Curated Collection

Cheap Eats in North London

Discover handpicked cheap eats in North London, with what to order first at each place.

Every place here is handpicked. Signal score shows how strong and consistent the review coverage is, not a star rating.

71 restaurants

1
E Mono

Turkish · £ · Kentish Town

90Signal

Start with

Lamb Shish Kebab

Time Out explicitly states they "particularly like the tender chunks of chargrilled meat" in this dish.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

2
Three Uncles Camden

Cantonese · £ · Camden

89Signal

Start with

Char Siu BBQ Pork with Lo Mein

Time Out praises the 'perfect roasted meat' and specifically recommends the 'chance to replace your rice with lo meen: stringy egg noodles' for a more authentic Hong Kong experience.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

3
Xi'an Impression

Xi'an / Shaanxi · £ · Holloway

84Signal

Start with

Biang Biang Noodles

Universally praised as 'sensational' with an 'unbelievable texture,' these blissfully stretchy, hand-pulled ribbons are the restaurant's headline dish.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

4
Bake St

Brunch / Burgers · £ · Stoke Newington

80Signal

Start with

Smash Burger

Available weekends only, this is widely cited as one of the best smash burgers in London, featuring a memory foam-esque brioche bun and buttery meat.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

5
Sonora Taquería

Mexican · £ · Stoke Newington

80Signal

Start with

Barbacoa Taco

A consensus standout and personal favorite of critics, featuring 'rich, slow cooked beef' that is described as being 'OUT OF THIS WORLD'.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

6
Neco Tantuni

Turkish · £ · Enfield

78Signal

Start with

Lamb Tantuni

The namesake dish of Mersin cuisine; meat is steamed to a moist, juicy texture and tossed with paprika-infused oil before being wrapped in homemade lavaş with sumak and punchy onions.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

7
Cricks Corner

Coffee & Café · £ · Archway

78Signal

Start with

Bacon and Pea butty

Something magical about the combination of crispy bacon and their pea mixture with ketchup.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

8
Indian Veg

Indian Vegetarian Buffet · £ · Islington

78Signal

Start with

Chana Masala

The quintessential and comforting staple that anchors the all-you-can-eat spread.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

9
B&K Salt Beef Bar

Jewish Deli · £ · Edgware

76Signal

Start with

Salt beef on rye bread

Widely considered 'one of the best salt beef sandwiches, if not the best, in London,' featuring meat with a 'perfect half-way texture' and caraway-seeded rye bread 'delicious enough to eat on its own.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

10
Spicy Basil

Thai · £ · Kilburn

76Signal

Start with

Pad Thai

Regarded as some of the best in London, the chicken and prawn version is described by diners as 'slappppsss' and delivers an incredible punch of authentic flavor.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

11
Durak Tantuni

Turkish · £ · Harringay

75Signal

Start with

Tantuni Wrap

This is 'food simplicity royalty': spiced lamb mince cooked in a wide silver pan, served with sumac onions and a wedge of lemon for a perfect 'midnight meal.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

12
That Wing Place

Chicken Wings · £ · Holloway

75Signal

Start with

Korean Chilli Glazed Wings

Sweet, spicy, and perfectly crispy with Gochujang—the undisputed crowd favorite.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

13
Proper Tacos

Mexican · £ · Archway

70Signal

Start with

Blue Corn Tortillas

Reviewers highlight that owner Teresa makes these in front of you before loading them with ingredients.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

14
Castle's Pie & Mash

Traditional British · £ · Camden

70Signal

Start with

Pie and Mash

Regarded as the 'best pies in London,' these are handmade fresh to order by owner Grant Castle using a 'closely guarded secret' family recipe and served with generous amounts of mash and 'white liquor.'

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

15
Alex’s Cypriot Sandwiches

Cypriot · £ · Southgate

70Signal

Start with

Cypriot Mix Sandwich

The benchmark sub filled with lountza, loukanika, and halloumi on crusty sesame bread.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

17
Baban's Naan

Kurdish · £ · Finsbury Park

70Signal

Start with

Falafel Wrap

Described as 'award-worthy' and 'most incredible,' this wrap features freshly fried falafel with a 'crunchy outside' and a 'special tang' from curry mango sauce, all encased in their signature fresh naan.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

18
Bottega Italia

Italian Deli & Café · £ · Archway

70Signal

Start with

The meaty one

Packed full of meat panini with red peppers

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

19
Auld Hag at The Shoap

Scottish · £ · Islington

70Signal

Start with

Lorne sausage roll

The essential must-order staple to start your Scottish comfort food experience.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

20
Ma Petite Jamaica

Caribbean · £ · Camden

70Signal

Start with

Jerk Chicken

A true Camden classic since 1985, this dish delivers a rich, smoky aroma and a fiery punch with a dark, aromatic jerk sauce that reviewers describe as having a serious kick.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

21
Kossoffs Bakery

Bakery · £ · Kentish Town

70Signal

Start with

Pain au Chocolat

Described as 'absolute game-changers' and possibly the best in London, featuring 'perfect lamination' and a chocolate center that is 'bitter, sweet and strong.'

