London is the amazing British city where people from all walks of life move over to to call that place home. Being one of the finest in the world, London is a dream destination with so much to offer.

However, living in London can be very expensive and dining out would mean taking a toll on your wallets. For locals, they cook a lot at home. For holiday goers, do you always think twice about stepping into a restaurant and ordering just everything that looks good on the menu, but eventually giving up that thought entirely because everything costs a bomb?

Yes, you are not alone. Eating in London can be an extremely costly affair and we are here to help. Having combed the city for great finds, here are London’s Best Cheap Meals For £10 And Under.

#1 BIBIMBAP

This nondescript Korean casual restaurant sits within SoHo, and while it may look boring, it is actually one of the best places for an affordable Korean meal. As its name suggests, Bibimbap specialises in Korean mixed rice. You can customise your own bibimbap, and they are averagely £7.50. Go for the pork one. That’s the tastiest. Remember to mix in more chilli paste for a fiery kick!

The menu also includes other Korean dishes such as Korean Fried Chicken (£5 for 5 pcs), Kimchi Pancake (£5.50) and Korean soups (£7).

11 Greek St, London W1D 4DJ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7287 3434
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat and Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

#2 BILL’S RESTAURANT – ENGLISH BREAKFAST

Not to be confused with Australia Celebrity Chef Bill Granger’s restaurant – Granger & Co – Bill’s Restaurant started off as a tiny shop in East Sussex and it has expanded to a massive empire with 20 outlets in London alone.

Bill’s is an all-day restaurant serving everything from breakfast to bedtime, and everything in-between. To be fair, Bill’s is not a dining destination and the food is not out-of-the-world. But the prices and portions are very reasonable and it is something you can rely on when you want a simple English meal without breaking the bank.

The English Breakfast – with fried free range eggs, tomatoes, sausage, mushrooms, streaky bacon and toast – is £7.95. Which is not a bad way to start your day. Else, the Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes (£5.95) are lovely.

36-44 Brewer St, London W1F 9TB, United Kingdom
Tel: 0207 287 8712
Mon to Wed: 8am – 11pm
Thu to Sat: 8am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 10.30pm
Nearest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus

#3 COOKHOUSE JOE – ROASTED CHICKEN

Cookhouse Joe is a Lebanese-influenced rotisserie chicken joint that sits at the corner of Berwick Street in SoHo. It only opens for dinner, and when it does, you have to go there for the signature rotisserie chicken.

For £7, you get half a chicken with two sauces of your choice – pick from Chili, Garlic, Yogurt and Cool Mint & Cucumber. Some people love their rotisserie chicken all white and succulent and naked; some like it juicy with a little bit of grease. Cookhouse Joe’s version is the former, so if you would like some no-frills and healthy rotisserie chicken, you know where to go.

55 Berwick St, London W1F 8SP, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 7970 555355
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Fri and Sat: 11.30am – 11.30pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus

#4 DISHOOM – BACON & EGG ROLL NAAN 

It is no secret that Dishoom is our favourite Indian restaurant in London. At 8am every day, queues will start forming at Dishoom (particularly the SoHo outlet). You would see businessmen, locals and travelers all waiting for tables for a wonderful breakfast.

The Bacon & Egg Roll Naan (£6.90) – smoked streaky bacon with two fried free-range eggs wrapped in a freshly baked naan; accompanied by a little cream cheese, chilli tomato jam and fresh herbs - is one of the best things you can eat for breakfast in London. It is flavourful in every bite, with a subtle contrast of East and West.

22 Kingly Street, London W1B 5QB
Tel: +44 20 7420 9322
Mon to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri: 9am – 12am
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus Station

#5 EAT TOKYO – CURRY KATSU RICE 

Eat Tokyo is one of those places that we would frequent if we were staying in London. The menu features a great variety of dishes and most of them are reasonably priced under £10. Long queues are often seen precisely because a meal there is very affordable (by London’s standards).

Try the Curry Katsu Rice – go for the sized-up version at £9. The portion will shock you with its generosity and most people wouldn’t be able to finish it. There is also a variety of chirashi-don that are under £10. While they may not be fish of supreme grades, we can’t complain much since it is so cheap, yes?

Do note that at Eat Tokyo, there is a minimum spend of £10 per person though.

