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 are blow-out, celebratory spots 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 if you’re looking to find one, look no further than the Michelin Guide. Sure, you might know them for awarding Michelin-stars to the best restaurants in the world – and their tyres. But they also highlight incredible places to eat for all manner of budgets, such as these affordable Michelin Guide restaurants in London:
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 house specialty, since each BAO venue has its own unique offerings. And 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 has seven restaurants around London, each with their own distinct identities. Find your nearest one here.
2. Noci, Islington
The Michelin Guide specifically singles out the original site in Islington for praise as an affordable Michelin Guide restaurant. But Noci does now boast four locations around London, with sites in the iconic Battersea Power Station, Shoreditch, and Richmond. And with Noci’s focus being the quality of their food, you can expect all four 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. But one place that really is worth standing in line for is Dim Sum & Duck. The intimate venue doesn’t boast tons of seats, but it does have an extensive menu of authentic Cantonese cuisine that is well worth waiting for. Did someone 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 everyone will ask if you’ve 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.
5. Café Spice Namasté, Royal Albert Dock
India’s dazzling culinary traditions and vibrant street food are given a fresh twist at this neighbourhood restaurant. With an emphasis on sharing dishes, Cafe Spice Namasté invites diners to dive into as many different flavours, dishes, and experiences as they can in one sitting. Bring some friends, you’re going to want to try as much as possible!
What did the Michelin Guide say?
Owners Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala are charming, welcoming hosts who have formed part of London’s Indian dining scene for decades… Cyrus and his kitchen team produce an extensive menu of colourful small plates to share, including a few dishes from Cyrus’s native Goa.
🍽️ What to order: As much as you can, but particularly pay attention to the dishes from Goa. If you really can’t choose, though, opt for the eight-course Tasting Menu and let the chefs decide for you. Be sure not to miss the Apple Crumble Samosa and the Kulfi to finish.
📍 1-2 Lower Dock Walk, Royal Albert Dock, London, E16 2GT
🚇 Nearest station is Gallions Reach.
So there you have it: five incredible London restaurants for your next world-class meal that doesn’t break the bank. Which one are you going to check out first?