When it comes to the West End, it's not all Michelin prices and swanky spots, you know. If you don't want to break the bank then this one's for you. From low-cost Caribbean to modestly priced Mexican and British dishes that won't break your budget, here's our pick of the best bars and restaurants for cheap eats in Soho.
For more edible inspo, check out our guide to restaurants in Soho.
Last edited by Izzah Kazi
Last updated on 17th September 2024
From bao and gyoza to dumplings and sticky rice, the menu at Ping Pong makes it one of London's best cheap eats. Head to Great Marlborough Street for dim sum done right. You'll even find pre-theatre and set menus paired with innovative cocktails.
In between Soho and Covent Garden on St Giles Piazza, you'll find Cabana Brasil dishing out Brazilian-inspired street food for you to munch through. Think colourful interiors with hanging basket lanterns and plenty of plants, alongside an affordable menu spanning everything from buttermilk churrasco fried chicken to Nikkei tacos with a salmon or tuna filling.
Pizza Pilgrims Soho is where hot pizzas, cold beers, and Neapolitan classics like Marinara and Margherita meet changing guest specials such as double pepperoni and spicy honey. Head down to this wonderfully affordable Italian hotspot to dive into retro gaming fun at the Nintendo table, or grab a slice and head to nearby Soho Square for a perfect day out.
Located on Wardour Street, Busaba promises authentic Thai dishes in the heart of Soho, all for an affordable price. Whether you're taking advantage of their £13 weekday lunch deal or grabbing small plates for under a tenner, your bank account will thank you for dining here.
Thought BrewDog was just about the beer? Think again. From 2-4-1 on vegan and vegetarian mains every single Monday to all you can eat wings on Wednesdays, this bustling spot brings you cost-effective munch and thirst-quenching craft brews in equal measure.
Situated on the ever-buzzing Berwick Street, Red Dog Austin Bar-B-Que Soho is the place to go for beautifully smoked meats at affordable prices. Chomp on 16-hour smoked brisket, banging burgers and wicked wings, with cocktails and tequila to wash it down.
Sun & Thirteen Cantons might look like a cool yet traditional-style pub on first look, but this place's food is one of Soho's best kept secrets. Their current kitchen residency is from Coqfighter, who provide succulent fried chicken in the form of wings, tenders, burgers and vegan options, with everything from Buffalo to ranch as flavouring.
Vapiano Tottenham Court Road is affordable and delicious. The glossy building opposite the station boasts a laid-back seating arrangement and the opportunity to customise your own pasta dish by picking from a selection of shapes (including courgette zoodles). Chow down on carbonara for £13.95, marghertia sourdough pizzas for £11.25 and risotto for £12.95.
DF Tacos is a Tottenham Court Road favourite, dishing out authentic Mexican fare with most mains costing less than £10. Think spicy burritos, loaded rice bowls and a huge variety of tacos, alongside frozen margaritas - yum. Not in the area? Head to their Shoreditch venue instead.
It's not only eclectic interiors, a banging soundtrack and quirky cocktails at Barrio; there's also a menu of £2 tacos that features everything from grilled birra beef to pulled chicken and chipotle chickpeas. Pair that with the daily happy hour on drinks and you're in for a good time.
Fill up on award-winning burgers paired with legendary rosemary chips and a craft beer as Honest Burgers welcomes you to their bustling Soho sites on Brewer Street and Meard Street. With changing specials alongside vegan, veggie and meat-centred dishes, there's something for everyone.
If you're after tasty Italian food, Bella Italia should be on your radar. From the charming service down to the all-day offering, this is a no-brainer. Think £5 breakfasts with set menus and deals on pasta, pizza, risotto and more.
If you're on the hunt for places near Tottenham Court Road, check out Arcade Food Hall. The venue promises some top-notch grub, whether it be Indonesian, Indian and American cuisine. Plus there are DJs and a packed music programme to keep the ambience buzzing.