16 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TL
Tel: 020 7439 9887
Mon to Sat: 12am – 11.30pm
Sun: 12am – 10.30pm
Nearest Tube Station: Covent Garden

#6 FLAT IRON – FLAT IRON STEAK 

Flat Iron Steak is a brilliant concept and one that is very well received in London. While the flat iron is not the best cut, at £10 for a steak, it is extremely value for money and warrants a visit.

The menu is simple – the flat iron steak (£10), the cut of the day (prices vary), and sometimes a special burger (prices vary). You can order accompanying sides such as Dripping Cooked Fries (£2.50), Creamed Spinach (£3) and Roast Aubergine (£3).

9 Denmark St, London WC2H 8LS, United Kingdom
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 12pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

#7 FRANCO MANCO – SOUGHDOUGH PIZZA

Even though Franco Manca has 22 outlets in London, there are always long queues at every outlet during dinner times. It is not difficult to understand why this chain enjoys such wide popularity in London.

The Sourdough Pizzas are really good and so close to what you would get in Naples, and they are all priced under £7 each – rest for some daily specials that might go up to £8. The tomato-based ones are the best; stick to them and you’d be fine. Definitely worth a try when you are in London!

51 Berwick Street, London W1F 8SJ
Mon to Wed: 12pm – 11pm
Thu to Sat: 12pm – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Tel: 0207 734 9330
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

#8 KOYA BAR – UDON

This Japanese eatery in Soho attracts crowds 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.

The original Koya might have closed, but you can still satisfy your udon cravings at Koya Bar. On a cold day, slurping down a bowl of Koya’s Buta Miso Udon (£9.90) will give you instant gratification.

50 Frith St, London W1D 4SQ, United Kingdom
Mon to Wed: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Thu and Fri: 8.30am – 11pm
Sat and Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square/ Tottenham Court Road

#9 NOSTEAGIA – GYUDON 

Nosteagia at Pump Shoreditch is perhaps more well-known for its bubble waffles, but what many people do not know is that it serves a seriously good Gyudon. Just look beyond the bubble waffles station and you will see a menu of Japanese-style rice bowls that are mostly priced under £6.

Go straight for the Gyudon; the rest can wait. Every slice of beef was well-marinated and juicy, and the rice is completely soaked with the warm, oozing beef sauce. At £6, this amazing rice bowl represents great value for money and it comes with a very generous portion that will fill you up.

Shoreditch Service Station
168-175 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6HU, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 7564 117339
Mon: Closed Tue to Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Train Station: Shoreditch High Street

#10 PATTY & BUN – SMOKEY ROBINSONS BURGER

Patty & Bun charges £8.75 for its Smokey Robinson Burger; it is so good that we will gladly fork out double the amount for it. It is, hands down, the best burger you can have in London. No one else comes close.

Other than the Smokey Robinson, there is also the Hot Chic Chicken Burger (£8.50) that features a huge slab of buttermilk chicken with coleslaw. London is synonymous with kickass burgers and Patty & Bun is probably the main reason why!

18 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TN
Tel: 0207 2871818
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri and Sat: 11.30am – 12.30am
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Tube Station: Covent Garden

#11 PRINCI – RISOTTO MILANESE

There is a reason why Princi sees a perpetual full house all day long – it is a sexy dining spot for any time of the day. Whether you are there for a hearty breakfast, a casual lunch with friends, or a dinner date, this outpost of the popular Milanese bakery chain is always buzzing with energy.

The best part? Prices are actually more reasonable than you think. The Risotto Milanese is £7, while you can get a Margherita Pizza for (£7.50). There is also a whole arsenal of Italian desserts on display that would have you go weak in your knees.

135 Wardour St, London W1F 0UT, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7478 8888
Mon to Sat: 8am – 12am
Sun: 8.30am – 10pm
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

#12 SEOUL BAKERY – BIBIMBAP

Probably one of the smallest Korean joints in town, Seoul Bakery may be small in size but big in popularity. It sits farther up from British Museum, and its menu is super affordable. From kimchi-jjigae to ramyeon to bibimbap, Seoul Bakery is a heaven for students.

