Where to Eat in London: Good, Nice, and Cheap in 2024

Hey there, fellow food lovers and budget-conscious travelers! I’m thrilled to take you on a mouthwatering journey through the vibrant culinary scene of London. As someone who’s eaten their way through this incredible city more times than I can count, I’ve got the inside scoop on where to find delicious, affordable eats that’ll make your taste buds dance without breaking the bank. So, grab a cuppa, and let’s dive into the best places to chow down in London in 2024!

My Love Affair with London’s Culinary Scene

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of where to eat, let me tell you a little secret: I’m head over heels in love with London’s food scene. There’s something magical about the way this city blends traditional British fare with international flavors to create a culinary landscape that’s truly one-of-a-kind. From that first bite of a crispy fish and chips to the last spoonful of a creamy curry, every meal in London feels like an adventure.

I remember my first trip to London, years ago. I was a wide-eyed tourist with a rumbling stomach and only a few pounds in my pocket. Little did I know that I was about to discover a world of culinary delights that wouldn’t cost me an arm and a leg. That trip changed everything for me, and now I’m over the moon to share my favorite spots with you.

The Best Places to Eat in London: A Foodie’s Guide

Alright, let’s get down to business! I’ve scoured the city to bring you the cream of the crop when it comes to good, nice, and cheap eats in London. Trust me, these places will have you saying “Blimey!” faster than you can say “God Save the Queen!”

1. Terry’s Café London: The Ultimate English Breakfast Experience

Picture this: you’re sitting in a cozy café, surrounded by the chatter of locals and the tantalizing aroma of sizzling bacon. That’s Terry’s Café for you! This place is like stepping into a time machine that takes you back to the heart of traditional British cuisine.

I’ll never forget the first time I tried their Full English Breakfast. It was a revelation! The perfectly fried eggs, the crispy bacon, the juicy sausages, and those baked beans… oh my! And don’t even get me started on their black pudding – it’s the stuff of legends. The best part? You can have this hearty feast for around £10-£15. Talk about starting your day right!

What to Order:

• Full English Breakfast (obviously!)
• Bubble and Squeak (a delicious potato and vegetable dish)
• Their homemade tea cakes (trust me on this one)

2. Jacket Potatoes: A Simple Delight

Okay, folks, let me introduce you to one of Britain’s most underrated culinary treasures: the humble jacket potato. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “It’s just a baked potato, what’s the big deal?” But trust me, these spuds are something special.

The first time I tried a proper jacket potato in London, it was like a lightbulb went off in my head. The crispy skin, the fluffy interior, and those toppings… oh, those toppings! From classic cheese and beans to more adventurous options like coronation chicken or tuna mayo, there’s a jacket potato for every mood and craving.

Top Jacket Potato Spots:

• The Potato Project in Soho (they’ve got some wild toppings!)
• Speedy’s Sandwich Bar & Cafe near Euston (yes, the one from Sherlock)
• Any street food market (Borough Market has some great options)

3. Sandro Sandwich Bar: Sandwiches Fit for Royalty

Alright, sandwich lovers, get ready for a treat. Sandro Sandwich Bar, nestled near Buckingham Palace, is where I go when I want a quick, delicious, and affordable lunch that makes me feel like royalty (well, almost).

The first time I stumbled upon this place, I was a hangry tourist who had just finished gawking at the changing of the guards. One bite of their chicken and avocado sandwich, and I was in heaven. The bread is always fresh, the fillings are generous, and the prices? Let’s just say the Queen herself would approve.

Sandwich Suggestions:

• Chicken and avocado (my personal favorite)
• Egg mayo and cress (a British classic)
• Coronation chicken (when in Rome… or London, in this case)

4. The Edinboro Castle: Sunday Roast Heaven

Listen up, because I’m about to let you in on a quintessentially British experience: the Sunday roast. And in my humble opinion, The Edinboro Castle serves up one of the best in town.

I remember my first Sunday roast here like it was yesterday. The tender meat, the crispy roast potatoes, the fluffy Yorkshire pudding, all swimming in rich gravy… it was like a warm hug for my taste buds. And the best part? You can enjoy this feast in a cozy pub atmosphere that’ll make you feel like a true Londoner.

Sunday Roast Must-Haves:

• Roast beef (classic and delicious)
• Yorkshire pudding (don’t you dare skip this!)
• A pint of local ale (because when in London…)

5. St. Stephen’s Restaurant: Dining with a View

Okay, picture this: you’re munching on some delicious British fare while gazing at the iconic Big Ben. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, at St. Stephen’s Restaurant, it’s a reality!

