The best cheap eats in London: Budget-friendly restaurants in the capital

Let’s face it: eating out in London is expensive. The cost of living crisis has made everything just that bit more expensive, and the capital is no exception. It's so hard to resist the temptation of some of the hottest and best restaurants across the city - the kind of ones that you see all over your Instagram feed or those that have been recognised by the famous Michelin guide, but these can often cost a pretty penny. In fact, we’ll go out on a limb and say that every Londoner has at least once been in the situation where you meet a friend for a quick drink and a couple of small plates, then balk at the three figure bill that lands on your table at the end of the evening.

Your monthly eating out fund can run particularly low if you are a restaurant obsessive who eats out a few nights a week (and we’re assuming you are, as you have clicked on this article). Luckily for you, and your bank account, we are here to dispel the myth that high-quality food has to be matched by sky-high prices. The truth is, you can find deliciously affordable restaurants in London, if you just know where to look.

While our capital city may be famed across the world for its raft of Michelin-starred restaurants, artisan street food markets, glamorous rooftop bars and fine-dining establishments, London is also home to some of the best cheap eats, where the bill won’t leave you wondering whether you’ll need to sell a kidney on the black market.

Cheap doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality and it also doesn’t mean your dining adventures will be relegated to uninspiring high-street chains (forgive us Pizza Express, we still love you). Next time you are on the hunt for the best cheap restaurants in London, consult our extensive list below and leave your credit card at home, as these eateries will leave you with change from a £20 note. Scroll on to discover the very best cheap eats London has to offer.

Cheap eats London

Here we are highlighting a mix of international flavours, showcasing dishes from all around the world. Despite their differences, they have some important things in common: cheap and delicious!

Roti King, Kings Cross, Battersea and Waterloo

What: Iconic Malaysian eatery Roti King serves up delicious specials at budget-friendly prices. The original location in Euston sees queues of hungry Londoners, and for good reason, but you can click and collect if you'd rather eat at home. There was a time when the entire menu was under a tenner - those days are gone, sadly, but Roti King is still phenomenal value and you can fill up on rotis and your choice of kari, from mutton to beef rendang, for well under £20.
Where: 40 Doric Way, NW1 1LH; 16 Arches Lane, SW11 8AB; 97 Lower Marsh, SE1 7AB
Book Now: Roti King King's Cross; Roti King Battersea; Roti King Waterloo

What The Pitta, Camden

What: This small vegan joint offers a compact, yet delicious, menu of affordable plant-based doner kebabs. The classic doner mezze box will only set you back £9.50, and the meal deal includes your choice of side, such as onion rings or paprika fries, and a drink for less than £15. Very reasonable for a substantial vegan meal.
Where: 89-91 Bayham Street, NW1 0AG
Book Now: What The Pitta Camden

Brasserie Zedel, Soho

What: Take one look at Brasserie Zedel and you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s not a budget-friendly restaurant. The old adage of never judging a book by its cover applies, as this perennially popular French brasserie is a steal if you know how to order. Just take the three-course prix-fixe menu, which includes chopped steak and chocolate tart, all for under £20.
Where: 20 Sherwood Street, W1F 7ED
Book now: Brasserie Zedel

Seoul Bakery, Bloomsbury

What: Just try getting into this Tottenham Court Road gem around lunch or dinner and you’ll see in real time just how popular Seoul Bakery is, as queues snake way out of the door and down the street. Good things come to those who wait, in the form of delicious and inexpensive Korean cooking - bibimbaps, ramyun noodle soup, seaweed rice rolls and more, washed down with Korean teas.
Where: 14 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NH
Book now: Seoul Bakery

Sonora Taqueria, Stoke Newington

What: Riding a powerful hype wave after a successful stint at Netil Market, Sonora Taqueria’s Sonoran tacos have taken London by storm. Surprisingly, then, they’re a pretty cheap way to eat - sure, at £5 a taco they aren’t the cheapest in town, but these wheat flour tacos are stuffed to bursting. If you can put away five, you’re a better person than us. Plus, a plain quesadilla is only £1.50.
Where: 208 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 7HU
Book now: Sonora Taqueria

Rasa N16, Stoke Newington

What: Another Stoke Newington favourite makes the list, and that’s no accident - Stokey is home to some of the best, reasonably priced food in London after all. Rasa’s reputation has spread far beyond north London over the last few years - Keralan chef Das Sreedharan now oversees a bright pink mini-empire of restaurants, which all specialise in brilliant vegetarian Indian food. The vegetarian feast is still just £25, which is a monumentally good deal.
Where: 55 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0AR
Book now: Rasa N16

