
Eat on a budget in London doesn’t mean you must compromise on quality or taste. Plenty of delicious options satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.
London has a rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class attractions. However, one thing many tourists often worry about when visiting is the high cost of eating out. But don’t worry!
Enjoying the City’s Food

1. Sample Stellar Street Food
With the London street food scene having reached new heights, this is an unmissable experience. Try the isaw (skewered grilled chicken intestine) from the kiosks run by the London Filipino community or one of the currywurst sausages from Currywurst Maestros at Timi’s.
2. Take Yourself to an All-You-Can-Eat Restaurant
Who doesn’t love the idea of an all-you-can-eat restaurant? One such establishment worth visiting is the South Korean restaurant Yori in Clapham. Here, portioned out for you, are dozens of dishes from the Korean culinary lexicon.
3. Street Food Markets
Street food markets in London serve a range of delectable and affordable dishes. Borough Market, Camden Market, and Brick Lane are among the many street food markets where you can find everything from gourmet burgers to vegan dishes. Most meals at these markets cost less than a tenner.
4. Ethnic Eateries
The city’s multicultural population means you can find real cooking from all over the world to eat on a budget in London. Enclaves like Soho, Brick Lane, and Southall serve up mostly cheap and always superb Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern food, restaurants that often don’t serve up anywhere near the price of a typical sit-down meal. And the food is kind of amazing.
5. Meal Deals
Numerous convenience stores and supermarkets provide meal deals, including sandwiches, drinks, and snacks for around £3-£5. Tesco and Sainsbury’s offer excellent discounts on quick, easy meals that don’t break the bank.
6. Pubs and Cafés
Hearty meals at fair prices, especially during lunchtime, are a standard that traditional pubs offer. Special deals that you might encounter in these establishments include the “meal of the day” and the “pub lunch.”
7. Food Festivals
Watch for food festivals and events around the city. These often showcase local vendors and are a great way to sample various, and often freshly made, foods. You could easily traverse this list and spend very little overall.
8. Discount Apps
Use applications such as Too Good To Go, which enable you to buy food to eat on a budget in London that hasn’t been sold yet from restaurants and cafés for a lower price than usual. Not only does this help you save some cash, but it also cuts down on food waste.
9. Cook Your Meals
If you can access a kitchen, consider purchasing foodstuffs to prepare your meals. This can be an enjoyable way to work with local foodstuffs and save a few bucks.
10. Happy Hours
Numerous bars and eateries offer fantastic happy hour offers when you can indulge in reasonably priced brews and bites. They allow you to enjoy the low-key bar scene without breaking the bank.
11. Take Advantage of Lunch Specials
Many eateries present reduced-rate midday menus that can be substantially less costly than their evening fare. Seek out these bargains to relish a pleasant repast without the sizable tab.
12. Explore Local Bakeries
Pastry and sandwich prices at bakeries are mostly lower than similar offerings at full-service restaurants. They are a perfect substitute for a fast-casual restaurant for breakfast or lunch.
Should you require help traversing the metropolis while exploring these eating establishments, consider utilizing a Premium Chauffeur Service. This can provide you with a comfy and convenient route around London, letting you concentrate on enjoying your culinary adventure without the hassle of public transport.
Happy eating and exploring in London!
11 Budget-Friendly Places to Eat on a Budget in London for Under $50
Restaurant/Market | Location | Price Range | Description |
🍴 Borough Market | 📍 London Bridge | €10–€20 | 🌎 Iconic market offering fresh street food from around the world. |
🍽️ Dishoom | 📍 Covent Garden | €12–€20 | 🍛 Bombay-style café with affordable small plates. |
🍕 Franco Manca | 📍 Various locations | €6–€12 | 🍞 Delicious sourdough pizza starting at just £6. |
🍔 Camden Market | 📍 Camden Town | €10–€20 | 🌍 A diverse street food market with international cuisines. |
🍕 Pizza Pilgrims | 📍 Various locations | €8–€15 | 🍅 Neapolitan-style pizza with affordable prices. |
🥪 Pret A Manger | 📍 Various locations | €3–€10 | 🥗 Fast, fresh, and healthy sandwiches, salads, and soups. |
🌮 Wahaca | 📍 Various locations | €8–€15 | 🌯 Mexican tapas-style small plates perfect for mixing and matching. |
🍽️ The Ledbury | 📍 Notting Hill | €20–€30 | ⭐ Michelin-starred restaurant with affordable lunch options. |
🍛 Rasa | 📍 Stoke Newington | €10–€20 | 🍛 South Indian cuisine with great value thali dishes. |
🍤 Barrafina | 📍 Various locations | €12–€25 | 🍷 Spanish tapas-style small plates, great for sharing. |
🍣 Yo! Sushi | 📍 Various locations | €8–€15 | 🍱 Affordable sushi, including small plates like rolls and tempura. |
Eat on a Budget in London while enjoying

