Restaurant Deals London: Save On Your Next Eats

A whopping 22,000…yes, that’s the approximate number of restaurants in London, last I checked! I’ve done it – I have taste-tested and tried out over 30 restaurants in London over 30 days and shortlisted the top 20 best restaurant deals in London for you. 

But this makes finding a great meal at an unbeatable price like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Imagine spending your hard-earned money eagerly anticipating a delightful meal but leaving the restaurant disappointed. But now it’s time to say goodbye to wasting money on restaurants that aren’t worth it. 

So, pull out your knives and forks and get ready to indulge in the city’s most exquisite yet affordable meals with me without wasting a penny!

Significance of Restaurant Deals 

Let me start with the elephant in the room; what’s the point of restaurant deals? It doesn’t hurt to splurge on good food at times, right? 

Well, the point of restaurant deals goes beyond just saving a few pounds. It brings numerous benefits to restaurants by enhancing their reputation, attracting new customers, and helping to improve the local economy. 

But there are also several advantages of restaurant deals for us food lovers! 

Knowing the best restaurant deals in London will help you: 

Save Money

I couldn’t help but state the obvious; sometimes, restaurants in London offer smashing discounts that help you save money. Deals such as discounts, specials, and promotions allow you to enjoy quality meals at a fraction of the regular price.

Improve Your Social Life

Raise your hand if you’ve skipped a meal with friends or family because you ran out of your monthly budget or they chose a place above what your wallet allowed. Don’t worry; we have all been there. 

However, restaurant deals make dining out with friends or family more accessible and budget-friendly. In addition, you no longer have to opt out of plans because of money (if you choose the right deal, that is). 

Make You More Spontaneous

Has your life fallen into a rut of work and home? Then you’d be surprised to hear this, but restaurant deals can help you get some of the sparks back and make you more spontaneous.

I bet that with the incentive of a great deal, you’ll be more willing to try new restaurants or plan impromptu outings.

A Brief Overview of London’s Restaurant Scene

Having travelled to numerous countries, I can confidently say that London boasts one of the most diverse and indulgent restaurant scenes. Over the past two decades.

With a wide range of eateries, from street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, London offers dining experiences to suit every palate and budget.

After exploring many of them, I’ve categorized the eateries based on their main features and style.

The categories above are a unique way to capture London’s diverse dining scene and knowing the types of food spots in London can help you make better dining decisions. 

During my 30-day journey, I was mesmerized by the diverse eateries in London and discovered amazing restaurant offers that I’ll share in this post, so keep reading.

Criteria For Picking Each Restaurant 

When I walked into this experiment to find the best restaurant deals in London, I knew what I was looking for; exceptional quality and value. However, just a few days into the journey and I quickly realised that I had to judge much more than that. 

With so many London restaurant deals going around, you must consider various factors to spot the best ones in the crowd. And that’s exactly what I did!

So next, dive into my carefully curated criteria for picking each restaurant for the best restaurant deals in London. 

Value for Money

The most crucial factor I noticed when selecting restaurant deals was the value for the money offered. Therefore, I diligently spotted a significant discount or added value compared to the regular price. 

This helped me ensure you enjoy a memorable dining experience without breaking the bank.

Food Quality

During my journey, I paid particular attention to high standards regarding the quality and taste of the restaurant’s dishes. I also paid attention to the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, skillful preparation, and presentation. 

Variety of Cuisine

I selected deals spanning various cuisines to cater to diverse tastes and preferences, including multicultural options, traditional British fare, and innovative culinary creations.

Ambience and Atmosphere

I always believe that ambience is essential to one’s dining experience. This includes the ambience, décor, and atmosphere of the restaurant. Therefore, I ensured that all the restaurants in this list of the best restaurant deals in London provide a comfortable and enjoyable environment that enhances the meal.

Service 

During my culinary journey, I found that good customer service can make or break your dining experience. 

Hence, while shortlisting London restaurant deals, I selected restaurants known for their attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly staff who go above and beyond to meet the needs of their guests.

