The best affordable restaurants in Islington

Rabieng Thai sits on Upper Street in Islington and keeps things simple with classic Thai dishes in a cosy, neighbourhood setting. It feels relaxed without trying too hard, and the BYOB policy keeps the price down, which is handy if you are watching the budget. You will find favourites like tom yum, coconut curries and wok-fried noodles, along with classics such as chicken satay and papaya salad. The room stays lively on weekends, and the overall vibe is laid-back, friendly and easy to settle into.

If you're looking for a homey and affordable Islington restaurant that nonetheless feels a bit special, head to Little Georgia. The kitchen here serves hefty plates of Eastern European cuisine, including khachapuri breads oozing with melted cheese, butter, and egg yolk, and khinkali dumplings stuffed with different fillings. Soviet-era posters add colour and character to the vintage setting.

Kanada-Ya is an award-winning Japanese ramen restaurant with branches dotted around the city, including one in Islington. They specialise in hot, steamy bowls of rich, brothy ramen made with 18-hour chashu (barbecued pork) bone broth, secret sauce and hand-pulled noodles, which you can pick up at an affordable price. They also serve a range of sides, onigiri, rice dishes and drinks, including hot sake.

You'll find Taquería perched on the streets of the bustling Exmouth Market. They started out as a stall on the legendary Portobello Road before investing in a permanent site in Clerkenwell. You can enjoy traditional and modern tacos, ceviche, tostadas, and weekday Mexican lunch plates in their buzzy yet affordable Islington restaurant.

Black Bear Burger is an Exmouth Market venture serving fully loaded, succulent burgers. They craft their burgers using high-quality, dry-aged beef, which is sourced from the South West from native breeds that are all grass-fed. The affordable Islington branch has indoor and outdoor seating for all weather scenarios and a basement bar perfect for enjoying the range of cocktails, wines, and craft beers on offer here.

Breddos Tacos is another affordable Mexican restaurant in the heart of Islington, inspired by the owners' travels to Mexico. They use quality British produce to craft Mexican favourites like tacos, burritos, and more, all to the sound of vinyl spinning away in the background. They also serve a variety of beer, tequila, cocktails, and mezcal to accompany the food.

For a cheap and cheerful vegetarian Indian meal, try Indian Veg. This affordable Islington favourite opened in 1985 and serves an all-you-can-eat buffet of more than 30 classic Indian dishes, including salads, chutneys, and more. They're always switching up the dishes on offer, so you can be sure there's something new to try every time you visit. The space is relaxed, dressed-down, and very casual, so don't worry about splattering curry on your best fit for this one.

Keren View in the heart of Holloway specialises in authentic vegan Eritrean dishes, all homemade and jam-packed with flavour. This budget-friendly Islington restaurant is small, casual, and a popular spot for dining within the plant-based community. You can enjoy a meal for one for under ten pounds here, but if you visit with friends, you'll be able to spend less and try even more.

Sample the very best of Afghan cooking at this cosy, affordable restaurant in Islington. Hearty, fragrant homemade dishes are the main focus here, like the lemon chicken, braised lamb, or fish stew, all served in the unfussy, utilitarian restaurant. Sit downstairs at any of the long tables and take a look at the pots of stews lining the glass counter to see which one takes your fancy. Everything is reasonably priced.

You can sample authentic and flavour-packed Ethiopian cuisine without breaking the bank at Wolkite. This budget Islington restaurant is situated next to Emirates Stadium and has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. You can try a range of dishes to share, served in the traditional way on top of injera bread. Ethiopian beers and traditional honey wine complete this experience.

Islington restaurant Xi'an Impression might be a big name on London's food scene thanks to helping pioneer spicy Xi'an cuisine in the city, but it serves budget-friendly meals. Customers head to this bustling eatery near Emirates Stadium for traditional dishes like hand-pulled noodles or Xi'an-style burgers.

Preto is a group of lively Brazilian restaurants with a colourful setting, serving rodizio-style buffets. The meats range from gammon to chicken hearts, with the premium cuts complemented by a sides bar with dozens of hot dishes and salads. The Islington  branch of this affordable restaurant chain also features exclusive special offers.