27 Best Cheap Places to Eat in London

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Are you looking for cheap places to eat in London? The English capital is an amazing city. It’s also one of those places where you can find a Michelin Star restaurant and walk around the corner to a KFC! 

London’s food scene is pretty incredible. You can find every cuisine you could possibly think of and there are so many delicious international dishes. However, London is not known for being cheap. In fact, it’s known for being quite the opposite! 

Amazing Cheap Eats in London

Even though you can easily spend hundreds on one meal in London, there are plenty of places where you can dine for under £30 per person. So, I’ve decided to put together this list of the 27 best cheap places to eat in London for anyone visiting the British capital on a budget. 

1. Brasserie Zédel, Piccadilly 

This gorgeous French Café is tucked away in the heart of Piccadilly. Brasserie Zédel is a wonderful choice of cheap eats in London. It serves traditional French dishes in an elegant, marble-clad restaurant. It also plays host to an American bar, live music, and cabaret from early until late. 

Their a’la carte menu is super affordable with main meals ranging from £15.50 for the chopped, American-style steak to £29.50 for the roast haunch of venison. They also offer an excellent set menu where you can get 2 courses for just £16.95 or 3 for £19.75.

2. Street Markets, various locations

One of the things I adore about cities, particularly London and Cambridge, is that among the pricier sit-down meals, there’s an abundance of affordable and delicious street food. There are so many wonderful street markets in London. 

Borough Market near London Bridge is the most renowned, with a rich history that celebrated its 1000th birthday in 2014! Featuring stalls brimming with a wide selection of international cuisines stalls serving Mexican wraps, tempting burgers, fries, sweet treats, and bowls of noodles. But you can also find fresh produce like cheese, meat, fruits, vegetables, and more. You’ll definitely need to visit with an empty stomach, as many stalls generously offer samples.

Greenwich Market also deserves some attention; though slightly more crowded than Borough Market, it matches in delivering top-notch food quality.

Yet, my personal favourite remains Camden Market, located in the heart of Camden Town. Its stalls showcase an incredibly diverse array of food, and you can spend hours exploring the culinary treasures. Among them, the standout gem is Kerb Camden, a true haven for food enthusiasts.

3. Brown Rice, Notting Hill, Hammersmith, or Windsor

Notting Hill might not be the place where you’d expect to find the cheapest places to eat in London, but we were pleasantly surprised by this authentic Thai restaurant. You can find Brown Rice in various locations across London and, if you enjoy Thai cuisine, you’ll love it here. 

They are a buffet-style restaurant and aim to show you the real taste of Thailand. A few of the dishes on offer include green chicken curry, spicy chicken wings, sweet and sour chicken, spicy noodles, pad thai, chicken toast, and prawn crackers. You can go up as many times as you like and you get all of this for just £10.95 per person!

It’s absolutely fantastic value and very scrumptious food. The service was also wonderful when we went and the people were very friendly and helpful.

4. The Sherlock Holmes, Charing Cross

When in England, Indulging in excellent British pub food becomes a necessity. And where better to find it than in the heart of the great British capital? I have a soft spot for pub food, and when it comes to an affordable yet quality meal, Greene King is one of the best chains in England. 

While slightly pricier than other branches across the UK (it is London, after all), the menu at The Sherlock Holmes is still one of the best cheap places to eat in London. An 8oz Sirloin, complete with all the trimmings, priced at just £19.45! For a taste of classics, the steak and ale pie comes in at £15.45, while the classic battered cod and chips is a fairly reasonable £17.45. 

A visit to The Sherlock Holmes is a great option if you’re looking for a delightful selection of English comfort food.

5. Ariana 2, Kilburn 

A scrumptious Afghan restaurant in Kilburn, Ariana 2 is a great choice if you’re looking for something a little bit different. We went here on a date night in London once and everything from the food to the service was fantastic. 

