Can't bring yourself to go to the supermarket (or eat that questionable-looking ready meal at the back of your fridge)? You can treat yourself without the fear of wasting money thanks to this list of the best cheap restaurants in the UK. Gorge on £1 dumplings, snag pocket-friendly pizzas and have a filthy taco feast complete with frozen margaritas.
Last edited by Izzah Kazi
Last updated on 8th August 2024
Wildwood are responsible for some of the best affordable restaurants in the UK. Boasting over 40 locations including Nottingham, York, Edinburgh and plenty in London, pocket-friendly plates are never far away. Think hand-crafted artisan pizzas, loaded salads and banging burgers. Hot tip: you can bag a three-course lunch for under £15 on weekdays.
Bournemouth's sky-high oasis is the perfect place to escape the bustling crowds and high prices of seaside living. Those on a budget won't find anything on the menu that's out of their price range, with affordable street food options from pizzas to nachos. £10 cocktails and £3 half pints of beer are also available.
Born in the West Country in 2009, The Stable serves up cheap locally sourced ciders and sourdough pizzas in Bristol, Cardiff and Cornwall. But that's not all; they also offer a range of freshly made pies, salads and sharing platters. With over 80 different ciders to choose from, you'll be spoiled for choice.
Satisfy your craving for Mexican street food at El Cartel in Edinburgh. This uber-cool outpost serves some of Scotland's greatest tacos, filled with baja cod, crispy confit pork shoulder and more. There's also 80+ different types of mezcal, tequila and agave, plus frozen margs. Check out their other site in Roxburgh, one of the most affordable UK restaurants with a view of Waverley Bridge.
Spice up your life at Thaikhun, be it in Aberdeen, Southampton or Manchester. Their traditional flavours and spacious venue make them the perfect nibbling spot for any occasion. From classics like traditional pad Thai to modern creations like TK-style crispy chicken, their chefs use only the finest ingredients to create an authentic dining experience.
Fatto a Napoli brings the sunny spirit of Naples to Solihull. This cosy cafeteria and pizzeria serves up authentic, feel-good Italian vibes. Their pizzas are made with love using top-notch ingredients, giving you a taste of authentic and delicious Italian cuisine, featuring delicious flavours like diavola, funghi, and marinara.
Lola Jeans is a Tynemouth restaurant sporting pretty pink furnishings mixed among, dark, vintage embellishments and golden chandeliers. It has an opulent charm to it that contrasts with its affordable fare. Home to award-winning burgers minced in-house you can tuck into a Buffalo Soldier (£15.95) tossed in Louisiana hot sauce, as well as a Tickle The Pickle (£16.95), featuring Monster Munch.
Affordable restaurants in London with a view of the Thames? Oystercatcher is one of 'em. Dive into souped-up small plates, brunch waffles for under £15 and a Sunday roast where extra Yorkshire puds are just £1 each. You can also go for their midday bottomless offering where you're promised a lot for your money.
Where to find the best cheap eats in the UK? Any city with a Prezzo. Thanks to Italian-inspired locations in Bristol, Reading, Nottingham and beyond, hearty food at an affordable price and epic happy hour deals are always within reach.
The Stable is always a winner for those hunting down cheap eats at UK restaurants. Nachos, sourdough pizzas and tater tots are all up for grabs, alongside killer draught beers and classic cocktails done right. Explore sites in Bournemouth, Bristol, Bath and more.
The hottest pizza joint in Brum, Otto has a custom-built oven firing up delicious wood-fired pizzas starting at only £11. Homemade dough, fresh toppings, and ready in just 90 seconds - now that's fast food done right. Plus, they source their ingredients from local suppliers, so you can feel good about supporting local businesses.
Got a hankering for pizza but feel obliged to eat what's already in the fridge? Take the guilt out of restaurant-going by heading to Picture House Social. Sheffield's underground party palace will see you playing ping pong and arcade games while sipping cocktails and scoffing slices topped with bolognese, buffalo chicken and more. There's more fun to be had at sister site Shuffle Shack.
