Food Guides
London is packed with incredible dining experiences. But, sometimes, you just need a budget-friendly bite without sacrificing quality. From lunch on the go to a casual dinner, there are plenty of cheap eats in Covent Garden that don't require you to splurge.
Tucked under the Market Building, Chez Antoinette serves up delicious French food for a fraction of the cost of a fine dining restaurant. A staple of the piazza since 2014 and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, we highly recommend giving the croque monsieur or one of their homemade desserts a try.
Although steak is often considered an expensive dish, this certainly isn't the case at Flat Iron, where you can enjoy a delicious-every-time steak for £15, as well as equally yummy sides, including creamed spinach and roasted aubergine. Don't forget to exchange the butcher knife charm that comes with the bill for a salted caramel ice cream on your way out.
Another restaurant that offers a lot of taste for a great price is Goodwhich on New Row. Family-run and full of flavour, you can enjoy two bao buns for £7.95 or any of their curries, all for under £10.
If you're more in the mood for a quick bite to take away in Covent Garden, hit up Homeslice for oven-fired pizzas that celebrate seasonal produce. Their £5 slices of pizza make for the perfect takeaway lunchtime meal. Island Poke is another great option if you're searching for a healthy takeaway. Their house bowls are full of fresh ingredients, all under £12, perfect to grab and go.
Or, if you're looking for somewhere to suit a range of palettes, the Punch and Judy Restaurant should be on your list. It's the perfect pit-stop for families and big groups - you can even bring your dog along! Enjoy tasty pub classics, like fish and chips or pie and mash, in the heart of Covent Garden, all without breaking the bank. Dine alfresco on the balcony for a lovely view of the Piazza below.
In need of comfort food in a hurry? Shake Shack has taken up residence in the iconic Market Building, only a hop, skip, and a jump from the Royal Opera House. The New York-inspired diner serves classic American burgers, hot dogs and shakes that are just as tasty and they are satisfyingly wallet-friendly.
For a traditional taste of London, make sure to stop by Mother Mash. There is a range of mash to choose from, various pies and sausages for all tastes, and even different kinds of gravy, all for under £20. For a quick eat in Covent Garden, you'll leave with a full, warm belly!
The only thing better than the smell of fresh bread, is the taste of it. The selection at Chestnut Bakery makes it the perfect lunchtime stop to grab a quick sandwich for lunch, or choose a loaf to take home from the bread menu. Plus, treat yourself to a tasty pastry or coffee.
Set menus are a great way to find new places to try, on a budget. Since Covent Garden is in the heart of theatre in the West End, there's plenty of pre-theatre dining to choose from.
Start your night the right way with six chicken tenders and a cocktail for £15, at Mrs Riot. Make it the last Monday of the month for a night of musical performances from your favourite theatre stars. Or, drop in on a Wednesday for Drag Bingo. With free entry, anyone can be a winner!
Or, a few doors down, the Ivy Market Grill’s elegant restaurant offers a two-course fixed menu for just £19.95 on weekdays. Sit on their sunny terrace as you watch the Piazza below.
If you'd rather steal a taste of Japan, Sticks 'n' Sushi is the go-to place for fresh sushi. From maki rolls to sashimi, you can enjoy a range of dishes thanks to their set Sticks menu. Your waistline will be bursting at the seams for just £20!
The best cheap eats are of course the sweet ones, so if you're not looking for a meal but need a sugar buzz, plenty of cheap treats are nearby.
Pick up two of Santa Nata's authentic Pastel de Nata, a traditional Portuguese pastry, expertly handmade by their artisan chefs for just £5.50. If crepes are more your style, visit Crème de la Crêpe, who serve sweet and savoury crepes, as well as an all-day brunch for just £10, so there's something to suit all appetites.
At Ben's Cookies, you can get a box full of their signature cookies for £13.50. Yet, this isn't the only cookie stop in Covent Garden. Blondies Kitchen also supplies passerby’s with tasty cookies with unique flavours - from Cocoberry to pistachio, Macha to sea salt.
If chocolate or cream bars are more your style, swing by Barnaby's to see them being made. Choose from a variety of flavours such as tiramisu, smores and the infamous Dubai pistachio chocolate.
You might think that popcorn is just for the movies, but Godfrey's Popcorn proves you wrong. Not only do they have the classic salted corn, but they also have caramel and cheddar cheese popcorn! Covent Garden is the perfect destination for any sweet tooth!
Seven Dials Market is a food court full of independent traders, each offering different delicacies from across the globe.
Get in line at Dirty Bagel for a filling lunch that’s packed full of flavour. Their signature pulled pork is delicious and under £10. Or, if you're looking to spice up your evening, stop by Lucky's Hot Chicken. With hearty helpings sure to make your mouth (and eyes!) water, you’re definitely getting bang for your buck here! In the mood for some hearty, soul-nourishing food? Yum Bun's bao buns are sure to hit the spot. With deals such as two for £10.50, you're sure to leave full and happy!
But remember, vendors in the Seven Dials Market frequently rotate - so there's something new to try every time you visit.
