Guide to affordable restaurants in Notting Hill

Bibida is a laid-back Notting Hill restaurant dishing up tasty Korean and Japanese comfort food that won't rinse your bank balance. Think bowls of bibimbap, donburi, ramen and spicy stews, plus an impressive sushi selection, all at prices that make it a solid go-to for a cheap bite to eat in W11.

Although Portobello Road Market is the ultimate place to pick up an antique bargain, there’s also a variety of streetfood stalls serving cuisine from around the world on the weekend. Vendors serve everything freshly cooked, like churros, paella, crepes and curry, for an affordable price, perfect for taking away and perching on a bench to people-watch as locals peruse the treasures and trinkets of one of the biggest antique markets in the world.

Makan Café is a no-frills Malaysian restaurant in Notting Hill, serving affordable, home-cooked dishes in a laid-back space. Load up your plate from a colourful buffet of curries, stir-fries and stews, all served with a generous portion of rice or noodles. It's the next best thing to being in Malaysia but with no passport required.

If deep-dish pizza and natural wine are your thing, Ria's in Notting Hill should be on your must-visit list. You'll find them just a short stroll from Portobello Road, where they're serving Detroit-style pizza made with Wildfarmed flour and a 72-hour slow-fermented dough. Grab a slice or go if you're on a budget, or go all out with a whole pizza, paired with a glass (or bottle) of something funky from their natural wine list. 

Brown Rice is another affordable gem in Notting Hill and a favourite among locals for delicious Thai food. Here, you can enjoy a 90-minute all-you-can-eat buffet at a very reasonable price, packed with traditional Thai dishes. Help yourself to a generous spread of fresh dishes, from green curries and pad Thai to crispy spring rolls and stir-fried veggies.

Secret Sandwich shop is not so much of a secret anymore. The sarnies here are made with soft shokupan bread, a traditional fluffy milk bread commonly found in Japan, stuffed with fillings of your choice. They have everything from egg salad sandwiches and tuna mayo to honey mustard chicken and ham and cheese. You’ll find the little café hidden just off the street, with a simple interior completed by a handful of tables and chairs.

Books for Cooks may primarily be a bookshop aimed at foodies, holding more than a whopping 8,000 titles in the bookstore’s literary larder, but it’s also a café where they test recipes daily. The chef follows the cookbook instructions and prepares various dishes and treats for hungry customers to enjoy. Sample delicious lunch dishes and homemade cakes with a cup of steaming coffee in the small section between the bookshelves and kitchen.

Cocotte is a French farm-to-table restaurant serving homemade rotisserie dishes for lunch and dinner in Westbourne Grove. Their healthy homemade dishes are made using free-range chickens sourced from France, which are marinated for a full day in a secret blend of herbs and spices before being charred on the spit. The restaurant is stylish, bright and trendy, with exposed brickwork, potted plants and mismatched tables and chairs. Opt for the set menu to really keep things affordable.

Enjoy an authentic slice of Italian culture at Da Maria, a family-run Italian restaurant serving a selection of traditional recipes in a small, cosy setting. This Old Napoli-inspired spot plates up pasta and other dishes for a very reasonable price, like the spaghetti with fresh chilli and garlic, and tiramisu that Jay Rayner raves about.

For fun, affordable Mexican fare, check out Taquería in Notting Hill. This casual eatery serves a range of Mexican classics, like tostadas, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and pudding in a relaxed, laid-back setting. You can easily enjoy lunch here for less than a tenner.

Fez Mangal is the place to go to for authentic Turkish barbecue food, and is a relaxed, affordable spot in the heart of Notting Hill, moments from Ladbroke Grove Station. Pick from their menu of chargrilled meats and yoghurt-coated kebabs, or keep it veggie with any of their falafel options. It’s all tasty and won't break the bank.

Enjoy a healthy takeaway lunch from Portobello Health Foods, London's first-ever vegetarian and vegan restaurant. You’ll find a variety of fresh, colourful veggie and vegan dishes behind the cafeteria-style takeaway counter, perfect for an affordable grab-and-go meal.

This family-run West London bakery brings the freshest French and Persian flavours to this colourful corner of London. Everything is prepared and made on-site, including their delicious fluffy Persian bread. There’s ample indoor and outdoor seating for all weather eventualities, with a menu chock full of delicious food options, like sandwiches, pastries, cakes, omelettes and mezze.

Sometimes all you fancy at lunchtime is a big old falafel wrap filled with sweet pickled veggies. At Falafel King, you can get your falafel fix by chowing down on a wrap or salad or by keeping it simple with crunchy falafel bites that are beautifully soft on the inside. Grab your lunch and head to one of the nearby parks to perch on a bench where you can savour every bite undisturbed.

Enjoy authentic Italian dishes at this charming restaurant located under the iconic Trellick Tower. The restaurant is owned by husband and wife duo Giuseppe and Caterina Di Matteo from Palermo, who share a joint love of Sicilian street food. They serve a simple, seasonal menu from their small kitchen made using the finest British and Sicilian produce.