Honestly, just skip the Korean soups as we’ve tried a few of them and they were pretty diluted and unsatisfying. But the bibimbap is worth a shot, and the sets are mostly priced at £7.50, where you get a soup, a side dish of kimchi or beansprouts, and a main dish.

14 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NH, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7240 0877
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 11am – 8pm
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

#13 SHOYRU – TONKOTSU RAMEN

Shoyru has several outlets across London, but the one in Kingly Court has the most wonderful vibes. We loved a good bowl of piping hot ramen while being caressed by the night breeze at the outdoor seats.

Shoyru has a complicated menu. Lots of choices there, but what you should turn your attention to is the classic Tonkotsu Ramen. In London, it is one of the closest you can get to an authentic bowl of Japanese ramen with a robust pork broth.

3 Denman Street London W1D 7HA
Mon to Sat: 11.15am – 12am
Sun: 11.15am – 10.30pm
Nearest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus

#14 SMACK – BRISKET ROLLS

Smack started out with £10 lobster rolls, which is a fabulous deal. They have recently jacked up their prices to £12, but it is still worth a shot. You get lots of chunky lobster meat cocooned in toasted pillowy brioche. Else, go for the brisket rolls that are £8 each.

The Lobster Bisque (£5) is a decent one too!

Kemble House, 58 Dean St, London W1D 6AL, United Kingdom
Mon: 12pm – 8pm
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri and Sat: 11.30am – 10pm
Sun: 11.30am – 8pm
Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square

#15 WOK TO WALK – FRIED NOODLES

This is probably the best cheap takeout you can have in London. Wok To Walk is a massive chain across Europe, and particularly in London, you can find it in many neighbourhoods. It specialises in Chinese-style fried rice and noodles, and the base price is £3.95 per box.

Customise your own and pick your staple – udon noodles, rice noodles, egg noodles, jasmine rice etc. Then, choose your favourite sauce (our favourite is Shanghai and Tokyo). Your staple would then be wok-fried (with huge flames!) with fresh vegetables and egg. ots of top-up options are available, and they range from prawns to bamboo shoots to chicken breast meat.

15 Argyll St W1F 7TP London
Tel: 020 7287 5491
Mon to Tue: 11am – 1am
Wed: 11am – 4am
Thu to Sat: 11am – 5am
Sun: 11am – 12am
Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus

For more recommendations, read our post on 35 Reasons Why We Are In Love with London.

Fine dining is a flourishing business in London, with countless of hopeful fancy restaurants competing endlessly to be at the forefront of this extravagant trade. From United Kingdom’s highest restaurant to the regular hangout of Kate Moss, these extraordinary places will make your dining experience worth every pound. Here are 5 of the best fine dining restaurants in London that you must dine at.

Duck and Waffle

Dining at Duck and Waffle is truly an extravaganza. Upon entering Heron Tower, feel your pulses quicken as you are transported to the 40th level in 12 seconds. Its prime location on the 40th floor and offers an unrivalled panorama view of the capital of United Kingdom. What is most astonishing is that the modern European restaurant-cum-bar is open 24/7!

As its name suggests, Duck and Waffle’s signature dish is Duck and Waffle – A tender duck confit complemented with a fried duck egg and maple-strewn waffle. Photography is prohibited when celebrities happen to dine in the restaurant.

Heron Tower
110 Bishopsgate
London EC2N 4AY
Tel: +44 20 3640 7310
Daily: 6am – 11am, 11.30am – 4.30pm, 5.30pm – 12 midnight
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street

Gauthier

Gauthier Soho is a multi-award winning restaurant that offers marvelous food at very affordable prices. Their prices remain humble despite having been featured in reputable press such as The New York Times and being bestowed a Michelin-star in 2011.

Believe it or not, two-course set lunches at Gauthier start from as low as £18 per head! The French brasserie is located in a homely setting and patrons have to ring the doorbell before being led upstairs to the dining area. Gauthier Soho certainly deserves to regain its Michelin star for its excellent food, gorgeous interiors and lovely staff.

21 Romilly Street
London W1D 5AF
Tel: +44 20 7494 3111
Mon: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

Hakksan

Hakksan was the first Chinese restaurant to be awarded a Michelin-star and till this very day, its prestigious star remains. Famous designer Christian Liaigre is the brainchild behind the dimly lit grand dining area, which grants patrons a sense of romantic intimacy.

