From £5 cocktails to £29 three-course lunches, these London restaurants prove that eating well in the capital doesn’t have to cost a fortune. All featured in our new go-to list, Twenty Classic London Restaurants, these are the places to hit up for great cooking and excellent value – whether you’re after Thai flavours, a canal-side lunch or a proper pub feast.
Kiln offers a lively, counter-seat take on Thai cooking, with dishes prepared over open flames and in claypots. The menu draws on regional flavours, balancing grilled meats with slow-cooked dishes and fragrant noodles. It’s a walk-in restaurant, so be prepared to queue at busy times. For the best value, order a selection to share rather than treating it like a traditional starter-and-main meal: a dish from the grill alongside something richer makes a satisfying combination. The cooking is bold, the format informal and the bill can stay reasonable with a little planning.
Set beside Regent’s Canal, Towpath is a relaxed choice for a seasonal lunch away from the bustle of central London. It doesn’t rely on a fixed-price deal to offer value; the attraction is fresh, thoughtful cooking in an unusually peaceful spot. Its menu changes with the ingredients available, so the best approach is to see what’s on the blackboard rather than arrive with a fixed order in mind. There’s no need to make a meal elaborate: choose a couple of dishes that appeal and enjoy the setting. Check opening days before making the trip.
Often credited with helping establish the modern gastropub, The Eagle remains a dependable option for unfussy food and a relaxed drink. Order at the bar and choose from a menu that takes inspiration from across Europe, with seasonal dishes alongside pub favourites. The ‘bife ana’ rump steak sandwich is a long-standing choice for a reason, while the daily specials offer alternatives if you’re after a fuller meal. For an affordable lunch, pair a dish with a beer or glass of wine rather than turning the visit into a lengthy, multi-course affair.
Smoking Goat specialises in Thai-inspired food made for sharing, with a menu that works as well for a casual drink and a few plates as it does for a full dinner. Expect lively flavours, from chilli fish sauce wings to seafood, salads and grilled dishes. Its informal approach makes it a useful option when you want something more exciting than standard bar snacks without committing to a formal meal. To keep costs down, order a mix of smaller plates for the table and add a larger dish if you’re still hungry. It’s an ideal spot for a sociable, flavour-packed evening.
Brutto brings Italian trattoria cooking to Farringdon, with a menu of familiar favourites and a lively atmosphere suited to everything from a quick aperitivo to a longer dinner. Its headline value offer is hard to overlook: Negronis and spritzes for £5 make it an appealing place to start the evening without spending a fortune on drinks. If you’re staying to eat, share a few starters before choosing pasta or a heartier main.
Quality Chop House, Clerkenwell
Quality Chop House pairs British, produce-led cooking with a dining room that has been part of London’s restaurant scene since the nineteenth century. Meat dishes are a natural draw, but the weekday set lunch is the smart way to experience the kitchen at a more accessible price: three courses for £29, Tuesday to Friday, with the menu changing fortnightly. It offers a chance to settle in for a proper restaurant lunch without paying à la carte prices. Check the current menu before visiting, particularly if you’re planning around a specific dish or dietary preference.
The Devonshire has become a popular Soho destination for its busy pub atmosphere, well-kept Guinness and substantial cooking. The menu leans into classic British pub fare, including steaks and chops cooked over wood fire. For a more budget-conscious visit, look out for its £29 three-course lunch, which has featured dishes such as prawn and langoustine cocktail, skirt steak and sticky toffee pudding. It’s a good reason to visit during the day, when you can enjoy a full meal at a set price rather than navigating the demand for an evening table.
Maison François offers a polished take on the French brasserie, serving classic dishes in a smart St James’s setting. The menu includes familiar Gallic favourites, making it a versatile choice for lunch or a longer meal. For a more affordable way in, its seasonal offers – £20 steak frites, for example – are worth looking out for. It gives diners a taste of the brasserie experience without committing to a full à la carte meal. Offers and menus can change, so check the current details before visiting.
