Eating in London does not have to be expensive – if you know where to go. For those of you who are on a budget, here are 10 cheap eats in London where you can go for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Bone Daddies
I like Bone Daddies. It is a modern ramen bar where you can get a bowl of piping hot ramen for £12. It is quirky, happening and fun, just like how the cool crowd like it – it is the kind of place that is known mostly through word of mouth, from friends of friends. The queue is not quite fun, though.
31 Peter Street
London, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7287 8581
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court/Leicester Square
Byron Hamburgers
Byron Burger may be a burger chain – at the last count, there are 36 outlets in London – but don’t let that mislead you into thinking it is but another mediocre burger joint. And if there is something to fall in love with Byron Burger, it is that every outlet is done up differently and exudes its own character.
At Byron Burger, the goal is to do a simple thing properly, and to do it well. There are 8 options on the burger menu, with the classic hamburger starting at £6.75. Other options include Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger (£7.75), Chicken Burger (£8.95) and the Cheese Burger (£7.95) which you can choose from an array of cheeses like mature cheddar, American, Monterey Jack, smoked cheddar, blue cheese, or emmenthal.
Byron Burger is listed in our guide to London’s best burgers.
24-28 Charing Cross Road
London, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7557 9830
Nearest Station: Leicester Square
1a Saint Giles High Street
London WC2H 8AG, United Kingdom
Tel: _44 20 7395 0620
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road
Koya
This is hands-down, one of the best udons I have ever had. This Japanese eatery in Soho attracts a long crowd during meal times – from tourists who have heard about this place from travel guides and blogs, to Asians seeking comfort food while being across the globe from home. A bowl of Udon ranges from £6.90 to £13.90.
Koya is listed in our guide on Where to eat in London.
49 Frith Street
London, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7434 4463
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road/Leicester Square
Ottolenghi
Ottolenghi is one place in London that sets a smile on my face because each visit sees me through an amazing array of desserts and pastries. The takeout counter leaves you spoilt for choices, and if you are dining in, they have an affordable set lunch menu which offers 3 salads and a main for £13.70.
Ottolenghi is listed in our guide to London’s top 25 cafes & coffee shops.
13 Motcomb Street
London, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7823 2707
Nearest Station: Knightsbridge
63 Ledbury Road
London, United Kingdom
+44 20 7727 1121
Nearest Station: Notting Hill Gate
Patty & Bun has achieved cult status in London for serving one of the best burgers. Messy, greasy and fingers-licking good, Patty & Bun’s Smokey Robinson Burger (£8.50) is the perfect burger. It comes with everything you need in a burger – caramelised onions, bacon, smokey mayo, cheese, tomato, lettuce, and a beef patty which is cooked to perfection. We wolfed it down within minutes.
Beyond the amazing burger, the mood at Patty & Bun is hippy and loud; you instantly feel cool just by dining there. It truly delivers a unique and complete burger experience.
The next time we are in London, we are going to head straight to Patty & Bun from the airport. The burger is one of the must-eats and one that is worth every calorie.
Patty & Bun is listed in our guide to London’s best burgers.
54 James Street
Tel: +44 20 7487 3188
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bond Street
Pho
For a decent and affordable meal under £10, go to Pho at Wardour Street in Soho. They have a variety of starters (£3.75 – £5.75) such as spring rolls, pork and lemongrass meats and Vietnamese crepes. You will also be in for many variations of pho (£8), and you can choose from options like thinly sliced steak, brisket and meatballs.
163-165 Wardour Street
London, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7434 3938
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus/Tottenham Court Road
Muriel’s Kitchen
Stepping inside Muriel’s Kitchen had us falling head over heels in love with the café immediately. A homely and well-designed space with velvet tub chairs, mosaic tiles, bird-cage lamps, and garden swing seats? Yes, they’ve got that covered. Friendly staff that greet you and make you feel at home? But of course.
Open from breakfast to bed time serving delicious home-cooked comfort food – using local British ingredients – at inexpensive prices (most of the dishes are mostly priced under £10)? Checked. A gorgeous cake and display counter that makes you feel like a kid in Disneyland? We are sold.
Muriel’s Kitchen is listed in our guide to London’s top 25 cafes & coffee shops.
36 – 38 Old Compton Street
London, W1D 4TT
Tel: +44 20 7434 0111
Mon to Sat: 8am – 12 Midnight
Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square/Piccadilly Lines
Wahaca
One of the places that left a deep impression on me is Wahaca. Its concept is similar to that of a Mexican market where you can get tasty and fresh hot food. Under the street food menu, there are tacos, tostadas, taquitos and quesaddillas – ideal for sharing. Otherwise, opt for the bigger plates comprising grilled items and burritos. Everything on the menu is priced under £10. This is definitely one of the best cheap eats in London.
80 Wardour Street
London, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7734 0195
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus/Leicester Square
19-23 Charlotte Street
London, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7323 2342
Nearest Station: Goodge Street
Workers Café
A ‘greasy spoon’ for the uninitiated is a good old British working café. At Workers Café, you can get a filling breakfast – consisting of egg, bacon, beans, bacon and black pudding – for just £6.
172 Upper Street
London, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7226 3973
Nearest Station: Highbury & Islington
For more recommendations, read our guide on where to eat in London.
Amazing photos and you are a great people. Thanks for all the suggestion and information. Good luck!
Read So much about koya but have just never got round to eating there! Now after reading your post i must make a trip there this summer!!!
These places sound awesome. I will definitely we trying some of these!
I’m going to London in two weeks. I really appreciate this information. I will be trying Pho and Ottolenghi. Thank you@
I was at The Worker’s Cafe two weeks ago, and the menu is plentiful and reasonably priced! The fries/chips are really good too.
Wahaca is superb but it’s extremely popular so a booking or early walk in is recommended. You should check out Newman’s Arms too… Affordable and yummy pies!
You can c’k out the muffin man tea shop, near high street Kensington stn and the muriel’s Kitchen near South Kensington stn the nxt time you head to london =)