Hakksan’s classy ambience and impressive dishes have revolutionized Londoners’ impression of Chinese food. The menu consists of traditional Cantonese cuisine with a Western twist. Start with their four-style dim sum platter, which consists of mouthwatering delicate fusion dumplings.

8 Hanway Place
Fitzrovia, UK W1T 1HD
Tel: +44 20 7907 1888
Mon to Wed: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 12.30am
Thu & Fri: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 12.45am
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 4.30pm, 6pm – 12.45am
Nearest Station: Green Park/Bond Street

Pearl Liang

British restaurant critic Giles Coren had given this thumbs up on Pearl Liang’s lobster noodles a few years ago and till date, the dish remains a hot favourite. After having a few bites of the aromatic dish, we had to agree with him.

Chunks of fresh lobster meat and chewy noodles dipped in the fragrant thick sauce had us sold. While prices are slightly steep (expect to pay two times more than what you pay in China Town), the aesthetics do make up for it. End your meal with the delicious deep fried chrysanthemum custard buns, which comes in a set of three.

8 Sheldon Sq
Paddington, UK W2 6EZ
Tel: +44 20 7289 7000
Daily: 12noon – 11pm
Nearest Station: Paddington

The Wolseley

While we will never be royals, the nearest experience of being one would be dining at The Wolseley. The grand European café’s stunning Venetian-Gothic architecture was once home to a prestigious car showroom in 1921.

Today, it is famed for its breakfast menu, especially the eggs benedict. During high tea, your eyes are in a treat as assortment of fluffy sandwiches, jam-filled scones and sweet cakes are stacked onto three tier stands. British celebrities are in favour of this glorious place and Kate Moss is the most frequently spotted one.

160 Piccadilly
Mayfair, UK W1J 9EB
Tel: +44 20 7499 6996
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Green park

About the writer
Hui Jun Ng was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc. She is currently on a break and traveling around the world. Follow her travel adventures on Instagram or The Keepers Map where she shares useful curated travel itineraries.

When I was planning my trip to London, there was only one goal – to squeeze in as many good meals as possible into my itinerary, and I am happy to tell you that I managed to check out most of the places on my to-eat list. The next time you are in London, I hope this guide on Where to Eat in London will be helpful.

Burger & Lobster

If there could only be one place for me to recommend, this would be it. The concept of Burger & Lobster is brilliant. There are only three items on the menu – burger, lobster and lobster roll – and at £20 each, they represent fantastic value. A whole fresh lobster grilled to perfection, a generous bowl of lemon butter dip, and served with a side salad and a bucket of fries – all for only £20?

It has the winning formula: a sexy crowd, delicious cocktails, unpretentious and fun atmosphere, and brilliant food at an unbeatable price.

36 Dean Street, Greater London W1D 4PS
Tel: +44 20 7432 4800
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

If you are a fan of Chef Heston Blumenthal – chef and owner of The Fat Duck – you should drop by Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the swanky Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park. Go there for their three-course sample menu during lunch, which is reasonably priced at £36.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA
Daily: 12pm -2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Knightsbridge

Fernandez and Wells

When you are in Soho, you should go to Fernandez and Wells for a coffee. They have three locations – Beak Street, Lexington Street and St Anne’s Court – in the area, so I am sure you can find them easily.

73 Beak Street, London W1F 9SR
Tel: +44 20 7287 8124
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus

Flat White

Another cafe in Soho to go for coffee is Flat White, a small and humble artisanal coffee joint which aims to bring good coffee to London.

17 Berwick Street, London, Greater London W1F 0PT
Tel: +44 20 7734 0370
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

Four Seasons Duck

Four Seasons Restaurant serves many Cantonese dishes, but what keeps people going back again and again is the legendary roast duck.

84 Queensway London, Greater London W2 3RL
Tel: +44 20 7229 4320
Daily: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bayswater

Hawksmoor

One of the most popular steakhouses in London, Hawksmoor has several branches in town, but we went to the new branch at Air Street, which is just a 2-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus station. Given the proximity to the theatres, it has a very value-for-money Express Menu for pre-theatre dining (5pm – 6.30pm), and post-theatre dining (10-11pm). A 3-course menu with a 250g ribeye as the main course is only £26.

