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 affordable restaurants in Essex.
Last updated on 29th March 2023
Slinging out beaut buffets, afternoon teas and a budget-friendly main menu, 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. You can also check out their restaurant in Colchester.
Situated on Duke Street, Original Plough Chelmsford is hands down one of the most affordable restaurants in Essex. Enjoy mixing and matching 3 tapas for £12 or 5 tapas for £18. Think everything from pulled beef tacos to crispy king prawns and BBQ bao buns.
Known for their freshly pulled pints and sports screenings, O'Neill's also knocks up scrumptious scran. When you grab a sourdough pizza or burger, you can tack on a drink for an extra £1.50. Their buffet packages are also ideal for a dinner party (starting at £7 per head).
For cheap food in Essex, Golden Fleece is a grand shout. Tuck into 3 small plates for £12.50 or enjoy a sharing platter for £16. The venue has a range of eats from plant-based burgers and bottomless brunches to stone-baked pizza and burrito bowls.
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 £10 during their happy hour.
Looking for affordable Italian restaurants in Essex? Pop over to Zizzi 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 so much more at this lovely dining destination.
Boasting outdoor seating in Essex and delicious cocktails, The Chequers Matching Green also whips up some pretty killer deals. Their mid-week lunch menu features 2 courses for £19 and 3 for £24 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm.
The Travellers Friend may be one of the oldest pubs in the city, but it also knows a thing or two about good grub. On Wednesday and Thursday, you can grab bavette steak and a glass of red wine for £12. Or opt for 3 starters for £20 if you're in a more peckish mood.
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 £4.50 while their burgers, pizzas and platters come at a budget-friendly price. One of the most affordable restaurants in Southend? Absolutely.
Fronting Beyond Meat sliders, chicken wing platters and breaded halloumi bites, Inn on the Green is great for catch-ups with friends. Plates are all less than a tenner so you can tuck into a few dishes while splitting a bottle of wine.
A more swish restaurant in Essex, 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 £8.95. We recommend pairing the aubergine salad with the chicken shish.
