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
When it comes to cheap places to eat in Colchester, The Centurion is a firm favourite. They've got tacos, chicken and cauliflower wings for just £6 per portion, alongside loaded doughballs for under a fiver or a selection of juicy burgers and drinks deals to pair them with.
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.
Looking for cheap places to eat in Chelmsford or Colchester? Walkabout are dishing out £7.49 lunch deals every single day, as well as build-your-own burgers coming in at less than a tenner. What's more, you can nab three small plates for £12.99.
For cheap food in Essex, Golden Fleece is a grand shout. Tuck into juicy beef, chicken or plant-based burgers for under £15, as well as £10 loaded sourdough subs and an incredible selection of stone-baked pizzas paired with dreamy dips.
Boasting outdoor seating and delicious cocktails, The Chequers Matching Green also whips up some pretty killer cheap eats in Essex. Their mid-week lunch menu features 2 courses for £17 and 3 for £20 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm.
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.
One of the best restaurants in Essex for cheap food? The Bull Romford showcases a pocket-friendly menu filled with the likes of burgers, gourmet pizzas and sharing plates. Pair your meal with 2 cocktails for £11 during their happy hour.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks to loads of grill dishes alongside steak 'n' ale pies or burgers, Grosvenor Casino Southend is a great choice for pocket-friendly bites. But that's not all, as there are cheap drinks behind the bar alongside £8.50 pizza deals and plenty of games to boot.
Busaba Lakeside is nestled on the waterfront, serving authentic Thai flavours with a view. Snack on small plates like calamari and matchstick chicken, or if you're hungry then get stuck into main courses like green curry, classic pad Thai and flavourful soups.
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 Travellers Friend may be one of the oldest pubs in the city, but it also knows a thing or two about good grub. Most of their mains come in at £15 or less, or why not try a selection of small plates for under a tenner? think buffalo king prawns, crispy breaded mushrooms and fried halloumi.
Looking for affordable Italian restaurants in Essex? Pop over to Zizzi in Romford or Loughton for eye-catching interiors, from colourful wall murals to hanging lights, as well as a scrumptious menu of cheap eats. Fill your boots with pasta, pizza, calzone and £7.95 cocktails at this lovely dining destination.
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.
Fronting pulled pork tacos, chicken wing platters and breaded halloumi bites, Inn on the Green is great for catch-ups with friends. Most plates are less than a tenner so you can tuck into a few dishes while splitting a bottle of wine.
Even though Revolution might be known for their late-night libations, the venue also supplies tonnes of delicious grub. Their grazing plates start at just £5.25 while burgers, pizzas and platters come at a budget-friendly price. One of the most affordable restaurants in Southend? Absolutely.
