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The Top Cheap Eats in London

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated November 09, 2023
Where can diners find good food at a low price in London? Britain’s capital has a reputation for traditional high quality cuisine and a vibrant foodie scene. You'll discover traditional dishes such as meat pies, English breakfasts, and fish and chips—along with Italian, Indian, Caribbean, Chinese cuisine, and more. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemakers List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Impress your friends and family and score a table; we wish we could join you.
Ivy Market Grill
4.3 (18710)
£26 to £40
Contemporary British
Covent Garden
Located in the heart of Covent Garden and close to the theaters, the Ivy Market Grill serves food all day with a British or European theme. You'll find a good vegetarian and vegan menu as well as brunch and light bites. There are daily specials and a great choice of main dishes. Choose from the Ivy Shepherds Pie or Chicken Milanese among many other tempting dishes including a traditional English breakfast. Seasonal flavors are also reflected in the menu. The pre-theater menu is really good value for two or three courses—but do make a reservation, as the restaurant is popular.
Top review
Margaret
Dined 2 days ago
Busy restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden. Very enjoyable brunch. Only minor criticism is that tables are very close together compared to other Ivy restaurants.
Located in the heart of Covent Garden and close to the theaters, the Ivy Market Grill serves food all day with a British or European theme. You'll find a good vegetarian and vegan menu as well as brunch and light bites. There are daily specials and a great choice of main dishes. Choose from the Ivy Shepherds Pie or Chicken Milanese among many other tempting dishes including a traditional English breakfast. Seasonal flavors are also reflected in the menu. The pre-theater menu is really good value for two or three courses—but do make a reservation, as the restaurant is popular.
Top review
Margaret
Dined 2 days ago
Busy restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden. Very enjoyable brunch. Only minor criticism is that tables are very close together compared to other Ivy restaurants.
Bocca Di Lupo
4.4 (2173)
£26 to £40
Italian
Soho
This award-winning Italian restaurant is in Soho and is famous for their authentic cuisine and romantic atmosphere. The menu features food from all 20 of the Italian regions and has an excellent wine selection. Bocca Di Lupo changes its menu weekly to make the most of seasonal specialties but there is a wide range of inexpensive choices for diners at this London hot spot. Popular dishes include Tuscan salami, grilled sardines with gremolata, and more. Reservations recommended.
Top review
BenR
Dined on Jul 29, 2021
Very Authentic Italian food. If you have been around Italy and are missing it, try this place.
This award-winning Italian restaurant is in Soho and is famous for their authentic cuisine and romantic atmosphere. The menu features food from all 20 of the Italian regions and has an excellent wine selection. Bocca Di Lupo changes its menu weekly to make the most of seasonal specialties but there is a wide range of inexpensive choices for diners at this London hot spot. Popular dishes include Tuscan salami, grilled sardines with gremolata, and more. Reservations recommended.
Top review
BenR
Dined on Jul 29, 2021
Very Authentic Italian food. If you have been around Italy and are missing it, try this place.
Blacklock Soho
4.7 (6118)
£25 and under
Steak
Soho
Blacklock is famous for high-quality meat served at a good price for Central London. Grills and chops are the order of the day, and diners can make up a plate from a range of meats and sides. The meat comes from Warren's butchers in Cornwall, which is one of the finest in the U.K., and operated by farmers. With a fun atmosphere in the restaurants and their cocktails for a fiver, Blacklock is the ideal place to come for a night out or a pre-theater meal at one of the best cheap London restaurants serving British cuisine.
Top review
Marie
Dined 6 days ago
I was surprised to find the restaurant packed at 6 pm in the evening, there was a great friendly and lively vibe going on. The food was fantasti, cocktails amazing, I will definitely be going back.
Blacklock is famous for high-quality meat served at a good price for Central London. Grills and chops are the order of the day, and diners can make up a plate from a range of meats and sides. The meat comes from Warren's butchers in Cornwall, which is one of the finest in the U.K., and operated by farmers. With a fun atmosphere in the restaurants and their cocktails for a fiver, Blacklock is the ideal place to come for a night out or a pre-theater meal at one of the best cheap London restaurants serving British cuisine.
Top review
Marie
Dined 6 days ago
I was surprised to find the restaurant packed at 6 pm in the evening, there was a great friendly and lively vibe going on. The food was fantasti, cocktails amazing, I will definitely be going back.