Then, I tested it out for myself and voila! I knew which restaurants had London food deals worth trying, especially for their exceptional customer service. 

Location and Accessibility

I chose restaurants that are conveniently located and easily accessible by public transport or have ample parking. This helps ensure that everyone can easily reach and enjoy the dining experience without the hassle.

Reputation and Reviews 

Reviewing the restaurant’s reputation and the feedback from previous customers was at the top of my list while shortlisting the best restaurant deals in London. So that is a no-brainer.

Positive reviews and ratings helped me quickly spot the consistently high quality of the restaurant. Also, a strong reputation gives me confidence in the restaurant’s ability to deliver on its promises.

Sustainability and Ethics

If you know anything about me, you’d know I am big on brand sustainability and ethics. With so much food wastage and other issues in the food industry, as customers, we all should play our part in fostering sustainability. 

This is why I have prioritised restaurants focusing on sustainability and ethical practices. I found these restaurants by looking at their focus on locally-sourced, organic ingredients and eco-friendly or zero-waste dining options.

By carefully considering these criteria when selecting the best restaurant deals in London, I have curated a list of restaurants that offer exceptional value, quality, and variety. 

Lunch Deals

Let’s start strong with one of the most popular types of restaurant deals; lunch deals. Lunch deals can typically take various forms, but they aim to provide high-quality lunch meals at discounted prices. 

Since I’m mostly at work during lunchtime, I like to grab deals in restaurants near my workplace. So during my first week of trying out the best restaurant deals in London, I made it a point to have my lunch using one of the popular ones. 

Good food, less cost and an incredible dining experience…sounded like my perfect lunch break!

What Are Lunch Deals?

You probably already understood this from the name, but lunch deals are special restaurant promotional offers during lunch hours. 

These hours typically fall between 11 AM and 2 PM, but this window can vary based on the restaurant’s operational hours. When I started my hunt for the best restaurant deals in London, searching for lunch offers in London restaurants was my top priority. 

After carefully considering all the factors mentioned in my grading criteria, I’ve shortlisted the top four best restaurant deals in London for lunch. And I certainly don’t want to keep you waiting for delicious food, so let’s jump straight into it. 

Restaurants with Lunch Deals 

I must be honest; this one was a hard nut to crack. There are many lunch deals in London, but not all are worth your time and money. And I’m sure you didn’t see this coming, but while looking for the best restaurant deals in London, I started with Michelin-star restaurants. 

London has more than 66 Michelin-star restaurants and only a few people know this, but some offer the best fine dining deals in London during lunch hours. 

So let’s look at them, shall we? 

1. Lyle’s 

It was my first day hunting for the best lunch deals, and I found myself in East London, at Lyle’s. Although it’s a bit far from my workplace and I had to take a tube to get here, it was worth the journey. 

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I first read that a Michelin-starred eatery was offering a three-course lunch for £30. So I had to try it out for myself!

And let me tell you this; I was NOT disappointed. The lunch deal included the cold and sweet crunchy courgette, nasturtium and marigold soup. As if that wasn’t enough to treat my taste buds, it was followed by the Cornish sardine vinaigrette.

To top it all off, they served their seasonal pudding, the sweet and sour tayberry mess. I left Lyle’s a happy, rejuvenated and satisfied customer! 

The customer service and ambience were also top-notch, and it’s easily one of the best restaurant deals in London. 

Find out more about Lyle’s here.

2. Benares

Okay, so this one’s also a Michelin-star restaurant and needless to say, it’s good! I have a thing for Indian food, and having it for lunch is one of my favourite foodie things. 

But if you still haven’t tried it out and don’t know where to look, go through this guide on the best Indian restaurants in London. 

As for Benares, it features exciting Indian cuisine but with a British twist. The place also has a large bar and plenty of private dining space if you want to go for a working lunch. 

Their chicken and lamb are always succulent, and you can get a two-course lunch deal for £35. Their Baby Poussin Tikka Masala on the lunch menu is, hands down, my favourite!

