19 Affordable Restaurants, Perfect For Foodies On A Budget
We’re all feeling the pinch right now. With the cost of living continuing to soar, we’re on the hunt for cheaper ways to experience the best of London, and when it comes to food, that doesn’t have to mean we’re missing out. We’ve rounded up the best affordable places to eat in London, from the best pasta to moreish noodle bars.
Bun House
Cantonese steamed bun specialists Bun House is renowned for its dishes that offer a playful approach to traditional dishes across Southern China.
The menu includes dishes like BBQ Pork Belly, Yam, and Lardo buns or sharing platters of crispy tofu with five-spiced sticky sauce. When it comes to dim sum offers, there’s something here for everyone.
26-27 Lisle Street, WC2H 7BA
www.bun.house
Padella
Everyone’s favourite Italian spot, Padella, is the perfect restaurant to head to for authentic and affordable pasta dishes. Order their tagliarini with dried chilli, garlic and pangrattato – simple but extremely delicious. Don’t forget to load it up with fresh Parmesan.
Those willing to spend an extra couple pound can enjoy the gorgeous Pappardelle with 8 hours of Dexter beef shin ragu.
You can also enjoy notoriously high-priced cocktails like Negronis for £8.50 and Martinis for £9.
Borough Market, 6 Southwark Street, SE1 1TQ
1 Phipp Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 4PS
www.padella.co
Bao
When you want something speedy, affordable and satisfying, Bao always comes to the rescue. Now with multiple locations across the city, it’s the place to go to for a speedy dinner date ahead of a show.
There are plenty of delicious small plates and options to choose from, from Taiwanese fried chicken to steamed baos to the now famous Tapei butter rice with 40-day aged beef and the revered baonut, a crispy bao doughnut.
Multiple locations
www.baolondon.com
Yard Sale Pizza
An 18-inch piece for two for £10 each? Sign us up! Yard Sale Pizza is renowned for its hearty pizzas packed with flavour and authenticity.
Now with venues all across the city, there’s no excuse to get your hands on one of their legendary slices. Go classic with their 12-inch options or catch up with friends over their 18-inch options.
Their margarita is £10.50 for a 12-inch or £20.50 for their giant 18-inch options.
PS, they have an exclusive collab with the above Bao until the end of March!
Various Locations
www.yardsalepizza.com
The Cheese Barge
From the team behind The Cheese Bar and Pick & Cheese, this Paddington vessel is home to copious amounts of cheese and wine. Designed by Adam Richards Architects, the design draws influences from the Electra bookstore in Venice, and boasts a copper ‘veil’ that acts as an awning for the lower deck dining room. While ‘upstairs’ is home to a 20-cover open-air area that’s perfect for wining and dining the night away.
The menu is centred around sharing, with various cheese board options and small plates to tuck into. Or, go simple with one of their iconic grilled cheese sandwiches. Expect some seriously great cheese-pulling action to commence.
Sheldon Square, Paddington, W2 6DL
www.thecheesebar.com
Berber & Q
If your bank balance isn’t stretching enough to head abroad this season, let the holiday come to you thanks to Berber & Q, the fire and smoke shop specialising in Middle Eastern, African and Ottoman flavours.
Expect there to be an emphasis on vegetables just as much as there is on fish and meats, from corn ribs to their infamous flame-grilled cauliflower or harissa hot wings. As well as sharing smoked plates like whole sea bream and smoked lamb mechoui.
338 Acton Mews, London E8 4EA
www.berberandqgrillhouse.com
Roti King
Serving up some of London’s best Malaysian and Singaporean-style street food, Roti King is renowned for its intense flavour combinations and small prices.
If you’re unsure what to choose, take a peek at the signature dishes, including seafood kari laksa packed with noodles, seafood and chicken in a coconut curry broth; and their nasi lemak, a steamed coconut rice dish with peanuts, fried anchovies, cucumber, egg, sambal and spiced fried chicken. Expect some fiery heat packed into every bite.
It might not look like much from the outside, but the queue down the road says it all. The roti here is perfectly flakey and freshly made, and you can’t go wrong with the beef rendang.
Natasha, Digital Editor
Multiple locations
www.rotiking.com
Lina Stores
A London institute, Lina Stores, may have expanded over the years, but it’s kept its menu items authentic and affordable for all to enjoy.
Now with locations across Soho, King’s Cross, City, Marylebone, Clapham, South Kensington, and Shoreditch, its Pistachio hue interiors can be experienced in all of their might.
Look forward to brand-new dishes like fried artichokes with aioli and salsa verde; pumpkin ravioli with toasted hazelnuts, sage, and grana padano; and a Sicilian cannolo with your choice of ricotta, pistachio, or chocolate.
Across London
www.linastores.co.uk
Operation: Falafel
Despite them being on most menus, finding a falafel in London that’s fresh, flavourful and not ridiculously dry is harder than you think. That was until you find Operation: Falafel.
Order direct to your desk and you could be working your way through falafels every kind of way, from pitas stuffed with veggies to bowls packed with rice, salad and dips.
Their chicken shawarma is a Handbook favourite too, for when you want something heartier.
59 Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm, NW1 8AN
www.operationfalafel.com
Honest Burgers
Burgers feature on just about every menu these days, but for one that’s packed with juicy beef patties and loaded with toppings, it’s got to be Honest Burgers.
