Best Cheap Restaurants In London

• Location: The National Theatre, Upper Ground, Southbank, SE1 9PX
• Cuisine: international
• Why we recommend: we love stopping off here after a trip to the National Theatre, thanks to its versatile food options and convenient location

Fancy affordable restaurants in Central London? Sitting pretty on London's Southbank, The Understudy is your go-to for cheap food and affordable drinks. Whether you're a student or just on a budget, this vibrant spot has it all, including a 15% student discount every day.

From £15 meal deals (Monday to Friday, excluding Wednesdays) to a riverside terrace that's perfect for chilling after class, this is where good food and great deals meet. Dive into juicy Meltdown Cheeseburgers, savour Sen Noods' ramen bowls, or try mouth-watering Sireli wraps.

• Location: St Christopher's Place, Covent Garden and Shepherd's Bush
• Cuisine: Thai
• Why we recommend: the interiors here are very classy, but thanks to their great deals and inexpensive Thai menu it hasn't got the hefty price tag to match

Whether you're in St Christopher's Place, Covent Garden or Shepherd's Bush, you can count on Busaba for an affordable meal out. Their tasty Thai menus feature the likes of chicken satay, crispy duck noodles and wok-fried broccoli.

Visiting on a weekday? From 11am to 3pm, you can enjoy an express lunch menu for just £12, featuring a dish per person and a complimentary pot of tea.

• Location: 14-15 Langham Place, Marylebone, W1B 2QS
• Cuisine: European
• Why we recommend: we love the combination of grand architecture with an amazingly affordable set menu - proving that budget-friendly dining doesn't mean you have to compromise on style

In the heart of Marylebone, Richoux is a feast for the eyes with its classic architecture and long elegant dining room. There's just as much to please your tastebuds - and your wallet.

Drop in between Tuesday and Friday, or Saturdays from 4pm, to tuck into the amazingly affordable set menu. You can take your pick of two courses, including beef tartare, gnocchi and steak frites, for just £19.95.

• Location: 25 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, W2 6EY
• Cuisine: British
• Why we recommend: oysters are often seen as a high-end delicacy, but thanks to Smith's Bar & Grill you can enjoy them at an ultra-affordable price

Get your Friday and Saturday nights off to a delicious start at Smith's Bar & Grill with £1 oysters, chilled bubbles, and live tunes. From 6pm to 10pm, dive into fresh oysters for just a quid each, or go big with a bottle of prosecco or Champagne to elevate your night.

Want to mix it up? Pair your oysters with some crafty cocktails and let the beats of their live DJ and musician take you into the night from 8pm onwards. Who says oysters can't be the main event?

• Location: Bradmore House, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, W6 9BW
• Cuisine: European
• Why we recommend: their menu of small plates and pizzettes are fantastic, perfect for mixing and matching with friends in a laid-back setting

Looking for a place to eat that's sleek, modern and also incredibly affordable? Well, you're in luck when it comes to Cellar at Kindred in Hammersmith, a gorgeous all-day café and bar doing just that.

With a pretty terrace, olive green walls and leather booths, it's certainly a refined dining space catering to all sorts of meet-ups, be it dates or hangs with friends. Boasting European wines and seasonal menus involving pizzettes for under a tenner and £11 lunches, it's a buzzy neighbourhood spot that won't empty your pockets.

• Location: Canary Wharf, Victoria and Oxford Street
• Cuisine: international
• Why we recommend: home to some of the most inexpensive restaurants in London, Market Halls offers a great range of cuisines to suit all occasions, and the atmosphere is great here too

With locations in Canary Wharf, Victoria and Oxford Street, Market Halls has three major destinations serving up affordable meals in cool yet contemporary food hall-style spaces.

Ideal for groups or casual dates, they promise multiple bars alongside a selection of street food traders spanning global cuisine - think everything from delicious patties from Black Bear Burger, to incredible Mexican fare whipped up by the legends at DF Tacos. 

• Location: Museum Gardens, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA
• Cuisine: Italian
• Why we recommend: pizzas, pastas and burgers under £15 are always a win, especially when they're paired with wallet-friendly cocktails

For great food at wallet-friendly prices, The Solo Kitchen & Bar in Bethnal Green is a must-visit. Serving up delicious Italian-inspired dishes from pizza and pasta to indulgent antipasti, this all-day dining spot delivers top-tier flavours without the hefty price tag.

