The best affordable restaurants in Soho

Named after Violet, the “Queen of Soho” who lived in the neighbourhood from 1927 until her passing in 2020, Violet's on Berwick Street pays tribute to her spirited legacy. The bar channels old-school Soho charm with moody lighting, classic cocktails and a lively atmosphere inspired by her wartime dancing days. The menu focuses on traditional Georgian cuisine, featuring comforting dishes such as cheese-filled khachapuri, spiced meat khinkali dumplings, and aubergine rolled with walnut paste. 

For authentic Thai street food that won't break the bank, The Great Thai Grab & Go is a top pick just near Soho, around the corner from Tottenham Court Road. It's all about Bangkok-style food, like rich curries, crispy spring rolls, satay, and a trusty pad Thai, all made fresh with traditional recipes. Most dishes come in under £10, with plenty of veggie, seafood, and meat options.

64 Old Compton Street is the younger, lesser-known sibling to 40 Dean Street, a respected Soho institution. Despite offering a similar menu of authentic Italian dishes, served in a Studio 54-inspired setting with plush seating, quirky decor, and warm service, the prices here are a bit lower – not that Dean Street's were particularly high in the first place. This makes 64 Old Compton Street a great choice for when you want to treat yourself to a bit of fanciness, but still keep your expenses under control.

At Viet Soho you'll find a cosy and comfortable environment for trying Vietnamese cuisine. The space is bright, with prints on the walls. The menu includes a broad range of classic dishes like pho, bún, and salads. You can bring your own wine but a small range of alcoholic drinks are available.

Quick, good, and affordable – Italy's tavola calda concept is just the thing for diners on a budget, and Soho's 27 Old Compton Street executes it with aplomb. Patrons can enjoy freshly made pasta dishes served in a stylish, old-school setting that's full of vintage charm. Prices are affordable across the board, and the restaurant's late opening hours make it a great alternative to hitting up a fast food joint on the way home.

If there's one place to get your taco fix, it's CDMX Tacos. This casual Mexican taqueria is down a quiet street in Soho and serves the same authentic tacos you'll find in Mexico City, from the Al Pastor pork to the grilled cactus. They also serve quesadillas and sides such as chips and guac. There are also a handful of drinks, including Jarritos and Mexican beer. Nothing on the menu is much more expensive than a fiver, so this is an excellent lunchtime option in Soho for those on a budget.

Got a hankering for a burger at lunchtime in Soho? Hit up Supernova on Peter Street. Burgers here won't set you back more than a tenner and have dominated the burger scene in the area since they opened in 2023. The menu is short and simple, consisting of just a couple of burger options, a side, a dessert and a drink.

Flat Iron has a reputation for serving some of the most affordable steaks in the city, and it doesn't compromise on quality or taste. A steak will set you back just under £15, making it one of the slightly pricier options on this list, but it is still an absolute bargain for what you get. You can even get a wagyu steak for a little over £20. So, this is the place to go for a top steak that won't break the bank.

Tuck into in some of London's most sought-after falafel at Wowshee Egyptian Falafel Bar in Berwick Street Market. These tasty patties are fried to a perfect crunch and served in a box or inside a fluffy pitta bread, dolloped with a generous selection of delicious toppings. It's no surprise that this falafel was a winner at the 2019 International Falafel Award.

For a fresh, healthy takeaway lunch, Island Poké has you covered. This vibrant Hawaiin spot specialises in poké bowls, where you can build a base of rice and add protein, salmon, and extra toppings. You're guaranteed a colourful lunch with this one. Plus, it's on the buzzy Carnaby Street, which is always fun to walk down.

When you need some comfort food, head to Mother Mash. This homey restaurant has a colourful canopy and serves classic British cooking - pie or sausages with mash. Take your pick from nine mash varieties, choose your preferred sausage or pie, plus gravy to drench it in. Vegan and gluten-free options are served.

Previously known as Marsha, a chicken-centric restaurant, this place has rebranded to Paradiso, offering a burger joint that doubles as a cocktail bar. The menu features an array of burgers, including several buttermilk chicken varieties, complemented by a diverse selection of sides and small plates. Additionally, Paradiso provides a bottomless brunch option on weekends.