Find out more about Benares here.

3. Sorella 

I have tried many of the best Italian restaurants in London, but Sorella’s lunch deals with hand-rolled pasta remain a winner. 

Another thing that I love about this place is that it doesn’t have any set menus but always comes up with mouthwatering and unique food dishes. Their team is led by star chef Robin Gill, so you know you are in good hands each time you order. 

The menu changes weekly, but if you order their lunch deal, you can expect to try out their delicious cicchetti, homemade focaccia with a bowl of hand-rolled pasta. And guess what? All of this is offered for less than £35 per person!

So if you’re looking for one of the best restaurant deals in London that offers comfort food, Sorella is the place to be. 

Find out more about Sorella. 

4. Lima

I always need more Peruvian flavours in London, and Lima has consistently held one of the top spots for the best Peruvian restaurants in London.

I started my meal with the sumptuous lamb seco. Then, I tried their extraordinarily sweet alfajores, complemented by Dulce de Leche ice cream and a sprinkle of bee pollen.

Using the lunch deal, I only paid £20 for two courses. I had saved up Lima for trying out on the weekend, and boy, was it a good decision! I savoured all of its rich Peruvian flavours using the mindblowing deal. 

Safe to say, Lima has one of the best restaurant deals in London that you must try out. 

Find out more about Lima. 

Pre-Theatre Deals

Imagine walking into the theatre to watch a magical show with a full belly. Trust me; it’s one of the best things you can do in London; have a mouthwatering pre-theatre meal and top it off with a good musical of your choice. London is home to 

I tried the pre-theatre deals during the second week of my 30 days of eating in over 30 restaurants and saved it for weekends.

What Are Pre-Theatre Deals?

Pre-theatre deals, or early-bird or pre-show dining deals, are special promotional offers from restaurants in London near theatres and concert halls. It’s perfect for everyone looking for a meal before heading into the theatre to watch a show. 

These deals are typically available in the early evening before most shows start, and they usually offer a set menu at a fixed price. 

The specifics of a pre-theatre deal vary by restaurant, but a typical offer includes a two- or three-course meal with a selection of starters, main courses, and desserts. Some restaurants also have a drink as part of the deal!

Restaurants with Pre-theatre Deals 

I watched the Frozen musical for my first trial of pre-theatre deals. Heard rave reviews about it, and we all need a little magic in our lives, right? I then decided to look for suitable pre-theatre meal offers in London restaurants.

After watching many shows and concerts and having a ball of a time, I’ve finally picked my top four pre-theatre deals. They’re also the best restaurant deals in London, and you’ll enjoy each. 

5. The Petersham Nurseries, Covent Garden 

I’ve always admired the Petersham; the ambience and decor really draw you in. It’s one restaurant that sets your mood for a musical or show. More than just a feast for the eyes, this sophisticated restaurant ranks among London’s finest pre-theatre restaurants. 

It boasts all-day dining in a plush environment and a menu with exquisite Italian flavours. From Monday to Saturday, between 5-6 pm, they offer a pre-theatre menu that’s an absolute steal – two courses for just £32 and three for £38.

Each meal is made from organic and healthy ingredients and transformed into a delicious Italian meal. 

I visited on a sunny day and was lucky to enjoy their delightful courtyard. It’s a charming little sanctuary and feels like a peaceful retreat from the bustling tourist crowds of Covent Garden right before your show starts. 

Find out more about the Petersham Nurseries.

6. NoMad, Covent Garden

You’ll notice that I have many restaurant offers in London from Covent Garden, but that’s because the place is swarming with fantastic eateries. What’s more? Most of these eateries also have the best restaurant deals in London!

The pre-theatre menu in Nomad is basically served in the main restaurant, a beautiful space topped by a grand glass ceiling. The starters like sea bream cured with melon, cucumber, and horseradish or a salad combining aubergine, fig, and pine nuts are pretty interesting.

