nothing short of festive, with a live piano performance that graces the place every evening. Their signature dish is a steaming seafood spaghetti beautifully presented in a bag made of greaseproof paper, albeit a bit pricey at £17.50. However, their other delicacies like carbonara, bolognese, vongole, and puttanesca will equally tantalise your taste buds and are all priced within £15. They also offer fresh, crunchy pizzas at wallet-friendly prices. Finish your meal with their heavenly tiramisu and you might be lucky enough to get a complimentary shot of Limoncello.
The ingredients used at Ciao Bella are fresh and locally sourced, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Equally impressive is the attentive and friendly service, making you feel right at home with Italian hospitality.
Location: Ciao Bella, 86-90 Lamb's Conduit Street, WC1N 3LZ
Access their official website here: ciaobellarestaurant.co.uk
Delicious Thai at KaoSarn
If you're based in the southern part of the city and have a penchant for Thai cuisine, you're in luck! There are three KaoSarn outposts to choose from, each offering a delightful array of dishes that are as budget-friendly as they are bursting with taste. Among their offerings, you might want to check out the spicy minced meat salad—the larb. Hailing from North-Eastern Thailand, this bold medley of flavours marries perfectly with the freshness of mint and lime and is priced at £10.50. Also, their curry selections provide a lovely warming experience, particularly the tantalising coconut beef massaman, richly assembled with onions, potatoes and roasted peanuts and it's available for £13.50. For a tangy surprise, dive into the gang kua sapparod goong; a red curry that combines fresh pineapples and tomatoes with a hint of sweet basil, and is priced at £14.50.
Location: KaoSarn located at Unit 96 of Granville Arcade on Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8PR
Expansion: Branches in Clapham and Tooting
Official Page: kaosarnlondon.co.uk
Homeslice
Pizza is a faithful friend for foodies on a budget, and there are dozens of great choices out there. The most reliable high-end pie, though, can be found at Homeslice. Their giant (20-inch!) pizzas are enough for three people and have crisp crusts and topping-laden middles and most come in at under £30 so that’s less than a tenner each. The Neal’s Yard signature is packed with buffalo mozzarella, garlic oil, serrano ham, heritage tomato, asparagus and peas. Miles away from your average Margherita.
Address: Homeslice, 13 Neal’s Yard, London WC2H 9DP
Other locations: City and Marylebone
Website: homeslicepizza.co.uk
The Golden Hind
Forget greasy fish and floppy chips – this is the best fish and chips you’ll find in London. For over 100 years, they’ve been frying exemplary suppers at this friendly Marylebone chippie. All fish is fried in groundnut oil (you can taste the difference) and you can get a small haddock or cod for £11.95 with chips for an additional £2.95. Not seaside prices, but well worth that little bit extra. If you’d like a lighter option, you can also have your fish steamed with oregano and olive oil but be sure to save room for the puddings – rhubarb crumble, spotted dick, bread and butter pudding, all served with custard.
Address: The Golden Hind, 71a-73 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2PN
Website: goldenhindrestaurant.com
Club Mexicana
Loaded nachos, tasty tacos and overstuffed burritos for £10 or under – the catch? It’s all vegan. This is tasty, perky and flavourful food that’s good for the planet and your wallet. With restaurants in Kingly Court, Spitalfields and a spot at Kerb Seven Dials, there’s no excuse not to stop into Club Mexicana for a plant-based ‘Fried Chick’n or ‘Cheezeburger’ taco (get three for £10) or a burrito packed with sticky BBQ glazed jackfruit, pink onions, garlic mayo and pickled jalapeños (also £10). If you go on Monday, there are £5 margaritas from 5pm until closing and on Tuesday it’s all-you-can-eat tacos for £15. Arriba!
Address: Club Mexicana, 46-48 Commercial Street, London E1 6LT
Other location: Carnaby
Website: clubmexicana.com
Rasa N16
The original Rasa and still the best, this pink icon on Stoke Newington Church Street makes some of the best South Indian food around. All vegetarian, the colourful Keralan curries are aromatic and creamy, the dosas are overstuffed and the snacks are little crunches of joy. The perfect place for a big supper with friends and lots of dishes to share, curries are all under £8 – opt for thebeet cheera pachadi, a pink spicy beetroot curry, and themoru kachiathu, a yoghurty dish made with green bananas and ripe mangos.
Address: Rasa, 55 Stoke Newington Church Street, London N16 0AR
Website: rasarestaurants.com
Little Georgia
Khachapuricheese bread is the order of the day at this lovely family-run Georgian restaurant with branches in Barnsbury and Hackney. Baked to order and stuffed with a stretchy and crumbly cheese medley, it’s comforting and moreish. Mains here include stuffed mushrooms (£12) andkotnis lobio, a spiced bean stew served with bread and pickles (£15) but order the mezze for two (£22) which comes with a selection of six traditional Georgian salads and a piping hot cheese bread.