It has a whole host of options available, from BBQ or pesto chicken burgers to chilli burgers. Plus plenty of veggie options too.
All burgers come with homemade rosemary salted chips, coleslaw or green salad – it’s nice not having to fork out for a side order for once!
Various Locations
www.honestburgers.co.uk
Hoppers
If you’re still dreaming about the egg hopper you had last time you were visiting Sri Lanka, fear not, as you can get an authentic taste of the country’s toddy shops right here in London. With multiple locations across the city, the restaurant serves up dishes packed with spice.
Order to share or enjoy solo from its menu, from the plantain and moju cutlets to the lamb kothu roti, chicken kari, and the hot butter squid. Don’t forget to add an order of string hoppers or chilli cheese dosa on the side.
A trip to Sri Lanka a few years back got me hooked on the country’s traditional breakfast hoppers, and the London restaurant (whose name is inspired by the dish) takes me back every time. I always order the signature dish and the jaggery lamb curry. A great spot if you love a spicy cocktail, too.
Astrid, Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor
Multiple locations
www.hopperslondon.com
Bánh Bánh
Built on a rich family heritage, Banh Banh is a love letter from five grandchildren to their grandmother, one who was a Vietnamese chef in the 1940s and transposed her love for the pastime onto her family. The restaurant, now boasting brick and mortar venues in Peckham and Brixton, specialises in steaming bowls of pho, zesty salads and curries that you won’t be able to fault.
From Saigon to London, the food is light, but the flavours are rich, leaving the taste buds satisfied with every bite. If you’re plant-based, fear not, as every Monday is Meat-Free Monday at this family-run spot.
46 Peckham Rye, Peckham, SE15 4JR
326 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8QH
www.banhbanh.com
Club Mexicana
Club Mexicana is Mexican food veganised. Since setting up in 2014, it’s helped revolutionise what plant-based dining looks like today, and we couldn’t be happier, as it means we can enjoy tasty street food without the guilt.
Scattered across London, look forward to diving into the likes of nachos loaded with queso, pico de gallo, pink onions, pickled jalapenos, chipotle oil and chilli lime salt; al pastor tacos with adobo marinated shawarma, red onion, salsa verde and charred pineapple; and their hearty BBQ short ‘rib’ burrito packed with sticked glazed jackfruit ‘ribs’, hickory smoked BBQ sauce, pico de gallo, pink onions, pickled cabbage, garlic mayo, salsa verde and pickled jalapenos.
Multiple locations
www.clubmexicana.com
Club Mexicana has achieved the honour of being my reliable fall-back spot: if ever in doubt or short on cash, it’s a certain crowdpleaser, mix and match tacos and frozen margaritas a surefire way to improve any evening. I’m always impressed with its ability to be plant based only as a footnote, winning over even my most carnivorous friends.
Flora, Senior Brand Partnerships Executive
Willows Clapham
Do you love putting together a charcuterie board? Then you will love Willows Clapham.
A brilliant concept of checking off 3-5 items on the menu to create your perfect and reasonably priced meal. You can choose from the bakery, dairy, protein, and green choices to have savoury, sweet, or a mix of both. With delicious food and a refreshing ambience, Willows is going to be the next big thing.
11 The Polygon, London SW4 0JG
www.willowsclapham.com
Bone Daddies
On a rainy day, make your way over to the closest Bone Daddies for comforting and mouth-watering ramen. A mix of rock n roll and chill, the vibes in this restaurant are outstanding.
Savoury and spicy, if you are a ramen lover, you are definitely going to want to try this one. With seven different locations, Bone Daddies is accessible and affordable, giving you a specific craving on a daily basis…
Multiple Locations
www.Bonedaddies.com
Bocca Bocca
Inspired by the Amalfi land and sea, Bocca Bocca is the place to go for a peaceful and relaxing vibe.
Choose from five delicious pasta plates and other pizza options and feel like you are on the coast of Italy. Pastel colours, lively music, banquette seats, and terrazzo-topped tables join with friends at this dining area.
781 High Rd, Leytonstone, Bushwood, London E11 4QS
www.boccabocca.co.uk
Opera Tavern
If you want to continue this global journey right here in London, take a trip over to Opera Tavern for delectable tapas.
The buzzing bar and restaurant will make you feel like you are in Italy and Spain. Think of a warm atmosphere, communal tables, striking graphic prints, and a bustling bar.
23 Catherine St, London WC2B 5JS
www.saltyardgroup.co.uk
Dirty Bones
Onto the next location…New York City. Dirty Bones is known for serving classic American food, from buffalo wings to chicken and waffles. Looking for chic and stylish? Dirty Bones Carnaby will do just the trick.
A full cocktail bar full of character with dinner and drinks. You could even make it a pre-dinner warm-up spot. With immaculate vibes and aesthetic, Dirty Bones will give you and your friends a good time.
multiple locations
www.dirty-bones.com
Market Halls Victoria
On the tube home from a long day at work? Hop off at Victoria Station and head over across the street to Market Halls Victoria for amazing food and drinks.
Set in a beautiful old building, the vista is stained-glass windows, baroque cornices, and skylights (all with modern touches). Bring friends, because these are communal tables with eight different food options, and 60 dishes on the count.
191 Victoria St, London SW1E 5NE
www.markethalls.co.uk
Looking for more affordable places to eat in London? Check out these affordable Michelin-star restaurants