Poulet, Bermondsey

What: Tucked away under a brick railway arch at Maltby Street, Poulet is beloved for its idiosyncratic decor as well as excellent, keenly priced rotisserie chicken. The half chicken meal deal is the way to go for the hungry, with a potato side and sauce for £22. Or, nab a giant chicken baguette for £12.
Where: 37 Maltby Street, SE1 3PA
Book now: Poulet

Club Mexicana, Soho, Shoreditch and Brixton

What: This Mexican spot serves all-vegan tacos for a great deal - three of the same, from fried ‘chicken’ to cheezeburger, will cost you just £13.50. Filling burrito bowls are also on offer for just over a tenner, and a speedy lunch menu gets you two courses for £12.50. If you’re really hungry, then Taco Tuesday may be for you, with all-you-can-eat delicacies for just £20.
Where: Kingly Court, W1B 5PW
Book Now: Club Mexicana Soho

Ugly Dumpling, Soho and Fitzrovia

What: There is nothing ugly about these dumplings and the prices are rather attractive too. At Ugly Dumpling, choose between a meat, vegetarian or vegan platter of eight dumplings for £15.75 and get a selection of perfectly steamed and stuffed parcels. Here, classic takes are served alongside more fun interpretations such as cheeseburger dumplings and a Nutella variety stuffed with mixed nuts and marshmallows. 
Where: 1 Newburgh Street, W1F 7RB; 30 Rathbone Place W1T 1JG
Book now: Ugly Dumpling Soho; Ugly Dumpling Fitzrovia

Master Wei, Bloomsbury

What: Tucked away down a pedestrianised side street near Russell Square, Master Wei really is a hidden gem. Wei Guirong first brought Shaanxi cooking to London at Xi'an Impression in Highbury, but Master Wei delivers the same delicious, chilli-spiked cooking across a wider menu. Most dishes are priced below the £10 mark, with many even under £7.50, making this an extremely affordable place to go for dinner. Presented on very pretty crockery, it’s clear that the focus is food that tastes as good as it looks.
Where: 13 Cosmo Place, WC1N 3AP
Book now: Master Wei

Roti Chai Street Kitchen, Marylebone

What: Roti Chai Street Kitchen, tucked away in a mews behind Selfridges, channels the frantic railway stations and busy roadside cafés of India on its ground floor, whereas classic Indian tandoor grills are the inspiration for the basement dining room. It’s the former you should head to for a good-value meal, where snacks and hubbub are on the agenda. The ‘Railway Lamb Curry’ (slow-cooked Welsh lamb and potato with cardamom, roasted cumin and cloves) will warm you up nicely and set you back less than 13 quid.
Where: 3 Portman Mews South, W1H 6AY
Book now: Roti Chai Street Kitchen

The Cheese Bar, Camden

What: Doing exactly what it says on the tin, The Cheese Bar is a temple which worships at the altar of all things cheesy. The obvious choice here would be to treat yourself to one of the indulgent grilled cheese sandwiches, but there are bigger plates on offer too, including a five cheese macaroni and a truffle burger. Most items on the menu are under a tenner, too. With an option for bottomless raclette every Wednesday, we think £20 per person is a pretty sweet deal for as much cheese as you can stomach! 
Where: Unit 93-94 Camden Stables, NW1 8AH
Book now: The Cheese Bar

Del 74, Dalston

What: This casual taco joint is a cheap eat any day of the week really, but if you want a real bargain, head here on a Tuesday. Del 74’s Taco Tuesday deal sees diners enjoy tacos for just £3 and beers and shots for only £4. Elsewhere on the menu, you will find chicken wings, tostadas and quesadillas, while a thumping soundtrack and easy drinking cocktails help to set the atmosphere.
Where: 129 Kingsland High Street, E8 2PB
Book now: Del 74 Dalston

Dumplings Legend, Soho

What: While it is true that the bill can mount up at dim sum restaurants if you let your appetite get the better of you, Chinatown’s Dumplings Legend is at the more affordable end of the spectrum. Order steamed buns filled with chicken, pork, fish or veg and soak up the bustling atmosphere. If you’re smart about your order, you should be able to leave with relatively full pockets.
Where: 15-16 Gerrard Street, W1D 6JE
Book now: Dumplings Legend

