Guide to budget-friendly restaurants in Soho

A tribute to the London chophouses of bygone days, Blacklock does traditional food in a smart and contemporary space with an industrial touch. This affordable eatery is particularly well-known for its Sunday roast but whichever day you visit you can enjoy fine cuts of meat and budget-friendly options like a steak sandwich.

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.

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.

For affordable British comfort food in Soho, Golden Union is where it’s at. This modern restaurant is bright and colourful, serving sustainably-sourced fish that’s cooked fresh to order. You’ll find classic chip shop meals, pies, and vegan and vegetarian meals such as vegan fish alternatives or battered halloumi and chips.

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.

Visit Wok to Walk for affordable fast food made just the way you like it. These bustling and modern eateries specialise in stir fries made to order. Choose a base of rice, noodles, or veggies, add your favourite ingredients, pick a sauce, plus extra toppings. It's vibrant and offers dining-in and takeaways.

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.

Pasta fiends can’t miss Pastaio. This colourful and contemporary restaurant is dedicated to generous portions of freshly-prepared pasta, with options to suit every preference. Expect dishes like cacio e pepe, bolognaise simmered for eight hours, or a simple tomato sauce, plus antipasti, wines, and classic cocktails to begin a meal.

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.

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.

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.