Guide to affordable restaurants in Shoreditch

Butchies is a laid-back buttermilk-fried chicken shop in the heart of Shoreditch (with other locations around the city). Everything is made using high-quality ingredients, including high-welfare Red Tractor-accredited birds that are sustainably sourced from a single farm in South Yorkshire. The vibe is on point - it’s all about recreating the energy and community of the streetfood and music festival scene.

Get a taste of every country at Whitecross Market, aptly nicknamed Bitecross Market, where streetfood vendors flock to serve their delicious dishes to hungry customers. Whether you're coming for the food or the atmosphere, it's a must-see for anyone looking to indulge in an affordable lunch. Enjoy Brazillian cuisine, Indian fusion, Thai delights and more in a lively, bustling environment.

For affordable Neapolitan pizza, swing by Pizza Pilgrims in Shoreditch. This Italian spot is all about authentic Naples-inspired pizza in a relaxed, laid-back setting. All ingredients are imported from Italy, using only the highest-quality produce, with all kinds of creative flavours, from double pepperoni and spicy honey to mushroom and truffle.

Beigel Bake is a long-standing grab-and-go spot located on bustling Brick Lane. It's been around since the '70s, serving its famous salt beef bagels to hungry customers ever since. You can easily spend less than tenner here on lunch. Make sure you ask for your bagel with mustard and gherkins if you want the real Beigel Bake experience.

There’s a reason Padella has a cult following. This iconic pasta spot started in a small restaurant next to Borough Market but quickly gained popularity and later expanded into another premises in Shoreditch. They have a reputation for quality and value, with many pasta dishes costing you less than ten pounds. You should expect to wait if you don’t make a booking in advance, but you’ll usually be able to get a table eventually.

Bleecker Burger has regularly earned itself a spot on many Best Burgers in London guides, including ours, and also won the National UK Burger of the Year award in 2020. The burgers are inspired by the ones found in the classic New York City joint Zaitzeff in the East Village. They're made using rare-breed, grass-fed beef from small farms around the UK for optimum flavour.

For Banh Mi done properly, check out Banh Mi Keu Deli on Old Street. These guys specialise in mouthwatering Vietnamese classics for lunch and dinner, most famously an authentic banh mi sandwich made with a crusty baguette, sliced meats, pâté and pickled vegetables. They also serve a range of noodle and rice dishes and tasty small bites all for a reasonable price.

Sông Quê Café specialises in authentic Vietnamese dishes, like their famous bowls of steaming hot pho. It’s a no-frills spot located on Kingsland Road, otherwise known as Pho Mile, thanks to its many Vietnamese restaurants. They have 11 options of pho alongside a long menu of other tasty dishes, like their prawn toast which is a must-order.

You can nab classic Caribbean cuisine at this no-frills spot in a buzzy part of the city. It's a community bar, perfect for swinging by for a pint and a cheap lunch. They also host weekly events, from open-mic nights to jazz funk jam sessions and more. Enjoy jerk chicken served with sweet plantain, rice and peas or opt for curry goat for something a little different.
 

If you like Japanese food, including sushi and sashimi, then this one is for you. Sanjugo is a small Japanese restaurant located on Phipp Street, serving a delectable menu of dishes made with the highest-quality ingredients, including sushi, sashimi, bao buns and donburi. There's even a whisky bar upstairs for post-meal drinks, with a separate sake menu. Their lunch deals mean you can enjoy a meal here without parting with more than ten pounds.

You'd be forgiven for not realising that you can pick up a top-notch curry from this unassuming shop, but you can. They specialise in strictly authentic, homemade Indian curries, which usually cost less than a fiver, best paired with an onion bhaji or two (no judgement here). Be prepared to queue at lunchtime; this is a local workers' favourite.

Flat Iron specialises in top-quality steak at incredibly reasonable prices. The classic flat iron steak won’t cost you much more than ten pounds, best paired with a side or two (creamy spinach and beef-dripping fries are our favourites). The best bit? The free salted caramel ice cream you get to enjoy at the end of your meal.

Old Spitalfields Market is a historic market located a five-minute walk from London Liverpool Street. You can enjoy a variety of street cuisine, including the famed Dumpling Shack, Humble Crumble, Chai Guys and Wheelcake Island. You can easily enjoy lunch for ten pounds or less here.

Originally a small takeaway spot in Surrey Quays, Nam Nam expanded to Shoreditch in 2024, opening a more spacious eatery that accommodates approximately 20 guests. This venue offers affordable Vietnamese street food options, including banh mi sandwiches, loaded fries, noodle boxes, and other quick eats, making it a convenient choice for those seeking a fast and budget-friendly meal.