Guide to fancy affordable restaurants in London

Budget-friendly Suvlaki Soho is a smart space for casual Greek meals. With marble tables, tiled floors, and a decorative exterior, this place feels fancy. The food is all about authentic Greek cooking, with souvlaki skewers and wraps being the main attraction. Greek wines and beers from microbreweries are also served.

Get affordable yet high quality pasta at Bancone. This popular restaurant is a stylish and modern space where the pasta is produced in-house. Try dishes like bucatini cacio e pepe or rigatoni with kale and chilli along with antipasti and Italian desserts. Signature cocktails and wine, including rare vintages, are also served here.

One of the city's top restaurants for fans of seafood is Parsons. The restaurant has a classic look with sleek white wall tiles and a cosy feel. Fish is freshly-caught and dishes are seasonal so the menu changes often. Expect dishes like miso-glazed pollock and smoked haddock chowder, plus wine to wash it down.

Bubala dishes up vegetarian Middle Eastern feasts. The interior is stylish and snug with colourful tiles. There's a set menu for a deep dive into the food here or you choose from the main menu of mezze dishes like hummus, halloumi with chamomile and fennel honey, and smacked cucumbers with tahini.

Nose-to-tail restaurant Manteca feels sleek and upscale but the food is still affordable. The focus is on whole-animal butchery and hand-rolled pasta. The changing menu features dishes like 'nduja steamed mussels and ziti pasta with ragu Genovese. The wine list is diverse and includes English and Welsh varieties, plus cocktails are served.

With locations in Shoreditch and Covent Garden, Lahpet is a stylish contemporary place to discover Burmese cooking. The eclectic menu includes zingy salads, noodle soup, and curries, as well as desserts. The setting is smart and trendy but still has a casual atmosphere. A low-cost express lunch is available as well.

Titu feels like something special with its compact and cosy size and vibrant appearance. There are just a handful of tables and parasols and origami hang from the ceiling. Despite the exclusive feel, the Japanese cuisine here is affordable, with a menu of gyoza, small plates, and grilled and fried dishes. Pair yours with wine or sake.

Smart steakhouse Blacklock is committed to serving top quality steaks at affordable prices. This is premium meat that won't break the bank, with large and skinny steaks and chops available plus budget-friendly sandwiches and burgers. Food is served in a sophisticated dining space with low lighting and contemporary furniture.

Whitechapel Gallery's in-house restaurant, Townsend, is a modern British dining room with style. Neutral tones, hanging lights, and modern design create a smart yet relaxed setting. The set menu is a great choice for an affordable meal, featuring four courses like a Red Leicester croquette and squid ink dumplings.

West London restaurant Bocconi serves affordable and authentic Italian cuisine and is a popular venue for any occasion. The interior looks classic with wine bottles on shelves and daily specials written on chalkboards. You'll find a range of Italian favourites here including pasta and risotto, lamb rump, and bruschetta, all at good-value prices.

Forget about those high-street piri-piri chicken restaurants – Casa do Frango gives you an elevated take on Portuguese cooking, served in a light and airy environment. Food here is straightforward but still satisfying, with plenty of dishes that are great to share. Each restaurant also boasts a clandestine cocktail bar. 

With floor-to-ceiling windows, river views, and an attractive outdoor garden, Scoff & Banter feels fancy but is a laid-back place for a modern European meal. The produce here is carefully-selected and a choice of menus are available. Visit for afternoon tea or try dishes like steak and chicken Milanese for lunch or dinner.

From the chef behind local favourite Fish, Wings, & Tings, Danclair's Kitchen is a vibrant small plates restaurant in Brixton. This refined spot is packed with bold style and serves international dishes that come in at an affordable price. Try things like BBQ wings, vegetable platters, empanadas, and cod fritters, paired with a concise choice of wine and cocktails.

Bermondsey's Flour & Grape is a laid-back Italian restaurant with an attractive contemporary interior. The dining space features exposed bricks, leather banquettes and benches, and striking light fixtures. The simple menu includes affordable small plates like bruschetta plus a range of classic pasta recipes. Italian wines complete a meal here.

Celebrated tapas spot El Pirata of Mayfair has a sophisticated feel but still offers affordable meals. Choose tapas to share or try the popular set lunch that includes two tapas plus bread, aioli, and a soft drink. More than 140 Spanish wines are available to complete a meal. The dining room has a smart rustic look.

You can sample Anglo-French seafood dishes in Soho at Randall & Aubin. Open since 1996, it's enduringly popular and has a sophisticated look with marble counters and tiled walls. Ingredients are fresh and sustainable and the menu features affordable dishes plus more lavish options. The restaurant does a considerable range of martinis, plus wine by the glass.

Renowned chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin serve contemporary British grilled dishes in an opulent environment at Galvin Bar & Grill. The dining room is enhanced by a cosy fireplace and decorative columns. Food is served all day, with a combination of affordable dishes and more lavish options. There are plenty of wines served by the glass.

At Notto Pasta Bar you'll find an airy space with rustic touches and an elegant feel, as well as a simple menu of elevated pasta dishes. The pasta is freshly-prepared and served with tasty seasonal sauces. Try something like pappardelle with ox cheek ragu, ravioli, or rigatoni cacio e pepe, plus various starters. Wine and cocktails are available.