They offer a diverse selection of Afghanistan’s finest dishes, ranging from flavorful kebabs and grills to mouthwatering rice dishes, tandoori chicken, seabass, and more. Prices start from around £13 per meal. Or you can purchase a meal for two for just £45, which includes starters, mains, and dessert. If you’re dining as a group, they also offer set menus for 4 for £69 and 6-8 for £129. 

They also operate a ‘bring your own alcohol’ policy which instantly shaves quite a few pounds off the price of your meal. Just remember to nip into Tesco to buy a bottle of wine before you arrive.

6. Saravanaa Bhavan, various locations

Saravanaa Bhavan is an authentic Indian restaurant chain, with branches in London in East Ham and Charing Cross. The nearest tube stations are East Ham and Euston Square respectively. 

This is an excellent restaurant if you want to have authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine. They have many options to choose from and are primarily known for South Indian cuisine. The food is freshly prepared, authentic, delicious, and nicely presented. 

Saravanaa Bhavan is the ideal place for budget-friendly street food. They have a wide range of dosas, idlis, and uttapams which will definitely have you craving more. You must try their masala dosa which is huge and served with delicious chutneys.

It’s one of the best cheap places to eat in London. You can get main course meals priced between £5 and £10. They also serve affordable lunch and dinner thali options that include a range of foods at a low cost. The South Indian thali costs £8.95 and is a complete meal, after which you won’t need anything else.

You will definitely need to make reservations in advance if you don’t want to wait though, especially on weekends.

7. Hayat Restaurant, Paddington

If you are staying around the Paddington area and are looking for a Halal, vegan-friendly vegetarian restaurant, then Hayat Paddington is worth every penny. This family-owned restaurant is within walking distance of Paddington train station and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

It can sometimes be difficult to find a nice brunch cafe that serves at 8 am. This restaurant is perfect for the early risers and late-night diners as it closes at 11 pm.

There is no queue here, so you can walk in and you will be served quickly. They are well-known for their Mediterranean selections from Tajin to Shakshuka. Most of their breakfast meals are under £10 whereas their pizzas, burgers, and Tajin average around £15.

Their breads and hummus are made fresh, and I am sure no one can resist a £1 homemade pita bread (I couldn’t and ordered 3). So, if you are craving a warm, home-cooked Middle Eastern meal, drop by this cosy London restaurant. 

8. Lahpet, Shoreditch or West End

Lahpet is one of London’s only Burmese restaurants, having gained significant appreciation since its doors opened in 2018. Recognized by TimeOut, Conde Nast, and BBC Good Food, Lahpet creates the traditional flavours of Myanmar while infusing a contemporary flair into its dishes. Despite its central location, Lahpet doesn’t have the expected hefty price tag, making its delicious offerings accessible to everyone.

On the menu, you’ll find enticing options like the lentil chow chow, braised mutton curry, and coconut noodles with chicken. The most dish on the menu is £22 while the cheapest is an affordable £15. 

Lahpet also serves scrummy appetizers and desserts kicking off at a pocket-friendly £5. Admittedly, their cocktails aren’t the cheapest, but, if you opt for a soft drink, this is one of the cheapest places to eat in  London.

9. Caphe House, Bermondsey

If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in London, Bermondsey Street is a great place to explore. It’s just a 10-minute walk from London Bridge station. 

For a quick and value-for-money lunch try the Vietnamese cafe, Caphe House. It’s a no-frills, family-run establishment that has a busy takeaway business as well as serving Vietnamese egg coffees along with regular cappuccinos and lattes. 

We dropped in on a rainy day in August and got a seat in the back room. Steam buns, spring rolls, Bánh Mî and Phó feature on the menu. We had delicious platefuls of shredded pork with noodles and caramelised pork belly with ginger and vermicelli, for around £11 each. 

10. Boqueria Tapas, Battersea Park 

I have a serious love for tapas restaurants, and this charming eatery in Battersea Park lives up to my expectations. With classic wooden decor, comfortable bar stools, and an array of wine bottles on display, this restaurant has a welcoming ambience. Boqueria Tapas is perfect for friends, groups, or dates, with its delicious selection of light bites and sharing plates.

