10 best budget-friendly restaurants in Soho London (2025 guide)

Looking for affordable dining options in one of London’s most vibrant food districts? Soho offers an impressive array of budget-friendly restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank. From authentic Italian pizzas to steaming bowls of ramen, here’s our curated selection of the best affordable eateries in Soho for 2025.

Top affordable restaurants in Soho

Pizza Pilgrims

A standout choice for pizza lovers, Pizza Pilgrims serves authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas at remarkably reasonable prices. Located on Kingly Street, their margherita pizzas start at just £10, while their vibrant atmosphere and retro gaming area add extra value to the dining experience.

Pastaio

Fresh, handmade pasta is the star at Pastaio on Ganton Street. With generous portions starting from £6-8, this casual Italian eatery offers exceptional value for money. Their menu features classic pasta dishes that rival more expensive establishments in taste and quality.

Bao

For affordable Asian cuisine, Bao on Lexington Street stands out with its acclaimed Taiwanese street food. Their signature steamed buns and dumplings are priced between £10-15 per meal, making it a popular spot for both lunch and dinner.

Viet Soho

Located on Greek Street, Viet Soho offers authentic Vietnamese dishes at wallet-friendly prices. Their menu features fresh rolls, aromatic pho, and flavorful bún dishes, with most meals costing between £10-15.

CDMX Tacos

This Mexican taqueria on Green’s Court serves some of Soho’s most affordable street food. Most items are under £5, making it perfect for quick lunches or casual dinners. Their authentic Mexico City-style tacos have earned them a loyal following among budget-conscious food lovers.

BiBimBap

For Korean cuisine enthusiasts, BiBimBap on Greek Street offers hearty portions of their namesake dish starting from £9.50. Their informal setting and quick service make it an excellent choice for affordable Asian dining.

Shoryu Ramen

Located on Denman Street, Shoryu Ramen serves traditional Japanese ramen at reasonable prices. Their rich, flavorful broths and generous portions provide excellent value for money in central London.

Bar Bruno

This Italian café on Wardour Street is a local favorite for affordable breakfasts and lunches. With most meals priced between £10-15, their homemade Italian favorites offer both quality and value.

Thai West Cafe

Found on Wardour Street, this casual eatery serves authentic Thai dishes at budget-friendly prices. Most meals cost between £10-15, making it an excellent option for affordable Asian cuisine in Soho.

Tongue & Brisket

Famous for their salt beef sandwiches, this deli-style restaurant offers generous portions for £10-12 per meal. Their tender meat and quality ingredients make it a standout choice for affordable dining in the area.

International cuisine under £15

Soho’s diverse culinary landscape offers an impressive array of international cuisines at budget-friendly prices. Here’s a curated selection of restaurants where you can enjoy world-class dishes without breaking the bank.

Asian delights

Leading the Asian cuisine scene is Bao, renowned for its Taiwanese street food. Their signature steamed buns and dumplings are priced between £10-15, offering an authentic taste of Taiwan in central London. The restaurant has gained significant popularity for its innovative takes on traditional recipes and exceptional value for money.

Shoryu Ramen stands out for its Japanese offerings, particularly their carefully crafted ramen bowls. Their signature 12-hour simmered pork broth has become a local favourite, while vegetarian diners can enjoy their flavourful mushroom-based alternative. Most dishes are priced competitively, making it an excellent choice for affordable Japanese cuisine.

European flavours

For Italian cuisine enthusiasts, Pizza Pilgrims offers Neapolitan-style pizzas starting from just £7.50. Their modern take on classic recipes, combined with a lively atmosphere and reasonable prices, has made them a staple in Soho’s affordable dining scene.

Pastaio complements the Italian offerings with fresh pasta dishes starting from £6. Their generous portions and authentic preparation methods have earned them recognition as one of Soho’s best value-for-money establishments.

Mexican and Middle Eastern

CDMX Tacos brings authentic Mexico City flavours to Soho with most items priced under £5. Their menu features traditional options like Al Pastor pork and grilled cactus tacos, providing an authentic Mexican street food experience at remarkable prices.

For Middle Eastern cuisine, various establishments offer affordable falafel wraps and shawarma plates, typically priced between £8-12. These venues often provide generous portions and various vegetarian options, making them popular choices for budget-conscious diners seeking flavourful meals.

Vietnamese and Thai

Viet Soho offers an authentic Vietnamese dining experience with most dishes priced between £10-15. Their menu features classic pho, fresh spring rolls, and vibrant salads, all prepared with traditional recipes and techniques.

Thai West Cafe rounds out the Asian offerings with affordable Thai classics. Their menu features beloved dishes like pad thai and green curry, with most meals priced competitively around £10-15, making it an excellent choice for those craving Thai flavours without the premium prices.

Best value Italian and Asian restaurants in Soho

Soho’s reputation for affordable dining shines particularly bright when it comes to Italian and Asian cuisines. These establishments offer exceptional value without compromising on quality or authenticity.

Italian favourites under £15

Leading the Italian dining scene, Pizza Pilgrims on Kingly Street has earned widespread acclaim for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas. With most pizzas priced around £10, they offer outstanding value in a vibrant setting complete with retro gaming tables. Their signature Naples-style dough and carefully sourced ingredients have made them a local favourite.

Pastaio stands out as another Italian gem, serving fresh, handmade pasta at remarkably reasonable prices. Located on Ganton Street, their pasta dishes start from just £6, making it one of Soho’s most affordable quality restaurants. The menu features classics like cacio e pepe and innovative seasonal specials.