Jikoni does upscale but affordable Indian dining in Marylebone. The space is comfortable and full of detail, with private dining available too. This restaurant celebrates maternal figures and family recipes with menus of exciting dishes like butternut squash pakoras and crispy aubergine with Sichuan caramel. The set lunch is particularly suited to affordable meals.

Brixton's Naughty Piglets is a buzzy local bistro with only 29 seats. This is English food with a French influence, with the regularly-changing menus focusing on sustainable ingredients. Dishes are designed for sharing with choices like burrata, steak tartare, and barbecue pork belly, served in an airy setting with art on the walls.

Ciao Bella serves classic Italian recipes at prices that'll impress. The venue has a simple appearance and has been open since 1983. Enjoy a decadent feast of multiple Italian courses or go for antipasti followed by pizza or pasta. There's an extensive choice of Italian wines and wine from other regions, including options by the glass.

Artusi is a chic Italian restaurant in Peckham with a neighbourhood vibe. The food is sophisticated, the venue is crisp and modern, and the wines are imported directly from Italy. The menu changes every week showcasing fresh and seasonal produce and the pasta here is made in-house. For larger groups you can book the imposing kitchen table.

Based in a Victorian butchers, Hereford Road Restaurant is a stylish British bistro with a striking modern look. The hearty menu here changes every day with options like smoked cod's roe, roast guinea fowl, and warm rice pudding. Veggie dishes are available too and there's an affordable set lunch. Wines are available by the glass, carafe, or bottle.

The Korean dishes at Koba are ideal for sharing. The venue feels upscale with marble tables, contemporary furniture, and tabletop grills for Korean barbecue. Meat and seafood are available for grilling, plus there are various sides and appetisers to complete the experience. You'll find plenty of Korean favourites here and it's ideal for groups.

Meat is democratic at trendy steakhouse Flat Iron, which has multiple smart branches around the city. The focus is on top quality steak at an affordable price with a selection of sides and sauces to customise your meal. Despite the reasonable price, it's all premium steak and carefully-sourced ingredients. Wine, beer, and cocktails complement the food.

Head to Leroy for on-trend Michelin-starred dining that won't break the bank. This minimalist venue is effortlessly cool and serves curated menus that change regularly. Choose the affordable set lunch or a few sharing plates like lobster raviolo and grilled quail. An eclectic wine list is also on offer.

Try Trishna for Michelin-starred Indian dining with a modern approach. The menu features a variety of affordable dishes like paneer tikka anardana and dill and pepper river trout. Wine pairings are suggested for every dish. A set lunch, tasting menu, and private dining are offered too. The restaurant has a simple and contemporary look.

Persian restaurant Kateh has won numerous awards and offers diners tradition with a modern twist. The menu includes hot and cold starters, salads, stews, and chargrilled meats, plus there's a well-selected wine list to go with it. Food is served in a white dining space with a chic understated look.

Beginning in Islington and gradually expanding to other areas, Noci is a smart neighbourhood pasta restaurant focusing on regional Italian flavours. The interiors are contemporary and crisp. There's a simple menu of antipasti, pasta, and desserts, all at reasonable prices. An affordable weekday lunch is also served, plus wine and seasonal cocktails.

Treat yourself to French cuisine in a grand Art Deco setting at Brasserie Zédel. This centrally-located restaurant is brimming with classic style and includes a number of distinct spaces. There are several affordable set menus plus main dishes like cheese soufflé, seared butterflied sardines, and sirloin steak. Classic French wines and cocktails are served.

Intimate restaurant The Ninth has a contemporary look with leather banquettes, exposed brick, and copper details, whilst the cuisine has a French influence. Check out the pasta dishes if you want affordable food or try some plates to share. A large selection of wine is also available, with plenty of options served by the glass. 

Brockley's Babur is a local Indian restaurant with a cult following. This long-established spot has a glamorous feel with striking modern art on the walls. A variety of menus all including elegant dishes are available. There's the à la carte selection plus a fixed lunch and a Sunday buffet of classic dishes that change frequently.

Trendy venue Noble Rot is a restaurant and wine bar with the feel of an exclusive members club. A large choice of wine is available and for food you can go for small bites from the bar or a full menu of British and European dishes. An affordable seasonal set lunch is also available at these trendy spots.

Relaxed Deptford restaurant Marcella focuses on Italian food with British influences like poached quince with gorgonzola, tagliatelle with pheasant, and cranberry and clove rice pudding. The space is crisp and clean with a bustling atmosphere. Menus make use of seasonal produce and change regularly, and an affordable set menu is on offer every Sunday. 

For a meal in Islington, check out sophisticated French bistro La Petite Auberge. With checked tablecloths and framed art on exposed brick walls, the place looks timeless. A range of menus are available including set menus and choices for kids. French faves like frogs' legs, baked brie, and galettes are on the menu, plus an extensive choice of wines.

Swiss Butter, a laid-back steakhouse chain hailing from the Middle East, is known for its affordability and a secret sauce rumoured to be made with a mix of 33 herbs and spices. You can choose from beef, salmon, or chicken, and generously apply the signature sauce to your selections. The meals and accompanying sides are served on wooden boards, complementing the restaurant's chic industrial ambiance.