Indulge in enticing plates such as patatas bravas, suckling pig with apple sauce, and whole sea bass. The plates range in price from £3.90 to £16 (for a steak). The majority of the plates are under £10 each, offering a pocket-friendly option for those looking for cheap eats in London. Just the thought of these mouth-watering options is enough to make your stomach rumble!

11. Tokyo Diner, Chinatown

Nestled in the heart of London’s Chinatown, Tokyo Diner is a completely authentic Japanese restaurant. While its appearance might not be striking at first glance, a single bite of their delicious dishes is enough to change anyone’s mind. 

The mouth-watering menu, ranging from £10 to £25, features delights like katsu chicken, teriyaki, soba noodles, Japanese curry, sushi, bento boxes, and an array of tempting sides. Japanese Tea is complimentary, and certain dishes even come with free extra rice. Tokyo Diner not only exemplifies exceptional Asian hospitality but also serves as a source of inspiration for other restaurants in London.

Beyond the culinary experience, Tokyo Diner is committed to environmental responsibility. They rely solely on sustainable energy sources and refuse to serve Tuna to combat global overfishing. They also refuse tips and donate any money left to the St. Martin-in-the-Fields unit for the homeless.

12. Lina Stores, various locations

Lina Stores is a well-loved chain of Italian restaurants and one of the best cheap places to eat in London. There are locations in Soho, King’s Cross, Marylebone, Clapham, and Bloomberg Arcade, so you will find one nearby. All the locations are steps away from a tube station, meaning they are easily accessed.

Lina Stores serve authentic Italian food, offering various pasta dishes priced between £8 and £15. There are also well-priced antipasti and desserts, costing around £5 to £12. The restaurants can cater to those with dietary preferences, such as vegetarians, vegans, gluten intolerant, and halal.

The décor of each restaurant offers a slightly different style, with the Soho Greek Street location having a casual diner-style setting, whereas the Marylebone is classic and sophisticated. So, if you want more of a posh dining experience or a laid-back lunch – pick your location wisely.

All Lina Stores restaurants take reservations for groups of up to 8 people, except for Greek Street, which only allows reservations for up to 4 people. Booking a table online is recommended, but there are usually walk-in spaces available at the kitchen counter and bar.

13. Rossella, Kentish Town

A genuine Italian restaurant holds an unbeatable charm! Rossella, with its lively family ambience, will draw you in, and make you want to come back time and time again. 

Honoured with multiple OpenTable awards and a Diner’s Choice recognition, Rossella is a quintessential Trattoria deeply rooted in the heritage of Southern Italy. They’ve brought a piece of their family farm from Naples to the heart of London, offering a delicious array of dishes ranging from the classic Carbonara to the more elaborate Veal Escalope wrapped in prosciutto.

But what makes them one of the best cheap places to eat in London? Well, you can find pasta dishes for as little as £10 and pizzas for as little as £12. They also offer vegan and gluten-free options. The most extravagant item on the menu is priced at just £24! This means you can easily savour the flavours of Italy while keeping your wallet happy.

14. Paul Rothe & Son Delicatessen, Marylebone 

Set on an unassuming street in central London is Paul Rothe & Son Delicatessen, a small deli that was first founded in 1900. As is typical in London’s food scene, the sandwiches might look simple but they’re handmade and artfully crafted. Each ingredient tastes like it was thoughtfully chosen to make the perfect sandwich, from fluffy bread to spicy mustard to fresh veggies.

You can choose from a menu of premade sandwiches or design your own sandwich, depending on your preference. The writing on the menu is small, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

With most sandwiches priced at less than £8, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more affordable and fresh lunch option in the area. There are crisps, drinks, soups, and other sides to choose from if you’re craving a more complete meal. 

