Where to Eat in London on a Budget

Restaurants, Cafes, Bistros, and More

Written by
Laura Porter
Laura Porter is an experienced UK travel writer specializing in all things to do with London.
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Laura Porter

Updated 06/26/19

Two young women eating takeaway food in market

Anouk de Maar/Getty Images

You don't need to spend a fortune to dine out well in central London. You just need to know where to go. All of the places below offer meals for reasonable prices. They are tried and tested by Londoners and visitors alike. 

01 of 06

Brasserie Zedel, Piccadilly Circus

Address
20 Sherwood Street, London W1F 7ED, UK
Get directions
Phone +44 20 7734 4888
Web Visit website

This grand Parisian-style brasserie by Piccadilly Circus is the place to head for a buzzy atmosphere and budget dishes. The fixed-priced two-course menu is a steal at £9.75 and there are daily specials and affordable French bistro dishes aplenty.

02 of 06

ICCO, Goodge Street

Address
46 Goodge Street, London W1T 4LU, UK
Get directions
Phone +44 20 7580 9688
Web Visit website

Known locally as ICCO, the Italian Coffee Company on Goodge Street serves large, cheap pizzas. This family-run joint is open early until late seven days a week and sells inexpensive whole pizzas. The coffee's pretty good too. 

03 of 06

Kulu Kulu, Soho

Address
76 Brewer Street, London W1F 9TU, UK
Get directions
Phone +44 20 7734 7316
Web Visit website

Kulu Kulu is a kiaten sushi Japanese restaurant in Soho, near Piccadilly Circus. It was one of the first restaurants to serve sushi on a conveyor belt in London. The decor is nothing to write home about but you go for the food, which is cheap and delicious. It's easy to keep track of what you're spending as the dishes are served on color-coded plates. There’s a 45-minute maximum stay length but that's enough time to enjoy your food. Kulu Kulu is great for sushi novices and for eat-in or take-out options. 

04 of 06

Wagamama, Various Locations

Address
17 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9HP, UK
Get directions
Phone +44 20 3876 3727
Web Visit website

The Wagamama restaurants are modeled on Japan's popular ramen bars and there are 15 branches in London alone. They all have long bench seats and the food is served quickly, so it's a popular option for a pre- or post-theater meal or for families. 

Continue to 5 of 6 below.
05 of 06

Leon, Various Locations

Address
62 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 6LT, UK
Get directions
Phone +44 20 7287 8477
Web Visit website

Leon is a 'fast-food' café that serves organic and fair-trade produce. It has a reputation for healthy, fresh, seasonal dishes and is popular for lunch take-outs. It's a great option if you have specific dietary requirements. Popular dishes include the Super salads, meatballs, and wraps. 

06 of 06

Indian YMCA

Address
41 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6AQ, UK
Get directions
Phone +44 20 7387 0411
Web Visit website

You'll struggle to find a cheaper curry house than this community-led restaurant at the Indian YMCA hostel on Fitzroy Square. Enjoy the restaurant either as a guest staying there or as a member of the public.

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