For the main course, I had to choose between tender suckling pig confit with strawberries and mustard greens to a hearty Rigatoni courgette ragu with tomato and parmesan. 

I stuck with the latter because I’m a die-hard fan of the tomato and parmesan combination. However, you should give it a shot too.

At £45 for two courses, it was the perfect way to begin my night at the theatre.

Find out more about NoMad, Convent Garden. 

7. Gunpowder, Tower Bridge

With my love for Indian cuisine, I had to add it to my pre-theatre deals experiment too! 

My favourite thing about Gunpowder is that it uses responsibly sourced ingredients to showcase the vibrant flavours of Indian cuisine. 

I loved how their menu had many mouthwatering choices, such as black tiger prawns prepared in a Goan style and generously marinated in garlic, black pepper, and herbs. 

I loved the amb cutlets bathed in ghee. The restaurant also is perfect for pre-theatre deals because it is just a few short steps from the Bridge Theatre, the home of the London Theatre Company. 

Their theatre menu is available from 5-6.30 pm, Monday through Saturday, with two courses priced at a reasonable £22 per person!

Find out more about Gunpowder.

8. Whitcomb’s, Leicester Square

In the vibrant heart of Leicester Square, I found a culinary gem for pre-theatre deals. As a food lover, this place instantly appealed to me with its fusion of fabulous French and Mediterranean cuisine. 

Their set menu is ideal for pre-theatre dining and has three courses and a side dish for a reasonable £39. The options on the menu took me on a delicious food journey. 

I started with crispy fried calamari followed by a beautifully pan-seared sea bass bathed in white wine, parsley, shallots, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

And the grand finale? A tangy lemon tart drizzled with olive oil. It was an experience that felt like hitting the jackpot right before I enjoyed the theatre!

Find out more about Whitcomb’s 

Set Menu Deals

I was now officially into the third week of my 30 days of eating in over 30 restaurants journey. And what was next on my list? Set menu deals!

What Are Set Menu Deals?

Set menu deals, also known as fixed-price menus, are special offers from restaurants in London that include a specific selection of dishes for a set price. 

Typically, I found that a set menu deal consists of multiple courses – usually a starter (or appetiser), a main course, and a dessert.

Restaurants Offering Set Menu Deals

Sometimes you just wish there was a set menu and you knew what you would get. I started exploring set menu deals in London when I wanted the same. There were so many of them, but only 4 of them have made it to my list!

So, let’s get into it, shall we?

9. Yashin Sushi 

I’ve always had a thing for sushi and Japanese food; it’s light on the stomach and melts in your mouth. Unfortunately, if you visit Yashin Sushi in the evening, chances are you won’t get served because it is that busy!

But at lunchtime, it’s a different story. I dropped by to test the set menu deal and was pleasantly surprised at the incredible value for money. 

The meal I got included five pieces of sushi, a sushi roll, a beautifully arranged salad, and miso soup, all at prices remarkably close to those at Yo’s. I also had a choice between salmon (£16), tuna (£18), or yellowtail (£20). So naturally, I took tuna since that’s what I love the most!

Find out more about Yashin Sushi 

10. Noble Rot Wine Bar & Restaurant

After exploring many fine dining deals in London, I knew it was time to explore a place with good wine. Like the Noble Rot, wine bars in London are home to some of the most tasty food. 

The Noble Rot has achieved perfection in prix fixe menus, offering two courses for £18 or three for £22. 

Also, the dishes were thoughtfully composed to reflect the changing seasons. 

Their set menu had a roast chicken salad, vibrant with the flavour of tarragon, and a delectable grilled gurnard paired with braised courgettes and pink fir potatoes. It was a dining experience for me that truly celebrated the season’s bounty.

Find out more about Noble Rot Wine Bar & Restaurant. 

11. Artusi

I visited Artusi on a Sunday because that’s the only day in the week that they have a set menu deal for lunch. Before going there, I considered the usual prices of pub roasts, which were almost double once you add drinks and dessert, and found this deal to be an absolute steal.