Whether you're popping in for a casual breakfast, a laid-back lunch, or a cosy dinner, you'll find quality dishes at prices that won't leave you wincing - all just moments from the underground station.

• Location: across London
• Cuisine: burgers
• Why we recommend: we keep coming back to Honest Burgers for their great quality patties and delicious toppings, and the incredibly affordable price is just a bonus

With venues in King's Cross, Oxford Circus, Soho and more, Honest Burgers are offering some of the most renowned and scrumptious patties around. The interiors are pretty casual - it's the food that does most of the talking, especially the specials, unique to each location.

Get seriously excited about tucking into burgers for just over a tenner, served with signature rosemary salted chips, with some great veggie options too. And between 11am and 4pm on weekdays, you can nab a burger, chips and a drink for only £9.95, with beef, chicken and veggie options to choose from.

• Location: 34 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8DA
• Cuisine: Latin American
• Why we recommend: this is more than just a restaurant, it's an entire night out. There are art exhibitions, live music performances and DJ sets on the cards, only made better by dinner for under £15

A bit of a Shoreditch locale for a cool atmosphere and affordable evenings out, Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes is as quirky as they come. The name comes from the 1980s bag and shoe wholesalers who used to occupy the building before it was turned into a two-floor arts and culture bar, playing host to music performances, workshops and more.

Alongside exhibitions, you'll find a delicious selection of cocktails and super affordable eats from Taco Collective, a pop-up that's evolved from Lewisham and Brockley Brewery. Nab two tacos for £8 or three for £11: toppings include 12-hour slow-braised beef brisket, hand-pulled king oyster and enoki mushrooms or black beans and feta.

• Location: across London
• Cuisine: Mediterranean and Middle Eastern
• Why we recommend: these guys have got you covered for brunch and a little later in the day, with so many plates for under £15. Plus, who can beat a £6 cocktail?

On the hunt for the best affordable restaurants London has to offer? Megan's, located across the capital in Balham, Chiswick and beyond, truly rustles up a seriously enticing selection of Mediterranean eats, from moreish brunch classics like shakshouka and mezze boards to share, through to salad bowls and posh kebabs.

On top of that, the cocktails are pretty epic too - finish your meal with a house espresso martini or a picante margarita. And if you visit on weekdays between 3 and 6pm, their happy hour promises £6 cocktails.

• Location: across London
• Cuisine: pizza
• Why we recommend: this is one of our favourite pizza spots in the city, and it's no wonder they've previously earned a place in the 50 Top Pizza Awards, among other accolades

London is lucky enough to have been graced with multiple Pizza Pilgrims sites in Carnaby, London Bridge and Camden – meaning award-winning Neapolitan slices for all. Their diverse menu features classic and quirky toppings, from mushroom and truffle to double pepperoni with hot honey and an 8-cheese spectacular, ranging from around £10 to £15 - with halal and vegan options available.

Dips are also on hand to ensure those crusts don't go to waste, as well as aperitivo cocktails and an irresistible Nutella pizza ring. Some sites even have outdoor seating and are dog friendly. 

• Location: Ealing, Bromley and Wembley
• Cuisine: pasta
• Why we recommend: the dishes here are fully customisable, so they'll please even the fussiest of eaters. We strongly recommend heading down on a weekday afternoon too, as they've got a fantastic lunch deal to try

Cheap and cheerful Pasta Remoli is a great affordable restaurant serving hungry Londoners in Ealing, Wembley Park and Bromley. Head to either of their venues to find a delicious menu of homemade pasta made with genuine Italian eggs and flour that can be customised however you like, right down to the cheese on top.

As for dishes, you can expect cacio e pepe, pork sausage ragu, carbonara and much more, with pizza available at some venues too. Mains start from just £13, and they offer a lunch deal of any pasta, side and drink for £15.95 on weekdays.

• Location: 11 London Street, Paddington, W2 1HL
• Cuisine: Indian
• Why we recommend: get down to The Mughal's for bold spices, generous portions and unforgettable tastes that won't break the bank

Right in the heart of Paddington, The Mughal's Indian Restaurant serves up halal royal Mughal flavours from its a la carte menu all day long. We're talking sizzling tandoori, rich creamy curries, fresh naans and fragrant biryanis.

There's plenty to pair with your plates, whether you're looking for crisp wines or refreshing lassis. This place won't worry your wallet either, with starters from £4.95 and mains from just £11.45.

• Location: Brixton, Elephant and Castle, Bethnal Green and Haggerston
• Cuisine: Venezualan
• Why we recommend: this is one of few Venezualuan restaurants in the city, giving you an authentic taste of this cuisine that won't break the bank

A trendy, laid-back restaurant with venues in Brixton, Elephant and Castle, Bethnal Green and Haggerston, Arepa & Co offers a menu of vibrant Venezuelan eats that won't break the bank.

Enter a contemporary dining space filled with navy walls and dangling lights to tuck into a selection of small bites like yuca fries, twice-cooked green plantain crostini with pico de gallo, and arepas filled with shredded beef and black beans. 

• Location: 110 Barking Road, Canning Town, E16 1EN
• Cuisine: Italian
• Why we recommend: it's non-stop deals at this place, and there are so many ways to save money throughout the week. We also love their half-and-half pizza, for when you just can't decide on a topping

Looking for authentic Italian eats at a great price? Then head over to Zzetta in Canning Town, where you can enjoy soul-fired pizza and pasta without breaking the bank. This relaxed eatery promises laid-back interiors with simple wooden furnishings and dark walls, as well as a great cocktail menu - starting from only £6.50 per drink.

They offer lunch deals for as little as £9.95 here, including any pizza or pasta and a soft drink. Plus, their all-day meal deal features two courses for £19.95, so you can pick from toppings like parma and burrata or wild mushrooms, followed by a freshly baked brownie.

• Location: across London
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Why we recommend: the iconic conveyor belt is always a fun way to eat, with countless dishes to pick up. If you want to sample lots of different Japanese treats at an affordable price, this is the best place for it

YO! Sushi outposts in the likes of Selfridges and Stratford are among the cheap restaurants Central London has to offer, especially when it comes to their set menu items AKA an absolute steal.

Head to this affordable Japanese hotspot to marvel at the sushi conveyor belt, or order tempting plates of chicken yakisoba, beef teriyaki, classic edamame and more, followed by ice cream bites wrapped in cherry cookie dough for dessert.

• Location: Nova Development, 150 Victoria Street, Victoria, SW1E 5LB
• Cuisine: Latin American
• Why we recommend: this lively destination is exactly where you want to be for midweek lunches, coming in at just £12.50, and they even offer bottomless brunch on weekends

When you see how gorgeous this 1930s Miami clubhouse-inspired space is, you'll be even more impressed when you take a peek at the menu boasting affordable prices. Head down to The Palm House for dishes with a Cuban influence, and dine surrounded by plush greenery and coral-coloured lamp shades.

On Tuesdays see tacos available for £3.50 each all day, topped with barbacoa beef, jerk chicken or crispy fish, and there's even an express lunch deal throughout the week where you can enjoy a main alongside a soft drink for £12.50 each. 

• Location: 234 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8SD
• Cuisine: Latin American
• Why we recommend: this casual destination is great for lunch on the go, with all sorts of Latin American-inspired street food up for grabs - we particularly love the burritos

After cool cheap restaurants in London? Not far from Brixton, you'll find Jalisco, where casual, Mexican-style fare reigns supreme. The family-run haunt has been serving delicious dishes for over 14 years and was founded by a husband and wife duo, Carolina and Wilson, the latter of whom trained as a chef in London.

Expect large, customisable burritos, enchiladas and quesadillas filled with chipotle chicken - plus all cocktails for washing it down are pretty cheap too.

• Location: 85 Putney High Street, SW15 1SR
• Cuisine: international
• Why we recommend: these guys focus on fresh, healthy food, and we always feel good after eating here. And be sure to come hungry, as their bottomless deal is unbeatable

OctaGreen is a great choice for saving your pennies. The South West London spot provides a warm and inviting environment to tuck into some healthy, hearty grub that doesn't come with the eye-watering price tag.

Fresh food is on the menu in the form of an amazing bottomless lunch deal where you can enjoy unlimited food for two hours at £18.95 per person. You can also bag a main and two salads for £9 if you're not looking to load up - choose from the likes of vegan moussakas, halal Thai chicken curries and more. 

• Location: across London
• Cuisine: international
• Why we recommend: whether it's a light lunch, an indulgent dinner or even bottomless brunch, Slug and Lettuce promises affordable fare at all times of day - and you'll struggle to find cheaper cocktails anywhere else

Slug and Lettuce have always been a name synonymous with affordability, with sites all over London, including Croydon, Richmond and their pretty Tower Bridge spot. The interiors are always gorgeous too, often featuring floral patterns and bold pink designs.

Head down to enjoy 2-4-1 cocktails throughout the week, and delicious picky plates (think chicken skewers, crispy coated prawns and halloumi bao buns) where you can bag three for £19. It also runs a cracking midweek deal, promising two courses and a drink for only £18.

• Location: 1 Sandell Street, Waterloo, SE1 8UH
• Cuisine: French
• Why we recommend: whether indoors or outdoors, Auberge is a pretty space to dine in, and this is our go-to for late-night dining in the week due to their two-for-one deal

A welcoming restaurant in Waterloo, Auberge is a stylish space decked out in dark walls, colourful furnishings and cool hanging lights - with an outdoor dining space to boot. You can enjoy French-inspired eats here, and they offer a two-for-one deal on all dishes from 8pm Tuesday to Friday.

Think sumptuous steak frites, confit duck with potato dauphinoise and blue cheese tagliatelle, all at a bargain price. Plus, they offer a complimentary glass of prosecco for groups of 20 or more. And if you're after cheap restaurants in London with a view? Then check out their rooftop terrace too.

• Location: across London
• Cuisine: burgers
• Why we recommend: for a premium burger that won't hurt your pockets too much, our top choice is always Black Bear Burger. And with so many venues across the city, there's bound to be one near you

Black Bear Burger is a popular burger joint in London known for serving up juicy, high-quality burgers in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere across the likes of Exmouth Market, Brixton and Canary Wharf.

The focus is on crafting flavorful, mouth-watering burgers using premium ingredients, including fresh British beef and homemade buns delivered directly from a bakery each day. The eats are fairly cheap here - you can bag a classic burger for around a tenner, and enjoy an array of chicken wings topped with blue cheese sauce without breaking the bank too. 

• Location: 16 Arches Lane, Nine Elms, SW11 8AB
• Cuisine: Malaysian and Singaporean
• Why we recommend: whether you're eating in or taking away, the street food here is bound to blow your mind - especially the namesake roti

Roti King is a Malaysian street food concept born from owner and chef Sugen Gopal's love of the country's authentic flavours and ingredients. It spans Euston, Waterloo and Battersea, near the Power Station, nestled under the arches with industrial interiors, silver chairs and an open kitchen where you can spy creations come to life.

You'll be spoilt for choice here, as everything on the menu is super affordable, from the creamy dahl served with two pieces of roti to the delectable beef rendang.

• Location: 245 Eversholt Street, Camden, NW1 1BA
• Cuisine: pizza
• Why we recommend: this is one of the quirkiest pizza restaurants around thanks to the vampire theme and their signature black bases, and there's always something fun going on

A quirky Camden eatery serving up vampire-inspired black charcoal pizzas, Lost Souls Pizza is a rock 'n' roll haven that features spooky lettering, monochrome posters scattered across the ceiling and is inspired by the 80s cult film, The Lost Boys. Wednesdays give you the biggest bang for your buck as, if you have the password from Instagram, you get two pizzas for £20.

Cleverly named pizzas include Fangs For The Memories (chorizo, peppers and onions), Crust 'Til Balls (meatballs, duh), and the Jack Skelly, which features a butternut squash base. On the drinks front, their happy hour includes two house cocktails for £15, available until 7pm and all day on Sundays.

• Location: 17 Beak Street, Soho, W1F 9RW
• Cuisine: steak
• Why we recommend: these guys are the masters of doing one dish to perfection, and there's always a crowd waiting to devour this affordable cut. Our favourite side? The beef dripping chips

Flat Iron is a beloved steakhouse in London that focuses on one thing: serving up delicious, high-quality steak at an affordable price. The concept is simple but effective - Flat Iron offers one cut of steak, the flat iron steak (£14), which is known for its rich flavour and tenderness, all cooked to perfection.

The restaurant prides itself on simplicity, with a streamlined menu that keeps things focused on the star of the show: the steak. You can enjoy it for an affordable price with lots of signature sides, like homemade beef dripping chips, creamed spinach and more. Oh, and did we mention that cocktails are only £9 too? 

• Location: 62 Wentworth Street, Aldgate, E1 7AL
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Why we recommend: they serve some of the freshest, most authentic noodles around here, and you can easily leave with change from a tenner

At this social, canteen-style eatery, you'll find some of the most silky and delicious noodles you've ever tasted. Only a short walk from Aldgate East, Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles is whipping up eats for under a tenner.

Begin with boneless chicken in special sauce, with a helping of smacked cucumber in garlic sauce (£7.80) for good measure, before moving onto its signature handmade belt noodles.

• Location: 48 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 5BY
• Cuisine: Mexican 
• Why we recommend: you can look forward to sets of tacos from £12 for three, and a brilliant three-milk sponge cake for just £3.50 

Guacamoles proves that some of the best affordable restaurants in London are also the most impactful. Keeping prices accessible without compromising on quality, Manolo de la Torre has created a Peckham spot where hand-crafted Mexican dishes, from richly spiced birria tacos to homely bowls of pozole, deliver serious flavour at a fair price.

Even better, a portion of every sale goes towards a non-profit supporting church building in Mexico, meaning every meal here does a little more good while still hitting all the right notes on taste.

• Location: 19 Ganton Street, Carnaby, W1F 9BN
• Cuisine: pasta
• Why we recommend: pasta for less than a tenner is hard to find, especially in Central London, but this place is cooking up some of the freshest dishes in sumptuous sauces for this kind of price

Created by British chef Stevie Parle, Pastaio brings pasta to the masses that's great value, doesn't scrimp on quality, and is also considerate to nature. The Carnaby location of this modern haunt features vibrant art adorning the walls and low-hanging light fixtures, and on marble-topped tables, you'll find seriously scrumptious plates.

Look forward to chomping on fresh ribbons of pasta covered in Ukrainian porcini Bolognese, wild mushrooms and parmesan or slow-cooked tomato sauce, followed by tiramisu.

• Location: Kingly Court, Kingly Street, Soho, W1B 5PW
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Why we recommend: this is a fully vegan restaurant, which often means high prices, but not at Club Mexicana. Plus, we love the bright pink decor

Looking for cool cheap places to eat in London? This bright pink beauty is not only eye-catching but also incredibly great value. When approaching Kingly Court, head over to Club Mexicana, a vibrant spot slinging out delicious plant-based tacos and margaritas.

Every plate here costs £15 or under, from Buffalo chick'n burritos to classic nachos. And throughout the week? Load up on three of the same fillings (think Baja fish and 'cheezburger') for £13.50. 

• Location: 50 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4SQ
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Why we recommend: with so many high-end Japanese restaurants across the city, it can be hard to find this cuisine on a budget - something which Koya really nails

Koya is a beloved Japanese noodle bar in London, known for its simple yet flavorful approach to traditional udon noodles. Located in the vibrant area of Soho, as well as Hackney and The City, Koya has become a go-to destination for those seeking authentic, high-quality Japanese comfort food for an affordable price. 

The menu revolves around udon, thick wheat noodles that are made fresh daily in-house. You can enjoy a plain steaming bowl of udon for under a tenner, or a selection of small plates instead. The English Breakfast version is not to be missed, made using shiitake mushrooms, an egg and bacon.

• Location: 129 Kingsland High Street, Dalston, E8 2PB
• Cuisine: tacos
• Why we recommend: with killer deals throughout the week, Del74 Dalston are ensuring that eating out doesn't have to be saved for special occasions

If you're on the lookout for bargain tacos, then you'll find plenty of them at Del74 Dalston, where they start from just £5.50 each - with extra discounts on Tuesdays. And if you can't make it down on that day? Fear not, as their happy hour on Wednesdays and Thursdays also promises great deals.

Hit up this cool, glossy tiled spot on Kingsland Road to make the most of the munchies mid-week, and enjoy toppings such as braised leg of pork alongside red pickled onions, sautéed tilapia topped with homemade coleslaw and smoky chipotle vegetables.

• Location: 159 Brick Lane, Shoreditch, E1 6SB
• Cuisine: beigels
• Why we recommend: this beloved community spot has been serving affordable eats on Brick Lane for decades, and they still keep their prices lower than most. You can get almost anything you want in your beigel, for less than the price of a coffee

While this one me be more of a shop than a restaurant, we still think it's well worth a visit. Brick Lane icon Beigel Bake is a family-run business that has been around since 1974, remaining fuss-free and down-to-earth, serving a menu of traditional Jewish baking that centres around freshly boiled and baked beigels.

They're open 24 hours a day, every day, so you can get your fix any time. Expect a wide variety of fillings, from smoked salmon and cream cheese to slat beef or avocado, with beigels starting from as little as £3 (or £1 if you're just getting it buttered). At those kinds of prices, you might as well get a sweet treat too - we recommend the millionaire shortbread.

• Location: 113 Waterloo Road, Waterloo, SE1 8UL
• Cuisine: pizza
• Why we recommend: the option to customise a pizza makes for a versatile meal that suits every taste, and a £10.90 margherita is always a steal

Grab some seriously tasty slices at very reasonable prices at this cool Waterloo haunt. Crust Bros serves up some of the best pizza in this city and is well-known for its leopard print crust (hence the name), as well as its bottomless brunches which include 90 minutes of unlimited pizza, free-flowing beer and prosecco for £40 per person.

If you're looking for a regular margherita however, you'll be able to inhale one here for the pocket-friendly price of £10.90. Plus there's even the option to personalise your own pizza with a choice of toppings.

• Location: 686 High Road, Leytonstone, E11 3AA
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Why we recommend: East Londoners have to get themselves over to Homies On Donkeys - we always feel welcome here and the food is top-notch without an elevated price

Homies on Donkeys proves that eating incredible food in London doesn't have to drain your wallet. This lively Leytonstone taqueria dishes up some of the city's boldest Mexican flavours at prices that keep locals coming back week after week. Founded by Smokey and Sandra Bello, the restaurant takes pride in serving high-quality, handmade tacos, salsas and sides without compromising on flavour or fun.

Tuck into generous plates like the bavette steak carne asada or the classic camaron enchilado (king prawns cooked in chilli, garlic and tomato), all while soaking up the soundtrack, street-art vibes and warm welcome that make this place feel like home.

• Location: 55 Broadwick Street, Soho, W1F 9QS
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Why we recommend: we love how the seats are set at different heights throughout the restaurant, giving everyone a great view of the action on the robata grill

From the legends behind Zuma, INKO NITO brings a London take on the Japanese Robatayaki to the streets of Soho. Expect delicious cuts of meat cooked over charcoal, along with super fresh sushi.

There's plenty of delicious dishes here that won't break the bank. Grab something straight from the robata grill for under 20 quid, from salmon fillet with garlic miso and grapefruit to half baby back pork ribs with Korean BBQ glaze.

• Location: 208 Stoke Newington High Street, Stoke Newington, N16 7HU
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Why we recommend: we love this spot for its depth of flavours and the cactus vegetarian option is a real highlight - though prepare to get sloppy 

For those seeking affordable restaurants in London that don't compromise on quality, Sonora Taqueria delivers in spades. Keeping things simple and focused, it offers expertly made tacos and burritos built on heritage techniques and top-tier ingredients, all at accessible price points.

The result is a no-frills, flavour-first experience where you can eat exceptionally well without overspending. 

• Location: 4 Bedale Street, London Bridge, SE1 9AL
• Cuisine: Greek
• Why we recommend: Borough Market can often be a pricey dining destination, but AGORA challenges that with its menu of plates for less than £10 each

At AGORA, simplicity meets flavour in the heart of Borough Market. This stripped-back souvla bar, nestled under sister restaurant OMA, showcases slow-roasted skewers of pork, lamb, and chicken cooked on an authentic Greek charcoal rotisserie.

