2024 Top Ten Good Value Restaurant Guide
1. Dishoom
Location: Various locations including Shoreditch, Kensington, and Covent Garden Cuisine: Indian
Dishoom pays homage to the Irani cafés of Bombay and is a beloved staple in London’s dining scene. The decor is colonial chic, and the atmosphere buzzes with the energy of a post-theatre crowd. Their menu features hearty, flavorful dishes such as the house black daal, chicken ruby, and freshly made naans. The breakfast offerings, particularly the bacon naan roll, are a must-try. Dishoom provides a high-value dining experience with most dishes priced under £12.
2. Franco Manca
Location: Various locations Cuisine: Pizza
Renowned for its sourdough pizza, Franco Manca offers a gourmet pizza experience at an unbeatable price. The menu is straightforward, focusing on quality rather than quantity, with pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven. Prices start at around £5, making it a fantastic spot for a quick, delicious, and affordable meal. The no-logo pizza, featuring seasonal ingredients, is a crowd favorite.
3. Flat Iron
Location: Various locations including Soho, Covent Garden, and Shoreditch Cuisine: Steak
Flat Iron is a paradise for steak lovers looking for great value. This no-reservations spot serves up a singular cut of steak at an incredibly reasonable price point—usually around £11. The steak comes with a free salad, and you can order sides like dripping-cooked chips for a little extra. The ambiance is cool and minimalist, ideal for casual dinners.
4. Hoppers
Location: Soho, Marylebone Cuisine: Sri Lankan
Hoppers takes inspiration from Sri Lankan street food, particularly the fermented rice and coconut milk pancakes known as hoppers. The menu is rich in flavors and spices, featuring kothu roti, curries, and the signature hoppers. It’s a culinary adventure that’s surprisingly affordable, with many dishes priced around £10-£15.
5. Bao
Location: Soho, Fitzrovia, Borough Cuisine: Taiwanese
Bao specializes in Taiwanese street food, particularly its namesake bao – fluffy steamed buns filled with a variety of options like braised pork, panko crumbed chicken, or lamb shoulder. The Soho location is often packed, a testament to its popularity and the value it offers. Small plates start at £3.50, and bao around £5.
6. Roti King
Location: Euston Cuisine: Malaysian
Tucked away near Euston Station, Roti King is a hidden gem known for its authentic Malaysian dishes and, notably, its rotis. The place is unassuming in appearance but don’t let that fool you. The food is authentic and incredibly affordable, with dishes like roti canai and dhal costing less than £5.
7. Gold Mine
Location: Bayswater Cuisine: Chinese
Famous for its roast duck, Gold Mine offers some of the best Cantonese cuisine in London at reasonable prices. The restaurant has a loyal following, and it’s recommended to arrive early or be prepared to queue. A hearty meal here will cost around £10-£15 per person.
8. The Barbary
Location: Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden Cuisine: North African, Middle Eastern
The Barbary is known for its vibrant atmosphere and a menu inspired by the Barbary Coast (regions of North Africa). The dishes are designed to share, with prices ranging from £6 to £20, offering an array of flavors from grilled meats to beautifully spiced vegetables.
9. Moro
Location: Exmouth Market Cuisine: Spanish, Moorish
Moro has been a staple in Exmouth Market for years, serving a blend of Spanish and Moorish cuisine. The restaurant offers a set lunch menu that is particularly good value, with two courses for around £16. The flavors are bold and the ingredients top-notch.
10. Padella
Location: Borough Market, Shoreditch Cuisine: Italian
Padella is famous for its fresh, hand-made pasta served at prices that make it hard to resist. This spot is highly popular, and queues can be long, but the quality and value of the dishes make it worth the wait.