Taking their laid-back grub, crazy shenanigans, and boozy brunches to Oxford, Brighton, and Spitalfields, The Breakfast Club will transport you to your happy place at any time of day. Serving up some of the best egg dishes, fluffy pancakes, hearty sandwiches, burgers, and so much more, you're in for a jolly good time.
Ollie's House is a neighbourhood hangout with Asian-style plates and tropical interiors. If that wasn't enough, they've got a tonne of offers to lure in budget-conscious foodies; from happy hours to cheap set menus and 50p gyozas all day everyday, there's no reason not to visit one of the most affordable restaurants in Central London.
At Byron Bury St Edmunds and York, you'll find a mix of industrial and rustic vibes blended with a modern twist. Picture exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and contemporary lighting setting the stage for cosy one-on-ones or lively group gatherings. Whether you sink your teeth into their signature burger crowned with maple bacon, relish, and red onions, or opt for the Clucky featuring buttermilk fried chicken, smashed avocado, Sriracha hot honey, and pickled red onions, you're in for a flavor-packed delight.
With Indian street food at the helm, award-winning restaurant Indico Mailbox is bringing something different to Birmingham's affordable restaurant scene. Centuries of rich Punjabi culture have gone into the making of these dishes, resulting in authentic plates containing flavours that will blow you away. Quirky cocktails are on hand if things get a little too spicy.
Sniffin' out a wine den in Leicester, Reading or Stratford-upon-Avon that's got all your bottled desires covered? Whether you're settling down for a date night or gorgin' on their classic charcuterie with a glass of Champagne, Veeno is the perfect spot to have a giggle without breaking the bank.
YO! Sushi have multiple locations across the capital (including Selfridges and Westfield Stratford) that are known for being some of the best affordable restaurants in London. End up with a stack of plates as you grab one after the other off the conveyor belt, from sashimi and hand rolls to gyozas and ramen.
With sister sites in Edinburgh and Canary Wharf, Wahaca knows how to deliver crowd-pleasing Mexican dishes that won't break the bank. Get ready to indulge in fresh guac, slow-cooked pork, and sweet potato taquitos - and to wash it down, there are plenty of classic cocktails and Mexican beers.
Some of the best cheap eats in London can be found at Haggerston's Venezuelan outpost Arepa & Co. Look over Regent's Canal while enjoying a laid-back bite that's super affordable. Menu highlights include cheesy pastries, rice bowls and corn pancakes topped with shredded beef.
Brighton's award-winning Greek restaurant Nostos fronts a thoughtful menu of knock-out small plates under £10 and stonking signatures such as slow-cooked ox cheeks and parma-wrapped chicken breast with a mushroom sauce.
For tasty food and drink at a great price, head to one of Grosvenor Casino's locations across the UK. As well as providing classic games and slot machines, there's a wide range of gorgeous grub like juicy burgers, crispy wings and everyone's favourite side: fries.
East Asian treats and quirky cocktails can be found at Bar Soba Glasgow. Expect bao buns, dumplings and curries included in the huge menu, as well as sips featuring one inspired by a Twister ice lolly. With student discounts and midday deals, this is one of the best cheap restaurants in the UK for lunch. Be sure to stop by if you're in Edinburgh or Leeds.
Located all over the UK, from Leeds to Manchester and Liverpool, Bundobust serves up delicious street food from Gujurat with a modern twist. Their menu has tonnes of wallet-friendly small plates that are perfect for meat lovers, veggies and vegans. Trust us, you can't go wrong with crispy okra fries, chole saag, or their iconic deep-fried potato and chutney burger.
Whether you're in Bath, Brum or Exeter, get ready to be transported to the Middle East with Comptoir Libanais. From homemade dips to mouth-watering tagines, their authentic Lebanese cuisine is a real feast for the senses. Trust us; the souk-like setting and dynamic decor will make you feel like you're in the heart of Lebanon.
Soho is home to one of the most fancy affordable restaurants in London. The intimate seating area gives the outpost an air of exclusivity, making it perfect for a special occasion. Tuck into simple yet flavour-packed Asian-style small plates made in the rustic open kitchen.
