15 best cheap restaurants in London: ultimate 2025 guide
Best budget restaurants in central London
London’s culinary scene offers numerous affordable dining options that don’t compromise on quality. Here are some of the best budget-friendly restaurants in central London that deliver exceptional value for money.
Chinese Tapas House – Chinatown’s hidden gem
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Chinese Tapas House has earned a reputation for serving authentic street food at remarkably affordable prices. Their signature jianbing pancakes start at just £5, while their freshly made buns cost £3. Watch as skilled chefs prepare your food right before your eyes, adding traditional ingredients like spring onions, chilli oil, and succulent pork belly.
Padella – pasta perfection on a budget
With locations in Borough Market and Shoreditch, Padella has revolutionized affordable Italian dining in London. Their handmade pasta dishes start from £8.50, with favorites including tagliarini with dried chilli and garlic, and their renowned ravioli with sage and butter sauce. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, often drawing queues that speak to its popularity.
Mother Mash – British comfort food
Nestled between Leicester Square and Covent Garden, Mother Mash offers hearty British comfort food at reasonable prices. Their signature sausage, mash, and gravy combinations start from £11, allowing diners to mix and match different varieties of each component. The generous portions and cozy atmosphere make it a perfect spot for satisfying comfort food cravings.
Govinda’s – vegetarian value
Located in Soho, Govinda’s stands out as one of central London’s best-value vegetarian restaurants. With main courses ranging from £10-£15, this establishment offers a diverse menu of plant-based dishes that are both nutritious and satisfying. The restaurant has gained recognition for its ability to deliver high-quality vegetarian cuisine without the high-end price tag.
Tonkotsu – affordable ramen
With several branches across central London, Tonkotsu offers authentic Japanese ramen at approximately £10 per bowl. Each serving features rich pork broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and tender pork belly, making it one of the best-value Japanese dining experiences in the city. Their lunch specials offer particularly good value, attracting both locals and tourists seeking quality Japanese cuisine.
- Most dishes under £15
- Generous portion sizes
- High-quality ingredients
- Central locations with good transport links
- No booking required for most venues
These central London restaurants demonstrate that affordable dining doesn’t mean compromising on quality or experience. Whether you’re craving Asian street food, Italian pasta, or British classics, these establishments offer excellent value while maintaining high standards of food quality and service.
Affordable Asian restaurants in London
London’s diverse culinary landscape offers some of the most delectable and budget-friendly Asian dining experiences. From authentic Chinese street food to hearty Japanese ramen, here are some standout affordable Asian restaurants in the city.
Chinese Tapas House
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Chinese Tapas House has earned a reputation for its exceptional street food offerings. Their signature jianbing pancakes start from just £5, while their freshly made buns are available from £3. Watch as skilled chefs prepare your food right before your eyes, adding ingredients like spring onions, chilli oil, pickles, and succulent pork belly to create authentic Chinese flavors.
Tonkotsu
With several branches across London, Tonkotsu has become synonymous with affordable, high-quality ramen. Their main courses start around £10, featuring rich pork broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and tender roast pork belly. The generous portion sizes and warming flavors make it an excellent value-for-money option.
Taro
Operating across Soho, Balham, and Kennington, Taro offers an extensive menu of Japanese favorites at reasonable prices. Main courses start from £9.50, while their lunch menu provides even better value at around £6. The restaurant is particularly known for its generous udon ramens and satisfying katsu curries.
Jikoni
Located in Marylebone, Jikoni offers an innovative fusion of South Asian, Far Eastern, Middle Eastern, and East African cuisines. Their Wednesday-Friday lunch menu, priced at £32 for two courses, provides an excellent opportunity to experience their creative cross-cultural dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options.
- Generous portion sizes across all venues
- Authentic flavors and traditional cooking methods
- Convenient locations across central London
- Regular lunch specials and deals
- Wide variety of dietary options available
Beyond the basics
Many of these restaurants have earned loyal followings by maintaining consistent quality while keeping prices accessible. Most offer takeaway options, and some provide delivery services through popular platforms. It’s worth noting that lunch hours often present the best value, with special menu items and deals not available during dinner service.
For the best experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid queues, particularly at popular spots like Chinese Tapas House and Tonkotsu. Some establishments also offer loyalty programs or student discounts, so it’s worth inquiring about additional savings opportunities when dining in.
Cheap Italian restaurants London
London’s Italian dining scene offers several budget-friendly options where you can enjoy authentic pasta, pizza, and other Italian delicacies without breaking the bank. Here are some of the most beloved affordable Italian restaurants in the capital.
Padella
Located in both Borough Market and Shoreditch, Padella has established itself as one of London’s most popular affordable Italian restaurants. With pasta dishes starting from just £8.50, diners can enjoy expertly crafted plates like their signature tagliarini with dried chilli and garlic, or their delectable ravioli with sage and butter. While queues are common, especially at the Borough Market location, the restaurant offers a convenient virtual queuing system through the WalkUp App.
Pastaio
For those seeking quality pasta at even more budget-friendly prices, Pastaio offers an excellent alternative. With locations in both Soho and Westfield London, main courses start from just £6, making it one of the most affordable Italian options in central London. Their menu features classics like rigatoni alla norma, and the restaurant maintains high standards despite its reasonable prices according to TimeOut London.