The menu here had Mediterranean flavours and changed with the seasons. I finished my meal with hispi cabbage, ham butter, and breadcrumbs. 

My main course was Spaghetti al amatriciana. And for dessert, I had a slice of almond cake with custard which was the perfect sweet ending to my meal.

Find out more about Artusi. 

12. Spring

I tried Skye Gyngell’s £25 “scratch” deal, which had three plates made entirely from scraps and offcuts. The deal had been the talk of the town and for good reason. 

I encountered creative dishes like pasta “rags” tossed in a sauce made from imperfect tomatoes and parsley stems. 

I even got to try a plate of grilled squid, and it was an absolute treat! Unfortunately, this deal is only available from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., but trust me, it’s worth trying to fit into that schedule.

And for those who prefer a daytime meal, a two-course set for £29 is available at lunchtime. Also, if you’re feeling a bit extravagant, add a grand aioli for an extra £15.

Find out more about Spring 

Happy Hour Deals

Ah, happy hour deals. Don’t they make all of us feel happy? We should because if you pick the right ones, you can get incredible value for your money at some of London’s best eateries. 

What Are Happy Hour Deals?

Happy Hour deals are special promotions usually offered by bars, pubs, and restaurants to attract customers during slower periods of the day. 

These deals typically involve discounted prices on food and beverages, mainly alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, and cocktails. 

Restaurants with Happy Hour Deals 

Finding the best happy hour deals was one of the most exciting steps of my 30-day journey! It gave me a break from the daily humdrum of a hectic routine to enjoy drinks at excellent prices. 

I often had my friends join me so we could all use happy hour deals to the fullest. Below, you’ll find my top four picks:

13. Kanpai London Sake Brewery & Taproom

I’ve been to quite a few happy hours, but this one at Kanpai, the UK’s first craft sake brewery, stood out for its sophistication. 

I was there on a Wednesday, but they also offer these fantastic deals on Thursdays. 

The real thrill came when I tried their cocktails, masterfully crafted from Japanese rice wine and bursting with flavours reminiscent of Japan. It was a delightful way to kick-start the end of the week and set my tastebuds alight with complex flavours.

Find out more about Kanpai London Sake Brewery & Taproom.

14. Rum Kitchen

With a name like this, it’s no surprise that their happy hour is all about rum. Walking through the bar, I was taken in by the Caribbean-themed decor, complete with metal panelling and artfully weathered driftwood. 

The servers were a blur of motion, delivering £6 offerings from their all-rum cocktail menu.

I had the chance to try their citrusy, blue-coloured take on rum and Ting. This vibrant drink mixes Wray & Nephew rum with lime, blue curacao, and Ting. Other options on the menu included a tall, fruity punch, a Jamaican Mule, and a Mojito.

So if you enjoy robust flavours and budget-friendly prices – and let’s face it, who doesn’t – then this is the place for you.

Find out more about the Rum Kitchen.

15. The Drunken Oyster

Happy hour at The Drunken Oyster was like entering a vibrant Italian-American scene. The atmosphere was lively and exciting above Jason Atherton’s pizza joint, Hai Cenato.

During their happy hour, they offered six cocktails priced at just a fiver. While they did have a couple of enhanced G&Ts on the menu, I was drawn towards their Italian-inspired drinks. 

I experimented with many drinks, from a Bicycle to an Americano, each drinks more delightful than the last. Truly blissful!

Find out more about the Drunken Oyster.

16. Burlock

I activated my love for Cuban flavours for a night out in the heart of Marylebone. 

Stepping into this basement rum den felt like stepping into a page from Colonial Cuba. Tropical palms sprouted from dimly lit corners, and the air was alive with the beat of Latino rhythms. 

The environment reminded me of the best Portuguese restaurants in London that I had visited a time ago. 

Just in time for the end of the workday, the happy hour began, featuring classic cocktails with a hearty splash of — you guessed it — rum. 

