In London, eating out is pricey. Nothing can escape the fact that some of the hottest and greatest restaurants in London, the places you see all over your Instagram feed or that have been acknowledged by the guide may be quite pricey.

It is not wrong to state that every Londoner has, at least once, found themselves in the predicament of meeting a buddy for a quick drink and a few small plates, only to cost £100 after the evening.

Street foods are the first thing that pops up when discussing cheap eats. You might not be aware of it, but you can spend less than £10 on a fantastic supper even in London restaurants. You might be eating delicious food, like classic French dishes, Chinese buns, fresh spaghetti, big bowls of ramen, or perhaps a slice of real Neapolitan pizza to steak frites.

Even in London, there is a fine dining establishment where you can have an affordable meal. Let us explore some great, affordable restaurants in London!

9 Affordable Restaurants In London

Suppose you are a commoner or a visitor and want to escape the high prices charged by the fancy and luxurious restaurants in London. No worries! We have listed some of London’s affordable restaurants that give you value food at cheap rates.

1. Bao London

Expanded from small restaurants to many branches across London, Taiwanese steamed buns here have gained popularity in the city. Bao is among the best restaurants in London when it comes to buns.

You can buy some delicious mouth-watering dishes filled with lamb shoulder, pork belly, and radiational pork for a few pounds.

2. C&R Café

For about two decades, this Malaysian café, C&R Cafe– the restaurant has been offering delicious bowls of noodle and noodle soup. It is one of the cheap restaurants where you can expect a modern, practical vibe, as all the dishes are rich in umami.

• 4-5 Rupert Ct London W1D 6DY, UK

• Opening and closing hours may vary. 

3. The Cheese Bar

The Cheese Bar is one of the great affordable restaurants in London that offers mouth-watering dishes at affordable prices. The grilled cheese sandwiches are popular, but along with the small plates, they offer you big containers, including five cheese macaroni and a truffle burger.

• Unit 93/94 Camden Stables, NW1 8 AH

4. Bun House

Nearby Oxford Street, Bun House offers you warm, stuffy steamed buns, starting from a very affordable rate. They offer a filling of lamb with cumin and chicken curry with lemongrass. BBQ pork is the best to have here! It is one of the cheapest restaurants you will find in London.

• 26-27 Lisle St, London WC2H 7BA, UK

5. Brasserie Zedel

Brasseries Zedel is a cheap restaurant with fancy looks. Choose the three-course prix-menu, which has dishes that include steak frites and chocolate tarte.  

• 20 Sherwood St, London W1F 7ED, UK

6. Berber & Q Shawarma Bar

Popular for a catch-up over some dirty cocktails and spit-roasted meat alone, Berber & Q Shawarma Bar is one of a kind. If you want cheap eating, say for less than 10 pounds, try lamb kofte, lamb shawarma, chicken thighs, or cauliflower topped with pickles and herbs.

• 46 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE, UK

7. Dumplings Legend

Around central London, the Dumplings Legend in Chinatown is a great place to loosen your appetite. Steamed buns packed with delicious fillings of chicken, pork, fish or vegetable is the favourite here.

• W1D 6JE, 15-16 Gerrard Street

8. Homeslice, Covent Garden

Homeslice in Covent Garden sells enormous wood-fired Italian-style pizzas and bottles of wine. Salami, rocket, and parmesan are classic toppings. Spiced lamb with cabbage and yoghurt is an experimental topping. Bargain!

• 13 Neal’s Yard. WC2H 9DP

9. Pizza Union, King’s Cross

Best cheap eats option one could get! Nearby King’s Cross in north London, even a tiny restaurant, Pizza Union, offers you priced dishes, including a 12-inch pizza for five pounds. The basic Margherita, the least expensive item on the menu, will only burn a hole in your wallet the size of £4.25 in this establishment.

It also has some amazing small dishes and desserts.

• 246-250 Pentonville Road London, N1 9JY

Final Note

To conclude, London on the outside is a fancy and luxurious place, where one thinks twice about settling down, and when it comes to food, people’s first question would be, where are the affordable restaurants in London?

In London, there are many cheap restaurants, offering many street foods, be it crispy onions, slow-cooked pork belly, KFC or the buns, and many more. Search and explore; maybe you will be amazed to find a cheap restaurant in London at the next step!

Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty