London is a vibrant metropolis with a world-renowned food scene. But let’s be honest, it can also be expensive. Fear not, budget travellers! This guide reveals London’s hidden gems, where you can devour delicious meals without breaking the bank.

From steaming buns and sizzling curries to fresh salads and flavorful falafel wraps, we’ll uncover the best spots to satisfy your cravings without denting your wallet. So ditch the fancy restaurants and Michelin stars and embark on a delicious adventure through London’s affordable eats!

Top Cheap Eats in London By Location

We will start with Cheap Eats in Central London and go down to the East district to unveil the city’s top destinations for budget-friendly delights.

Cheap Eats in Central London

Central London doesn’t have to mean sacrificing affordability for deliciousness. Dive into fluffy steamed buns at Bun House in Soho, savour authentic Japanese cuisine at Misato’s on Wardour Street, or explore the Chinese Street Food Bar on Little Newport Street for a quick bite. These are just a taste of the many budget-friendly options waiting to be discovered in the city’s heart.

Bun House 

Central London is a popular eatery renowned for its traditional Chinese steamed buns, or bao. It is located in Soho and offers a lively ambience reminiscent of Hong Kong’s street food scene. The menu features a variety of buns with classic and innovative fillings alongside traditional Chinese snacks. Bun House provides a modern yet authentic dining experience with friendly service, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking conventional Chinese flavours in London’s bustling centre.

Padella

Located in central London’s Borough Market, it is a renowned Italian restaurant known for its fresh pasta dishes and authentic flavours. With a welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere, Padella focuses on crafting simple yet exquisite pasta creations that highlight the best of Italian cuisine. Their menu features a tempting selection of dishes, from classic favourites like pici cacio & pepe to inventive creations such as pappardelle with 8-hour Dexter beef shin ragu. Despite its popularity, Padella remains committed to providing affordable dining options, making it accessible to many diners. With its dedication to quality ingredients, reasonable prices, and warm service, Padella offers a memorable culinary experience that celebrates the essence of Italian cooking in the heart of central London.

Tonkotsu

Tonkotsu is a well-known Japanese ramen restaurant chain with several central London locations. It offers authentic Japanese cuisine in a cosy atmosphere. Specialising in rich and flavorful ramen broths, Tonkotsu’s menu features signature dishes like the Tonkotsu Ramen, vegan broth ramen, and Chicken Teriyaki ramen with no broth. In addition to ramen, the restaurant offers Japanese small plates and a selection of drinks, creating a vibrant dining experience. With its commitment to quality ingredients and authentic flavours, Tonkotsu has become a favourite among London ramen enthusiasts and Japanese food lovers.

Cheap Eats in North London

There are several cheap eats recommendations for affordable dining in North London: Hala Restaurant, Xi’an Impression and Cyprus House.

Hala Restaurant

Located in the heart of Camden, it offers authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at budget-friendly prices. Specialising in Lebanese dishes such as falafel, hummus, shawarma, and grilled meats, Hala Restaurant provides a flavorful and satisfying dining experience in a casual setting. Its generous portions and vibrant flavours have become popular among locals and tourists seeking delicious and affordable Middle Eastern fare in North London.

Xi’an Impression

It is situated in the Holloway area and showcases Northwestern Chinese cuisine’s bold and robust flavours. Renowned for its hand-pulled noodles, savoury roujiamo (Chinese burgers), and aromatic lamb dishes, Xi’an Impression offers a culinary journey through the streets of Xi’an at affordable prices. The restaurant’s cosy atmosphere and attentive service create an inviting dining environment where guests can savour the authentic taste of Xi’an without breaking the bank. With its diverse menu and exceptional flavours, Xi’an Impression has earned a loyal following among food enthusiasts eager to explore the rich culinary traditions of China’s Shaanxi province in North London.

Cyprus House

It is a popular dining destination in North London known for its authentic Cypriot cuisine and warm hospitality. Situated in the vibrant neighbourhood of Palmers Green, Cyprus House offers a taste of Cyprus with its diverse menu featuring traditional dishes such as souvlaki, moussaka, halloumi cheese, and freshly baked bread. The restaurant’s cosy and inviting atmosphere provides the perfect setting for diners to enjoy a leisurely meal with family and friends. With its commitment to quality ingredients and genuine flavours, Cyprus House has established itself as a beloved culinary gem in North London, welcoming guests to experience the rich culinary heritage of Cyprus in every bite.

Cheap Eats in South London

In South London, affordability meets flavour in a vibrant dining scene where diverse cuisines cater to every palate without breaking the bank.

Franco Manca

A renowned cheap eats choice across South London, including Brixton and Balham, tantalises taste buds with its delectable sourdough pizzas at wallet-friendly prices. Sourcing high-quality ingredients, Franco Manca crafts authentic Neapolitan-style pies baked to perfection in wood-fired ovens. From classic Margheritas to inventive combinations boasting locally sourced produce and artisanal toppings, Franco Manca offers exceptional value without compromising on taste, making it a top choice for pizza lovers seeking affordable dining options in South London.

