The best eats in London under £20
A memorable meal doesn’t have to break the bank or require a reservation months in advance. Some of the most accessible restaurants in London are also the most authentic. In this guide we take you to our favourite neighbourhood spots all over the capital. Dependably delicious and located a little off the beaten track, these are buzzing local restaurants where you can spontaneously stop by, soak up the scene, and feast on house specials — all for less than £20.
NORTH
1. Sonora Taqueria
Happily, mere seconds from Lode, our space in Stoke Newington. Sonora Taquería serves up our favourite tacos in London. The simple menu features staples like carne asada, pork adobada and quesadillas.
2. Dilara Uyghur Restaurant
Super fresh and perfectly spiced Uyghur and Turkish cuisine on Blackstock Road in Finsbury Park. While you wait, you can enjoy watching the dough being prepared by hand.
3. Proper Tacos
Handmade tortillas and award-winning tacos at Nags Head Market in Holloway. There’s Mariachi every Saturday afternoon.
EAST
4. Pisco’s
A Peruvian friend took us to Pisco’s in Dalson for tiradito (raw fish in a spicy citrus sauce) and beef empanadas, and we’ve loved it ever since. Start with a Pisco Sour.
5. Rogue Sarnies
Located on Poyser Street in Bethnal Green, Rogue Sarnies is the ultimate sandwich spot. The bread is baked in house in a wood-fired oven and the fillings are loaded with seasonal flavours.
6. Baltic Seafood
Turkish seafood on a roving canal boat! Currently moored in Mile End but check their Instagram for the latest location.
7. Shalamar Kebab House
Located on New Road in Whitechapel, this is a popular canteen-style Indian restaurant offering a wide range of traditional dishes at great prices. Last time we were there, the Chicken Biryani was less than £6!
8. Lahore Kebab House
Just round the corner from Shalamar, you’ll find this family owned and run kitchen, serving authentic Punjabi food inspired by the streets of Lahore. It’s a diner turned institution and the kebabs are legendary.
9. Red Camel
A super-cosy Afghan restaurant in Leytonstone. Don’t scrimp on the homemade chilli sauce.
10. Saffron Kitchen
A family-run restaurant on Lea Bridge Road. The fully open kitchen serves up classic Indian dishes, Mumbai inspired street food, and sizzling mixed grills.
CENTRAL
11. Italia Uno
With its myriad TV screens and proudly displayed football memorabilia, this sandwich shop tucked away on Charlotte Street feels like it’s from a different era. Grab a panini, or dig into the pasta of the day.
12. Rice Coming
This Chinese restaurant is nestled on Coptic Street in Holborn, a stone’s throw from the British Museum. Explore the traditional Hunan dishes accompanied by rice noodles. You can find the sister branch in Chinatown.
WEST
13. Halepi
The Kazolides family have run this colourful Greek restaurant on Leinster Terrace in Bayswater since 1966. With its laidback atmosphere and succulent lamb, this place is beloved by the Greek community.
14. Azmar Restaurant
Located on the Edgware Road, the dishes at Azmar are a modern twist on traditional Kurdish and Iraqi recipes. Start with hot or cold mezze or head straight for the grill.
15. Chelo
A casual Persian restaurant in Maida Vale. House specials include the Tahchin Morgh: a chicken and saffron rice bake, or a vegan aubergine stew.
SOUTH
16. Sabor Peruano
Located on Newington Butts in Elephant and Castle, this is an authentic and great value Peruvian spot. Closes at 9pm, so perfect for an early dinner.
17. SoulFood Peckham
A Jamaican hole-in-the-wall at the end of Peckham High Street cooking up jerk chicken, curry goat and oxtail.