10 Affordable Restaurants to Eat Well in London

Exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of London is not only an adventure for the eyes but also a journey for the palate. After wandering through the bustling streets, you might find yourself hungry and wondering how to enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank. Fortunately, eating well and affordably in London is entirely possible. In this guide, we will share 10 fantastic restaurant options that allow you to indulge without overspending.

Drawing from our experiences and insights from locals who know the city best, we present a diverse range of dining spots where you can enjoy delightful dishes without draining your wallet. And if you’re unsure what to try, we’ll also highlight some typical English dishes you absolutely must sample. Let’s dig in!

The culinary scene in London is surprisingly rich and varied, reflecting the city's multicultural heritage. It’s a delightful blend of traditional British cuisine and international influences, making it one of the most cosmopolitan food capitals in the world.

When in London, you should definitely savor classic British staples like fish and chips and the hearty Sunday roast. However, don't overlook the diverse flavors drawn from cuisines worldwide, including Indian, Japanese, Arabic, Chinese, and Italian. This culinary diversity is one of the top tips for visiting London.

If you’re traveling on a budget, you might think that high-end dining and trendy eateries are out of reach. But fear not! The vibrant street food culture found in markets like Borough Market and Camden Market can offer delightful culinary experiences that rival Michelin-starred establishments. Trust us, street food can be a gourmet adventure!

* We strive to keep our articles up to date, but if you discover any closed restaurants or pricing discrepancies, please let us know so we can update this guide. Thank you! 🙂

With that said, let’s take a delicious dive into our favorite 10 spots to eat in London:

1. Regency Cafe

There’s nothing quite like starting your day in London with a hearty English breakfast. At this charming vintage café, you can indulge for just £6.95. The menu features one egg, two slices of bacon, sausage, tomato or beans, toast, and tea or coffee.

During lunchtime, they serve a daily special at an unbeatable price, featuring options like stewed chops on Mondays or fish and chips on Fridays, all between £6.95 and £7.95.

Pro tip! Consider joining a free walking tour of London to explore the historic center with a knowledgeable guide – available in Spanish.

2. Beigel Bake Brick Lane Bakery

This iconic establishment is so renowned it has its own Wikipedia page! Serving up to 7,000 bagels daily, this 24-hour bakery is a must-visit. If you’re unfamiliar with bagels, they are round breads with a hole in the middle, reminiscent of doughnuts.

Prices start from just £0.45, and you can customize your order with toppings. Our favorite is the smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel for £3.30, but the classic pastrami with mustard and pickles is also a hit. Don't miss the chance to bite into a Beigel Bake bagel!

3. Indian Veg

If you’re a fan of vegetarian Indian cuisine, this is your place! For £8.95, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring an array of curries, rice dishes, and delightful vegetarian treats like puri, paneer, pappadam, samosas, and pakoras. All the sauces are fresh and flavorful.

Additionally, they are community-minded, providing meals to the homeless daily, making it one of the best spots for vegetarian dining while supporting a noble cause.

4. M. Manze

This legendary eatery has been serving Londoners for over a century, specializing in meat pies with mashed potatoes and their signature liquor sauce (a parsley sauce). You can enjoy a meal for less than £5. While there are several locations, the original restaurant near Tower Bridge is the most authentic.

A quirky dish to try, if you’re feeling adventurous, is the jellied eels, a traditional delicacy that is served cold and reputedly a rare treat for those who appreciate British culinary heritage.

5. Pizza Union, a great option for cheap eats in London

Who doesn’t love a good pizza? If you’re in the mood for a slice, look no further than Pizza Union. With several locations across the city, they are known for their delicious and affordable pizzas. A classic Margherita pizza (12 inches) starts at just £5.95, with other toppings priced between £7 and £9.

It’s one of the best choices for budget dining in London, especially if you’re a pizza lover!

6. Hiba Street Food

If you’re a hummus enthusiast, you’ll find some of the best in London at this Lebanese-Palestinian eatery. They’ve gained popularity for good reason!

Besides hummus, they offer a range of mezze dishes, including moutabal, shawarmas (with vegetarian options like falafel and halloumi cheese</strong)), and various meat dishes ideal for sharing or enjoying solo.

The ambiance is simple yet inviting, and the service is excellent.

7. Mildreds, one of the best plant-based restaurants in London

If you’re searching for a vegetarian or vegan restaurant, Mildreds is an outstanding choice. Established in 1988, it has pioneered the plant-based dining scene in the city, making it a beloved spot.

With several locations, the Soho branch is the most famous. Their menu features a delightful array of options, including starters, bowls, and burgers. Don’t miss their tofu bokkeumbap, a dish that you won’t regret trying!

8. The Lounge Cafe

This hidden gem might not be located in the bustling center, but if you find yourself in Wembley, it’s worth visiting. Here, you'll find traditional English food made with love at very affordable prices.

It’s an excellent spot to kick-start your day with a hearty breakfast, featuring a cappuccino and a combo of two eggs, two bacon strips, two sausages, tomato, beans, and bread – the perfect remedy for any sleepyhead.

9. Poppies Fish & Chips

No trip to London is complete without tasting one of its most famous dishes: fish and chips. If you’re near Spitalfields, make sure to stop by Poppies, where the traditional fried fish served with chips and tartar sauce costs around £19.

Many locals claim that Poppies serves the best fish and chips in London, so why not find out for yourself? They have three locations in central London: Soho, Camden, and Spitalfields.

10. Shoryu Ramen

For ramen lovers or anyone wanting to try authentic Japanese food in London, Shoryu Ramen is an excellent choice. This popular chain specializes in ramen, particularly the Tonkotsu Ramen, which features hearty broth with noodles, chashu (pork), marinated egg, mushrooms, and nori seaweed.

Bonus tip: visit between 3 PM and 6 PM for a ramen offer at just £9.90. Be sure to check their website to confirm the offer is still available during your visit.

Extra: more affordable spots in London

Here are some additional options for delicious and budget-friendly meals in London:

• Honest Burgers or Bleecker for juicy burgers.
• BAO Soho, known for its tasty and affordable bao buns.
• Hobson’s Fish & Chips and Golden Union for more fish and chips options.
• The Black Penny Covent Garden, KOZZEE Cafe Soho, and Daisy Green for brunch.
• If you're looking for some of the best pubs in London, consider visiting The Churchill Arms, The Ten Bells, The Old Bank of England, The Mayflower, or The George Inn.

Map of affordable restaurants in London

We’ve included a map showcasing the locations of our recommended restaurants for your convenience while exploring the English capital:

These are our top 10 recommendations for restaurants where you can eat well and economically in London. Have you visited any of these places? What are your favorites? As you can see, there’s something for every palate and budget, and we assure you that London’s culinary scene is incredibly surprising!

Enjoy your culinary journey through London!

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