Rudies 

For those yearning for the zesty flavours of the Caribbean, Rudies in Brixton beckons with its mouthwatering Jamaican cuisine at pocket-friendly prices. With a vibrant atmosphere and laid-back vibe, Rudies serves an enticing array of dishes, from jerk chicken and curried goat to ackee and saltfish. Committed to using traditional recipes and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Rudies ensures each dish bursts with authentic Caribbean spices and flavours. With generous portions and reasonable prices, Rudies invites diners to savour the rich culinary heritage of Jamaica without straining their wallets, cementing its status as a beloved dining spot in South London.

Cheap Eats in East London

In East London, various affordable dining options await, offering unique flavours and experiences.

Tomi’s Kitchen 

Nestled in the heart of Dalston, Tomi’s Kitchen stands out as a culinary gem known for its innovative fusion of Nigerian and Continental cuisine. With a cosy and inviting atmosphere, Tomi’s Kitchen delights diners with its creative dishes, including jollof rice, grilled fish, and suya skewers. The menu showcases bold flavours and fresh ingredients, providing a delightful culinary journey at prices that won’t break the bank.

Cafe Oto

Look no further than Cafe Oto in Dalston for those seeking a cosy neighbourhood spot to enjoy a delicious meal in a cheap eats location or a quick coffee. This charming cafe exudes warmth and charm, offering a relaxed setting to savour freshly brewed coffee, homemade pastries, and light bites. With its friendly staff and laid-back ambience, Cafe Oto provides a welcoming retreat from the bustling streets of East London, making it a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike seeking affordable and comforting fare.

 Al Kahf

Meanwhile, Al Kahf in Whitechapel beckons diners with its tempting array of Middle Eastern delights at budget-friendly prices. From savoury kebabs and aromatic rice dishes to flavorful mezze platters and freshly baked bread, Al Kahf offers authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in a casual and inviting setting. With its generous portions and affordable prices, Al Kahf invites diners to indulge in the Middle East’s rich flavours and vibrant spices without breaking the bank, making it a cherished dining spot in East London’s culinary landscape.

Cheap Eats in West London

If you’re in West London and looking for affordable eats, there are a few places worth checking out.

Zeit & Zaatar

Zeit & Zaatar offers delicious Middle Eastern cuisine at budget-friendly prices. You can enjoy their falafel wraps or shawarma plates without breaking the bank. Another option is Rita’s Chilli Chaat Corner, where you can savour Indian street food like samosas and chaats at reasonable prices.

Yasmina 

Yasmina serves up tasty Moroccan dishes that won’t drain your wallet. They offer flavorful tagines and couscous dishes that are both satisfying and affordable.

Best Cheap Eats in London by Type

There are cheap eats options in London that cater to different cravings. Below are some of the best affordable recommendations.

Pizza Cheap Eats in London

When it comes to pizza, there are a few affordable options in London. Homeslice, Pizza Union, and Homeslice are three places to satisfy your pizza cravings without breaking the bank.

These spots offer delicious pizzas at reasonable prices, making them perfect for anyone on a budget. Whether you’re a fan of classic Margherita or prefer more devouring toppings, these pizzerias have covered you.

Asian Cheap Eats in London

London has some fantastic budget-friendly Asian cuisine options. Ciao Bella is a charming Italian-Asian fusion restaurant that offers delicious dishes at affordable prices.

KaoSarn serves authentic Thai street food with bold flavours and generous portions. If you’re in the mood for Indian cuisine, Shalamar Kebab House is a must-visit, offering flavorful kebabs and curries that won’t break the bank.

Vegan Cheap Eats in London

There are several fantastic vegan dining options available at affordable prices in London.

Club Mexicana is an excellent choice if you’re looking for delicious Mexican-inspired vegan street food. On The Bab offers Korean cuisine with a vegan twist, serving tasty dishes like bibimbap and kimchi pancakes.

If Italian food is more your style, then Padella is the place to go. They offer mouthwatering homemade pasta dishes that satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.

International Cheap Eats in London

Regarding international cuisine, London has some great cheap eats options. One is Little Georgia, a Georgian restaurant in Hackney and Islington. Known for its cosy atmosphere and delicious homemade dishes like khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (dumplings), Little Georgia offers an authentic taste of Georgia at affordable prices.

Another cheap eats option is Koba, a Korean BBQ restaurant in Fitzrovia. Here, you can enjoy sizzling meats cooked right at your table while experiencing the vibrant flavours of Korean cuisine.

Lastly, Mamuśka, a Polish canteen-style eatery inside the Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre. This place serves hearty Polish classics like pierogi (dumplings) and bigos (hunter’s stew). The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the food will satisfy your cravings for traditional Polish fare.

Conclusion

Following this guide, you can access a comprehensive list of the best cheap eats in London, offering budget-friendly dining options for all tastes. Whether you’re craving pizza, Asian cuisine, vegan dishes, or international flavours, there’s something here for everyone.