If you’re planning a trip to London, you’ll find that there’s almost an endless list of great places to eat.
That’s good for every visitor because you can find whatever cuisine you might fancy, but it also means you’re spoilt for choice.
Of course, this array of options will range in price, and if you’re on vacation, you might want to splurge at least a few times.
However, it’s always nice to find a unique place that delivers fantastic food at a reasonable price for the day-to-day stops for lunch or dinner.
Luckily this bustling capital boasts a variety of budget restaurants in every part of town, offering incredible culinary experiences without hefty price tags.
In this article, we’ve picked six standout favorites in the various parts of town you’ll likely visit so that you’ve got just a handful of must-visit eateries guaranteed not to let you down. We’re covering different parts of the city and different cuisines.
We’d go as far as to say eating at one of these places each day of your visit would be the perfect tourist food diary!
Roti King
Roti King is located just North of the Soho central area of London and is just a few yards behind one of the principal London strain stations, Euston.
So if you’re in the middle of the city or heading to Camden for the market, this is a perfect spot to pick up lunch. It is known for offering authentic Asian, Singaporean, and Malaysian cuisine.
At Roti King, you can indulge in their signature dish, roti canai, featuring flaky Malay flatbreads filled with various options such as egg, cheese, dal, curry, or even caramelized banana. The restaurant’s popularity comes from its commitment to providing customers with flavourful, high-quality food at reasonable prices.
While enjoying your meal at Roti King, expect a bustling atmosphere and a no-frills dining space, which adds to the charm of this budget-friendly eatery. If you want to bring your own booze, the restaurant allows BYO for a £5 fee!
Roti King can get very busy during meal times, so be prepared for a short wait in the queue. But rest assured, the delicious and budget-friendly cuisine will be worth it. Your taste buds and wallet will thank you for choosing this London hotspot.
Roti King, 40 Doric Way, London NW1 1LH.
Randy’s Wing Bar in Hackney Wick
If you’re heading to trendy Hackney to soak up the hipster vibe or going to the Olympic Park in Stratford, then this is the spot to drop in for a bite. Randy’s Wing Bar offers delicious and affordable food options located in the vibrant Hackney Wick area.
Expect to pay around £7 – £18 per person depending on your choice of dishes. Randy’s Wing Bar is well-known for its terrific selection of chicken wings, making it a must-visit for wing enthusiasts.
They also offer a variety of sauces and dips to complement these tasty wing flavors. In addition, the Randy’s Wing Bar experience is enhanced by its gluten-free options and canalside location, providing a pleasant ambiance for a budget-friendly meal.
It’s perfect for hanging out on a sunny day before heading around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Plus, we reckon the wings are as good as any you’ll find in London.
It’s open right through from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM, so it’s a perfect pit stop joint. With its fantastic food, beautiful location, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.
Randy’s Wing Bar, Canalside, Here East, 28 East Bay Lane, London E15 2GW
Fez Mangal in Ladbroke Grove
If you find yourself in the West of the city, you might be visiting Notting Hill or Portobello Market. That’s the time to make sure you visit Fez Mangal in Ladbroke Grove.
This cozy restaurant offers an authentic taste of Mediterranean, Barbecue, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
The welcoming atmosphere of Fez Mangal adds to the charm of this casual eatery, as the warm service makes you feel right at home. The menu offers many options, from vegetarian and vegan dishes to halal and gluten-free choices.
Some of the must-try dishes on their menu include the excellent Mixed grill platter (a variety of skewered meats cooked over a charcoal grill) or their renowned Moussaka, a classic baked aubergine, potato, and minced meat dish topped with béchamel sauce.
Fez Mangal is an ideal option when you’re in the mood for a quick bite, and prices are pretty affordable, with most dishes priced around £6-£12. The restaurant is open from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM, offering ample options for lunch, dinner, or even late-night snacking.
So if you find yourself near Ladbroke Grove, don’t hesitate to stop at Fez Mangal and treat yourself to a taste of the Mediterranean without breaking the bank.