5a Air Street, London W1J 0AD
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Tel: +44 20 7406 3980
Nearest Station: Picadilly Circus

Hix

This is a good place to sample Mark Hix’s signature seasonal British cooking in a stylish atmosphere. Some of the items on the main course menu include Ground Rib Steak Burger (£16.95), Glenarm Lamb Cutlets (£23.50) and Moyallon Bacon Chop (£18.75), but we would recommend the Hanger Steak with Baked Bone Marrow (£19.95). There is also a very hip underground bar where you can go for pre-dinner cocktails.

66-70 Brewer Street, London, W1F 9UP
Tel: 020 7292 3518
Daily: 12pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus

Hummingbird Bakery

A trip to London would not be complete without having the legendary red velvet cupcake from Hummingbird Bakery. Enough said. Do yourself a favour and pick up a red velvet cupcake; they make the world’s best red velvet cupcake, and few things in life are as satisfying as sinking your teeth into the moist and crumble red cupcake.

155a Wardour Street, Soho Square, London W1F 8WG
Tel: +44 20 7851 1795
Mon to Sat: 9.30pm – 8pm
Sun: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

Jamie’s Italian

Jamie Oliver needs no introduction. Jamie’s Italian serves rustic and comforting Italian fare at prices that will not burn a hole in the pocket. Pastas are available from £6 – £15, and most main courses are under £20.

11 Upper St Martin’s Lane, London WC2H 9FB
Tel: +44 20 3326 6390
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 11.30pm
Sat: 11.30am – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Covent Garden

Koya

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.

Koya is listed in our Top 10 Cheap Eats in London.

49 Frith Street, London, Greater London W1D 4SG
Tel: +44 20 7434 4463
Daiiy: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

L’Eto Caffe

And then, there is L’eto that sits on the same street as Hummingbird Bakery. They have an insane display of daily fresh bakes, and it is almost frustrating to pick just one. Every item baked and assembled with love, and you can almost smell the pastry chefs’ passion in every piece. The best part? They are very affordable.

155 Wardour Street, London W1F 8WG
Tel: +44 20 7494 4991
Mon to Tue: 8am – 9pm
Wed to Sat: 8am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

Little Social

For those of you who cannot get a table at Pollen Street Social, head to Little Social – Jason Atherton’s new restaurant that is just over the road from the original.

5 Pollen Street, London, Greater London W1S 1NE
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

Lola’s Bakery

When I asked for suggestions on Instagram for the best cupcake bakery in London, many people told me to try Lola’s Bakery. I have to say that the recommendations are spot on. The cupcakes from Lola’s are moist and very delicious. Definitely one of the best cupcakes in London.

16 Lansdowne Row, Berkeley Square, London W1J 8QF
Tel: +44 20 7495 6166
Mon to Fri: 9am – 7pm
Sat: 10am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Green Park

Maison Bertaux

Maison Bertaux, one of the oldest patisseries in London, is our go-to place for afternoon tea. They offer many beautiful cakes and pastries, but our favourite is their almond croissant.

28 Greek Street, London, Greater London W1D 5DQ
Tel: +44 20 7437 6007
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 11pm
Sun: 9.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

Ottolenghi

Ottolenghi is one place in London that sets a smile on my face because each visit sees me swooning over their amazing array of desserts and pastries. You will know why when you are there.

Ottolenghi is listed in our Top 10 Cheap Eats in London.

63 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AD
Tel: +44 20 7727 1121
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 8am – 7pm
Sun: 8.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bayswater

Pollen Street Social

Pollen Street Social by Chef Jason Atherton is one of the places that I have always wanted to try. After eating there, I am delighted to say that it lives up to its billing. Pollen Street Social serves a very good value-for-money set lunch (2-course for £26, 3 course for £29.50), which I highly recommend. It is a good way to dine there without breaking the bank.

8/10 Pollen Street, London W1S 1NQ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7290 7600
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

Polpo

In London, there are many great restaurants that serve simple and delicious food in a casual and lively atmosphere, and Polpo is one of them.

Polpo is modelled as a Londoner’s interpretation of a bacaro – a typical Venetian tavern that dishes out simple food and good local wines. Think of it as an Italian version of tapas restaurant where you order small plates and drinks to unwind after a long day at work. Prices here are affordable; all the tapas are under £10.