27 Old Compton Street
Situated in the heart of Soho, this Italian establishment offers moderate pricing with most meals ranging between £15-£25. The restaurant has gained recognition for delivering authentic Italian flavours in a comfortable setting, making it a popular choice for those seeking a proper Italian dining experience without excessive costs.
Franco Manca
While not explicitly mentioned in our research, this sourdough pizza chain deserves recognition for its commitment to quality at affordable prices. Their authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas are made with premium ingredients, and most options are priced well under £10 as noted by the Evening Standard.
When dining at these Italian establishments, consider these money-saving tips:
- Visit during lunch hours when many restaurants offer special deals
- Share larger pasta portions, which are often generous enough for two
- Check if the restaurant has a pre-theatre menu
- Book in advance to avoid disappointment, especially for popular spots like Padella
- Consider dining early or mid-week when restaurants are typically less busy
Budget-friendly international cuisine in London
London’s diverse culinary landscape offers excellent opportunities to explore international flavours without breaking the bank. Here are some standout restaurants serving delicious global cuisine at affordable prices.
Asian delights
Chinese Tapas House in Chinatown stands out for its authentic street food experience. Their signature jianbing pancakes start at just £5, while their flavourful buns begin at £3. Watch as skilled chefs prepare your food right in front of you, adding ingredients like spring onions, chilli oil, and succulent pork belly.
For Japanese cuisine enthusiasts, Tonkotsu offers hearty ramen bowls starting around £10. Their rich pork broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and generous toppings make it one of London’s most beloved affordable Japanese spots.
European flavours
Italian food lovers should head to Padella, where fresh pasta dishes start from £8.50. Their simple yet masterfully executed dishes like tagliarini with dried chilli and garlic have earned them a loyal following. For an equally delicious alternative with shorter queues, try Pastaio in Soho, where main courses begin at £6.
Henri, located in Covent Garden’s Henrietta Hotel, brings affordable French bistro dining to central London. Their pre-theatre menu offers excellent value at £26 for two courses or £30 for three, featuring classics like carrot rapee and Toulouse sausage with pomme puree.
Middle Eastern and African cuisine
Govinda’s in Soho serves vegetarian and vegan dishes inspired by Middle Eastern flavours, with most meals costing between £10-£15. The generous portions and fresh ingredients make it a favourite among budget-conscious diners seeking healthy options.
For Ethiopian cuisine, Yemanes offers an authentic dining experience at reasonable prices. While specific prices aren’t listed, food critics consistently recommend it as one of London’s best-value African restaurants.
South American flair
Salsa Soho, with locations in both Soho and Embankment, brings vibrant South American flavours to London at accessible prices. Their tapas plates average under £8 each, with favourites including panko-crumbed squid strips and halloumi fries. The mix-and-match plank offering three plates for £16.45 provides excellent value for sharing.
Mexican food enthusiasts should seek out Sonora Taquería, known for its authentic tacos and welcoming atmosphere. While prices vary, their portions are generous and the quality-to-price ratio consistently receives praise from diners.
Hidden gem restaurants in London: local favourites and secret spots
London’s dining scene holds many treasures beyond the well-known establishments. Here are some exceptional hidden gems that offer outstanding value without compromising on quality or atmosphere.
Arepa and Co – Venezuelan delights
Nestled along the canal in Haggerston, this cosy Venezuelan restaurant has become a local favourite for its authentic arepas and warm atmosphere. The reasonably priced menu features traditional Venezuelan dishes served in generous portions, making it perfect for those seeking something different on a budget.
Farang – Thai cuisine excellence
This Highbury gem started as a pop-up and has evolved into one of North London’s most exciting affordable restaurants. While bookings are now essential, Farang continues to serve bold, authentic Thai flavours at surprisingly reasonable prices. Their homemade sauces and ready-cooked meals from their ’pantry’ are particularly popular.
Roti King – Malaysian magic
This tiny basement restaurant near Euston Station has achieved cult status among budget-conscious food lovers. Despite its humble appearance, the restaurant serves arguably London’s best Malaysian roti canai – flaky flatbreads served with rich curry sauce. The consistent queues are testament to its quality and value.
Casa Tua – authentic Italian
Hidden away in King’s Cross, Casa Tua offers an intimate Italian dining experience that feels like being welcomed into someone’s home. The restaurant combines authentic recipes with reasonable prices, making it a favourite among those in the know.
Kinkally – Georgian discoveries
This Charlotte Street newcomer has quickly established itself as a go-to spot for Georgian cuisine. While some menu items can be pricey, their signature khinkali dumplings (£15 per plate) offer excellent value. The innovative fillings, including wagyu beef and langoustine, make this a unique addition to London’s affordable dining scene.
Chinese Tapas House – street food sensation
This small Chinatown establishment has earned a devoted following for its authentic Chinese street food. Their jianbing pancakes start at just £5, while their handmade buns are a mere £3. The food is prepared fresh before your eyes, offering an authentic experience at remarkably low prices.
These hidden gems demonstrate that exceptional dining experiences in London don’t have to break the bank. Each offers its own unique combination of authentic cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and reasonable prices, making them must-visit destinations for food lovers on a budget.