Address: Little Georgia, 87 Goldsmiths Row, E2 8QR
Other location: Barnsbury
Website: littlegeorgia.co.uk
Supa Ya
Chances are you won’t have ever eaten ramen like the ones they serve at Supa Ya. Cumberland sausage tantanmen with sesame miso and green onions, fried cabbage and cheese with roast garlic oil or maple glazed pumpkin with chilli crunch ramen, everything here is pushing the flavour boundaries. They all cost £15, they’re all delicious and memorable. Save room for the noodle ice cream with miso caramel or the Sichuan pepper truffles for pudding.
Address: Supa Ya, 499 Kingsland Road, E8 4AU
Other locations: Peckham
Koba
ThisFitzroviainstitution has been familiarising Londoners with high-quality Korean classics since 2005. They specialise in meats barbecued at your table, but there’s no meal more complete here than dolsotbibimbab(£11.90): sticky rice topped with little piles of vegetables, pickles, spicy pork and a raw egg that cooks as you mix the whole lot thanks to the super-hot stone bowl it’s served in.
Address: Koba, 11 Rathbone Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1NA
Website: kobalondon.com
Dotori
The menu at this very popular Finsbury Park restaurant so comprehensively spans Korean and Japanese cuisines that it can be a tad overwhelming at first glance. Luckily you can’t go wrong with what you order. There’skimchi jjige, a spicy pork and kimchi stew served with rice for £11.90, sizzling hot stonebibimbapswithbulgogibeef soaked in pear and soy for £12.50 if you want Korean classics, ordonboriJapanese rice bowls with king prawn tempura for only £11.80, chicken teriyaki bento box for £13.90, and plenty of noodle dishes and ramens coming in well under £15. There’s fresh and affordable sushi on offer too. Go early to get a walk-in table.
Address: Dotori, 3 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 2DQ
Website: dotori.co.uk
Discover the Magic of Persepolis
Nestled within Peckham High Street, Persepolis is a delightful store that delights customers with Persian delicacies from their petite eatery, boasting around ten tables. Their substantial and flavorful mezze platter is a steal, costing just £10. You may also find preserved lemons from their grocery section to add zest to your meals. Be sure to try the muhammara, a spicy walnut dip that pairs wonderfully with their homemade falafel. Despite their reasonable pricing, they don't skimp on the festive feel – welcoming celebrations with open arms and an economical BYOB policy. For larger crowds, they also offer a generous group menu, priced at just £25 per person.
Peckham High Street is famous for its lively and diverse food scene and is one of the best places to shop and dine in south-east London.
An interesting detail: Persian cuisine often uses herbs, fruits, and spices, creating a unique and memorable flavor profile.
Location: Persepolis, 28-30 Peckham High Street, Peckham, London SE15 5DT
Online: foratasteofpersia.co.uk
Mamuśka: A Polish Delight
If you're after mouth-watering pierogi, crunchy placki ziemniaczane (a delightful potato pancake dish) topped with tangy sour cream, or slurp-worthy bowls of beetroot soup, Mamuśka will undoubtedly satiate your cravings. The eatery's heart-winning Polish cuisine alongside some home-style allure is cooked to a tee: Mamuśka dispenses lavish portions that match its reasonable pricing. Also, a wide range of vodka preserves its authenticity. When you visit, do try the savoury Bigos, a Polish sauerkraut stew (£14.90), stuff-yourself-worthy cabbage rolls (£13.90), and an irresistible pork goulash (£14.90). And ensure you leave room for its zesty apple vodka slushies.
Location: Mamuśka, located at 9 Addington Street, London SE1 7RY
Website: Explore more about them here.
Xi’an Biang Biang Noodles
So-called because they’re stretched out by thwacking the dough on a countertop, the hefty, slippery biang biang noodles that are a speciality of Xi’an, capital of central China’s Shaanxi Province, are made expertly at this laidback place in Whitechapel. Hand-pulled noodles with beef in special sauce (£12.30) won’t win you any new Instagram followers, but they will leave your tummy and your taste buds in raptures.
Address: Xi’an Biang Biang Noodles, 62 Wentworth Street, Spitalfields, London E1 7AL
Website: xianbiangbiangnoodles.com
Cay Tre
Though it opened as part of the family of Vietnamese restaurants that the north side of Shoreditch is now famous for, Cay Tre was always a cut above the rest. In Soho, its menu expanded, and this place is now one of not many locations in central London where you can get a delicious bowl of noodle soup without having to queue for nearly an hour first. It specialises in phò, and the original (£14.70) is made with 24-hour beef-bone marrow stock and includes two slices of beef and comes with plenty of fragrant herbs to garnish it with.