41 Beak Street, London W1F 9SB, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7734 4479
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 10.45pm
Sun: 12pm – 3.45pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

Pitt Cue Co

Pitt Cue Co is one of those no-reservation restaurants in London, and it is not because they are playing hard to get, but because they only have 30 seats. The food here is not rocket science; just good ol’ American barbecue.

With limited seating capacity, this is a quick service restaurant and not a place to linger. If you do not mind waiting in line, what you get in return is a hearty meal at very decent prices.

Pitt Cue Co is listed in our Top 10 Cheap Eats in London.

1 Newburgh Street, London W1F 7RB
Tel: +44 20 7287 5578
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

Punch and Judy

For a traditional British pub experience, go to Punch & Judy. This pub is where people go to grab a bite and have some drinks after work. The Sunday Roast, in particular, was hearty and satisfying.

40 The Market, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF
Tel: +44 20 7379 0923
Mon to Sat: 10am -11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Covent Garden

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

Gordon Ramsay’s recent appearance in Singapore is a testament to his popularity. Love him or hate him, he is a character and with so many restaurants under his name, there is bound to be one that you will like. The set lunch at his flagship Restaurant Gordon Ramsay at Royal Hospital Road is only £55 for a 3-course menu – surely a steal for a three Michelin star restaurant.

68 Royal Hospital Road, London, Greater London SW3 4HP
Tel: +44 20 7352 4441
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.15pm
Nearest Station: Sloane Square

Roast Restaurant

If you are going to the famous Borough Market on the weekend, start off with a hearty brunch at Roast Restaurant. Perched above the Market, Roast uses seasonal ingredients to create classic British cooking.

Borough Market, Stoney Street, London, Greater London SE1 1TL
Tel: +44 845 034 7300
Mon to Fri: 7am – 11pm, 12pm – 3.45pm, 5.30pm – 10.45pm
Sat: 8.30am – 11.30pm, 12pm – 3.45pm, 6pm – 10.45pm
Sun: 11.30am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: London Bridge

Most food lovers should be familiar with Chef Jason Atherton — who was formerly working for Gordon Ramsay at the highly-acclaimed Maze restaurant. Within the past two years, he has slowly built up his restaurant empire around the world. Some of his restaurants include 22 Ships in Hong Kong, Table No 1 in Shanghai, Esquina and Pollen restaurant in Singapore, and of course, Pollen Street Social in London – the first restaurant that he opened back in 2011 after leaving Gordon Ramsay.

I have heard a lot about Pollen Street Social from friends who are staying in London, and have always wanted to dine at the restaurant. After having a meal there, I am delighted to say that it lives up to its billing.

Pollen Street Social serves a well-priced set lunch (2-course for £26 and 3-course for £29.50). The set menu is small and concise, with three options under each category. We began with a refreshing Colchester crab salad, English asparagus, citrus, radish salad. Also good was a beautiful slow cooked egg with mushrooms on toast and crispy wild cabbage.

Following which, we had a Roasted Cornish Hake cooked in red wine, and accompanied by broccoli stem, cockles, crispy quinoa and whipped artichoke. The fish was fresh and tender, but what worked wonders for the dish was how the crispy quinoa and whipped artichoke complemented the fish.

The other main course was the perfectly-cooked Muntjac Deer with beetrot, red onions, puree potatoes, with smoked beetroot juice.

A pre-dessert of Pear sorbet with vanilla cream was served to cleanse the palate. To round off the meal, we opted for the Tiramisu. It was a deconstructed rendition consisting of chocolate sponge, Italian biscuit, Kahlua jelly, chocolate, mascarpone and chocolate sorbet. It was, in essence, a brilliant pairing in terms of textures and flavours.

The set lunch menu changes periodically, so most of the items that we had are no longer available. But you can be assured that the food at Pollen Street Social is always up to standard.

There are many fantastic restaurants in London that offer excellent set lunches, but I would venture to say that Pollen Street Social has one of the most value-for-money options in town. For something more substantial, go for the 8-course tasting menu at £79.

Pollen Street Social
8/10 Pollen Street
London W1S 1NQ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7290 7600
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus