Cheap Eats London
British Balans-60 Old Compton St., W1 Transport: Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Sq
Balans is the city's best-known gay restaurant and has been since its inauguration in 1993. Some die-hard fans take all their meals here. Its extensive hours of service are almost without equal in London.Link
S&M Cafe LTD-268 Portobello Rd London, W10 5TY, United Kingdom +44 20 89688898 Transport: Notting Hill
S & M is very much part of the Portobello culture a regular hang out for the Notting Hill residents as well as market visitors. The ethos is unpretentious what you see is what you get: big portions of great quality traditional British grub, friendly service, a relaxed and informal environment and a small bill. Link
Square Pie-Selfridges Food Hall 400 Oxford Street London W1A 1AB (street access via orchard street) Transport: Bond Street (central and jubilee lines), Marble Arch (central line) Link Stock Pot-Old Compton Street Transport: Leicester Square
The Stockpot offers a range of dishes in an friendly and welcoming environment. An outdoor area is available for the good weather.Link
The West End Kitchen-5 Panton Street, London, SW1Y 4DL Transport: Piccadilly Circus
One of London's secrets! A brilliant find! So handy for the West End and quick service always if you are in a hurry. I've been a regular for a few years and everyone I recommend to it raves about the place. Great food, great value, great service. Never had a bad meal here. The breakfast is a fantastic plateful and the dish of the day cannot be beaten for value-for-money in Central London. Don't tell too many people though or it will get too busy and I won't get a table! Link
Buffets Club Mangia at the Punch Tavern-99 Fleet St, EC4Y 1DE (020 7353 6658) Transport: Blackfriars
Rub elbows with the business-types at for next-to-nothing. Just ?7.50 (15 $US)gets you an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord of international fare (beef goulash, dhal, pumpkin curry, and so on). There's a healthy selection of salads, too, to keep you from feeling like you've completely blown your diet Link
Kitchin N1-8 Caledonia St, N1 9AA Transport: Kings Cross tube/rail
Modern decor, tap lagers and stainless-steel food-warmers give this buffet restaurant something of a business hotel vibe. Pay a set price (6.95 lunch, 12.95 dinner, 9.95 pre-7pm dinner, 5.95 children) and you can fill up as many times as you like with the Indian, Thai, Chinese and Italian dishes on the central food servery and salad bar. Of the various ones we sampled, it was the Indian recipes that shone. Kitchin N1 should prove popular for office parties. Wines start at 11.95 a bottle, cocktails are 5.50 and theres a range of shooters at 3.95. Links
Kusinang Munti-913 Garratt Lane, SW17 0LT Transport: Tooting BroadwayThe Philippines three
centuries of colonial domination have left an intriguing Spanish-Mexican influence on the cuisine that you will have fun exploring on the all-you-can-eat buffet at this restaurant and takeaway. Costing just ?5.50 at lunch and ?6.50 at dinner, it features dishes such as pork or chicken adobo (stewed in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and peppercorns), satays, lumpiang (similar to spring rolls) and dinuguan (which includes meat, offal and black pudding). The spread is supplemented with other Asian dishes such as lamb masala, Thai green curry and Japanese tongkatsu. Link
Cafes Cafe Mambo-683 Fulham Road London SW6 5PZ Transport: Parsons Green
Cafe Mambo defies all expectations. It looks like a cafe (or should that be a builder's "caff"), and the first half of the menu reads as such. Bacon rolls, eggs, English breakfast, hamburgers, sausages... it could be anywhere, however, keep reading. The second half of the menu revels the true heart of the place, and the owners. Cafe Mambo is essentially a Colombian restaurant, albeit closed in the evening. The Arepas (corn meal pancakes perfectly fried) served with cheese, chorizo, or chicharrn (fried pork belly) are a great little snack, or try the pan de bono, a baked cheese bread not dissimilar to the Brazilian Po de queijo.Link
The Cat & Cucumber- Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 Transport: London Bridge
Food: excellent - never had a bad meal. I go every Saturday for an omelette and bubble! They do a meat and 2 veg dish during the week for about ?3-45. I tried the chicken, boiled pots, cabbage and gravy - biggest piece of chicken I have ever been served. Link
The Chelsea Bun-9 Lamont Road, Limerston Street, , London SW10 0HP Transport:FulhamBroadway
The Chelsea Bun - is a very well known place - for those in the know! Well worth every penny spent ! Generous portions.. But hey do ask what you want. If I want well done bacon - I ask for it & expect to therefore get it! Well worth seeking out!Link
Farm Cafe-101 Farm Lane London, SW6 1QJ Transport: Fulham Broadway
You simply cannot beat the Farm Cafe for excellent value, nutritious food to take the hunger pangs away after a hard morning's work and set you up well for the afternoon. It has the best of all possible worlds: healthy salads for when you realise your vitamin intake might be wanting and fabulous daily specials ranging from the tastiest vegetarian lasagne to chicken and lamb shish. You can get a great burger and chips for those more indulgent days, or a hangover cure in the form of an all-day breakfast. The veggie breakfast has great appeal even for meat lovers. Best of all, the owner never fails to make you feel welcome. A few lunches here and you won't want to go back to any of the chain alternatives on the Broadway.Link
Harris's Cafe Rest- Goldhawk Road, W12 Transport: Goldhawk Road
Gawd knows how many years its been there, Ive eaten there but is so cheap for hot English grub, appears to be a mecca for all the local lonely old men where they get their one cooked meal of the day. Cheap, and so many to choose from, like liver and bacon! Link
Marie's Cafe-90 Lower Marsh London, SE1 7AB Nearest Transport: Lambeth North
Marie's Cafe serves a variety of traditional English dishes as well as a selection of sandwiches, snacks and beverages. Catering for vegetarians is also provided.Link
Chinese Dim T-154-156 Gloucester Road, Kensington and Chelsea, London, SW7 4TH Transport: Gloucester Road
The menu is based on Thai Asian - with a reasonable selection of oriental dishes. The Dim Sum (steamed parcels of yummy stuff encased in gelatinous noodle) are extremely tasty and are available almost instantaneously in a wide selection of varieties. The 'create your own' noodle bar is fun - I chose to go for sliced sirloin steak with thick Shanghai noodles, Hong Kong topping served in a Tom Yum broth - presented in a huge bowl. Link
Hare and Tortoise-373 High Street Kensington, London W14 8QZ Transport: West Kensington
Hare & Tortoise you have done it again, your chicken chow mein is how the Italians would say bellissimo! Singopore Noodles another signature dish.Link
New Culture Revolution-157-159 Notting Hill Gate London W11 2LF Transport: Notting Hill Gate
This well known noodle and dumpling bar serves London's most authentic chinese dumplings/jiaozhi and also home made egg free noodles. The menu is varied and always popular with locals popping in for a quick bite or informal dinner. Must try are the dumplings and marinated shin beef. You can eat well for around ?7 per person. Link
Wong Kei- 41-43 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6PY Transport: Piccadilly Circus
Wong Kei!!! Could have been named with 4 words but just made 3. Quality 10/10, Quantity 10/10 Cheap 10/10 but customer service? Well, who cares as long as i walk in there with 4quid and come out 7mins later with a very full belly and a smile on my face, thats what makes me happy. I truly recommend the chili oil which is the best in the world. Link
Continental
Giraffe Kensington High Street- 7 Kensington High Street, Kensington London W8 5NP Transport: Kesnigton High Street
The Giraffe global menu (with the accent on healthy eating) has dishes such as Stacked Banana & Blueberry Pancakes, Goats Cheese, Marinated Pepper and Zucchini Quesadilla; to Wok Fried Noodles with Peashoots, Bok Choy, Napa Cabbage, Scallion and Wild Garlic Leaf. Giraffe also offers a varied selection of raw fresh juices. Child-friendly (maybe too child-friendly) and a brunch menu also available. Expect to pay around 10 per person for lunch/dinner.Link
Gastro Pubs/Wine Bars Cork and Bottle- 44-46 Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square,London,WC2H 7AN Transport: Leicester Square
Cork and Bottle Wine Bar is an intimate, cosy venue with an amazing wine list that offers over 40 wines that are available by the glass. A wide selection of dishes are also available across its extensive food menu.Link
Dirty Dicks-202 Bishopsgate City of London EC2M 4NR Transport: Liverpool St
Dirty Dick's is a traditional pub with bars on 3 levels with low beams. Bought by Young's in 1991 with Finch's pub chain. Link
Ha Ha Bar and Grill Victoria-Cardinal Walk,Cardinal Place,Victoria, SW1E 5AG Transport: St. James's Park
Ha! Ha! is a chain of restaurants / bars with a busy yet laid back atmosphere. They serve a variety of canteen-style International dishes as well as snacks, desserts, coffees and teas. They also offer their own range of sauces and dressings which are available to buy from the restaurants. Booking is advisable.Link
North Pole-13 North Pole Rd Ladbroke Grove, (W10 6 ) Transport: Notting Hill
British, Fusion and Pub Food Link
Simpsons Tavern 38 1/2 Ball Ct, Cornhill EC3 Nearest Transport: Bank
Most (if not quite all) reporters love this jolly good-value ancient chophouse, in a City back-alley, where perfect waitresses (all 70+) serve up traditional British food in proper portions. Link
Tiger Tiger London-29 The Haymarket, London SW1Y 4SP Transport: Piccadilly Square
Offering much more than just food, Tiger Tiger aims to cater for all your partying needs. With funky music, a vibrant atmosphere and comfortable surroundings, Tiger Tiger is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a meal and partying afterwards.Link
J D Wetherspoon Pubs Link
French Cafe Rouge-Various Locations
Cafe rouge is a french chain food place. this seems to be the right now food place. They do some good food here and they have the best steaks! service is great. worth a visit.
Indian Indian Veg Bhelpoori House-92-93 Chapel Market, London, N1 9EX Transport: Angel
You really couldn't top this place for value for money. It's a vegan indian curry buffet with five curries, three types of rice and lots of other bits like onion bhaji, popadum, roti, pakora, salads and dry snacks. The curries are tasty but not clever. There are three potato-based curries which are fairly indistinguishable, another a bit like motor paneer except it must have been tofu, and dhal. However, when you can eat as much as you like for ?3.95 you can hardly complain. It's always fresh and frequently topped up and the drinks are cheap too.Link
Indian YMCA Restaurant-41 Fitzroy Square, Marylebone London W1T Transport: Goodge Street
The hours are very specific, so breakfast is only 7-9am, Lunch 12:15-1:45pm, dinner is only from 7-9pm. But dinner is only ?5 and lunch is only ?4.50, and thats including your coffee. But it is, again, a canteen, so nothing fancy to be expected. It is, however, probably the cleanest eating establishment in the city - you could eat off those floors if you really wanted. But its a dry building: no alcohol served, and you cant bring your own in. Their coffee is rather good, though. Link
Masala Zone-147 Earl's Court Road London, Kensington and Chelsea, SW5 Transport: Earls Court One of the best, most popular, and most affordable Indian restaurants in the heart of London is this bustling eatery, serving authentic Indian home-style cookery. Link
Spicy Food Plus-83 Wilton Rd SW1V 1DL Transport: Victoria and Pimlico
Fabulous cheap Indian food. Don't let the cafeteria-like setting throw you off; the food is great. Dirt cheap delicious Indian food.Link
Italian Ask145 Nottinghill Gate, London, W11 3LB - Tel: 020 7792 9942 41-43 Spring Street, Paddington London, W2 1JA - Tel: 020 7706 0707 Whiteleys Shopping Centre, 151 Queensway London, W2 4SB - Tel: 0207 7921977 17/20 Kendal Street, London W2 2AE - Tel: 020 7724 4637
Its hard not to compare ASK with its sister chain Zizzi, and wonder exactly what separates them. Similar pizza, a choice of pastas and some safe salads make the quest difficult on face value, but its the surroundings where ASK stands out; many of its restaurants are situated in prime positions or in restored listed buildings. The Victoria branch is certainly impressive, with a swirling staircase. The pizza, though admirably adventurous in its toppings, can be hit and miss. Yet on our visit, seafood ravioli was fresh and flavoursome, substantial salads spot-on, and service quick and attentive.Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009 Link
Caffe Uno-Argyll St,Binney St,Charing Cross,Edgeware Road, Islington
Its easy to be suspicious of chain restaurants; sometimes walking into one feels like a gamble. But that shouldnt be your worry when visiting Caffe Uno on Argyll Street. With professional staff and lovely food, you will want to come back. Link
Fire & Stone-31/32 Maiden Lane,Covent Garden, London WC2E 7JS Transport: Covent Garden or Charring Cross
A very modern and vibrant interior and seating is available for both small and large groups. The service is very efficient and welcoming. A wide range of pizzas are on offer, cooked in a large wood fired oven and all moderatley priced. Desserts on the other hand, appear to be slightly over priced, but the pizzas are large enough that it'd be surprising if you needed a dessert as well! Their theme is pizza flavours from around the world, Asia, Americas, Australia, Europe, Africa etc. For example one of the best and my favourite from Asia the "Lombox", with marinated prawns and Chinese hoy sin sauce, just like Chinese duck pancake rolls (without the duck, obviously!). They do offer salads too if pizza is not your thing. Link
Italiano Coffee Company - ICC-46 Goodge St Fitzrovia London W1T 4LU Transport:Goodge Street, Tottenham Court Road
Oh man, I really love this place. As I said in my Londonist Whats for Lunch? review, its hard to beat good, cheap, hot, fresh pizza. Whether for a quick lunch or a late night treat, Iccos a gem. Link
Malletti Clerkenwell-174-176 Clerkenwell Rd, EC1R 5DD (020 7713 8665) Transport:Chancery Lane
Sohos favourite pizza al taglio (by the slice) spot is a welcome addition to the Clerkenwell-Bloomsbury borderland. A generous hand with quality ingredients makes everything tempting, from mortadella focaccia sandwiches to calzone with red peppers and aubergine. Prices start at ?3.50. Open 11am-4.30pm Mon-Fri. or bus 19, 38, 55. Lunch for two with drinks: around ?15. Link
Pizza ExpressAt least you know where you are with Pizza Express. If you're anything like us you probably don't even look at the menu anymore. You should however, because they're adding new stuff all the time. This branch is modern, stylish and extremely popular with the locals. No points for originality but hey- sometimes you just want a reliable pizza. When that time comes, come here. link
Strada-237 Earls Court Road, London, SW5 Transport: Earls Court
Strada is a chain of restaurants that serve retro Italian dishes such as pizzas cooked using a traditional wood fired oven. They also serve a selection of pasta and salad dishes. Their drinks list comprises a selection of carefully chosen regional Italian wines, beers and liqueurs.Link
Spanish La Tasca - Fulham-11 Jerdan Place, Fulham Island, London, SW6 1BE Transport: Fulham Broadway
Want to experience Spanish Tapas with your friends, family and loved ones? Look no further... Tapas for a Tenner Eat as much as you like for ?10. Available Sun to Wed 5pm to 9pm. Link
Caf Espaa-63 Old Compton St W1 Transport: Piccadilly Circus A cheap but interesting option, in the heart of Soho an always-bustling, slightly shabby and Bohemian
small caff, serving tasty dishes in portions so big, they almost belie the description tapas". Link
Thai /Vietnamese/ Marie's Cafe-90 Lower Marsh London, SE1 7AB Nearest Transport: Lambeth North
Marie's Cafe serves a variety of traditional English dishes as well as a selection of sandwiches, snacks and beverages. Catering for vegetarians is also provided. Link
Wagamama- 10a lexington St londonW1F 0LD Transport: Piccadilly Circus
Wagamama is frequently imitated but not yet bettered. It's a hugely popular minimalist-style canteen restaurant which has opened up a handful of new branches in central London and is superb for lunch. Diners eat at long, shared refectory tables which precludes any lingering or particular intimacy. Queues can form outside, but persevere you'll be rewarded with great bowls of soup and noodles enlivened with chilli, lime and coriander - perhaps not the strict ramen way, but tasty nonetheless. The raw juices are fabulous, but if wine's your thing - it costs ?2.50 a glass. Branches: 4A Streatham St, WC1; Lower Ground Floor, Harvey Nichols, SW1; 10A Lexington Street, W1; 26-40 Kensington High Street, W8; 11 Jamestown Road, NW1. Link
Tuk Tuk-56 Old Compton Street,Soho, London,W1D 4UE Transport: Piccadilly Circus
This place is a gem, situated in Soho, close to Leicester Square. it provide really tasty food at really affordable prices. Which is highly unexpected in the west end. The decor is clean and simple with a tradition noodle bar feel Link
Me Me-565 Fulham Road, London, SW6 9ES Transport: Fulham Broadway
An excellent authentic Vietnamese restaurant. Great prices, smiling faces, and the food is always spot-on Link
