Where to Eat in London on a Budget

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.

Serving huge falafels, colorful salads, kebabs, hummus and flatbreads, Gaby's Deli on Charing Cross Road is a reliable budget option in the West End. Popular with actors (it's close to several theaters), politicians and the old celeb, this non-Kosher Jewish deli has been a fixture on London's budget cafe scene for more than 40 years.

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 whole pizzas from less than £4 a pop. The coffee's pretty good too. 

Hummus Bros serves homemade hummus with a choice of toppings including chicken and guacamole, beef and aubergine and tabouleh. Dishes are served with warm pitta bread, and salads and juices are available on the side. The food is quick, fresh, simple and delicious. In addition to the Soho spot, there are outlets in Holborn, Exmouth Market, St Paul's and more. 

Square Pie was founded in 2001 with the intention of improving the profile of the humble pie. By using high-quality fresh ingredients and proper chefs to make and cook the pies they have vastly improved the reputation of this simple British dish. The original pie shop is in located in Spitalfields Market but there are several shops in the city. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

You'll struggle to find a cheaper curry house than this community-led restaurant at the Indian YMCA hostel on Fitzroy Square. The set lunch/dinner costs just £8 at weekends and individual dishes are available for less than £1 throughout the week.