Riding House Fitzrovia
4.4 (4896)
£26 to £40
Modern European
Fitzrovia
With a modern appearance, the Riding House Cafe is a popular venue in London's Fitzrovia. Located near the main shopping district and theaters, Riding House Cafe is a good place to find cheap eats in London. Choose from healthy salads or coconut chicken as just a few tempting menu items. Diners can also pick a selection of smaller plates to share. This is a restaurant with a lot to choose from so suits most tastes.The restaurant is open all day so diners can drop in or make a reservation from breakfast to dinner.
Top review
jimVIP
Dined 2 days ago
The Riding House Fitzrovia is always delightful and welcoming with our favourite table. We had the granola with Greek yoghurt, açai with Greek yoghurt and mushrooms on toast, all delicious. But, the Bloody Mary was bloody amazing, maybe the best ever!
With a modern appearance, the Riding House Cafe is a popular venue in London's Fitzrovia. Located near the main shopping district and theaters, Riding House Cafe is a good place to find cheap eats in London. Choose from healthy salads or coconut chicken as just a few tempting menu items. Diners can also pick a selection of smaller plates to share. This is a restaurant with a lot to choose from so suits most tastes.The restaurant is open all day so diners can drop in or make a reservation from breakfast to dinner.
Top review
jimVIP
Dined 2 days ago
The Riding House Fitzrovia is always delightful and welcoming with our favourite table. We had the granola with Greek yoghurt, açai with Greek yoghurt and mushrooms on toast, all delicious. But, the Bloody Mary was bloody amazing, maybe the best ever!
The Ivy Soho Brasserie
4.4 (11123)
£26 to £40
Contemporary British
Soho
All-day dining at the Ivy Soho Brasserie makes this central London restaurant popular with sightseers and theatergoers. They are also one of the best cheap places to eat in Central London in a venue that has a sophisticated atmosphere but thrives on quality. The music scene in the neighborhood and the poet William Blake both inspired the artwork in the restaurant. Diners can select a wide range of dishes from specials to brunch. On Fridays and Saturdays, a DJ is present, creating a lively beat while you eat.
Top review
Bulelwa
Dined 5 days ago
Great customer service and great staff with warm smiles
All-day dining at the Ivy Soho Brasserie makes this central London restaurant popular with sightseers and theatergoers. They are also one of the best cheap places to eat in Central London in a venue that has a sophisticated atmosphere but thrives on quality. The music scene in the neighborhood and the poet William Blake both inspired the artwork in the restaurant. Diners can select a wide range of dishes from specials to brunch. On Fridays and Saturdays, a DJ is present, creating a lively beat while you eat.
Top review
Bulelwa
Dined 5 days ago
Great customer service and great staff with warm smiles
NOPI
4.5 (5475)
£41 and over
Mediterranean
Soho
NOPI Soho is an Ottolenghi restaurant with inspirational dishes created with a Middle Eastern twist. There is seasonal cuisine here with signature dishes including courgette and manouri fritters, and a real fusion of flavors. NOPI serves meals all day including breakfast and pre-theater dining. The downstairs area has communal tables with the upper level for more formal dining. This is a popular restaurant and reservations are a must.
Top review
LucyB
Dined on Jan 5, 2020
Excellent food, lovely service - it lived up to its reputation!
NOPI Soho is an Ottolenghi restaurant with inspirational dishes created with a Middle Eastern twist. There is seasonal cuisine here with signature dishes including courgette and manouri fritters, and a real fusion of flavors. NOPI serves meals all day including breakfast and pre-theater dining. The downstairs area has communal tables with the upper level for more formal dining. This is a popular restaurant and reservations are a must.
Top review
LucyB
Dined on Jan 5, 2020
Excellent food, lovely service - it lived up to its reputation!
som saa
4.6 (411)
£26 to £40
Thai
Shoreditch
Located in London's Spitalfields neighborhood, Som Saa is well-known for their regional Thai cuisine. The Tem Toh sharing menu for three or more has some tempting dishes for groups. Lunch and dinner at Som Saa feature enticing dishes including five spice soy-braised pork belly and Thai green curry. Known for its quality, Som Saa is one of the best cheap London restaurants for a culinary treat that really highlights the best of Thai cuisine.
Top review
Kerry Anne
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
Lovely food and Sky was a great waiter with knowledge of all dishes Small clean nice mood establishment
Located in London's Spitalfields neighborhood, Som Saa is well-known for their regional Thai cuisine. The Tem Toh sharing menu for three or more has some tempting dishes for groups. Lunch and dinner at Som Saa feature enticing dishes including five spice soy-braised pork belly and Thai green curry. Known for its quality, Som Saa is one of the best cheap London restaurants for a culinary treat that really highlights the best of Thai cuisine.
