Discover the Best Affordable Restaurants London Has to Offer in 2026
- comedyinyoureye
- 2 hours ago
- 11 min read
Finding a decent meal in London without emptying your wallet can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. But fear not! London's food scene is massive, and thankfully, it's not all about fancy tasting menus. We've dug around to find some of the best affordable restaurants london has to offer in 2026, proving you can eat brilliantly without spending a fortune. From steaming bowls of noodles to hearty pies, there's something for everyone.
Key Takeaways
Lanzhou Lamian Noodle Bar is noted for its late-night noodles at a great price.
Roti King is praised for its Malaysian comfort food, especially the Roti Canai.
Beigel Bake offers a 24-hour service with a wide range of affordable bagel fillings.
Sud Italia serves authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, including a famous 'wallet pizza' for £5.
Arments Pie and Mash is highlighted as a traditional spot for London's original fast food.
1. Lanzhou Lamian Noodle Bar
Right, let's talk about Lanzhou Lamian Noodle Bar. Tucked away in the bustling heart of Leicester Square, this place is a bit of a gem if you know what you're looking for. They serve up some seriously good noodle soup, and honestly, it's the kind of food that just hits the spot, especially when you need something warming and flavourful.
The star of the show here has to be their hand-pulled noodles. You can really taste the difference when they're made fresh. The beef noodle soup is a classic, with a rich broth that's been simmered for ages, and the tomato and egg version is surprisingly tasty too. Don't be shy with the Sichuan peppercorns they offer – they add a fantastic tingle.
Here's a little breakdown of what to expect:
Noodle Soups: The main event. Go for the beef or the tomato and egg. They're hearty and packed with flavour.
Freshly Pulled Noodles: You can see them making them, which is always a good sign. They have a great texture.
Late Opening Hours: Handy if you're out and about late in the West End.
Some people might get a bit put off by the occasional rumour about hygiene ratings, but honestly, don't let that put you off. It's a busy spot, and sometimes paperwork just gets forgotten. The food is good, the prices are fair, and it's a proper taste of something authentic.
It's a no-frills kind of place, so don't expect fancy decor. What you get is honest, tasty food at a price that won't make your eyes water. Definitely worth a visit if you're craving a proper noodle fix.
2. Roti King
Tucked away near Euston station, Roti King is a proper gem for anyone craving authentic Malaysian flavours without breaking the bank. It’s not a fancy place, mind you, but that’s part of its charm. You can actually watch the chefs at work, stretching and grilling the roti dough right in front of you. It’s quite mesmerising.
The star of the show has to be the Roti Canai. It’s wonderfully flaky and crispy, a bit like an Indian paratha, and it’s the perfect vehicle for their rich, aromatic chicken curry. Seriously, it’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and just savour it.
But don't stop there. Their beef rendang is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the laksa is packed with so much flavour, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. It really feels like a little taste of Malaysia has landed right here in London.
Here’s what you absolutely must try:
Roti Canai: The signature dish, flaky and delicious.
Chicken Curry: Rich, flavourful, and pairs perfectly with the roti.
Beef Rendang: Slow-cooked, tender, and deeply satisfying.
Laksa: A fragrant and spicy noodle soup.
It’s the kind of place where the food speaks for itself. Simple setting, incredible tastes, and prices that make you want to come back again and again. Definitely a must-visit for affordable eats.
3. Palmyra's Kitchen
Palmyra's Kitchen is a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away and serving up some seriously tasty food that won't break the bank. It's the kind of place you might walk past if you weren't looking, but once you've been, you'll definitely want to go back. They really focus on getting the flavours right, and you can tell they put a lot of care into each dish.
What's great about Palmyra's is that even if you're not ordering a massive feast, the portions are still really generous. You get a good amount of food for your money, which is always a win, especially in London. It means you can have a really satisfying meal without feeling like you've spent a fortune.
Here's a little taste of what you might find:
Mezze Starters: Perfect for sharing, with options like hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel.
Grilled Meats: Think succulent lamb kofta and chicken skewers, often served with rice or salad.
Vegetarian Delights: Plenty of flavourful options beyond just the usual.
The atmosphere is usually pretty relaxed, making it a good spot for a casual lunch or a low-key dinner with friends. It feels authentic and unpretentious.
If you're looking for good value and genuinely good food, Palmyra's Kitchen is definitely worth checking out. It's a solid choice for affordable eats in the city.
4. Beigel Bake
Right then, let's talk about Beigel Bake. This place on Brick Lane is an absolute legend, and honestly, it's the kind of spot you'll find yourself craving at all sorts of odd hours. They've been serving up their famous bagels since 1974, and they're open 24/7, which is a lifesaver when you need a bite at 3 am.