1. Street Food Markets: The Best Place to Eat on a Budget in London
One of the best ways to eat on a budget in London is by visiting the famous street food markets. These buzzing hubs are home to various affordable and mouthwatering dishes worldwide. Whether you’re craving tacos, burgers, or vegan delicacies, street food markets are necessary.
- Borough Market: This iconic market offers a fantastic range of reasonably priced food options, from fresh pastries to gourmet sandwiches.
- Camden Market: Known for its eclectic vibe, Camden Market offers street food that is as diverse as the people who visit it. Grab a quick bite for under €5!
- Maltby Street Market: Located in Bermondsey, this hidden gem is a favourite of the in-the-know. The food is delicious and affordable.
Pro Tip: Many street food markets have seasonal specials, so check them out for even better deals!
2. Chain Restaurants with Great Deals
If you’re looking to eat on a budget in London without searching too far, many chain restaurants offer tasty meals at affordable prices. These chains are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Wagamama: A British favourite, Wagamama offers a range of Asian-inspired dishes like ramen and rice bowls that won’t drain your wallet.
- Pret A Manger: For a healthy, quick, and budget-friendly lunch, Pret is a great option. Their sandwiches, soups, and salads are perfect for a grab-and-go meal.
- Leon: A “natural fast food” restaurant serving healthy and delicious meals at a reasonable price. Their menu includes everything from grilled chicken to vegetarian options.
3. Pubs with Affordable Pub Grub
Visiting a pub for a hearty meal in London is a quintessential experience. And guess what? Many pubs offer budget-friendly menus without sacrificing taste. Here’s where to find some great pub grub.
- The Churchill Arms (Notting Hill): This charming pub offers excellent food at a budget-friendly price. Try their famous Thai food menu — it’s both delicious and affordable!
- The Seven Stars (Holborn): Known for its traditional British dishes like fish, chips, and pies, The Seven Stars provides excellent value for money.
- The White Hart (Southwark): Offering a delicious range of affordable dishes, such as Sunday roasts and burgers, The White Hart is the perfect spot for a cozy meal on a budget.
4. Fast Casual Restaurants for a Quick Bite
Not all budget meals need to be from street vendors or pubs. There are also fast-casual restaurants in London offering tasty food at reasonable prices. These spots are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, or for eat on a budget in London when you’re in a rush but still want something satisfying.

- Franco Manca: If you’re craving pizza, Franco Manca is a great place to indulge. Their sourdough pizzas are affordable and delicious.
- Dishoom: Offering a modern take on traditional Bombay street food, Dishoom is famous for its flavorful and affordable menu. Try their lunch menu for the best deals.
- Pizza Pilgrims: Pizza Pilgrims is where pizza lovers can eat on a budget in London. Their Neapolitan-style pizzas are both tasty and wallet-friendly.
5. Supermarkets with Ready-to-Eat Meals
For those on an ultra-tight budget, don’t forget about the supermarkets! Many of London’s supermarkets offer ready-to-eat meals at super affordable prices. You can grab a meal deal or a pre-packed sandwich to keep you full without emptying your wallet.
- Tesco Meal Deals: For just a few pounds, you can get a sandwich, drink, and snack. It’s a budget-friendly option for tourists looking for a quick bite.
- Sainsbury’s: Sainsbury’s also offers similar meal deals, and their pre-packed salads, sandwiches, and wraps are perfect for eating on the go.
- Marks & Spencer: Known for high-quality food, M&S offers affordable meal deals and a fantastic selection of ready-made meals.
Welcome2.London: Your Resource for eat on a budget in London
Welcome2.London is a priceless resource for tourists wanting to eat on a budget in London while keeping to a strict budget. It is a straightforward process to find good, inexpensive places to eat.
The Tube and city buses are the primary forms of public transportation, and both are easy to figure out—the real advantage of using Welcome2.London, however, is in setting up your day-to-day agenda. The website allows you to make booking comparisons for some of the city’s main attractions.
- Why use Premium Chauffeur Service?
- Comfortable and reliable transport: Skip the crowded trains and buses, and enjoy a private ride wherever you go.
- Flexible travel: Whether heading to a business meeting or sightseeing, Premium Chauffeur Service offers tailored options to suit your needs.
- Affordable pricing: With a range of packages to suit every budget, it’s an excellent choice for tourists who want both convenience and quality.
- Comfortable and reliable transport: Skip the crowded trains and buses, and enjoy a private ride wherever you go.
To book your Premium Chauffeur Service, you can reach them directly:
- Call Centre: +44(203)8264125
- Office Hours: 09:00-17:00 (Mon-Fri)
- Email: contact@chauffeurz.london
You can also easily book your chauffeur service directly through Welcome2.London platform for added convenience.
Quick Tips to Eat on a Budget in London:
- Plan: Check out menus online before visiting restaurants to avoid surprises.
- Visit local markets: Borough and Camden markets are goldmines for affordable and tasty food.
- Look for meal deals: Supermarkets and fast-casual restaurants offer great deals that keep costs down.
- Use booking comparison sites: Websites like Welcome2.London offers fantastic comparison tools to help you find the best budget-friendly dining options.
Hurry! Eat on a Budget in London
London’s food scene is one of the most varied and vibrant in the world. There is something for every taste and every budget; if you want to eat on a budget in London, you can do so without necessarily damaging your bank account.