Randy’s Wing Bar, Hackney Wick

What: Canal-side restaurant Randy’s Wing Bar channels the spirit of American-style chicken wings, with most of the items on the menu under a tenner – opt for the classic Buffalo style with truffle blue cheese or the Kansas variety with barbecue sauce. Don’t worry if you’re dining companion isn’t a chicken wing fan though, as there are a few cheap and cheerful burgers on the menu too. Stop by on a Monday and dig into all you can eat wings for under 20 quid. 
Where: 28 East Bay Lane, E15 2GW
Book now: Randy’s Wing Bar

Casa do Frango, Various locations

What: Piri piri restaurant Casa do Frango is naturally compared to a certain cheeky high street favourite, but the quality of cooking here is far superior to Nando’s, even though prices are pleasingly similar. Enjoy juicy, succulent chicken brushed with a spicy piri piri sauce and served alongside golden skinny fries or rice topped with chorizo and crispy onions.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Casa do Frango London Bridge

Machiya, Mayfair

What: Machiya is an ode to Kyoto home-style cooking and a visit to this Japanese joint won’t break the bank. The filling donburis (choose between toppings of pork, salmon and chicken) hover around the £15 mark, while fragrant Japanese-style curries are all priced under £16.50. Don’t miss the matcha themed desserts either, including fondants and crepes.
Where: 5 Panton Street, SW1Y 4DL
Book now: Machiya

Cheap bao London

These cute fluffy buns have become a staple around London. Surprisingly filling and often at a very reasonable pricepoint, you can find some great deals around the city if you have your heart set on a bao dinner.

BAO, Various locations

What: BAO's trailblazing baos aren't quite the mega-bargain they once were, but hovering between the £6 and £7 mark they're still pretty great, and there are so many different, delicious versions to try between the many branches all over the city. Even better, if you can make it between 12-6pm on weekdays, the BAO 15 menu is one of London's best bargains, offering a bao, a plate of Taiwanese fried chicken (or smacked cucumber for vegetarians), and a rice bowl for just £15.
Where: Various locations
Book now: BAO Soho

Daddy Bao, Tooting

What: Tooting’s Daddy Bao has gone beyond 'local favourite' status, as people from all over London now flock to the tiny restaurant for a bite of its pillowy Taiwanese buns. Prices start at a very reasonable £4.80, making them as affordable as they are tasty; go for the shiitake mushroom variety for a real depth of flavour or the chicken one for crunchy, deep-fried deliciousness. There’s also a fun bottomless brunch at the weekend with Taiwanese spins on British brunch classics.
Where: 113 Mitcham Road, SW17 9PE
Book now: Daddy Bao

Mr Bao, Peckham

What: Bao down (see what we did there?) to this Peckham-based restaurant churning out everyone’s favourite Taiwanese buns. Mr Bao's fluffy little things start from just £4.80 and are guaranteed to please. Our favourites include the Bao Diddley (24-hour marinated chicken with wasabi mayonnaise and house kimchi), while the ginger braised tofu variety is also a winner.
Where: 293 Rye Lane, SE15 4UA
Book now: Mr Bao

Cheap noodles London

Whilst sushi and omakase menus have a bit of a rep for their steep prices, you can still enjoy those classic Japanese flavours with delicious bowls of ramen that won't set you back quite as much.

Shoryu Ramen, Various locations 

What: Shoryu has become prominent all over London, and we can definitely understand why. Ramen dishes at Shoryu are hearty, tasty and reasonably priced - which is a winning combination in our eyes. The famous tonkotsu ramen, made with pork broth and topped with char siu bbq pork belly, is available for under £15 - or just £9.99 if you can make it to the early bird seatings between 3-6pm. Shoryu has lots of other great deals on the go throughout the week, including Bun Mondays where you can get two Shoryu buns for £7, and an excellent express lunch menu for under £20.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Shoryu Ramen Covent Garden

Yokocho, Mayfair and Soho

What: There are few things better than a comforting bowl of ramen, with its bouncy noodles, soft meat and salty broth giving off rich umami notes - improved only by being able to bag it for under a tenner, of course. Well, lovers of this moreish soup can finally rejoice, as Yokocho is offering its signature retro ramens at both sites for just £9.99 each, on Mondays and Tuesdays, which we think makes for a pretty wallet-friendly way to start the week. 
Where: 8 Heddon Street, W1B 4BU; 35a Panton Street, SW1Y 4EA
Book now: Heddon Yokocho, Panton Yokocho

Marugame Udon, Various locations

What: Global noodle mega-corp Marugame Udon has arrived in London, armed with some seriously cheap noodles. A steaming bowl of kake udon (noodles served in a light fish dashi soup) will set you back just £4.95 - which is essentially the price of a meal deal! The St. Christopher's Place location is most accessible, but there are already other outlets at Liverpool Street, Canary Wharf and The O2.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Marugame Udon St. Christopher's Place

Cheap pizza London

We can't talk about cheap eats without mentioning pizza! Whether by the slice and on the go, or splitting a giant pie with friends, this Italian delight often yields great bang for your buck.