Top review
Kerry Anne
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
Lovely food and Sky was a great waiter with knowledge of all dishes Small clean nice mood establishment
Yauatcha Soho
4.5 (6819)
£26 to £40
Chinese
Soho
For the best dim sum and other Chinese specialties, Yauatcha Soho is one of the best places to eat. Located in the midst of London's Chinatown, this is a classy restaurant with some great twists on dim sum. You'll find crispy duck rolls alongside dumplings, and mushroom spring roll with black truffle. The restaurant also has an excellent patisserie with beautifully designed tempting desserts. Yauatcha Soho is another of the best cheap London restaurants to experience.
Top review
RamoneVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Always love this restaurant. Delicious food. Lots of vegetarian options.
For the best dim sum and other Chinese specialties, Yauatcha Soho is one of the best places to eat. Located in the midst of London's Chinatown, this is a classy restaurant with some great twists on dim sum. You'll find crispy duck rolls alongside dumplings, and mushroom spring roll with black truffle. The restaurant also has an excellent patisserie with beautifully designed tempting desserts. Yauatcha Soho is another of the best cheap London restaurants to experience.
Top review
RamoneVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Always love this restaurant. Delicious food. Lots of vegetarian options.
Dean Street Townhouse
4.7 (4741)
£26 to £40
British
Soho
Located in Soho, Dean Street Townhouse serves food all day. From traditional British breakfasts to lunches and even afternoon tea, there is a wide selection of tempting dishes. Choose from classic dishes including lamb pie, Scottish salmon, and a range of salads, or settle for the set lunch which is good value. Diners will find a pre-theater menu too, as well as dinner and a great choice of wines.
Top review
ILONA
Dined 7 days ago
Thank you for your warm service and delicious food.
Located in Soho, Dean Street Townhouse serves food all day. From traditional British breakfasts to lunches and even afternoon tea, there is a wide selection of tempting dishes. Choose from classic dishes including lamb pie, Scottish salmon, and a range of salads, or settle for the set lunch which is good value. Diners will find a pre-theater menu too, as well as dinner and a great choice of wines.
Top review
ILONA
Dined 7 days ago
Thank you for your warm service and delicious food.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
4.4 (14194)
£26 to £40
Contemporary British
Chelsea
Kings Road is one of London's most famous shopping streets and also home to the Ivy Chelsea Garden. The restaurant has a relaxed feel, along with a terrace and a garden, so they are the ideal place to chill out and enjoy a cheap meal after a few hours of shopping. There is a bespoke cocktail menu with drinks themed after iconic Chelsea locations and characteristics. Diners will find a blend of British and international cuisine here and the daily special is worth a look and generally great value for money.
Top review
Gloria
Dined 4 days ago
Delightful evening. Sitting in the garden on a warm evening helped to make the evening enjoyable.
Kings Road is one of London's most famous shopping streets and also home to the Ivy Chelsea Garden. The restaurant has a relaxed feel, along with a terrace and a garden, so they are the ideal place to chill out and enjoy a cheap meal after a few hours of shopping. There is a bespoke cocktail menu with drinks themed after iconic Chelsea locations and characteristics. Diners will find a blend of British and international cuisine here and the daily special is worth a look and generally great value for money.
Top review
Gloria
Dined 4 days ago
Delightful evening. Sitting in the garden on a warm evening helped to make the evening enjoyable.
Balthazar London
4.3 (5465)
£26 to £40
French
Covent Garden
This popular brasserie in Covent Garden serves delicious food all day and is really popular, being close to the theaters. Taste some of the best bistro food in London and relax with a glass from the extensive wine menu. Balthazar is also known for its artisan bread, salads, and pastries, which patrons can eat at the restaurant or as a take-out. This is one of London's best cheap places to eat and they are proud to serve quality food.
Top review
ClaireVIP
Dined 7 days ago
I had the pre theatre menu, the mozzarella salad was average along with the mussels and chips. Lovely venue and staff attentive.
This popular brasserie in Covent Garden serves delicious food all day and is really popular, being close to the theaters. Taste some of the best bistro food in London and relax with a glass from the extensive wine menu. Balthazar is also known for its artisan bread, salads, and pastries, which patrons can eat at the restaurant or as a take-out. This is one of London's best cheap places to eat and they are proud to serve quality food.
Top review
ClaireVIP
Dined 7 days ago
I had the pre theatre menu, the mozzarella salad was average along with the mussels and chips. Lovely venue and staff attentive.