They churn out a staggering amount of bagels every day – we're talking around 20,000! You can get them with all sorts of fillings, but the absolute star of the show has to be the salt beef bagel. It's a proper East End classic. If that's not your thing, the cream cheese and salmon is also a winner. For a simple butter bagel, you're looking at about £1, while the cream cheese and salmon will set you back around £4.50. It’s hard to argue with that kind of value, especially in London. You can find out more about their history and what makes them so popular on Tripadvisor.
Here's a quick rundown of some popular choices:
Salt Beef Beigel
Cream Cheese & Salmon Beigel
Smoked Salmon Beigel
Tuna Mayo Beigel
It's one of those places that feels like it's always been there, a constant in the ever-changing London food scene. The queue might look a bit daunting sometimes, but it usually moves pretty quickly, and it's all part of the experience.
5. Sud Italia
Tucked away in Spitalfields Market, Sud Italia brings a genuine taste of Naples right to East London. They're known for their authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, cooked up in a distinctive blue van. It’s a proper slice of Italy without the airfare.
The star of the show has to be their Pizza Portafoglio. This translates to 'wallet pizza', and it's easy to see why. For a mere £5, you get a classic Margherita, expertly folded, making it super easy to eat on the go. It’s a simple concept, but the execution is spot on – a perfectly cooked base with fresh, tasty toppings.
Here's what you can expect:
Pizza Portafoglio: A folded Margherita, perfect for a quick and delicious bite.
Authentic Neapolitan Style: Made with traditional methods and quality ingredients.
Affordable Price: A real bargain for the quality you receive.
They also offer a selection of sauces to add an extra kick to your pizza, so don't be afraid to experiment a little. It’s a great way to add your own twist to a classic.
It’s the kind of place you can grab a fantastic, no-fuss lunch that won't break the bank. Definitely worth seeking out if you're in the area and fancy a proper pizza.
6. Murger Hanhan
Tucked away near the border of Mayfair and Soho, Murger Hanhan is a real find for anyone craving authentic Xi'an cuisine without breaking the bank. This place specialises in the bold flavours of Shaanxi province, which means you're in for a treat if you like a bit of spice and plenty of taste. Their signature dish, the 'Murger' or Roujiamo, is a must-try – think of it as a Chinese hamburger, a soft flatbread stuffed with slow-cooked, spiced meat. It’s a simple concept but executed brilliantly.
Beyond the Murger, the Biang Biang noodles are legendary. These wide, hand-pulled noodles are served with various toppings, and they're incredibly satisfying. You'll also find Liangpi, or cold skin noodles, which are a refreshing and flavourful option, especially on a warmer day.
Here's a quick look at some popular choices and their approximate prices:
Murger (Roujiamo): Around £5-£7
Biang Biang Noodles: Starting from £10.80
Cold Skin Noodles (Liangpi): Around £8-£10
Set Menu (Murger + Drink): Approximately £18.90
The food here arrives pretty quickly, and the service is generally friendly and efficient. It’s a great spot for a casual lunch or a relaxed dinner when you want something tasty and filling.
Murger Hanhan offers a genuine taste of Xi'an street food, bringing distinctive regional flavours to the heart of London. It's a place where you can enjoy hearty, well-prepared dishes that feel both traditional and excitingly new.
7. Arments Pie and Mash
Right then, let's talk about Arments Pie and Mash. This place in Bermondsey is a proper London institution, serving up what's often called London's original fast food. It's a bit of a throwback, you know? Back in the day, there were loads of these pie and mash shops all over the city, but now there aren't many left. Arments is one of the good ones, though, a real survivor.
They've been using the same recipe for their pies for ages, and honestly, you can taste the tradition. The pastry is that proper shortcrust kind, and the minced beef filling is hearty. Then you've got the mash – it's creamy, fluffy, just how it should be. You can get it with the traditional 'liquor', which is a parsley sauce, or if that's not your thing, they do a decent gravy too.
If you're feeling brave, you can even try the jellied eels. They look a bit unusual, I'll give you that, but for a lot of Londoners, it's a taste of home. It's definitely an experience, and part of what makes a proper London food pilgrimage.
Here's a rough idea of what you might get:
Pie, Mash, and Liquor: The classic combo.
Jellied Eels: An acquired taste, but a local favourite.
Gravy: A good alternative if liquor isn't for you.
It’s not fancy, but it’s honest, filling food that won't break the bank. A proper slice of old-school London.
8. Adchaya
Tucked away in South Wimbledon, Adchaya is a straightforward spot for Sri Lankan and South Indian food. It’s not the sort of place you go for fancy decor, but honestly, who cares when the food is this good? The flavours here are really something else, authentic and packed with taste.
If you're after a proper meal without breaking the bank, their vegetable thali is a winner. For just £7, you get a generous plate with steamed rice, a selection of five different vegetable curries, poppadoms, and a side of rasam. It’s simple, yes, but incredibly satisfying. They also do a fantastic chicken curry for around £10, which comes with a rich, thick sauce that’s perfect with either their tandoor-baked naan or some fluffy rice.