 

Green Mosaic, Holborn and Hammersmith

What: Delicious and healthy pizzas for low prices? Yes please! Green Mosaic uses a special vitamin-packed dough blend, and t menu is packed with choices, all for under £16, with classic options such as prosciutto and funghi or a selection of signature pizzas including a green pesto base with spinach, olives and artichoke. Plus, with antipasti priced at around £5, you can make your meal into a cheap and cheerful feast.
Where: 97 Leather Lane, EC1N 7TS; Broadway Shopping Centre, W6 9YE
Book now: Green Mosaic Holborn; Green Mosaic Hammersmith

Voodoo Ray's, Dalston and Peckham

What: First thing's first: the pizzas here are enormous. We’re talking 22-inch, New York-style pies that you can top with almost whatever you fancy, although individual slices are also available for under a fiver should you be flying solo. Look out for flavours such as cumberland sausage and stilton or artichoke hearts and sunblush tomatoes. The Dalston site of Voodoo Ray's also sits on top of The Karaoke Hole, a drag-themed karaoke bar where you can order pizzas direct to your table.
Where: 95 Kingsland High Street, E8 2PB; 285 Rye Lane, SE15 4UA 
Book now Voodoo Ray's Dalston; Voodoo Ray's Peckham

Homeslice, Covent Garden, Marylebone and City of London

What: Tucked inside the lovely and colourful Neil’s Yard in Covent Garden, Homeslice serves ginormous 20'' wood-fired Italian-styled pizzas alongside one-litre bottles of wine. Pizzas are around £26 quid for a whole (remember, they're huge), so between four of you you're looking at about £7 each. Bargain! Toppings range from the traditional (salami, rocket and parmesan) to the experimental - curried minced lamb with tarragon pesto and crispy broad beans and you can buy a slice of margherita for £4.50 if you just want a snack.
Where: 13 Neal's Yard, WC2H 9DP; James Street, W1U 1HE; 69-71 Queen Street, EC4R 1EE
Book now: Homeslice Covent Garden; Homeslice Marylebone; Homeslice City

Pizza Union, Various locations

What: There aren’t many places in London where you can get a 12-inch pizza for around £7, but Pizza Union is one of them. In fact, the cheapest option on its menu – a classic margherita – will leave you with no more than a £5.95 shaped hole in your wallet. Simply queue up, order and wait (im)patiently for your buzzer to vibrate, telling you your pizza is ready. Wines by the glass and frozen cocktails are also a bargain for a fiver.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Pizza Union Spitalfields

Zia Lucia, Various locations

What: The charcoal-dough pizzas, straight from the authentic wood-fired oven, are the main draw at Italian pizzeria Zia Lucia in Holloway. Warm service and outdoor seating add to the appeal, as do the excellent value pizzas which start at £10.95 and don't surpass £14.50. It's not the cheapest pizza in London but certainly one of the most reliably excellent, at very reasonable prices.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Zia Lucia Holloway

Yard Sale, Various locations

What: Although London’s restaurant scene has even managed to gentrify pizza, this staple Italian dish is still the ultimate cheap eat. Head to Yard Sale and grab yourself an 18-inch margarita pizza for £19. Prices don't exceed £29.50, so if you split one of its ginormous pizzas, that's still only £15 each. We also commend Yard Sale for hanging onto the last vestiges of the £10 margarita (currently £9.90), as well as for excellent monthly collaborations. 
Where: Various locations
Book now: Yard Sale Hackney

Cheap burgers London

While over-the-top and gourmet burgers are a bit of a trend, the capital still has a wealth of classic joints that deliver high-quality patties at a reasonable price.

