Best 12 cheap restaurants in London

Tuck into low-cost daytime delights at London's best cheap restaurants.

London is home to a huge range of cheap and affordable eating options – from street markets to restaurant specials, a great meal doesn't have to break the bank. Take a look at our pick of London's best cheap restaurants.

Best cheap international restaurants in London

You can find just about every global cuisine in London, often at great value.

1. Chinatown restaurants

A plate of Spring Rolls in Chinatown
Spring Rolls in Chinatown © Karen Liu. Image courtesy of Karen Liu

Choose from dozens of Chinese restaurants in London's Chinatown for an affordable lunch option. Try the Golden Dragon for cheap dim sum starting at at a few pounds each, or Good Friend for Taiwanese street food such as crispy fried chicken wings for under £10. 

2. Indian Veg

Head down to Chapel Market in north London to find Indian Veg's all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet. Popular with a younger crowd before a night out, this is definitely good value Indian fare for under £10.

3. E. Pellicci

Step inside this Grade-II listed cafe to discover home-style cooking at prices that are hard to argue with. The family behind E. Pellicci has been serving honest Italian food and amazing sandwiches since 1900 in their Bethnal Green Road spot. Try the great value homemade Penne Pellicci or sausage ciabatta at this great cheap London restaurant option. 

Best street food markets for cheap food

Street food markets continue to grow in popularity, and with a great eclectic mix of cuisines for you to try, usually at a low price, it's easy to see why.

4. Berwick Street Market

Take your cheap lunch on the go from the many options at Berwick Street Market. Try everything from Asian street food, Greek souvlaki, Afghan dishes and homemade ravioli, to Asian waffles, burritos, Mediterranean salads and falafel.

5. Brixton Village Market

Food being cooked by a chef in a kitchen in Brixton
A cheap lunch in Brixton © Peter Kindersley visitlondon.com. Image courtesy of Peter Kindersley visitlondon.com

Under the arcades of Brixton Village you'll find more than 20 cafes and restaurants serving dishes from all over the world, every day of the week, from Taiwanese bao buns, to classic pies. You could even restaurant hop between courses. 

6. Lower Marsh Market

Combine cheap eats with artisan shopping at Lower Marsh Market. Hawaiian poke, Japanese burgers, Italian street food, Peruvian specials – just a few of the options available six days a week. 

Best cheap London fast food restaurants

Fast food isn't limited to global chains – London has plenty of unique cheap fast food options.

7. Chik'n

Head down Baker Street to find Chik'n, who are "changing fried chicken for the good". Go for the Chik'n wrap or a Popcorn Chik'n bucket on the go for some great value but filling options.

8. Mayfair Chippy

London isn't short on fish and chip shops and the Mayfair Chippy is among those who have this British classic down to a fine art. Choose from cod, haddock, scampi or jackfruit served straight to your table.

Best cheap vegan and vegetarian restaurants

London's budget-friendly bites are not limited to meat-eaters. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian cheap eats to hunt down in the city.

9. Madison

Views of St. Paul's Cathedral and the city from Madison on a sunny day
St. Paul's Cathedral from Madison © Endri Killo via Unsplash. Image courtesy of Endri Killo via Unsplash

Boasting one of the best restaurant views in London, looking straight onto St Paul's Cathedral's magnificent dome, Madison offers a great value three-course "Love the City" menu, which includes a veggie option. Or opt for the fully plant-based menu, featuring jackfruit tacos and wild mushroom linguini.

11. 222 Vegan

Go hungry, leave full in West Kensington where 222 Vegan offers a healthy, all-you-can-eat buffet that won't put a big dent in your wallet. With no fried foods or refined ingredients, this is a great option for a healthy meal in London too.

Best lunch deals in London

Some of London's top restaurants have lunch deals that allow you to eat well without breaking the bank.

11. The Real Greek

Stop at any of The Real Greek's 12 London locations for a three-course lunch including flatbreads, dips, meat or vegetable skewers and more. This low-cost lunch menu makes this a great affordable restaurant in London.

12. Brasserie Zédel

Take in the grand art deco interior of Parisian-style restaurant Brasserie Zédel while enjoying a two- or three-course lunch menu for under £20. The menu currently includes steak frites and chocolate tart.