Expect a queue if you visit around lunchtime. There isn’t much seating, but if you go early or at an off hour you may be able to snag a spot. Otherwise, you can always grab your sandwich to go and enjoy it nearby in Hyde Park.

Oh, and as a bonus, the coffee is surprisingly good. 

15. Gökyüzü, various locations

I love Turkish cuisine and after a meal at Gökyüzü, I’m sure you will be too! With over 20 years of experience serving delicious Turkish delicacies, this family-owned restaurant has passed down recipes from father to son. 

Located in 6 different spots across London, each with plushy benches and the authentic brick-wall ambience reminiscent of a classic Turkish tavern, this establishment has earned the title of the ‘Go-to place for Turkish cuisine’ by TimeOut. Despite this, Gökyüzü remains the perfect spot to eat for those travelling around London on a budget.

Their menu is diverse, offering breakfast, hot and cold meze, hearty mains, and sharable platters. They have a selection of fish dishes, pide (a kind of Turkish pizza), and unique special too. What’s more, they also offer a takeaway service if you’d rather eat from the comfort of your own room.

Main courses begin at a wallet-friendly £15, and the majority of their mains are under £20. All of them are utterly delicious and this is easily one of the best cheap places to eat in London! 

16. Rum Kitchen, various locations

If you fancy delicious Caribbean food and also enjoy party vibes and delicious cocktails, you can’t go wrong with Rum Kitchen. This combination of a cocktail bar and restaurant is a great place to let your hair down after a day exploring London. Plus the food is delicious and super affordable. 

Order plates of spicy jerk chicken, for just £15.50, Caribbean curry bowls for under £17, and plates of Jollof rice for under £15. They also offer 90 minutes of unlimited wings on Wednesdays and a bottomless brunch with main and unlimited drinks for £30. 

Plus, with their lunch and late-night option, you can buy any dish, such as a jerk wrap and fries, for a very affordable £10. This is only available between 12pm and 4pm Monday to Friday, or after 9pm every day.

They also donate 50p from every Jerk Bowl ordered to the Brixton soup kitchen.

17. Mamuśka!, South Bank or Waterloo

Bringing the classic flavours of Eastern Europe to the UK, Mamuśka! is an incredibly budget-friendly Polish kitchen and bar. Embracing authenticity and offering great value, Mamuśka! caters to a crowd and has seating for up to 200. The essence here lies in Polish flair, traditional cooking, and the joy of delicious food.

With lunch options priced at just £8 (and £10 with one of their happy hour drinks), canapes starting from just £2.50, and an elaborate 3-course set menu for to for just £50, Mamuśka! ensures affordability without compromising on taste. Indulge in generous portions of Pork goulash, beef roll-ups, beef cheeks, and pierogi. 

For those seeking a fusion of cultures, Mamuśka! even puts a cheeky Polish twist on classic English dishes like fish and chips or sausage and mash. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking to enjoy affordable, hearty meals without venturing too far from your comfort zone!

18. Seven Dials Market, Covent Garden

Seven Dials Market is a relatively new addition to the London food scene. But it’s quickly transformed Covent Garden into a place that’s home to plenty of exciting cheap places to eat in London. Easily accessible, thanks to its position within a three-minute walk of Covent Garden tube station, this picturesque market hall is home to 20 independent street food vendors.

Adventurous eaters will love to pay Seven Dials visits. You can find stalls featuring cuisines from around the world, from Syrian street food to dumplings from Uzbekistan. 

One of the best vendors, however, is Curry On Naanstop, which offers some truly remarkable Indian dishes. Try the samosa chaat from Mumbai for an explosion of flavour in your mouth. Crumbs of crispy samosas are mixed into a rich, tangy curry and topped with yoghurt and pomegranate seeds – all for £9. 

London is an expensive city, but markets like Seven Dials help to cut down on costs. With burgers, pizza slices, curries, cupcakes, tacos, and sushi up for grabs, it’s surprisingly hard to spend more than £15 on a meal here. 