Patty & Bun, Various locations

What: These days, gourmet burgers usually come with gourmet price tags, but Patty & Bun is the place to come for great puns and pocket-friendly prices. The burger bar’s moreish ‘Ari Gold’ cheeseburger will leave you with change from a tenner, while other offerings such as the rosemary salted chips and a fair few vegan options are rightfully celebrated. The up-beat atmosphere, friendly staff and cult beers are further draws.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Patty & Bun Marylebone

Chick ‘n’ Sours, Haggerston and Seven Dials

What: Fried chicken sandwiches and Pisco Sours are the order of the day at this aptly named restaurant. All of Chick ‘n’ Sours stacked sandwiches hover around the £13 mark, including our favourite, the K-Pop - fried chicken thigh slathered with gochujang mayonnaise, chilli vinegar, Asian coleslaw and sriracha sour cream. Sides are worth your time too, with the pickle and watermelon salad being among our favourites.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Chick ‘n’ Sours Haggerston

Bleecker Burger, Various locations

What: The title of best burger in London is a hotly contested one, but Bleecker has rightfully earned a loyal fanbase through its cheap and cheerful approach. Keep things simple with the classic cheeseburger (yours for just £8.95) or spend a little more cash and treat yourself to a side of angry fries - coated in blue cheese, hot sauce and lashings of salt. Yes, they’re worth the extra expense.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Bleecker Burger City

Butchies, Various locations

What: Billing themselves as ‘fried chicken sandwich specialists’ (although we think the term chicken burger is more appropriate), Butchies serves up buttermilk fried chicken between buns, alongside sides such as chicken strips served with house ‘OG’ sauce. The Original, for example, is just £7.50, and the wraps all come in at just £6.50.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Butchies Shoreditch

Murger Han, Various locations

What: Casual Murger Han is something of a well kept secret among locals, though it now has four sites all over the city (including one in flashy Mayfair). It's perfect for a post-shopping reprieve after a day of browsing the shops though, and does really good, filling noodle dishes and murgers (pictured above). The eponymous murger is a pork patty sandwiched between flatbread (a steal at just £6.20), but a bowl of thick and messy noodles measuring 12-feet long is also plenty of fun.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Murger Han Euston

Cheap pasta London

Last but certainly not least, these plates of carby goodness give the impression of fine-dining and elegance, but without breaking the bank. Truly 'balling' on a budget.

Pastaio, Soho

What: Hand-made pasta at pocket-friendly prices has made Pastaio popular with the Soho set. Colourful interiors and marble-topped counters provide an Instagram-worthy backdrop, while the likes of lemon-dashed Prosecco slushies are destined to be shared on stories and posts too. This isn’t a case of style over substance though, as the pasta is good. Our advice? Order the Aglio e olio linguine with crusco chilli, parsley, and new season purple garlic.
Where: 19 Ganton Street, W1F 9BN
Book now: Pastaio

Flour & Grape, Bermondsey

What: You'll find this Italian restaurant packed out all day by the end of the working week, with customers popping in for a work lunch or Friday night dinner that's mind-bogglingly inexpensive considering the post code and vibe. Start with a small plate for around £7, before tucking into pasta dishes such as such as tortelloni with roasted pork shoulder and sage butter, or fazzoletti with spinach, mascarpone and nutmeg, ranging between £9 and £16. Flour & Grape: put it on your list. 
Where: 214 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ
Book now: Flour & Grape

Padella, Borough and Shoreditch

What: It is little wonder there are constant around-the-corner queues at this no-bookings London Bridge pasta haven when most of the dishes are under £15. Padella is considered a bucket-list restaurant by discerning Londoners for a reason, and while it’s true that the bill can mount up here if you’re not careful, a plate of pasta and glass of wine should be possible for around £20.
Where: 6 Southwark Street, SE1 1TQ; 1 Phipp Street, EC2A 4PS
Book now: Padella Borough; Padella Shoreditch

Bancone, Covent Garden, Soho and Borough

What: You have probably seen the ‘silk handkerchiefs’ pasta dish from Bancone on your Instagram feed, set against the restaurant’s backdrop of marble surfaces and open kitchen with smartly turned out chefs working away. You don’t have to be an #influencer to afford your own though, as you could easily enjoy one of Bancone’s pasta mains for £18 or less.
Where: 39 William IV Street, WC2N 4DD; 10 Lower James Street, W1F 9EL; Arch 213, 18 Stoney Street, SE1 9AD
Book now: Bancone Covent Garden; Bancone Soho; Bancone Borough

Fancy some mid-week meals that won't break the bank? Then check out or collection of the best casual restaurants in London.