Address: Cay Tre, 42-43 Dean Street, Soho, London W1D 4PZ
Website: caytrerestaurant.co.uk
Discovering Roti King
Known for its teeming lines, Roti King is a humble Malaysian eatery with a unique appeal. Its simplicity stems from the fact that its signature dish, roti canai, is traditionally a street food item in Malaysia. Characterized by its warmth, delicacy, and texture, one can enjoy these handmade flatbreads for a mere £6, served with a hearty lentil dhal for dipping
Roti canai, the main highlight at Roti King, is a traditional Malaysian flatbread, similar to the Indian Paratha but with a twist. It's flaky, crispy, and utterly irresistible when dipped into the accompanying lentil dhal. If you're wondering about its taste, imagine the deliciousness of a buttery croissant merging with the comfort of freshly baked bread.
Address: Roti King, Euston, 40 Doric Way, London NW1 1LH
Additional Location: Battersea
Explore more at their official Website: rotiking.has.restaurant
Delving into Brasserie Zédel
In the heart of the West End, hidden beneath the streets, you'll find Brasserie Zédel, a spectacle akin to something straight out of a Baz Luhrmann film sequence. Despite the dazzling interior, what makes this place a gem is its value for money: an irresistible two-course prix fixe menu at a mere £15.75. Slightly over your usual budget but definitely worth every penny, the menu features a tender steak blanketed with a tangy peppercorn sauce and accompanied by crispy fries for starters. For dessert, a premium tart, made from Valrhona’s much sought-after Manjari dark chocolate is presented on the table. The atmosphere is made even more splendid by waistcoat-donned waitstaff.
Location: Brasserie Zédel, 20 Sherwood Street, Soho, London W1F 7ED
Official site: brasseriezedel.com
Distinguished Diners
The price tag of £7.75 for a cheeseburger at Bleecker may initially seem steep. However, once you experience its flawlessly assembled, burnt-yet-succulent beef patty, harmoniously accompanied by a tantalizing slice of yellow cheese, finely chopped white onion and exclusive house sauce, you would understand. In fact, it's likely to entice you to leave a tip.
Location: Bleeker, Bloomberg Arcade 16, EC4N 8AR, London
Online Presence: bleecker.co.uk
Mangal 1
In Dalston, Turkish restaurants abound. Of these, many offer excellent value for money; still, Mangal 1 stands out distinctly. The generous servings of meat and salad, always accompanied by traditional warm flatbreads, are guaranteed to fuel you sufficiently, leaving you potentially asking for a takeaway. Moreover, the restaurant offers a main course portion of cop sis (lamb skewers) for a modest £11.50. An additional perk is the BYOB policy, allowing you to enjoy your favourite drink at a minimum price.
Location: Mangal 1
Online Presence: mangal1.com
Feast on a Budget at On The Bab
Experience the allure of crispy, boneless pieces of chicken thigh, dripping in a tantalising glaze of gochujang, generously portioned for just £14.90. On The Bab doesn't stop at the chicken; they also offer comforting bowls containing aromatic fried rice, fragrant with kimchi and crowned with a perfectly fried egg for just £11. Their £12 spicy pork packed delicately into soft, pillowy buns is also a delight not to be missed.
Location: On The Bab, 305 Old Street, London EC1V 9LA
Further Details: You can gather more information on their website: onthebab.com
Padella
News got out about Padella really fast when it opened in 2016, and in its wake London has more quality pasta restaurants than even Tony Soprano could handle. The original is still the best, especially now that they’ve improved their queueing system so that you can go grab a drink after adding your name to the waiting list. The pici cacio e pepe (£11.50) is the creamy, comforting must-order.
Address: Padella, 6 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TQ
Website: padella.co
Silk Road
The owners of this Xinjiang spot must have a direct line to the actual Silk Road to be able to deliver such huge amounts of spice-laden flavour in every dish. There’s cumin-marinated, charcoal-grilled lamb skewers (£1 each); a sweet-but-sour dressing over silky-soft home-style aubergine (£5.50); and massive, chewy hand-pulled belt noodles with chicken thighs and potatoes in a fiery broth known, for some reason, as Middle Plate Chicken (£9). Despite the often surly staff and the battered tables, this will be your new Chinese of choice.
Address: Silk Road, 49 Camberwell Church Street, Camberwell, London SE5 8TR