The best affordable restaurants in Central London

Soho's Pastaio isn't messing about — the goal here is simple: serve you the best plate of pasta you've ever had. The vibe is bright and buzzy, with bold murals and a canteen-style setup. Antipasti sets the scene, but it's all about the mains: big bowls of handmade pasta with sauces like rich beef and porcini bolognese and classic cacio e pepe.

Step off the Soho streets and into 1930s Paris at Brasserie Zédel, a grand Art Deco brasserie hiding in plain sight just off Piccadilly Circus. All marble columns, mirrored walls and chandeliers, it's as authentic as they come — minus the Eurostar. The menu's full of French classics, but the café bites and bargain prix fixe (two courses for the price of a cocktail) make it an easy win for a budget-friendly Parisian fling.

If you're craving a taste of Philly without leaving London, head to Passyunk Avenue, where the vibe is loud and unmistakably American. Think dive bar energy, cold beers, and comfort food like Philly cheesesteaks, hot dogs, meatball subs, and plant-based takes if you're that way inclined. It's casual, it's rowdy, and it's very, very fun.

Set over two floors, Bun House is a favourite for steaming dumplings in Chinatown. The restaurant's style is elegant and modern, with a menu that offers fluffy Asian buns with a variety of delicious fillings – curry chicken, BBQ pork belly, and pork with prawns are just some of the options available.

For fresh pasta that punches well above its price point, Bancone is a go-to. This sleek, modern spot serves handmade plates of pasta with rich sauces, such as cacio e pepe, slow-braised ox cheek or meat ragù. Throw in a glass of wine or a sharp cocktail, and you've got one of London's best pasta spots without the splurge.

When only proper Neapolitan pizza will do, Pizza Pilgrims delivers the goods without draining your wallet. With locations dotted across Central London, this cool chain slings wood-fired pies topped with Italian ingredients – from classic marinaras to sausage and broccoletti. 

The Kati Roll Company serves up casual Indian street food, like flaky paratha wraps. They usually come packed with fillings like chicken tikka or spiced potato, making them a perfect quick fix whether you're grabbing takeaway or settling in for a quick lunch.

When you fancy authentic Chinese cooking, head straight to Lanzhou Noodle Bar. This humble restaurant specialises in hand-pulled noodles.The menu's packed with noodle bowls, hearty rice dishes, and a handful of dim sum. Try your noodles with toppings like tomato and egg or plump wontons for an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine in the heart of London.

If you're after plant-based Mexican that doesn't mess about, Club Mexicana is the Kingly Court go-to. Decked out in eye-popping pink, this thriving spot dishes up tacos, burritos, and nachos loaded with 100% vegan fillings like BBQ jackfruit and meaty plant-based alternatives. Bonus points for the legendary lagerita cocktail.

Behind a moody timber façade in the heart of Chinatown lies a bright spot serving up modern Vietnamese street food. Think exposed bricks and a menu that spans old-school favourites (pho, bun, soups) to newer options like Vietnamese bento boxes — perfect for a quick, budget-friendly lunch.

Homeslice does precisely what it says on the tin: massive 20-inch pies topped with everything from classic margherita to kimchi and pork belly. It's got a retro pizzeria feel with chequered tablecloths and cosy booths. Grab a slice for next to nothing or split a whole pizza with a mate (you can even go half-and-half). 

Machiya nails the cosy, cool vibe with its sleek dining room and eye-catching lighting that doubles as décor. The menu includes Japanese comfort food, like steaming donburi bowls, curries, and small plates like teriyaki salmon or pickled cucumber. It's all surprisingly affordable, and a glass of sake rounds things off perfectly.

This beast of a burger won the UK's National Burger of the Year in 2020, and it's not hard to see why. It's inspired by the cult favourite Zaitzeff in NYC's East Village, and is all about the beef: rare-breed, grass-fed and dry-aged. The menu keeps it classic with American cheese, scratch-made sauce, crisp fries, and proper ice cream shakes on the side.

Flat Iron proves you don't need to splash out to get a proper great steak. These stylish spots serve up quality cuts at budget prices, like their signature flat iron steak, but there are premium specials if you're feeling fancy. Load up on sides, grab a sauce (or three), and don't skip the free ice cream cone on your way out.

Koshari Street is all about fresh Egyptian comfort food. The star of the show is koshari — a hearty mix of lentils, pasta, and rice topped with tangy tomato sauce. Go classic and vegan, or load it up with jackfruit, spicy potato, chicken or lamb. It's cheap and ideal when you're dashing between stops but still want something that tastes great.

Bao's buns are the stars of the show — pillowy and stuffed with the likes of confit pork or daikon radish. Their small plates are also excellent, such as the crispy fried chicken, ox heart skewers and other Taiwanese options that pack a punch. Order a couple and leave full without rinsing your wallet.

Le Bab has taken the humble kebab and given it a real glow-up, with free-range meat and the expertise of a Michelin-trained team. At the Covent Garden branch, you'll find swish interiors and a menu of dishes like creamy hummus, honey halloumi, fluffy naan and mezze. Pair it with a cocktail or a crisp glass of wine to round it all off.

Pizza Union is the go-to for thin, Roman-style pizza made well and fast. It's a slick setup, offering a cheap way to enjoy foolproof pizza. Order at the counter, grab a seat in the industrial-style space, and wait for your buzzer to call you to pick up your pizza. Toppings range from classic to more out-there options, with sides, dips, and drinks to round things out.

Icco is a colourful and casual spot serving proper Italian pizza at prices that are hard to beat. The space is bright and chilled, serving a menu of traditional favourites, alongside vegan and halal-friendly options. Add a smoothie or dessert if you're in the mood to stick around for a little while.

Lina Stores on Greek Street is all about handmade pasta, carefully cured meats, and delicious cheeses. This Soho favourite serves up a selection of antipasti and dolci for pretty reasonable prices. Grab a spot at the 12-seater bar upstairs and watch the open kitchen in full flow. If you prefer something a bit more relaxed, head downstairs for a cosier meal.

Café TPT is one of Chinatown's most popular restaurants, with warm wood interiors and a menu packed with authentic Chinese street food favourites. From hearty soups and bubbling hot pots to crispy Peking duck and fresh seafood, there's plenty to choose from. They even throw in Malaysian staples like nasi lemak for good measure.

Poke House brings a slice of California-meets-Honolulu to the city. Known for fresh, healthy poke bowls, the menu lets you choose from house classics or build your own with everything from raw fish to vegan nuggets. It's all about feel-good food served in a space that's just as easy on the eye.

At Kanada-Ya you can sample award-winning tonkotsu ramen bowls, with a variety of affordable options to tempt you. Japanese small plates and onigiri are available for smaller appetites or to add to your meal, and there’s Japanese beer and sake. The restaurants have simple and modern interiors with distinctive lighting.

Get a low-cost vegetarian meal at Govinda's in Soho, one of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in the city. It's a straightforward space serving nutritious yet tasty food and has links to the Hare Krishna movement. Thali meals are a popular choice, with several to pick from, but à la carte options are available as well. This restaurant also does catering.