UNDER £25
At these joints, you should be able to get a meal incl. an alcoholic bevvy for £25 and under, if you’re dining conservatively
Taiwanese | Lexington St | No Reservations
Style and substance at play at this much hyped Taiwanese small plates joint; the fried chicken bao is a must. x2 steamed buns + small plate + a beer will come in at under 20 quid. The Lexington Street one has a minimalistic aesthetic and is extremely compact, so prepare to queue. However, they do take bookings at their Frith Street branch in the downstairs area. Groups? Nah.
TRY: The Fried Chicken Bao
VIBES
Meat | Great Windmill St | Reservations
Blacklock is a meat lover’s dream. Stay in budget by opting for a ‘Big Chop’, a side and one of their cocktails for a fiver; or pay a little bit extra and get the ‘All In’ for £20 per person – this gets you all the ‘Skinny Chops’ available on the day, piled on coal flatbread (superb – having drunk up the juices of the meat) + a side each. Good for big groups.
TRY: The Meat. Duh.
VIBES
Le Bab is in Kingly Court in Carnaby, so if you get weary from all the shopping and need a spot to refuel, I’d highly recommend this place. Much attention is placed on getting the very best produce and they cater for vegans too. The space? Modern and bright with pretty blue tiled walls (though it can feel a little cramped when full).
Fancy Kebabs | Carnaby St | Reservations
TRY: The Chicken Shish + Double Cooked Fries with Fondue.
VIBES
Italian | Wardour St | No Reservations
This upscale Italian canteen is always heaving. For the level it’s aiming at, it’s very decent fare with a mixture of dessert bar, salad + pizza bar + a hot section at the back. Get yourself a hearty aubergine parmigiana for about £8, a small salad for c.£5 and a drink, all for under £20. You may have to prop yourself up at one of the standing tables but a communal table usually comes available fairly quickly.
TRY: The Hot Dishes + Desserts
VIBES
ALSO TRY
Pizza Pilgrims
Dehesa
K A N N D I D 
UNDER £25
At these joints, you should be able to get a meal incl. an alcoholic bevvy for £25 and under, if you’re dining conservatively
BAO
Taiwanese | Lexington St | No Reservations
Style and substance at play at this much hyped Taiwanese small plates joint; the fried chicken bao is a must. x2 steamed buns + small plate + a beer will come in at under 20 quid. The Lexington Street one has a minimalistic aesthetic and is extremely compact, so prepare to queue. However, they do take bookings at their Frith Street branch in the downstairs area. Groups? Nah.
TRY: The Fried Chicken Bao
VIBES
BLACKLOCK
Meat | Great Windmill St | Reservations
Blacklock is a meat lover’s dream. Stay in budget by opting for a ‘Big Chop’, a side and one of their cocktails for a fiver; or pay a little bit extra and get the ‘All In’ for £20 per person – this gets you all the ‘Skinny Chops’ available on the day, piled on coal flatbread (superb – having drunk up the juices of the meat) + a side each. Good for big groups.
TRY: The Meat. Duh.
VIBES
LE BAB
Le Bab is in Kingly Court in Carnaby, so if you get weary from all the shopping and need a spot to refuel, I’d highly recommend this place. Much attention is placed on getting the very best produce and they cater for vegans too. The space? Modern and bright with pretty blue tiled walls (though it can feel a little cramped when full).
Fancy Kebabs | Carnaby St | Reservations
TRY: The Chicken Shish + Double Cooked Fries with Fondue.
VIBES
PRINCI
Italian | Wardour St | No Reservations
This upscale Italian canteen is always heaving. For the level it’s aiming at, it’s very decent fare with a mixture of dessert bar, salad + pizza bar + a hot section at the back. Get yourself a hearty aubergine parmigiana for about £8, a small salad for c.£5 and a drink, all for under £20. You may have to prop yourself up at one of the standing tables but a communal table usually comes available fairly quickly.
TRY: The Hot Dishes + Desserts
VIBES
ALSO TRY
Pizza Pilgrims
Dehesa
UNDER £25
UNDER £40
BLOW THE BUDGE!