For a quick bite, you absolutely have to try their naan roll. It’s a seekh kebab wrapped in their signature naan bread and then baked in the tandoor. At only £2.50, it’s probably one of the best value snacks you’ll find anywhere in London.
Here’s a quick look at what you might want to try:
Vegetable Thali: A complete meal with rice, five veg curries, poppadoms, and rasam.
Chicken Curry: Rich, flavourful, and great with naan or rice.
Naan Roll: A tandoor-baked wrap with seekh kebab – a real bargain.
Vegetarian Kothu: Worth ordering as a side dish.
Adchaya proves that you don't need a flashy setting to serve up truly memorable food. It’s a place that focuses on what matters most: delicious, honest cooking at prices that make sense. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for authentic Sri Lankan flavours without the hefty price tag.
9. Daawat
If you're after some proper, home-style Pakistani grub without breaking the bank, Daawat in Tooting Broadway is a solid shout. It's not fancy, mind you, but that's part of its charm. Think simple decor, maybe a bit dated, but the focus is squarely on the food, and it really delivers.
The menu is packed with all the usual suspects you'd expect from a good Pakistani restaurant, but it's the execution that makes Daawat stand out. They do a cracking job with their curries – rich, flavourful, and just the right amount of spice. The tandoori dishes are also a highlight, cooked perfectly in the traditional clay oven, giving them that lovely smoky char.
Here’s a little peek at what you might find:
Kebabs: From seekh to shami, they’re usually well-spiced and tender.
Curries: Think lamb karahi, chicken korma, or a hearty daal – all made with care.
Biryani: A classic, and theirs is usually fragrant with good quality meat.
Naan & Roti: Essential for mopping up all that delicious sauce.
It’s the sort of place where you can go with mates, order a few different dishes to share, and have a really satisfying meal without worrying too much about the bill. It feels authentic, like you're eating in someone's home rather than a commercial kitchen. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area and fancy some comforting, flavour-packed food.
The real draw here is the feeling that you're getting a genuine taste of Pakistani home cooking. It's unpretentious and satisfying, exactly what you want when you're looking for good value food.
10. Richard Haward’s Oysters
Tucked away in the bustling heart of Borough Market, Richard Haward's Oysters is a must-visit for any seafood lover. You can't miss their stall, usually buzzing with people eager for a taste of the sea. They serve some seriously impressive oysters – big, plump, and tasting exactly like you'd hope they would: fresh and briny.
They often have a fantastic deal on, making these luxurious treats surprisingly affordable. You can have them simply with a squeeze of lemon, or if you fancy a bit of a kick, a dash of Tabasco is available. Personally, I think they're best enjoyed just as they are, letting the natural flavour shine through. A glass of bubbly alongside is highly recommended to complete the experience.
Here's a quick look at what you might expect:
Oyster Varieties: Typically a selection of native and rock oysters, depending on the season.
Accompaniments: Lemon wedges, Tabasco sauce.
Pairings: Sparkling wine is the classic choice.
If you're looking for a genuine taste of the ocean without breaking the bank, Richard Haward's is the place to go. It's a proper market experience, and the quality of the oysters speaks for itself.
So, What Are You Waiting For?
Right then, that’s a wrap on our look at London’s best budget-friendly eats for 2026. It’s pretty clear that you don’t need to splash out a fortune to have a brilliant meal in this city. From tasty noodles and hearty pies to flavourful curries and amazing pizzas, there’s something for everyone, no matter your taste or your wallet size. So get out there, try some of these places, and let us know what you think. Happy eating!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of food can I expect at these affordable London restaurants?
You'll find a fantastic mix of tasty food from all over the world! Think yummy noodles, flavourful Malaysian dishes, delicious pizzas, hearty pies, and even fresh oysters. There's something for everyone, no matter your taste.
Are these restaurants good for a quick bite or a sit-down meal?
Many of these places are great for grabbing a quick and tasty meal on the go, like a pizza slice or a bagel. Others are perfect for a more relaxed sit-down dinner where you can enjoy a full meal without spending too much.
Do I need to book a table at these places?
For most of these budget-friendly spots, booking isn't usually necessary, especially if you're popping in for a quick meal. However, if you're planning to visit during busy times or with a group, it might be a good idea to check their website or give them a quick call just in case.
What's the average price range for a meal here?
These restaurants are chosen because they're super affordable! You can expect to get a delicious meal for around £10 or even less in many cases. Some amazing snacks or smaller dishes might only cost a few pounds.
Are there options for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, many of these restaurants offer great vegetarian and even vegan choices. From vegetable curries and thalis to hummus bagels and pizzas, you'll find plenty of plant-based options to enjoy.
Can I find these restaurants easily in London?
These restaurants are spread across London, in areas like Covent Garden, Brick Lane, and Borough Market. It's always a good idea to check a map or their address online before you head out to make sure you know exactly where to find your next tasty, budget-friendly meal!