Fez Mangal, 104 Ladbroke Grove, London, W11 1PY
Inko Nito
Back in the middle of the city, and if you’re after a great Japanese meal at a frankly fantastic price, head to INKO NITO. This Japanese restaurant can be found right in the heart of Soho. Its laid-back setting and innovative flavors offer a unique and affordable dining option.
At INKO NITO, you can expect a diverse menu filled with unconventional robatayaki Japanese fare and sushi. For a taste of their creativity, try dishes like the “Charred Octopus” or the “Beef Tartare.” Prices here are reasonable.
In addition to its tasty food offerings, INKO NITO offers a wide array of beverage options, including sake, beer, and cocktails, making it an ideal spot for an evening out on your trip.
No visit to London is complete without experiencing the city’s diverse culinary scene, and INKO NITO is an excellent addition to your list of must-try budget restaurants. So when you find yourself in Soho, be sure to stop by and enjoy a delicious Japanese meal at a reasonable price.
INKO NITO, 55 Broadwick Street, London W1F 9QS
Mercato Metropolitano
What about your best-budget food spot if you find yourself south of the river? If you visit the South Bank and all its venues, museums, and galleries, head to the Mercato Metropolitano.
Tucked away amidst the hustle and bustle lies this hidden culinary gem, a food market that offers a delightful experience without burning a hole in your pocket.
Mercato Metropolitano is a transformed paper factory that has become a go-to spot for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of London’s diverse flavors. The market boasts an array of delicious options from different stall holders that cater to all palates and budgets, making it the perfect pit stop during your South London adventure.
Here, you’ll find a tempting variety of different cuisines. From artisanal wood-fired pizzas to fragrant curries and juicy burgers to freshly rolled sushi, Mercato Metropolitano’s stalls offer an impressive selection that will satisfy any craving and any pocket.
Indulge in authentic Spanish tapas while sipping a glass of sangria, or treat yourself to a scoop of artisanal gelato made with the finest ingredients. You might even stumble upon a cozy wine bar tucked away in a corner, boasting an intriguing collection of regional vintages.
This is a great place to drop by because you and your fellow travelers have so many choices under one roof.
This is the original food market by Mercato, but there’s also one in a Church in swanky Mayfair and another in the East End’s Brick Lane – they are all great!
Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR
Poppies in Fitzrovia
When looking for budget-friendly dining options in London, it would be rude not to search out the legendary British dish of Fish and Chips.
And one of the very best is a small chain called Poppies. This East London fish and chip institution has a delightful 1950s atmosphere – you’ll notice Union Jack bunting and a red chopper bike chained to the front as you walk in. You can find their original place in Spitalfields in East London, but if you’re spending most of your time centrally, then their Soho outpost is the place to go.
Located at the heart of Fitzrovia, Poppies presents a comfortable and relaxed environment for you to enjoy some traditional British cuisine. The welcoming staff and cozy atmosphere make it perfect for a casual meal with friends or family.
The menu at Poppies features classic fish and chip dishes and some modern takes on the traditional fare. If you’re at a ‘chippie’, you really have no choice but to order the classic battered fish (cod, haddock, or plaice) served with chips and mushy peas.
It’s legendary.
Poppies Fitzrovia, 55-59 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 6HW
Six of the Best!
If you’re new to London, these six foodie spots will really get your juices flowing without breaking the bank.
There’s a type of cuisine for everyone, and we’ve given you options around the main areas of the capital that you’ll find yourself in when doing the tourist trail.
All are very highly recommended, so tuck in!
Also read: Pag Island, All You Need To Know!
About the Author
Dexter Jones is the founder and editor of Croatian travel site Novalja Local. He was born and raised in the North of England and lived all over the UK, finding the most exciting places, and he knows where to eat in London! He now lives in Croatia and works as a Croatia travel guide where he regularly travels the Balearics and the Adriatic coast and is an expert on travel in the coastal hotspots of Europe.