Must try: London’s Top 8 Fancy yet Affordable Restaurants

Don't let the jokes about British food dupe your pallet! London is one of the top cities in the world for fine dining. However, the city is expensive, so fine dining can sometimes feel out of reach for normal people.

London has no shortage of restaurants that cater to all tastes and budgets. While high-end dining options that can be quite expensive, many restaurants offer a great dining experience at an affordable price.

In fact, some of the most exciting culinary experiences in London can be found in fancy and affordable restaurants. These restaurants are often hidden gems. They offer unique and creative menus, expertly crafted cocktails, and a lively atmosphere that is sure to impress.

Don't be afraid to explore the city's many affordable yet fancy restaurants. If you're looking for a great dining experience in London, you might just be pleasantly surprised by London's fancy yet affordable restaurants!

Granted, this handy little guide doesn’t only include cheap eats. But it's a tour of our favorite fancy places to eat with a reasonable budget. They might even help if you're on a quest for romantic restaurants in London.

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Kitchen W8

Kitchen W8 is a renowned restaurant in Kensington, London's heart. With a Michelin star to its name, it is known for its exceptional contemporary British cuisine. The ever-changing menu at Kitchen W8 showcases the finest seasonal ingredients, expertly prepared and presented with creativity and finesse.

The elegant yet relaxed atmosphere and impeccable service create a memorable dining experience. Kitchen W8 is a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking culinary excellence for a special occasion or a refined evening out. However, this Michelin-starred fine-dining experience will not break the bank; a 3-course set menu costs under £40 per person.

Address: 11-13 Abingdon Rd, Kensington, London W8 6AH, United Kingdom

Closest Metro Station: High Street Kensington (District and Circle lines)

Price Range: £££

Brasserie Zedel

When you think of a fancy restaurant's dining room, you think of a beautiful, grand interior. Well, it doesn’t get much fancier than Brasserie Zedel. This traditional French restaurant is located in Piccadilly Circus, one of London's busiest and most vibrant spots.

The incredible beaux arts interior dates back to the 1930s and is perhaps London’s best example of this grandiose style. The food on offer is traditional French fare, with these escargots, steak frites, and beef bourguignon. Prices are extremely reasonable considering the glitzy Piccadilly Circus location - this really is one of the best cheap but fancy restaurants London offers.

Address: 20 Sherwood St, Soho, London W1F 7ED, United Kingdom

Closest Metro Station: Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines)

Price Range: ££

The Palomar

The Palomar’s glamour comes not necessarily from its interior, a cool 16-seat table counter facing the chefs working their magic, but the quality and beauty of the food itself.

There is often a large line leading out of the doors of this Soho crowd-pleaser! They serve food representing modern-day Jerusalem, with Spanish, North African, and Middle Eastern cuisine.

There is also a well-curated wine menu, along with some inventive cocktails that pair perfectly with the flavors throughout the menu. The restaurant has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2014, but you can expect two courses to cost you under £40.

Address: 34 Rupert St, Soho, London W1D 6DN, United Kingdom

Closest Metro Station: Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines)

Price Range: ££

Opera Tavern

This charming eatery specializes in Spanish-Italian tapas and is one of the best spots if you’re looking for fancy and affordable date-night restaurants in London. With a stylish, modern, yet classy interior, you’ll find a warm and atmospheric space. The menu, curated by Head Chef Pavlin Karantatski and his talented team, showcases a tantalizing array of dishes infused with Spanish and Italian influences.

These culinary delights are crafted using the finest seasonal ingredients, ensuring a memorable dining experience. To accompany your meal, Opera Tavern presents an extensive wine list and a collection of seasonal drinks inspired by different regions. From refreshing Spritz serves to long drinks, the beverage selection perfectly complements the flavors of the cuisine.

Address: 23 Catherine St, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JS, United Kingdom

Closest Metro Station: Covent Garden (Piccadilly line)

Price Range: ££

Bocconi’s

Bocconi's is a gem for Italian food enthusiasts. Located in Shepherd’s Bush, this family-run restaurant serves authentic dishes with a contemporary twist. Each dish is made with passion and care, from their handmade pasta to the delicious tiramisu.

The warm and welcoming ambiance makes you feel instantly at ease, but the elegant Italian menu means that your experience will feel more fancy than rustic. Some of the best dishes include lobster ravioli and bisque or chicken saltimbocca with Parma ham. Some truly classy Italian wines are also carefully selected to pair best with your meal. You can expect a starter and a main to cost less than £30.

Address: 5 Goldhawk Rd, London W12 8QQ, United Kingdom

Closest Metro Station: Bond Street (Jubilee and Central lines)

Price Range: ££

Leroy

Leroy’s in Shoreditch has also earned a Michelin star for the quality of their food and service. The atmosphere is somewhat laid back, with vinyl records playing and loud chatter bouncing off the walls, but the quality of the food marks this down as an undoubtedly fancy dining experience. Opened by famous sommelier Ed Thaw in 2018, Leroy’s quickly gained a Michelin star in 2019.

The menu is simple, but the quality of the ingredients and of head chef Simon Shand means that your taste buds are in for a real treat. Dinners and Saturday lunches are à la carte, while weekday lunches are a 2 to 3-course set menu. For a Michelin-starred restaurant, prices are extremely reasonable.

Address: 18 Phipp St, Hackney, London EC2A 4NU, United Kingdom

Closest Metro Station: Old Street (Northern line)

Price Range: £££

Manteca

Manteca is an elegant restaurant that strongly emphasizes utilizing the entire animal in its dishes, highlighting the concept of nose-to-tail dining. It’s one of the best affordable fancy Italian restaurants in central London. Their menu showcases imaginative creations like the delectable crispy pig's head paired with a pickled apple.

Additionally, Manteca offers an extensive selection of homemade pasta dishes featuring inventive sauces and toppings that will satisfy any pasta lover. What sets Manteca apart is its exceptional food and reasonable prices, particularly when considering its prime location. So, if you're seeking a culinary experience that celebrates the environment and delivers flavorful pasta delights, Manteca is definitely worth a visit.

Address: 49-51 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT, United Kingdom**

Closest Metro Station: Old Street Underground Station (Northern line)

Price Range: ££

Sanjugo

There is something almost inherently classy about traditional Japanese food, but often this is reflected in the price. If you want to go to one of the best affordable yet fancy Japanese restaurants in Central London, then look no further than Sanjugo in the West End. The restaurant serves classic Japanese cuisine in a chic, slick setting, such as sashimi, sushi, and tempura. Everything you would expect from a fancy Japanese restaurant in London!

You can watch authentic Japanese sushi being prepared right before you, and the service is exceptional. Sanjugo regularly receives some of the best ratings and reviews of any Japanese restaurant in London.

Still, prices aren’t actually very high. You would pay here what you might expect to pay at a standard, lower-quality sushi place, but Sanjugo certainly does not fit that bill! Get your bento box ready!

Address: 35 Scrutton St, London EC2A 4HU, United Kingdom

Closest Metro Station: Shoreditch High Street Overground

Price Range: ££

Plan the perfect summer escapade in London and discover classic diners in Kensington offering a delightful atmosphere and top-notch ingredients for a memorable dining experience. Explore the upscale charm of Mayfair and its culinary delights, from fine dining to the perfect pizza joints. This guide provides a roadmap to where to eat, drink, stay, and play, ensuring your London summer is filled with unforgettable moments and gastronomic delights!