And with two bars serving visitors within the picturesque food hall, you’ll never have to wait too long for a drink to wash it all down. 

19. Kiaan’s Pan Asian Street Food, Broadway Market

Kiaan’s Pan Asian Street Food, nestled in Broadway Market, Tooting, London, is a hidden gem for budget-conscious foodies. The lively market itself is a haven for cheap eats in London, making it an ideal spot for those seeking flavourful yet affordable culinary experiences. The eatery offers a delightful journey through Pan Asian flavours, from zesty street-style noodles to delicious dumplings.

Best suited for those who like to experiment with flavours on a budget, Kiaan’s has fairly reasonable prices. With starters around £5-6, bao buns and ramen for around £10, and sides, beers and desserts for less than £5, make this a top choice for students, young professionals, and families. While reservations are not typically required, especially for smaller groups, it’s advisable to check during peak hours.

You can get here via Tooting Broadway Underground station. Plus, if you need a nightcap before you head back home, it’s within proximity of Balham, known for its chic wine bars. Kiaan’s allows you to complement your budget-friendly feast with a touch of sophistication.

20. Cleopatra’s, South Kensington

Cleopatra’s is a no-fuss Lebanese / Mediterranean eatery in the Earls Court neighbourhood of London, right on the main strip – Earls Court Road. It’s right outside the tube station. You can simply walk in to eat there or they also offer takeaway.

The restaurant has an incredibly large menu, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For starters, Cleopatra’s serves several fresh salads and spread appetizers like hummus. The hummus was creamy and delicious.

At less than £12, the Chicken Shawarma is a hearty meal served with rice. It’s my top recommendation on the menu, as the chicken is very flavorful and well-seasoned.

Cleopatra’s has been awarded fantastic reviews across the internet and is worth a visit if you’re in the area, especially because of the quality of food for the price! The restaurant is best for those who love Mediterranean food, but there’s plenty on the menu to satisfy all diets.

21. The Silk Road, Camberwell

The Silk Road in Camberwell serves Chinese food like you’ve probably never had before unless you’ve been to Western China. I don’t live in London and I regularly find myself craving their well-priced, incredibly delicious food

Put aside your expectations of sweet and sour chicken with egg fried rice and welcome home-style aubergine, cucumber salad, fresh noodles, pork with black fungus and all sorts of other incredible-tasting dishes. 

It’s a good idea to book space at a table at this extremely popular and inexpensive restaurant. If you don’t, you’ll likely be waiting in a line for a 9 pm table slot if you’re lucky. Takeaway is possible but you’ll need to have taken a photo of the menu at some point (or have found one online as they are so busy that they don’t care if you don’t know their menu!)

22. Spring, Somerset House

Spring is a gorgeous, restaurant with a seasonal menu located in the iconic Somerset House in central London. Its chic interior makes it one of the most beautiful restaurants in London. The simple but elevated menu by Skye Gygnell is renowned. It is certainly a restaurant for a special occasion but can be very affordable if you know about the Scratch Menu. 

The Scratch menu is served to only 30 guests each evening at early tables between 5:30-6:30. It’s a set menu of three courses made of whatever may go to waste in the kitchen otherwise. The Scratch menu is only £30 per person, making it an affordable way to experience the luxury of Spring, and the food is just as incredible as it would be on the main menu. 

As there isn’t any choice available, it’s not the best option for those with dietary needs. But if you aren’t a picky eater and you’re up for whatever the kitchen produces, you’re in for a treat. It’s necessary to book well in advance as the menu is limited. Spring is just across the bridge from Waterloo, and near Temple, Covent Garden and Charing Cross stations.

23. Lahore Kebab House, Whitechapel

Located in Whitechapel, Lahore Kebab House is a remarkable Pakistani restaurant. Recognized with several awards as the best kebab house in the UK, this family-owned establishment has evolved from a modest diner into a welcoming, atmospheric restaurant since it first opened in 1972. 

