The Best Cheap Eats in London Under £20

Pastaio

A hearty plate of fresh pasta is the order of the day at Pastaio. This Carnaby favourite is perfectly positioned for a central London stop-off, with a menu that is seasonal, and most importantly, affordable.

Opened in 2017, chef Steve Parle, had the vision of a seasonal, Italian restaurant with pasta made daily by his team of highly skilled ‘pastais’. The menu also became known for having one of the best fried sandwiches in London. The highly delectable Black Truffle and Burrata fried sandwich is currently on the menu (£15.50).

To keep costs low, skip the starters, and go straight to the pasta – the portions are generous, too. I recommend the classic Slow cooked tomato sauce with basil, parmesan and Tagliolini (£13), Wild garlic and hazelnut pesto, parmesan and Tagliatelle (£15) and the Anchovy, Butter, Rosemary, Aleppo Chilli, Parsley, Breadcrumbs and Casarecce (£10).

If you’re feeling extra hungry, share one of the fried sandwiches with a friend – perfect for two.

Bao

The lure of pillowy-soft, fluffy Bao buns is always on the cards when out and about in central London – it’s one of my favourite cheap eats and the one I return to repeatedly.

The award-winning Bao first entered London’s dining scene in 2015 and fast became one of the go-to destinations for speedy eats in a simple, no-frills setting.

This Taiwanese chain offers a tempting menu of authentic dishes, with plenty of new additions popping up on the menu. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Pig Blood Cake with Soy cured egg, which is an exclusive addition to the Soho branch.

If, like me, you are stickler for the classics, there’s nothing tastier than the Classic Braised Pork Bao (£5.75), Beef Short Rib Bao (£6.75), and the Fried Chicken Bao (£5.95).

If you fancy some sides, the Mapo Aubergine Rice (£9.50) is a go-to, as is their tangy Golden Kimchi (£4.00).

As you can see it’s very easy to go over £20, but also a nice speedy and economical lunch/dinner if you keep to the budget.

Pizza Union

The Italian pizza bar, Pizza Union, has been turning over some of the fastest – and delicious – pizzas in town. This beloved chain is also known for their incredibly low prices, which makes it one of the best bargains in London.

The reason behind their ‘superfast’ pizza is the Roman-style base which cooks in mere moments and comes out ultra-thin and crispy. The pizzas are all 12 inches and priced so reasonably it would be rude not to order a couple – at least!

The cheapest on the menu is the ‘Marinara’ pizza which is a delightfully simple tomato sauce, garlic oil, oregano and basil for the absolute bargain price of £3.95. My regular order, however, is the Fiorentina with a tomato sauce base, mozzarella, parmesan, egg and fresh spinach (£7.50).

In addition, the drinks are also at a brilliantly reasonable price, with the frozen Margarita cocktail at £4.50.

This classic pizza bar never fails to impress on taste and price, and the perfect stop for food with friends whether it be lunch or dinner.

Paddy Wok

Irish-Chinese takeaway has arrived in south-east London, with Paddy Wok becoming one of Deptford’s most popular food destinations.

Since opening in 2024, it’s become a bit of cult-hit in the area with those “in the know” flocking to pick up fan favourites such as ‘The Spice Bag’ and the moreish, crispy Chicken Balls.

The team wanted to create a taste of home in Ireland, as their weekly Chinese takeaway was always such a big part of their life growing up. Paddy Wok is a true fusion of flavour courtesy of their Irish heritage and their favourite Chinese dishes from childhood.

For first timers, ‘The Spice Bag’ is a must which is a mouth-watering mix of crispy salt and chilli chicken, salt and chilli chips, all mixed together in a wok with fried vegetables. It’s perfect for two to share and it’s a deal at £9.95.

My favourite – and the one I order the most – is the 4In1which is a mix of Crispy chicken, egg fried rice, chips with curry sauce (£9.95). If you’re not a fan of curry sauce, you can also choose from Satay and Sweet and Sour. However, if you’re indecisive, the curry sauce is the most popular.

For an extra protein hit order the Chicken Balls for £5.95. Or the crispy Vegetarian Spring Rolls also at £5.95.

You certainly won’t be leaving Paddy Wok hungry.

Beigel Bake

Looking for a cheap eat at any hour of the day? There’s only one place you need and that is Brick Lane’s iconic Beigel Bake.

First opened in 1974, the popularity of this small bakery was instant from the off and they produce a staggering 7,000 bagels per day. Queues of hungry customers can be seen at any hour of the day or night, eager to pick up some of the freshest bagels in town.

One of the most popular items is the generously filled hot Salt Beef bagel with mustard (£8.30) which has become a legendary eat in London. You also can’t miss the classic Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese bagel (£4.70) which is filled with some of the most delicious and flavourful salmon.

For an even cheaper bagel, check out the Tuna Mayo and Sweetcorn for a bargain £3.60. You can get many of the simpler filled bagels for this price.

And if you also fancy something sweet, don’t forget the divinely creamy Cheesecake (£2.50) and the oozingly jammy Doughnut (£1.30).

Singapulah

For authentic Singaporean cuisine there is no better place in London than Singapulah right in the heart of Shaftesbury Avenue. This restaurant is the latest in restaurateur, Ellen Chew’s empire. It’s not only one of the best places for Singaporean food, but at such a great price point it’s become a go-to when in central London.

At lunchtime, their ‘Tiffin’ set menu is one of the best priced in the area, and for £15.95 you have a choice of small starter, main course, a rice dish, and a drink. You also have the option of adding a scoop of ice-cream for £2.00.

The Tiffin lunch is presented beautifully, and the food is perfectly portioned for a lunchtime eat. My favourite choices on the menu include the aromatic Sambal Prawns, Hainanese Pork Chop, and the crispy Okra Fries.

If you’re in the Soho area, there’s no better place for lunch.

Brasserie Zedel

This old school Parisian-inspired brasserie is one of London’s most iconic venues. Brasserie Zedel is a slice of old-school French hospitality which is also known to be one of London’s best value restaurants.

It’s truly a destination visit as stepping inside this landmark building feels like going back in time to a bygone era. It’s a breathtaking location, and always has that wow-factor, no matter how many times you visit.

For such glamorous surrounds, the Prix-Fixe menu is surprisingly down to earth in its price point: 2 courses for £16.95 and 3 courses for £19.95.

You have two choices per course, and these items can also be found on the A La Carte menu, so you know you’re getting some of the best dishes on the menu.

I always start with the Oeufs Mayonnaise, moving onto the Steak Hache, before finishing with a decadent Delice Chocolat – how good does that sound?

It’s one of the best prix-fixe in town, and long may it continue.