Affordable Restaurants In Essex

Fancy a delicious meal without breaking the bank? While we love dining out, it can come at a hefty price tag. But luckily for you, the city is filled with a plethora of cheap eats. From scrumptious pub lunches to banging meal deals and tantalising tapas for a fuss-free date, we're breaking down all the best cheap restaurants in Essex.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 11th June 2025




The Breakfast Club Chelmsford

Catering for your every need and with a distinct devil-may-care approach to things, the Breakfast Club in Chelmsford is always abuzz with energy and life. Decorated as a retro working man's diner, the bar is framed by quaint antiques and colourful furnishings. Full of character and life, and with a diverse menu of traditional British dishes and delectable comfort foods, this is a great place to escape the bustle of the city. 

ASK Italian Southend

Head to Southend-on-Sea to discover ASK Italian, found just a stone's throw from the pier. Their stylish interior features sleek wooden furnishings, pretty fairy lights and plants, with an outdoor terrace to boot.

You'll find a number of classic and signature cocktails here, starting from only £7.95. Pair these with a number of delicious Italian dishes, from burrata and pancetta carbonara to roasted artichoke pizza and traditional lasagne. Plus, there's a venue in Lakeside and Chelmsford too.

Original Plough Chelmsford

Situated on Duke Street, Original Plough Chelmsford is hands down one of the best cheap restaurants in Essex for lunch, thanks to their £6.75 weekday deal that includes a drink. Enjoy mixing and matching three tapas dishes for £13 too, featuring everything from nachos to crispy king prawns and BBQ bao buns.

Slug and Lettuce Chelmsford

🌸 Kids Under 12 Eat For £1 on Sunday's ❤️ and 1 other offer

Slinging out beaut brunches for under a tenner, afternoon teas and 2 for 1 cocktails, Slug and Lettuce Chelmsford is a must-visit. Choose from a wide selection of affordable meals including their S&L burger and fries which is served in a birdcage.

Why limit brunch to weekends? Slug and Lettuce keeps the party going all week long, offering Chelmsford locals two hours of sunshine, sharing laughs, and sipping mimosas with a side of eggs Benedict or a full English. You can also check out their restaurants in Southend On Sea, Romford or Colchester.

TGI Fridays Basildon

Whether you're in Basildon or Braintree, you can count on TGI Fridays to bring you a hearty meal at an affordable price. The US-inspired restaurant promises casual, colourful interiors and a welcoming atmosphere, as well as two-for-one cocktails.

As for the food menu, you can expect the likes of glazed beef burgers, cheesy loaded nachos and sesame chicken strips. They also offer cracking milkshakes, alongside delicious ice cream sundaes.

The Fatling Hornchurch

Boasting a beaut beer garden and a cracking selection of drinks, The Fatling in Hornchurch is a relaxed pub with purse-friendly bites. You can expect three small plates for £10.49, or if you're in the mood for something a little more hearty then nab a burger, chips and boozy bev for just £10.29.

Mowgli – Chelmsford

Make your way to the centre of Chelmsford to discover Mowgli, a stunning spot decked out in fairy lights, greenery and hanging rope swing seats. Owned by celebrity chef Nisha Katona, this culinary hotspot is inspired by the street food markets of India.

Their deliciously authentic dishes include tea-steeped chickpeas, butter chicken and slow-cooked marinated lamb - many of which cost less than a tenner.

The Merchant, Brentwood

Check out The Merchant in Brentwood and you'll be treated to fantastic deals, from brunch dishes under a tenner or generous sharing platters to classic fish 'n' chips and burgers. Thirsty? Grab a glass of wine for less than £5, or nab 2 for 1 cocktails every single day. 

Sark

A more swish eatery located in Maldon, Sark is a Mediterranean restaurant boasting the most delish Turkish fare. When you come during their lunch special from Monday to Friday, grab two courses for £9.95. We recommend pairing the aubergine salad with the chicken shish.