Hide Above
4.6 (374)
£41 and over
British
Mayfair
Hide Above is one of London's best kept secrets for cheap eats and run by Chef Ollie Dabbous. He earned a Michelin star at his previous restaurant before opening Hide. With views across Green Park, this elegant restaurant serves a good value set menu and has a larger tasting menu. There is also a vegetarian set menu lunch which is popular with diners. Reservations are a smart decision as the restaurant has a good reputation and can get busy.
Top review
ChristophH
Dined on Sep 21, 2019
Our dinner at Hide above was just great, we absolutely loved it! One of the most beautiful restaurants in Europe. But there was almost too much service personnel. Would definitely go back for another time.
Hide Above is one of London's best kept secrets for cheap eats and run by Chef Ollie Dabbous. He earned a Michelin star at his previous restaurant before opening Hide. With views across Green Park, this elegant restaurant serves a good value set menu and has a larger tasting menu. There is also a vegetarian set menu lunch which is popular with diners. Reservations are a smart decision as the restaurant has a good reputation and can get busy.
Top review
ChristophH
Dined on Sep 21, 2019
Our dinner at Hide above was just great, we absolutely loved it! One of the most beautiful restaurants in Europe. But there was almost too much service personnel. Would definitely go back for another time.
Bistrotheque
4.2 (1843)
£26 to £40
French
Bethnal Green
Bistrotheque sits in a converted East London warehouse and serves seasonal French and European cuisine. There are some great choices on the menu including camembert pie with parsley and truffle sauce or Swaledale steak. The drinks menu is one of the best in the area and Bistrotheque has music events and more at weekends, creating a lively atmosphere. They are one of the best cheap London restaurants for French cuisine.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Jan 4, 2020
Food is amazing. Service is great. Every time I go I remember why I keep coming back.
Bistrotheque sits in a converted East London warehouse and serves seasonal French and European cuisine. There are some great choices on the menu including camembert pie with parsley and truffle sauce or Swaledale steak. The drinks menu is one of the best in the area and Bistrotheque has music events and more at weekends, creating a lively atmosphere. They are one of the best cheap London restaurants for French cuisine.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Jan 4, 2020
Food is amazing. Service is great. Every time I go I remember why I keep coming back.
Social Eating House
4.3 (2159)
£26 to £40
Contemporary British
Soho
The Social Eating House in Soho has a comfortable, yet informal atmosphere, with a definite lively vibe. They serve great quality food at a good price in Central London and are one of the best cheap places to eat. Who would have guessed this was a Michelin star restaurant? But they are, and well-deserved, too. Social Eating House sprawls across three floors with the Blind Pig Cocktail bar on the first floor. The dining space is on the ground floor with a designated space for the kitchen. Seasonal and regional food is the order of the day with the set lunch menu being of particularly good value.
Top review
bubbles
Dined on Jan 4, 2020
wonderful lunch to celebrate my birthday with family
The Social Eating House in Soho has a comfortable, yet informal atmosphere, with a definite lively vibe. They serve great quality food at a good price in Central London and are one of the best cheap places to eat. Who would have guessed this was a Michelin star restaurant? But they are, and well-deserved, too. Social Eating House sprawls across three floors with the Blind Pig Cocktail bar on the first floor. The dining space is on the ground floor with a designated space for the kitchen. Seasonal and regional food is the order of the day with the set lunch menu being of particularly good value.
Top review
bubbles
Dined on Jan 4, 2020
wonderful lunch to celebrate my birthday with family
Park Chinois
4.6 (761)
£41 and over
Chinese
Mayfair
This sophisticated restaurant in the heart of Mayfair specializes in French Chinese cuisine. The era of 1930s Shanghai inspires the decor and there is live music, creating a vibrant dining experience. A light lunch menu includes dim sum, salads, bao, and more. The set menu is good value with great choices, and there is a dinner menu with a wide range of sophisticated dishes. Park Chinois has live music seven days a week, so they are one of London's best cheap places to eat, but with added entertainment.
Top review
ConorVIP
Dined on Apr 4, 2025
This place is amazing. We love it. The staff make the dining here excellent. The service is excellent. We have and will be back.
This sophisticated restaurant in the heart of Mayfair specializes in French Chinese cuisine. The era of 1930s Shanghai inspires the decor and there is live music, creating a vibrant dining experience. A light lunch menu includes dim sum, salads, bao, and more. The set menu is good value with great choices, and there is a dinner menu with a wide range of sophisticated dishes. Park Chinois has live music seven days a week, so they are one of London's best cheap places to eat, but with added entertainment.
Top review
ConorVIP
Dined on Apr 4, 2025
This place is amazing. We love it. The staff make the dining here excellent. The service is excellent. We have and will be back.
Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill
4.6 (2694)
£41 and over
Seafood
Mayfair
Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill have one of the best outdoor terraces in London, as well as high-quality seafood. Shucking oysters is a passion here, and there is a wide range of shellfish on the menu. There are sharing platters too, and a fish and chips special offer on Mondays. Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill are popular and reservations are advisable.
Top review
donna
Dined on Apr 23, 2025
This is my second dining experience in a month. All boxes ticked re service, ambience, food, drinks. I would highly recommend especially if you are a seafood and fish lover. It is a tad pricey but there is a great set menu before 6pm. The food is delicious and service excellent.
Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill have one of the best outdoor terraces in London, as well as high-quality seafood. Shucking oysters is a passion here, and there is a wide range of shellfish on the menu. There are sharing platters too, and a fish and chips special offer on Mondays. Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill are popular and reservations are advisable.
Top review
donna
Dined on Apr 23, 2025
This is my second dining experience in a month. All boxes ticked re service, ambience, food, drinks. I would highly recommend especially if you are a seafood and fish lover. It is a tad pricey but there is a great set menu before 6pm. The food is delicious and service excellent.
St. JOHN Smithfield
4.7 (4210)
£41 and over
British
Farringdon
St John is in the heart of historic Smithfield in the City of London. They are in a converted warehouse close to the Smithfield Meat Market and specialize in nose-to-tail eating. Diners will find seasonal food on the menu with a large choice featuring the best of British cuisine. Items include kid liver, bacon, and mash or hare pie for two as the restaurant makes the most of locally available food. Reservations advised, as this restaurant is very popular.
Top review
Isabella
Dined 4 days ago
All superb! The space, service, and food were all outstanding! We had a beautiful evening! Thank you!
St John is in the heart of historic Smithfield in the City of London. They are in a converted warehouse close to the Smithfield Meat Market and specialize in nose-to-tail eating. Diners will find seasonal food on the menu with a large choice featuring the best of British cuisine. Items include kid liver, bacon, and mash or hare pie for two as the restaurant makes the most of locally available food. Reservations advised, as this restaurant is very popular.
Top review
Isabella
Dined 4 days ago
All superb! The space, service, and food were all outstanding! We had a beautiful evening! Thank you!
Hakkasan Mayfair
4.5 (7878)
£41 and over
Chinese
Mayfair
Specializing in Cantonese cooking, Hakkasan Mayfair is sophisticated and popular. Spread over two dining floors, there are both intimate spaces to eat and livelier areas. In Hakkasan Mayfair there are unique dishes specially created for the restaurant such as black truffle roast duck, as well as classic Cantonese dishes. Hakkasan also has a well-deserved Michelin star. There are dim sum and light bites, as well as an extensive a la carte menu in this popular restaurant.
Top review
GaryVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Phenomenal as always. A Restaurant that’s been leading the way for over 20 years. 👏👏👏
Specializing in Cantonese cooking, Hakkasan Mayfair is sophisticated and popular. Spread over two dining floors, there are both intimate spaces to eat and livelier areas. In Hakkasan Mayfair there are unique dishes specially created for the restaurant such as black truffle roast duck, as well as classic Cantonese dishes. Hakkasan also has a well-deserved Michelin star. There are dim sum and light bites, as well as an extensive a la carte menu in this popular restaurant.
Top review
GaryVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Phenomenal as always. A Restaurant that’s been leading the way for over 20 years. 👏👏👏
Spring Restaurant
4.5 (1577)
£41 and over
Contemporary British
Covent Garden
The iconic Somerset House, one of London's most historic buildings, is the location of Spring Restaurant. The cuisine is local and hearty with a creative touch by Chef Skye Gingell. This is an excellent place to relax over lunch or dinner and is one of the best cheap London restaurants. Spring has a good range of vegetarian options as well as seafood and regional specialties. Reservations recommended, as this restaurant is popular, especially when special events take place here.
Top review
EmmaP
Dined on Jan 3, 2020
We had a delicious meal, served by friendly, knowledgeable staff in beautiful surroundings. We loved it and we will be back again soon.
The iconic Somerset House, one of London's most historic buildings, is the location of Spring Restaurant. The cuisine is local and hearty with a creative touch by Chef Skye Gingell. This is an excellent place to relax over lunch or dinner and is one of the best cheap London restaurants. Spring has a good range of vegetarian options as well as seafood and regional specialties. Reservations recommended, as this restaurant is popular, especially when special events take place here.
Top review
EmmaP
Dined on Jan 3, 2020
We had a delicious meal, served by friendly, knowledgeable staff in beautiful surroundings. We loved it and we will be back again soon.

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