The first time I ate here, I was blown away by the view almost as much as the food. Their Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting hug in a dish, and let me tell you, it tastes even better when you’re looking out at one of the most famous landmarks in the world.

What to Order:

• Shepherd’s Pie (obviously!)
• Fish and Chips (because you can’t come to London and not have it)
• Sticky Toffee Pudding (if you’ve got room for dessert)

6. Watch House Café: Coffee and More Near Tower Bridge

Coffee lovers, this one’s for you! Watch House Café, with its branch near Tower Bridge, is my go-to spot when I need a caffeine fix and a bite to eat after exploring one of London’s most iconic landmarks.

What I love about Watch House is that it’s not just about the coffee (which is excellent, by the way). They’ve got a great selection of sandwiches, pastries, and light bites that are perfect for a quick lunch or afternoon snack. And the best part? You can enjoy your meal with a side of people-watching and bridge-gazing.

Watch House Must-Tries:

• Their signature flat white (smooth and delicious)
• Avocado toast (because we’re in the 21st century, after all)
• Any of their freshly baked pastries (seriously, they’re all good)

7. Great Court Restaurant: Museum Dining Done Right

Alright, culture vultures, listen up! If you’re planning a visit to the British Museum (and you absolutely should), make sure to pencil in lunch at the Great Court Restaurant. Trust me, it’s not your average museum café.

I remember being skeptical the first time I ate here. Museum food is usually overpriced and underwhelming, right? Wrong! Their gourmet take on Fish and Chips blew me away. The fish was crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and the chips were perfectly golden. Plus, you’re dining under that stunning glass roof – talk about a feast for the eyes and the stomach!

What to Order:

• Fish and Chips (obviously!)
• Afternoon Tea (if you’re feeling fancy)
• Any of their seasonal specials (they’re always interesting)

8. The Lord Moon of the Mall: Pub Grub at Its Finest

If you’re looking for a true British pub experience without breaking the bank, The Lord Moon of the Mall is your spot. Located near Trafalgar Square, it’s the perfect place to refuel after a day of sightseeing.

The first time I walked into this pub, I felt like I’d stepped onto the set of a British sitcom. The atmosphere is cozy, the beer is cold, and the food… oh, the food! Their burgers are juicy, their fish and chips are crispy, and their prices are so reasonable you’ll think you’ve traveled back in time.

Pub Grub Favorites:

• Classic burger and chips
• Bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potatoes, for the uninitiated)
• Steak and ale pie (comfort food at its finest)

9. Circus Bros: A Veggie-Friendly Oasis in Camden

Now, I know we’ve been talking a lot about meaty British fare, but let’s not forget our vegetarian friends! Circus Bros in Camden Town is a Spanish-inspired spot that’s perfect for veggies and meat-eaters alike.

I stumbled upon this place during one of my many wanderings through Camden’s markets. Their veggie paella was a revelation – packed with flavor and so filling I didn’t miss the meat one bit. And the best part? Most dishes are around £5-£7. That’s a steal in London!

Circus Bros Highlights:

• Veggie paella (trust me, it’s amazing)
• Patatas bravas (because who doesn’t love crispy potatoes?)
• Any of their daily specials (always interesting and affordable)

10. Covent Garden: A Food Lover’s Paradise

Alright, food explorers, if you want to experience the heart and soul of London’s culinary scene, you’ve got to head to Covent Garden. This bustling area is packed with restaurants, cafes, and food stalls that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Every time I wander through Covent Garden, I feel like a kid in a candy store. The smells wafting from the food stalls, the colorful displays of fresh produce, the street performers adding a soundtrack to your meal – it’s magical. And the best part? You can find everything from high-end restaurants to affordable street food here.

Covent Garden Must-Visits:

• The Shake Shack (I know it’s American, but trust me, it’s worth it)
• Battersea Pie Station (for traditional British pies)
• The Real Greek (because sometimes you need a break from British food)

11. Flat Iron: Steak on a Budget

Steak lovers, rejoice! Flat Iron is here to prove that you can enjoy a quality steak in London without taking out a second mortgage. This place has become a bit of a cult favorite among locals and tourists alike, and for good reason.