With a commitment to using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes, Lahore has mastered the art of crafting delightful curries, kebabs, appetizers, and house specialities. On the menu, you’ll find a range of options including lamb chop curry, chicken kebab curry, sag aloo, mutton tikka roll, and tandoori prawns. Pair your choice with naan bread, some samosas, and a refreshing jug of passionfruit juice for the table. 

The most expensive main course on the menu is just £14.50, so you can enjoy these award-winning kebabs without worrying about the cost.

24. Hoppers, various locations

Hoppers is a Sri Lankan and coastal South Indian food restaurant in London. It’s distinctly different from the typical food from North India that is served at most Indian restaurants. The food features their namesake Hoppers, which are bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice and coconut eaten with kari, dosas, rice, roast and kothu. The coastal influence translates to coconut and seafood like squid and prawns being featured on the menu.

Both Sri Lankan and Indian food are best eaten in family style, and the menu has a handy guide on planning for portion sizes.  The food is bold and flavorful. You can also add to the spice and flavour level with traditional chutneys and sambols.  The average price for a meal at Hoppers is around £30 per person.

With 3 locations at Soho, Marylebone and King’s Cross, Hoppers is easily accessible using public transportation. Reservations are recommended. You can book online for parties of up to 4 at Hoppers Soho, up to 10 at Hoppers Marylebone and up to 18 at Hoppers King’s Cross. Walk-ins are accommodated on a first come first served basis.

25. Brick Lane Beigel Bake, Shoreditch

While not a formal restaurant, the Brick Lane Beigel Bake is an ideal spot for a budget-friendly snack or lunch. The dense bagels, succulent meat that melts in your mouth, and wallet-friendly prices make this renowned Brick Lane establishment a must-visit for anyone looking for cheap places to eat in London. The food here is a perfect blend of simplicity, scrumptiousness, and affordability.

Indulge in the thick slices of salt beef accompanied by a hint of hot mustard and pickles. Brick Lane Beigel Bake operates 24 hours a day. So, it’s suitable for those seeking a late-night feast and those in need of pre-exploration fuel. With cakes priced from 87p and filled bagels ranging from £2.47 to £9, it’s an offer that’s hard to argue with.

26. Farm Girl, Notting Hill

Searching for the best brunch spot in the pastel streets of Notting Hill? Farm Girl is the perfect spot to catch up with friends for a perfectly poured latte and delicious brunches, located on the famous Portobello Road.

The focus at Farm Girl is on healthy, beautifully presented dishes and drinks, made to delight. The main dining room is lovingly decorated, topped off with a pink custom coffee machine. Out on the sunny terrace, toasty seat covers and heaters ensure your comfort no matter London’s weather.

The menu caters to everyone whether you’re here for a hand-crafted pastry or a stack of apple & pear pancakes. Prices range from £7.50 for eggs on toast, through to £16.00 for a smoked salmon scramble. Butterfly matcha lattes and other pastel delights await on the drinks menu.

Farm Girl is walk-in only and serves up all-day dining from 8:30am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to 5:30pm on weekends, so you’ll be sorted no matter how late your brunch date is.

To get there, take the tube on either the Central, Circle or District Lines to Notting Hill Gate and the café is an easy 7-minute stroll up Portobello Road.  

27. International Food Court, East End

If you are looking for amazing international flavours at a great price, then head out to east London over at Brick Lane. The street is famous for a variety of pop-up eating venues.

You’ll find renovated warehouses converted into pop-up shops for both eating and shopping venues. Outside of traditional English foods, you’ll find so many exciting and new food venues at the food courts along the Brick Lane area.

There are at least two international food markets on Brick Lane. Each has over 20 vendors or more featuring everything you can imagine from Caribbean, Indian, Chinese and other Asian countries to Middle Eastern fare. There are also European food stalls including French, Spanish, Greek, and Italian. It’s easily one of the best cheap places to eat in London.

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