There's no denying that our city is a wonderland of food - but let's face it, we're all feeling the pinch at the moment. You may think that eating out has become completely unaffordable, though we'll stop you right there; we've compiled a list of London's best dishes under £5. From bougie cheese and meat plates going at just £3.95 to hefty tacos for only £2, in the words of The Streets, here's what the shrapnel in your back pocket can afford.
Barrio: £2 Tacos
Taco-bout a great deal, eh? Barrio, which boasts outposts in Soho, Shoreditch and Angel, offers £2 tacos all day, every day. You can choose any from their menu; that means Buffalo tiger prawns, chipotle chickpea, griddled birria beef and pulled chicken-stuffed bites are all yours for basically just pocket change.
Pretty decor, delicious cocktails and delicious food under £5 in London make up this much-loved brand.
Mercato Metropolitano: £5 Weekday Lunch Deal
Mercato Metropolitano Elephant Castle is a literal wonderland of food. It boasts over 40 different vendors slinging out authentic, delicious fare from all over the world. And, if that wasn't enough, most of them also offer £5 lunches on weekdays from 12pm to 5pm. You can't deny that's better than getting a sad sarnie, packet of crisps and drink from Tesco.
For healthy dishes under £5 in London, head right this way.
The Book Club: £5 Drinks And
Pizza
Slinging cocktails, craft brews, and spinning tracks from local
DJs, The Book Club is a happening
Shoreditch joint well known for its wild parties and underground
club nights. And just when you thought it couldn't get any better,
this Brooklyn-style venue lets you score £5 house drinks
(wine/beer/spirits) and £5 pizzas until 7pm from Wednesday to
Friday.
Eating good for cheap is no small feat, but The Book Club has got you covered.
Spit and Sawdust: £2.50 Tacos On Wednesdays
12-hour braised beef, nestled with pico de gallo and cheese, accompanied by beef consomme for dipping? Or how about freshly caught battered fish with a smoked mussel emulsion and house salsa macha? Head to Spit and Sawdust to gobble down tacos stuffed with those beautiful combinations, as well as chicken, pork and confit mushrooms, for just £2.50 each every Wednesday.
This honestly has to be some of the best food under £5 in London.
Ollie's House: 50p Gyozas On Weekdays
Now, this one's a whopper. Ollie's House, the laid-back restaurant fronting beachy, tropical vibes in both Chelsea and Parsons Green, is feeding the masses with 50p gyozas (which come either steamed or fried) from 3pm to 6pm on weekdays. While there's a minimum order of five, that's still only just £2.50 - an absolute steal in our eyes.
You'll be transported to a tropical escape at Ollie's House.
Wright Brothers: £1 Oyster Happy Hour
Situated in South Kensington, Wright Brothers flaunts retro-style interiors, including bistro chairs, vintage artwork lining the walls and charming service. And, lucky for us, these seafood specialists are making sure you don't miss out on their legendary fruits de la mer, letting you slurp up oysters for just £1 each. Bag this crackin' offer on weekdays from 12pm to 6pm or on Sundays between 3pm and 6pm.
Aw, shucks that's a great deal.
St John's Tavern: £1 Wings
St John's Tavern in Clapham isn't just a home of 20 different beers on tap, showcasing the best South London breweries for your drinking pleasure. Oh no; this beauty also dishes up £1 wings on Wednesdays - meaning you can get your fill for a knock-down price. Flavours span Buffalo, salt and pepper, and sticky BBQ.
Time to get messy.
Mr Bao: Beef Chuck Or Tofu Bao £4.90 And Under
A firm South London favourite, Mr Bao has been filling the people of Peckham’s tums for many years now. It rustles up a range of tantalising Taiwanese treats, including its epic steamed buns, all £5.10 and under. However, there are two mighty options you can bag for £4.90 or less - the Beef Burnt Ends Bao is a total flavour sensation with BBQ shredded beef chuck, burnt onion sauce, pickled mooli and red cabbage slaw, while the Crispy Tofu Bao is a medley of tofu puffs, sticky soy glaze, pickled ginger and red cabbage slaw.
We bao down to these scrumptious eats at affordable prices.
Pick & Cheese: Meat And Cheese Plates From £4.35
From The Cheese Bar comes this fabulous place for cheap eats in London, Pick & Cheese, where you can nab a range of dairy-doused and heavenly meat dishes from a sushi-style conveyor belt. And the best part? Many of these are under £5. That’s a healthy slice of Cornish gouda for £4.35, chorizo for £4.90 and so much more. Stretchy waistbands at the ready, guys.
Feeling bougie but don't have the bank balance to match? Right this way.
Marugame: Udon Bowls From £4.95
Fronting numerous branches, in places like Oxford Circus, Bond Street and Canary Wharf, Marugame has won the hearts of the capital's money-savvy folk. Chow down on the comforting kake or go for the beaut BK - a steaming bowl of noodles in a rich, intense broth - both up for grabs at £4.95. But if you're still hungry? Chomp on a piece of £2.15 chicken karaage, enjoy some sweet potato tempura for £1.35 and so much more. One of the most affordable restaurants in Central London? You betcha.
U-don’t want to miss these affordable eats, but please note that the prices vary between branches.
Seabird: £3 Oysters
Seabird is not only an absolute beauty of a restaurant, thanks to foliage-covered spaces, Instagrammable vistas and a terrace to boot, but the team here are also making sure you can grab top seafood on a budget. Expect oysters at £3 a pop between 3pm and 6pm from Monday to Friday, all served alongside £7 martinis to make it a boozy one.
Views and cheap food? It's all on the cards here.
Bun House: £3.80 Steamed Buns
If you're on the hunt for cheap restaurants in London, Chinatown stalwart Bun House is cute, cosy and casual, plus rustles up a range of enticing East Asian eats. But what we're shouting about are the £3.80 steamed buns, with fillings such as sticky BBQ pork belly, beef flank or mixed mushrooms. Utilise their three for £11 offer by sharing with mates, as then they'll only be £3.60 a pop.
You ain't got buns, hun? Then make sure to check out this Chinatown fave.
The Palm House
In the heart of Victoria lies The Palm House, a tropical oasis offering energetic bottomless brunches and lively evenings with DJs providing the soundtrack. While it may be a pretty spot to tuck into some Florentine muffins under soft, coral lampshades, it's also a shout on Tuesdays when its delectable tacos are only £3.50 a pop all day. Feast on wheat tortillas loaded with barbacoa beef, jerk chicken, crispy fish and chipotle jackfruit for a bargain price.
You'll have no palms tucking into these cheap and cheerful tacos.
Looking for more of the best affordable restaurants in London? Check out our guide here and sign up to our newsletter.