The first time I ate at Flat Iron, I was skeptical. How good could a £12 steak really be? The answer: incredibly good. The steak is cooked to perfection, the sides are delicious (try the dripping-cooked chips!), and the atmosphere is cool without being pretentious. Oh, and did I mention they give you a free ice cream cone for dessert?

Flat Iron Favorites:

• Flat Iron steak (obviously!)
• Dripping-cooked chips
• Creamed spinach (trust me on this one)

12. Brick Lane: A Curry Lover’s Dream

If you’re craving some spice in your life, Brick Lane is the place to be. This vibrant street in East London is famous for its curry houses, and let me tell you, the competition for customers means you can get some amazing deals.

Walking down Brick Lane is an assault on the senses in the best possible way. The smell of spices in the air, the colorful signs, the sound of sizzling tandoors – it’s intoxicating. And the best part? Many restaurants offer BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze), which can save you a pretty penny on drinks.

Brick Lane Curry Tips:

• City Spice (winner of multiple curry awards)
• Aladin (a Brick Lane institution)
• Sheba (great for vegetarian options)

13. Borough Market: A Food Lover’s Paradise

Okay, food lovers, prepare yourselves for what I consider to be the holy grail of London’s food scene: Borough Market. This place is a feast for all your senses, and it’s where I go when I want to treat myself without breaking the bank.

The first time I visited Borough Market, I was overwhelmed in the best possible way. The sheer variety of foods on offer is mind-boggling. From artisanal cheeses to fresh oysters, from gourmet sandwiches to exotic fruits – you can find it all here. And the best part? You can sample a little bit of everything without spending a fortune.

Borough Market Must-Tries:

• Kappacasein’s grilled cheese sandwich (trust me, it’s life-changing)
• Bread Ahead’s doughnuts (especially the salted caramel one)
• Spice Mountain’s curry samples (to spice up your life)

14. Pizza Express: A British Institution

I know what you’re thinking – “Pizza Express? Really?” But hear me out. This chain is a British institution, and for good reason. It’s reliable, affordable, and hey, sometimes you just need a pizza, right?

What I love about Pizza Express is that you always know what you’re getting. The pizzas are consistently good, the atmosphere is casual and friendly, and they often have great deals (especially during happy hour). Plus, they’re everywhere, so you’re never far from a decent meal.

Pizza Express Favorites:

• American Hot (if you like it spicy)
• Padana (goat’s cheese and caramelized onion – yum!)
• Dough Balls (because no meal at Pizza Express is complete without them)

15. Camden Town: Alternative Eats for Alternative Folks

If you’re looking for something a little different, Camden Town is your spot. This quirky neighborhood is known for its alternative vibe, and that extends to its food scene too.

Wandering through Camden Market is like taking a culinary trip around the world. You can find everything from traditional British pies to exotic Asian fusion dishes. And the best part? Most of the street food stalls offer generous portions at very reasonable prices.

Camden Town Food Highlights:

• Chin Chin Labs (for liquid nitrogen ice cream)
• The Mac Factory (for gourmet mac and cheese)
• Oli Baba’s (for the best halloumi fries in London)

16. Chain Supermarkets: Your Budget-Friendly Best Friend

Okay, I know supermarkets aren’t the most exciting food option, but hear me out. London’s chain supermarkets can be a budget traveler’s best friend. Places like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Marks & Spencer offer great meal deals that can save you a ton of money.

I can’t tell you how many times a supermarket meal deal has saved me from both hunger and bankruptcy in London. For around £3-£4, you can get a sandwich or salad, a snack, and a drink. It’s not gourmet, but it’ll keep you going while you explore the city.

Supermarket Meal Deal Tips:

• Go for the premium sandwiches – they’re usually worth the extra few pence
• Check the reduced section for even bigger savings
• Don’t forget about the fresh fruit and veg sections for healthy snacks

17. Fish and Chips: A British Classic

Last but certainly not least, we can’t talk about eating in London without mentioning the quintessential British dish: fish and chips. This classic combo is available all over the city, from high-end restaurants to humble chip shops.

My favorite way to enjoy fish and chips is to get it from a local chippy and eat it in one of London’s beautiful parks. There’s something magical about unwrapping that paper parcel, the steam rising as you drizzle on the vinegar… it’s a truly British experience.

Top Fish and Chip Spots:

• Poppies (for a retro experience)
• The Golden Hind (a Marylebone institution)
• Any local chip shop (sometimes the unassuming ones are the best)