In a city as full of food options as London, there are naturally plenty of places that fall on either end of the affordability spectrum. Some places are blow-out, celebratory places where only the incredibly wealthy could dine regularly. But there are also loads of affordable eateries spread out around London that serve up world-class grub. And when the list of Michelin-starred restaurants in London was released, a few affordable Michelin Guide eateries were also highlighted.
1. BAO, multiple venues
This should come as no surprise to anyone. It’s well known that BAO serves up some of the very best food in all of London. And their prices really don’t break the bank, either. The food has won raves from the moment the first location opened in Soho. That location, by the way, has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand eight years in a row.
What did the Michelin Guide say?
There are some things in life worth queueing for – and that includes the delicious buns here at this simple Taiwanese operation. It is a sweet and unpretentious place, helped along by service from a friendly young team.
🍽️ What to order: Always make sure to order the location-based specialty, since each BAO venue has its own unique offerings. Order as many of the namesake bao as you think you can stomach – the goal is to try one of everything. And don’t skip the Taiwanese Fried Chicken either.
📍BAO ranges across four namesake bao restaurants, and two noodle shops, in London. Find your nearest one here.
2. Noci, Islington
It’s specifically the original site in Islington that is singled out as an affordable Michelin Guide restaurant, praised for its pasta and cocktails. But Noci did also recently open a site in the iconic Battersea Power Station and will be opening up soon in Shoreditch too. And with the quality of the food being their calling card, you can expect all three locations to be equally incredible.
What did the Michelin Guide say?
The menus are fairly priced, as are the cocktails, making this a useful pitstop in this busy part of Islington. You’ll leave feeling sated and satisfied.
🍽️ What to order: Kick things off with the focaccia, and you absolutely must order the signature Genovese ragu topped with Tête de Moine cheese. Alternatively, chow down on the lunch set menu, or the group set menu if there are a few of you, and leave the decision in the hands of the experts. But please get at least one of the seasonal spritzes!
📍4-6 Islington Green, N1 2XA.
🚇 The nearest stations are Angel and Essex Road.
3. Dim Sum & Duck, King’s Cross
Despite the number of venues around London that command a queue, few and far between are actually worth the queue. After all, expectations rise exponentially as you spend longer waiting and anticipating. And if you’re queuing up – the hype has probably already raised your base standards. Such an experience is not the case at Dim Sum & Duck. The intimate venue doesn’t boast tons of seats, but it does boast an extensive menu of authentic Cantonese cuisine that is well worth waiting for. Did anyone say ‘best dim sum in London’? At these prices, it’s hard to argue with this affordable Michelin Guide pick.
What did the Michelin Guide say?
An enthusiastic couple run this small, simply furnished restaurant, which is reminiscent of the type of place you’d find on your travels in Asia. The extensive menu sees great tasting, authentic Cantonese dishes cooked carefully using good quality ingredients. You might have to queue to get in, but once inside there’s a lively atmosphere.
🍽️ What to order: Shanghai pork dumplings (these are the mythical soup dumplings that you will hear everyone asking if you tried), Prawn and Chive dumplings, Siu Mai, Salted egg yolk bun, and whatever else will fit in your belly and on the table.
📍 124 King’s Cross Road, WC1X 9DS.
🚇 Nearest station is King’s Cross St. Pancras.
4. Plaza Khao Gaeng, Soho
The flagship restaurant for the Arcade food hall on Tottenham Court Road, this standalone South Thai comfort food eatery is a thrill. Inspired by the way that khao gaeng (loosely, ‘curry over rice’) restaurants crop up in unexpected and disused places, Plaza Khao Gaeng takes visual cues from a similar restaurant that took over an abandoned movie theatre. The party vibes are thrilling, with towers of beer, shots everywhere, and luminous cocktails. But don’t be fooled, the food here is very, very good. Like BAO, Plaza Khao Gaeng has also been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand.
What did the Michelin Guide say?
With an open kitchen and electric pop blaring, there’s a buzzy, vintage vibe at this relaxed, homely spot in the Arcade Food Hall. Chef Luke Farrell grows many of the Southeast Asian ingredients in a tropical greenhouse in Dorset, which are then deftly used to create wonderfully authentic, punchy Southern Thai curries.
🍽️ What to order: If you’re going to pass on the tower of beer (why?) opt for at least one of their cocktails of house softs, like the Nam Makham, with tamarind, mint, jasmine kombucha, and soda. Food-wise, everyone should grab a ‘one-bite’ Miang before ordering widely (for the table) across the curries and stir-fries. Ask for help picking a selection of spice levels and textures, and then dig in!
📍 Arcade Food Hall, 103-105 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1DB.
🚇 Nearest station is Tottenham Court Road.
So there you have it: four incredible London restaurants for your next world-class meal that doesn’t break the bank. Which one are you going to check out first?