But even if you’re not a rum enthusiast, other drink deals are available. With discounts on beer and wine, it is the perfect setting for a shared experience. 

So, gather your crew, step into this little slice of Cuba, and let the good times roll.

Find out more about Burlock here.

Online Deals 

We all need some days at home to recharge, stay in and order good food online. And online deals are the perfect way to do this!

What Are Online Deals?

Online restaurant deals are special offers, discounts, or promotions offered by restaurants through online platforms. 

These deals are typically accessible through the restaurant’s website, food delivery services, or restaurant deal sites and apps.

Restaurants with Online Deals 

While it’s best to use Deliveroo or Uber to get your hands on some of the best online deals in London, I’ve shortlisted four restaurants that offer incredible online discounts too. 

17. Wagamama

I frequently order food from Wagamama and enjoy their online deals. If you live in London, you must have heard about Wagama. An Asian-inspired chain, they have ramen and noodle dishes worth dying for!

Wagamama is famous for offering special promotions and discounts for orders placed through its website or app.

When I placed mine, I used a £10 discount voucher. There are around 9 tested Wagamama voucher codes in the UK that I’ve come across. 

You can use them for special discounts on their delicious ramen and noodles!

Find out more about Wagamama.

18. Dishoom 

I hope you’re not surprised to see Dishoom on the list; I told you I enjoyed Indian cuisine. I’ve visited Dishoom many times, and their bottomless masala tea is my absolute favourite!

But they frequently offer fantastic online deals too. So if you order online through a platform or app, you can enjoy this Bombay comfort food at an amazing price. 

I ordered their butter chicken at a discount when I tried it out. You should also check it out; they almost always have offers and promotions!

Find out more about Dishoom. 

 19. PizzaExpress

You didn’t think I would conclude my 30 days eating experiment without having a pizza day, did you? And what’s better than PizzaExpress’s online deals to satisfy a pizza craving? Nothing that I know of!

If you haven’t ordered, you can request a pizza on Deliveroo from PizzaExpress using £10 off your first order. However, I went for their 2 in 1 pizza deal (I had both of them, and the pizzas were so good!). 

You should check their online deals out for yourself; they aren’t to be missed!

Find out more about PizzaExpress. 

20. Honest Burgers

Sorry, but you don’t get any brownie points for guessing what Honest Burgers offers; it’s obvious they have burgers which are, honestly, very tasty. 

They frequently offer discounts and packages, making you feel less guilty about munching on burgers during the day or night. 

I tried their meal-for-two deal with two burgers for £40.00 with my flatmate, and both of us had a fantastic time. The burgers were succulent, mouthwatering and very fulfilling. 

Find out more about Honest Burgers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How Can I Save Money On Eating Out In London?

To save money while eating out in London, you should look into lunch and set menu deals, happy hour specials, online discounts, and other promotions. You can also opt for lunch instead of dinner, which is often cheaper. Also, explore food markets for budget-friendly options, and use loyalty programs for rewards and discounts.

What Area Has The Best Restaurants in London?

Soho is usually considered the best area for restaurants in London. It boasts diverse dining options, from upscale Michelin-starred establishments to affordable ethnic eateries. Other notable areas include Covent Garden, Shoreditch, and Mayfair. 

Is It Expensive To Eat in London? 

Generally, people think it’s expensive to eat in London, but the cost of meals varies significantly with which place you choose and other factors. While you can find Michelin-starred restaurants with higher prices, there are also affordable eateries, street food stalls, and mid-range dining options. 

Conclusion 

To wrap it up, my culinary journey revealed that the city’s vibrant dining scene is as diverse in its deals as in its flavours. So whether you’re seeking a lavish meal or a wallet-friendly feast, London has something for everyone. For the best restaurant deals, I’ve covered Michelin-starred restaurants, pubs with happy hour deals and some fantastic set menu deals. 

You can also avail of discounts on online food orders. But if you want to get your hands on the best restaurant deals and other perks, make sure you get your hands on our VIP subscription service. 

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