Asian cuisine highlights

For Asian cuisine enthusiasts, Bao offers an exceptional Taiwanese dining experience. Their famous steamed buns and dumplings, priced between £10-15 per meal, deliver authentic flavours in a modern setting. The restaurant has garnered praise for its innovative takes on traditional recipes while maintaining accessibility.

Shoryu Ramen presents another standout option for Asian dining, specialising in Hakata tonkotsu ramen. Their rich, 12-hour simmered pork bone broth has earned them recognition in London’s competitive restaurant scene. They also offer vegetarian options with their special mushroom broth.

Viet Soho rounds out the Asian offerings with their authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Their pho and fresh spring rolls have become neighbourhood favourites, with most meals priced between £10-15. The restaurant’s BYOB policy helps keep dining costs even more manageable.

Best value combinations

Many of these establishments offer lunch specials or set menus that provide even better value. Pizza Pilgrims’ weekday lunch deal includes a margherita pizza and soft drink for under £10, while Shoryu Ramen offers a pre-theatre menu that includes ramen and sides at a reduced price.

BiBimBap provides another excellent option for affordable Asian dining, with their signature Korean rice bowls starting from £9.50. Their generous portions and customizable options make them particularly popular among budget-conscious diners seeking authentic Korean flavours.

Vegetarian and dietary options in Soho’s affordable restaurants

Soho’s diverse culinary landscape caters exceptionally well to various dietary requirements, offering numerous budget-friendly options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal diners. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best affordable restaurants serving special dietary needs.

Vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants

Govinda’s Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant stands out as a premier destination for plant-based dining in Soho. This affordable Indian establishment offers an extensive menu of vegetarian and vegan dishes, with most meals priced under £12. Their creamy paneer curry and vegetable thalis have earned particular praise for both taste and value.

Pastaio, while not exclusively vegetarian, has established itself as a favourite among plant-based diners. Their fresh pasta dishes include several vegetarian options, such as the popular cacio e pepe and classic pomodoro, with prices starting from just £6. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients and generous portions makes it an excellent choice for value-conscious vegetarians.

Gluten-free dining options

Finding affordable gluten-free options in Soho has become increasingly easier. Pizza Pilgrims offers specially prepared gluten-free bases for all their pizzas, ensuring celiacs don’t miss out on their acclaimed Neapolitan-style pizzas. Most gluten-free pizzas are priced between £9-£12.

• Shoryu Ramen offers gluten-free noodle alternatives
• Pizza Pilgrims provides certified gluten-free pizza bases
• Pastaio can prepare selected dishes with gluten-free pasta

Halal-certified restaurants

The Kati Roll Company has become a go-to destination for halal-certified Indian street food in Soho. Their signature kati rolls start from £5, making them one of the most affordable halal options in the area. The restaurant’s convenient location and quick service make it perfect for both lunch breaks and casual dinners.

Mixed dietary requirements

Viet Soho excels at accommodating various dietary needs while maintaining affordable prices. Their menu features numerous vegetarian options, and many dishes can be adapted for different dietary requirements. The restaurant’s flexible approach to dietary modifications, combined with prices typically under £15 per main course, makes it an excellent choice for mixed groups with varying dietary needs.

Bar Bruno has earned recognition for its ability to modify its Italian classics to suit different dietary requirements. Their kitchen staff are known for their willingness to adapt dishes, whether removing ingredients for allergies or modifying recipes for vegetarian diners. Most modified dishes remain within the £10-£15 price range, maintaining the restaurant’s reputation for affordability.

Getting to Soho’s affordable restaurants: A complete transport guide

Navigating to Soho’s budget-friendly restaurants is straightforward thanks to excellent public transport connections. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find your way to some of London’s best affordable eateries.

Public transport connections

Soho is served by several Underground stations, making it highly accessible from all parts of London:

• Oxford Circus (Victoria, Central, and Bakerloo lines) – Perfect for reaching Pizza Pilgrims and Pastaio
• Tottenham Court Road (Central and Northern lines) – Closest to Viet Soho and Bar Bruno
• Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) – Ideal for CDMX Tacos and Thai West Cafe
• Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines) – Near Shoryu Ramen

Walking distances

Most budget restaurants in Soho are within a 5-10 minute walk from these major stations. The area is highly walkable, with numerous affordable dining options clustered around central streets like Wardour Street, Greek Street, and Dean Street.

Bus routes

Several bus routes serve the Soho area, with key stops along:

• Oxford Street (north of Soho)
• Shaftesbury Avenue (south of Soho)
• Regent Street (west of Soho)
• Charing Cross Road (east of Soho)

Parking information

While public transport is recommended, those driving can use these parking options:

• Q-Park Chinatown – Located on Newport Place
• Brewer Street Car Park – Central location but often busy
• Poland Street Car Park – Convenient for northern Soho

Nearby attractions

Many affordable restaurants are conveniently located near major attractions. Popular spots like Pizza Pilgrims and Bao are within walking distance of:

• Piccadilly Circus (5 minutes)
• Leicester Square (7 minutes)
• Carnaby Street (3 minutes)
• Oxford Street shopping (5 minutes)

Planning your visit during off-peak hours (2:30-5:30 PM) can help you avoid the busiest times and secure a table more easily at these popular budget-friendly establishments.