The Best Cheap Restaurants in London – 11 Best

You’re on vacation in London and want to grab a bite to eat without spending an arm and a leg – what do you do? While there are plenty of fantastic restaurants that are more expensive than others, this list of the best cheap restaurants in London will show you where you can get excellent food and will have a joyful day at affordable prices. Whether you have a friend in town or want to treat yourself, you’ll definitely find something on this list that fits your budget!

1. Pâtisserie Valerie

When it comes to patisseries, most people think of delicate pastries and cakes; Pâtisserie Valerie is no different.

While it offers a wide range of sweets, its best known for its viennoiserie: croissants, pains au chocolat, and other baked goods served warm.

The baked goods are some of the best I’ve ever had and they’re easy on your wallet (just remember to get there early; many locations start selling out by mid-morning).

There are now 24 locations across London, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one nearby. So enjoy your day there.

2. Dishoom

From classic Bombay-style street food to delicious renditions of Indian staples, Dishoom’s fare is sure to please.

This cheap restaurant offers several breakfasts, lunch, and dinner options, sandwiches for lunch, and a variety of curries for dinner.

The tiny interior can get pretty noisy during peak hours, but you can score one of their coveted outdoor tables on sunny days. A meal with tip runs about $20 per person—and it’s well worth it!

3. Polpo

Polpo is one of my favorite cheap restaurants in London, Here you will love to spend your day, a choice of my wife’s and mine whenever we’re around that part of town.

The small but very welcoming bar is well-stocked with beers, wines, and liquors while the dining room has a slightly more laid-back vibe than most other Italian joints.

Polpo can get quite loud, but there’s a reason for that: The quality of the food is really excellent.

4. Busaba Eathai

Busaba Eathai on Wardour Street is one of the best cheap restaurants in London. This small Thai restaurant serves authentic Thai food.

For those who have a sensitive tongue, some of its offerings may taste too spicy and hot, but people with a more open palate will enjoy all that Busaba Eathai has to offer.

With an extensive menu listing several types of curries, soups, stir-fries, and noodles, there’s something for everyone at Busaba Eathai.

5. Yo! Sushi

This budget-friendly sushi spot is a fan favorite, and with 16 locations throughout London, it’s easy to see why.

Order off of their conveyor belt or sit down at one of their many tables to feast on classics like spicy tuna rolls and vegetarian sushi or to try something new (they’re known for serving up more than just sushi).

Don’t miss out on their Happy Hour—which lasts from 4:30-7 pm Monday through Friday!

6. Barrafina

This Spanish tapas restaurant is one of London’s best cheap restaurants. In a city known for its high cost of living, Barrafina offers delicious tapas for a fraction of what you’d normally pay for a similar meal at another location.

The restaurant is well-lit and trendy, making it popular with younger patrons.

It also has an impressive wine list and an even more impressive paella menu! This is truly one of the best cheap restaurants in London.

7. Las Iguanas

Las Iguanas is one of my favorite restaurants and is a great place to go for cheap food.

It’s located near Piccadilly Circus so is easy to find and is also near a few of London’s nightclubs so you can visit there before or after your meal.

The main dishes range from £7.50 – £10 which, depending on how hungry you are, could be enough to satisfy your hunger for quite some time! You also get unlimited chips and dips for no extra cost!

8. Byron Hamburgers

The meat bar restaurant, Byron Hamburgers is a great place to get a cheap meal. They have options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians and the food is good quality for your money.

With locations throughout London and opening hours ranging from 11 am to midnight, you can find a location that works with your schedule.

9. Yauatcha

If you want to enjoy top-quality Chinese food at a bargain price, Yauatcha is one of the best places to go. This Michelin-starred venue offers spectacular dim sum and is full of interesting design details,

such as goldfish swimming in large bowls and walls that are painted with beautiful Asian motifs. As far as value for money goes, Yauatcha is unbeatable.

10. Nando’s

Nando’s chicken is undeniably delicious—and it comes cheap. The casual African restaurant offers a variety of flame-grilled entrees as well as sides.

For slightly more than $10, you can get a choice of quarter chicken with an extra side.

Although Nando’s isn’t on our list of best restaurants in London (the food just isn’t that good), if you’re looking for fast and cheap, consider Nando’s.

The restaurant accepts cash only but has ATMs on site, so there’s no need to go anywhere else.

11. BAO Soho

This trendy eatery offers excellent value on a range of traditional Asian dishes, with dim sum on offer Monday to Friday and lunchtime specials that include soup and a main for £7.50.

Soho House members also get 10 percent off their bill every time they visit.

The menu is packed with tasty dishes including pork belly buns, crispy salt and pepper calamari, and vegetarian pad Thai. All mains are priced under £10, making it ideal for those watching their pennies.