In a city as full of food options as London, there are naturally plenty of places on both ends 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 for the best of the best, then you need 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. They even have a special Bib Gourmand award for “good quality, good value cooking”.
So if you’re after a slightly cheaper, but no less incredible, meal, check out these affordable MICHELIN Guide restaurants in London.
ssam ssam – Bib Gourmand
Whether you’re here to enjoy the KBBQ experience and cook your own food or to enjoy dishes from the kitchen, this welcoming spot is a must-visit for lovers of Korean food. And it’s wonderfully sensibly priced for the quality and portion size.
What did the Michelin Guide say?
You’ll find warmth and generosity aplenty at this family-operated Korean restaurant run with palpable pride. Some tables have their own barbecue, allowing you to cook your choice of meats right in front of you, including pork belly, short ribs and Wagyu beef, all at sensible prices. Don’t worry if you’re on a standard table though, as the bansang dishes are surefire winners, offering delicious main components such as fried chicken or grilled mackerel served with three side dishes and top-drawer kimchi. Leave room for the silky smooth matcha crème brûlée to finish.
🍽️ What to order: Got a BBQ on your table? Go for the kimchi and banchan trios for the side, and then either choose the SSAM SELECTION or the WAGYU SELECTION (if you’re feeling flush). No BBQ? Don’t miss the Kimchi Jjigae Bansang (kimchi and pork stew) or the Go Dung Uh Gui Bansang (grilled mackerel).
Padella – Bib Gourmand
A perennial favourite among Londoners who love an affordable, but still delicious, meal, Padella has to be one of the best ‘bang for your buck’ restaurants in the city. After all, pasta dishes start at just £9.50. No wonder it’s so popular!
Don’t fancy queueing? Padella also has sister sites in Shoreditch and Soho that take reservations.
What did the Michelin Guide say?
It’s not hard to see why this perennially popular pasta spot is so busy. The chefs make their pasta fresh every morning ready for a new wave of hungry customers to enjoy, then cook it with admirable precision and add a range of mouth-watering accompaniments – whether that be cavolo nero with the cavatelli or regional specialities like a delicious Tuscan gorgonzola sauce with stacci. Don’t forget the equally impressive tarts for dessert, too. Arrive in plenty of time to scan the QR code and join the virtual queue, then have a wander round the neighbouring Borough Market.
🍽️ What to order: The menu changes with the seasons, but must-orders include the Pici cacio & pepe, the Pappardelle with 8 hours Hereford beef shin ragu, and a Negroni (or 3).
Café Spice Namasté – Bib Gourmand
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?
Chef-Owner Cyrus Todiwala is fast approaching national treasure status, while his charming wife Pervin is a welcoming and delightful presence in their colourfully decorated restaurant. Unless you’re a local resident, its location on the ground floor of a modern apartment building in the Docklands development, overlooking the Royal Albert Wharf, involves a journey of some commitment – but it’ll be worth it. Go for the specialities from the couple’s respective Goan and Bombay roots, like chicken cafrael and cheese chilli toast.
🍽️ What to order: As much as you can, but particularly pay attention to the dishes from Goa. Be sure not to miss the Apple Crumble Samosa and the Kulfi to finish.
BAO
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 since the first location opened in Soho.
What did the Michelin Guide say?
There are now several branches of this very likeable Taiwanese chain spread across the capital, but this was the first one to open back in 2015. It’s still run with the same enthusiasm and provides the perfect pit-stop when out shopping or bar-hopping.
🍽️ 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.
Dim Sum & Duck
Despite the number of venues around London that command a queue, few and far between are actually worth the queue. But one place that’s worth it 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?
If you’re thinking of eating at this small, family owned ‘simple shop’, do ensure you get here early as it doesn’t take bookings and is deservedly popular. A one-hour wait is not unusual but the team manage the queue well and once you’re sat either in the lively interior or under the pavement gazebo, you can dive into the wide-ranging Cantonese menu. The authentic dishes are carefully cooked using good quality ingredients, with bold and well-defined flavours present in options like the xiaolong bao and the cheung fun.
🍽️ 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.
‼️ Dim Sum & Duck recently opened a second location on Pentonville Road, just one minute from the original location. The new site serves the same much-loved menu, in a more spacious setting, with reservations available from Monday to Thursday.
Peckham Cellars
A wine bar? Good value? In what world? Well, apparently in MICHELIN’s world! But then, this bistro-cum-wine bar does offer up some impressive food at equally impressive prices. After all, between a few friends you could order the entire food menu for less than the cost of a MICHELIN-starred meal for one person.
They also do regular offers such as £7 Tuesdays, where all the by-the-glass wines are available for, you guessed it, £7. And on Saturdays, their ‘Set Sharer’ lunch menu treats diner-drinkers to a selection of six sharing dishes for just £25 per person. Leaving all the more left over to spend on wine!
What did the Michelin Guide say?
This neighbourhood bistro and wine bar is run by three friends, who all hail from this part of South East London. Original small plates have a rustic style; they’re made for sharing, so choose three or four per person – if you’re in a group, consider ordering the whole menu. The wine list features some interesting small producers and they even have some wines on tap.
🍽️ What to order: Take enough friends to order the whole menu (you’ll only need 3 hungry people or 4 max), or try out the ‘Set Sharer’ on Saturdays. And be sure to ask for a wine recommendation.
