My top 5 places to eat out under £20
I thought this time that I would share a few places that I like to eat out under a certain amount of coin. People that know me, know that I’m a bit of a miser. I take after my grandfather truth be told. He taught me very well.
We all know living in London is a nightmare with expenses but there are a few little gems out there, you know. Decent food doesn’t always have to cost an arm and a leg.
Before you carry on reading I am not a vegetarian and neither am I vegan. But I go like beans on toast. These places contain meat. If this offends you I am not that sorry. There is a red x in the corner. But I will say there will be options on there.
Impress me
I can tell what you’re thinking. “But Chez, how the heck do I impress on a date at cheap place”. Well you can impress on a budget. I mean I was single in London for a decent stretch of time. So it comes with the territory that you go out with new people. It’s not always about the place but the company. I mean I took a girl to Weatherspoons on a date. Yeah the old face palm come up there. Sod it if they care about your wallet more than you, then they ain’t for you.
So if you are looking to eat out on your own or impress then I have compiled a list just for you.
So let us begin.
"But Chez, how the heck do I impress on a date at cheap place"
Absurd Bird (Soho) - Bottomless wings
Every Wednesday. £13.95pp
So the first place isn’t really a first date place. It is a place I like to go with my mates. We tend to head to the one in Soho. It is a cosy environment, fits probably 30 people in the whole place.
But what you get for your money is unlimited wings to chew on. They start you off with a bucket. When i say I mean a bucket. This is filled with your desired choice. Personally I like the BBQ ones. But there are 6 different varieties.
Crispy Fried, Dry rub, buffalo, extreme hot, garlic sesame caesar, hickory smoked bbq.
To be honest I did try all of them but the garlic sesame caesar just wasn’t for me. You however might be different.
You know when a meal is good though. When you are able to gross out other people as well as your own friends. By completing the most rip roaring belch humanly possible. It was fowl and I am not talking about the chicken.
The beer is not that badly priced at £4.95 a pint.
Their menu for a normal night is not badly priced and they do have some vegan options on there. If you are going out as a group of you. I certainly recommend this place. You do need to book though!
Le Mercury
Islington
This place I have added is not a deal or anything like that. I believe it is just good value for the money and in regards to the quality of the meal you have.
This i a quaint little place in Islington. You are able to have 2 courses for around £17. Which lets face it, is pretty decent. The menu is not overboard but has enough options to serve everyone. Although there isn’t a huge option for Vegans and Vegetarians.
This is perfect for a date or even entertaining your parents. I have no funny stories here unfortunately except for the fact that I had a lovely time here.
This place does come highly recommended.
Pizza Express
Everywhere
Pizza Express, everyone knows. If you don’t then where have you been the last 15 years. This is my ultimate place in truth if you are on a budget. The food is always good in there, plus it is what it is.
It reminds me of Ronseal. It does what it says on the tin. It’s pizza. Let’s face it where in London can you get 2 x main meals for £10.
Okay there is a bit of a catch here. This is with O2 Priority. But I am sure you can find a mate that is with them. When you get your bill they ask you to go on the site fill in a questionnaire and you get free doughballs which are £4.95.
Me personally I have nothing against a voucher and love one. But you know the waiter hates you with a passion, because if that QR code ain’t working they are typing that (what seems to be) 4000 digit code into the bill.
There is everything here. Gluten Free, vegan Vegetarian everything. With the money you save you can have a dessert.
Zizzi
Everywhere - Only on Mondays
Right okay you may have guessed it, my mobile phone network may be O2. But I try and utilise all these deals as much as I can. Zizzi’s offer a half price on all main meals on a Monday with O2 priority.
This again is a chain restaurant so it is what it is. But unlike Pizza Express, there are more options to choose from making it much better for a date or a party as the offer is extended to 50% discount off your bill.
Again luxury at half the cost literally. if it is a date you can spend the savings on flowers. What a bargain.
I have eaten in the Zizzi’s in Richmond and the service was great and the staff were awfully helpful. So I would recommend this place.
Honest Burger
London
This place is gold. I mean ridiculous. let’s face it their rosemary fries are pure and utter filth! I was introduced to this place around 18 months ago by a work colleague. I have not thanked them enough.
The burger is class and there are a few to choose from. What is great is that their specials depend on the area you are in, so they are never the same. They use local breweries and source their products locally. I am a fan of the Honest Burger (Yes the burger is actually called that). I applaud you to try this, unless you don’t eat meat. They have a plant based menu. Which I am told is nice.
The menu is simple and offers around 5 products but they nail each of them. The most expensive burger there is £13.50 and this comes with fries. Plus a beer £5 decent under £20.
I recommend this place alot and urge to at least try it.
Helped
Well I hope I helped I truly do. i know there will be 100’s of other places that will offer good food under £20 per person. These are just my picks.
Lastly for an honourable mention, if you find yourself in South Kensington at lunch time. head to Phat Phuc noodle bar. Holy sauce that is the best Vietnamese food you will eat. It is street food and beware of the wait. But for under £10 you get a mountain of food.