Fresh puffed flatbreads, house-made dips, and sides like sage-infused potatoes complete the meal. Chef Jorge Paredes' focus on quality and bold tastes shines through in every dish, all served in a warm, minimalist space that captures the spirit of a Greek market stall. AGORA's Michelin Bib Gourmand accolade cements it as a top spot for casual, delicious dining.

• Location: Shoreditch and Borough Market
• Cuisine: pasta
• Why we recommend: we adore the fresh, indulgent pasta dishes Padella has to offer, and the bill is always a pleasant surprise. It's also one of the more generous pasta restaurants when it comes to serving sizes

Where would we be without Padella? The city's renowned pasta house was founded by Tim and Jordan, two guys with a passion for fresh egg delights and a desire to feed the people of London their creations, inspired by trips to Italy - and it just so happens to be one of the best restaurants in London for cheap pasta.

The first outpost began in Borough Market, with a second in Shoreditch opening up later on, much to the delight of those looking to book their spot (the former runs on a walk-in-only basis). The menu includes generous helpings of tagliarini with dried chilli, garlic and pangrattato, pici cacio e pepe and fettuccine with Cobble Lane Cured 'nduja, mascarpone and lemon.

• Location: 3 Bedale Street, London Bridge, SE1 9AL
• Cuisine: Greek
• Why we recommend: when you're hunting for fancy meals that don't break the bank, OMA is a great choice. Their food works well for sharing, giving you a real taste of Greece in the form of mezze dishes for between £3.50 and £15

Looking for an affordable Michelin star restaurant in London? OMA is found above Borough Market, created by chef Jorge Paredes and restaurateur David Carter. It's an intimate, atmospheric space, filled with dark furniture, a grey colour scheme and shelves full of wine.

Their food celebrates the flavours of the Greek Isles, with a few Levantine influences thrown in. While there are a few more expensive items on their menu, it's easy to find a budget-friendly meal here. Their dishes start from as little as £3.50, including mezze options like hummus with hot honey, crispy potatoes in labneh, tuna ceviche and more.

• Location: across London
• Cuisine: Taiwanese
• Why we recommend: we love popping into these casual but welcoming restaurants for a quick lunch or after-work meal, and with so many small plates for less than a fiver you can try several different bites on every visit

A casual eatery with outposts in Borough, King's Cross and beyond, BAO is bringing a taste of Taiwan to the city. These modern destinations front pared-back interiors, inspired by the western style cafes in Asia, featuring long wooden tables, alongside simple artwork and posters on the walls.

You can nab one of their signature bao from just £4.95, with fillings ranging from fried chicken to prawn. There are plenty more treats on the menu too, including grilled mushroom rice, soy-glazed cucumber, beef bone marrow noodles and more.

• Location: across London
• Cuisine: Portuguese
• Why we recommend: these neighbourhood restaurants are some of our favourites for sharing meals, and there are plenty of affordable plates to sample among a group of friends, all cooked to perfection over wood or charcoal

Whether you're in London Bridge, Victoria, Mayfair or beyond, head to your nearest Caso Do Frango for wood and charcoal-grilled Portuguese cooking in gorgeous surrounds. These neighbourhood joints are ideal choices of affordable romantic restaurants in London, featuring pretty greenery, exposed brickwork and unique decor.

Their menu is designed to be shared, from their signature half chicken grilled over coals to charred cauliflower and small plates like Iberico pork croquettes and salt cod fritters. Pair your meal with signature cocktails or budget-friendly draught beer.

• Location: 26-27 Lisle Street, Soho, WC2H 7BA
• Cuisine: bao
• Why we recommend: we all love a good bao, and these guys specialise in the delicious buns, with a simple but enticing menu of meat, fish and vegetable-based goods

Ideal for a quick, casual meal, Bun House is a busy destination in the heart of Soho, always having a buzz about it. It's inspired by 1990s and early 2000s Hong Kong and its streetside 'dai pai dong' stalls, with a simple, pared-back interior and a minimal menu.

Their perfectly fluffy bao are filled with everything from barbecue pork belly to roasted mixed mushrooms or lemongrass chicken thigh with coconut curry. You'll also find dim sum, wonton and other small plates up for grabs.