Spread across two floors, Bun House is an in-demand destination for fluffy steamed buns. This modern and bright eatery is a place for a Cantonese feast – buns with fillings like curry chicken or sticky pork plus plates like ribs, scorched rice, and pickled cucumber are available to eat in or take away.

Grab Indian street eats from The Kati Roll Company. This cosy and compact eatery started out in New York and specialises in paratha wraps stuffed with mouthwatering ingredients. Options include potato and veggie patties, farmer's cheese, or either beef or chicken tikka. The food here is both takeaway and affordable.

Café and sandwich bar Bar Bruno serves affordable breakfasts and lunches. It has a colourful green exterior with matching green seating inside. It's smart but understated. Choose from omelettes and all-day breakfasts, a large range of paninis and sandwiches, plus homemade Italian favourites like pizza, pasta, and risotto.

When you need a steaming bowl of comforting ramen, try Shoryu Ramen. This chic eatery has lots of choices at an affordable price point. Their traditional pork broth is simmered for 12 hours for a rich and deep flavour, but there’s a mushroom version too that’s suitable for vegan diners.

Get mouthwatering Neapolitan pizza at an affordable price from Pizza Pilgrims. These colourful restaurants are modern pizza destinations, and the Soho branch is the first of what has become a successful chain. Expect chequered tablecloths, a foosball table, and a varied menu of flavour-packed pizza and cocktails, plus tasty sides and desserts.

Thai West Café has a low-key look and a simple menu of Thai recipes that are great when you're on the move. At this counter service eatery you can choose snacks like prawn toast but food boxes are popular. Pick either rice or noodles topped with a choice of curries and stir fries.

The Soho branch of Bao is the chain’s original location. At this much-loved venue you’ll find a bustling modern dining room and a menu of small Taiwanese bites that have made the group so popular. It’s not just pillowy buns that are on offer – you’ll find intriguing small plates like trotter nuggets.

Sample affordable classic Greek dishes at The Real Greek. This bustling venue has a rustic feel and a menu of favourite recipes from all over Greece. Choose à la carte options like wraps, falafel, moussaka, and tzatziki, or opt for the lunch menu for a quick midday meal filled with authentic flavours.

BiBimBap specialises in the classic Korean rice dish. It’s a vibrant restaurant that’s ideal for an informal and cheap meal. Choose a rice bowl with various toppings from mushrooms to steak tartare. Alternatively, noodle soups and fried noodles are on the menu. You can try Korean beer, soju, or tea as well.

Sample authentic Vietnamese food loaded with flavour at Soho’s Banh Mi Keu Deli. Try out the world-famous sandwich, banh mi, a crusty baguette loaded up with fillings, or other dishes like noodles and small snacks like summer rolls. This is a modern and airy space with a slick look.

At Papaya you'll find an understated counter service eatery that cooks up Thai cuisine. It's a compact venue that's especially popular for takeaways. The menu offers lots of choice from fiery tom yum soup to aromatic Thai curries and stir-fried dishes. Whatever you're craving, the options here make a satisfying lunch.

For affordable portions of pasta in an intimate setting, visit Lina Stores in Greek Street. Expect antipasti, tempting pasta recipes, and desserts here. You can eat at the bar or in the downstairs dining room for a cosier experience. Cocktails and wine are served as well, and there’s gluten-free pasta.

Grab a hearty homemade sandwich from Soho’s Tongue & Brisket. This well-established eatery has a bustling atmosphere and you can enjoy a variety of tempting deli sandwich fillings. Go for a classic like the famous salt beef or chopped liver served on sliced bread or a bagel, or order soup or a salad.

Berwick Street Market is one of the oldest markets in London, dating all the way back to 1778. It’s a top spot to grab some street food in Soho, with vendors cooking up cuisines from all around the world, from Afghan curries and Mexican burritos to Turkish wraps and Jerusalem falafel. Expect to spend between five and ten pounds on a bite to eat here.

Although technically not a restaurant, Market Halls off of Oxford Street has plenty of more affordable dining options. This street food market is vibey and modern, with plenty of seating to enjoy your food. There's everything from Malaysian curry and burgers to fried chicken and tacos. It's a great place if you have a group of people who all like different things. There's also a bar for enjoying drinks.