Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Affordable Food in London



Popular with locals - the best duck in the world, a restaurant called Bloody French & spaghetti in a paper bag. 


Central

Cafe Creperie –this cafe is in a cute area full of restaurants, so if you can't get in there are plenty of others to choose from.  
  •  26 James Street London W1U1EN, close to Oxford Street, Bond Street and Selfridges.
Ciao Bella - they make a great seafood spaghetti baked in a paper bag. 
  • 86 - 90 Lamb's Conduit St WC1N3LZ, +44 (0) 20 7242 4119 - bookings essential for dinner, close to the British Museum.
Misato – a small Japanese restaurant frequented by students popular for their great value bento boxes. Go before 6 to avoid the queue.
  • 11 Wardour Street,  W1D 6PG, close to Soho, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Chinatown, the National Gallery and Trafalgar Square
Rasa Sayang – quick and simple Malaysian / Singaporean meals
  • 5 Macclesfield Street W1D 6AY, +44 (0) 20 7734 1382, close to Soho, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Chinatown, the National Gallery and Trafalgar Square.
Selfridges The Brass Rail - these famous salt beef sandwiches are excellent though a bit pricey, but reasonable compared to a restaurant meal (£10 for a whole but if you're small like me you only need half).
  • Selfridges Ground Floor, 400 Oxford Street, 400 Oxford Street London W1A 1AB, no booking required, located in the Selfridge’s Department store, close to Oxford Street.
East

Borough Market – chorizo rolls that are divine.  
  • 239 Borough High Street SE11, in Borough Market and close to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Ekachai – have a taste of South East Asian cuisine for lunch. I like their laksa.
  •  9-10 Arcade, Liverpool Street, EC2M 7PN, +44 (0) 20 7626 1155, close to Spitalfields Market.  
Kurumaya – great for lunch, they have a sushi-go-round and downstairs you can sit on the floor in the traditional Japanese way.
  • 76-77 Watling Street, EC4M 9BJ, +44 (0) 20 7236 0236, close to St Paul’s Cathedral. 
The Bavarian Beerhouse German Restaurant & Bar - great for satisfying a craving for meatballs, goulash soup and pork knuckle. Beers served in the large glasses like steins.
  • The Arches, 9 Crutched Friars EC3N 2AU, +44 (0) 20 7481 9491, close to the Tower of London.
West

Bloody French – not just a great name, it’s cozy  with a fireplace and long wooden communal tables.  
  • 149 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2RS, +44 (0) 207 727 7770, close to Notting Hill and Hyde Park
Brompton Quarter Brasserie – a lovely cafĂ© that has an extensive range of fresh breads and desserts
  • 223 Brompton Rd, SW3 2EJ, +44 (0) 20 7225 2107, close to Harrods.
Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant – some say this is the best duck in the world.
  • 84 Queensway London W2 3RL, +44 (0) 20 7229 4320, close to Notting Hill and Hyde Park.
Various Locations

London is full of chains and some of them are pretty decent.

Carluccios – I like the specials in the Carluccios in Bloomsbury,
  • 1 The Brunswick, WC1N 1AF, +44 (0) 20 7833 4100, close to the British Museum.
Hummingbird Bakery – their red velvet cupcakes sell out if you go late.
  • 155a Wardour Street, W1F 8WG, +44 (0) 020 7434 3003, in Soho, close to Leicester Square and Chinatown. Also located in Notting Hill and South Kensington  
Jamie’s Italian – Jamie Oliver is a national treasure and I’m wild about the truffle chips. Stick to the pastas as the mains are hit and miss.
  • 12 Upper St Martin's Ln, +44 (0) 20 3326 6390, in Covent Garden, close to Leicester Square, the National Gallery and Trafalgar Square.  Also located in Canary Wharf.
Marks & Spencer (or M&S) – make the best supermarket cakes and caramel slices.
  • 107 - 115 Long Acre,  WC2E 9NT, +44 (0) 20 7240 9549 in Covent Garden, close to Leicester Square, the National Gallery and Trafalgar Square.  This is the most central one, but there are numerous stores around.
Paul’s Patisserie – quiches, gourmet sandwiches and sweets are all delicious and authentic at this French chain.
  • 277-278 Regent Street London W1B 2HD, +44 (0) 207 491 8957, close to Oxford Street. Located close to many tubes stations.  
Waitrose – a supermarket filled with luxury and essential food from around the world. Their delis in the larger stores in Canary Wharf, Russell Square and Tower Hill are also handy for ham, hummus and cheese.  There is a smaller one by South Kensington tube.

Tip - for all restaurants, check opening hours and book where possible to avoid disappointment. 

Customer Reviews

Here are some handy sites to check customer reviews: 
 Eating in London can be fun and reasonably priced. I hope this helps. Bon Appetit!

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