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

22
Brothers Cafe & Restaurant

Somali · £ · Tottenham

69Signal

Start with

Duubi and Bariis (Lamb Shank & Rice)

The lamb shank doesn't need much help falling off the bone and is fragrantly spiced with star anise, turmeric, and cinnamon with melt-in-your-mouth fat.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

23
Bonga

Korean · £ · Kentish Town

68Signal

Start with

Yangnyeom Fried Chicken

Highlighted as a dish that "kids like" and a standout option at this "tiny, smart" spot.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

24
Mamamei

Chinese · £ · Archway

68Signal

Start with

Dan Dan Noodles

The house specialty—spicy, garlicky, and numbing with Sichuan pepper.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

25
Asher's Africana

Gujarati Vegetarian · £ · Wembley

68Signal

Start with

Special Gujarati Thaali

A "very sumptuous meal for only £8," this platter is "very customisable" and captures the "homely and snug" essence of the restaurant's Indian canteen-style dining.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

26
Sweet Handz

Ghanaian · £ · Holloway

68Signal

Start with

Jollof Rice with Mutton Stew

This dish is described as "delicious" and "full of flavour," featuring mutton that is "tender from being slow cooked" alongside rice cooked in a savory meat stock.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

27
Spoon and Rice (Chicken Juander)

Filipino · £ · Wembley

68Signal

Start with

Chicken Juander Combo

The signature crispy chicken combo served with rice and salad; highly praised as an affordable and incredibly tasty benchmark.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

28
Mr Chillies indian

North Indian / Pakistani · £ · North Harrow

68Signal

Start with

Deigi Methi Chicken

Highlighted as one of the best dishes on the menu that truly sings with spices.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

29
The Genet Café

Ethiopian · £ · Tottenham

66Signal

Start with

Misir Wot

Described as 'satisfying self-care', this £12 lentil dish cooked with berbere spice and garlic is considered the critic's must-order.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

30
Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream

Filipino Desserts · £ · Kentish Town

63Signal

Start with

Ube Bilog

The 'anchor' of the menu and a 'picture-perfect' signature; it features vibrant purple yam ice cream inside a 'wonderfully baked' and toasted Filipino milk bun.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

31
Blankita

Colombian · £ · Tottenham

62Signal

Start with

Beef Tongue

A standout dish covered in a mildly spiced yellow sauce where the meat falls apart effortlessly.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

32
Southampton Arms

British Pub · £ · Kentish Town

60Signal

Start with

Roast Pork Bap

The absolute benchmark of the pub's limited food offering; served with crackling and apple sauce, described as 'heaven'.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

33
Gana

Sri Lankan · £ · Wembley

60Signal

Start with

Sri Lankan Specialties

Cited as the primary reason to visit, offering one of the widest choices of this cuisine in London.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

34
Bombay Spice Nashta House

Gujarati Vegetarian · £ · Kingsbury

60Signal

Start with

Surti Sev Khamani

The house specialty endorsed by critics—steamed chickpea flour 'cakes' topped with sev and pomegranate.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

35
Amol’s Vada Pav

Indian Street Food · £ · Wembley

60Signal
Hidden Gem

Start with

Vada Pav

This signature dish is described as a "testament to their passion," offering a "perfect balance of spicy potato filling and crisp outer coating" served inside soft pav bread.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

36
Bansuri Dabeli

Indian Street Food · £ · Kingsbury

60Signal

Start with

Toasted Dabeli

Famous for being the restaurant's signature dish, it is described as the 'most authentic and best dabeli' with a 'perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.'

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

37
Chennai Srilalitha

South Indian Vegetarian · £ · Harrow

60Signal

Start with

Maharaja Pesarattu

Highlighted by critics as a standout: paper-thin green moong bean dosa stuffed with snow-white upma.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

38
Balkh

Afghan · £ · Kenton

60Signal

Start with

Qabili Palow

The restaurant's most popular item; a traditional pilaf with raisins and carrots that consistently rates highly across platforms.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

39
Ustun Lahmacun & Pide Salonu

Turkish · £ · Stoke Newington

60Signal

Start with

Lahmacun

The headline act: rolled thin, crispy, and heavy on onion and isot pepper fresh from the wood oven.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

40
Angel Dabang

Korean Cafe · £ · Islington

60Signal

Start with

Kkwabaegi (Twisted Doughnuts)

The quintessential Korean street market sweet treat that serves as the cafe's signature food item.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

41
Dosa Express

Sri Lankan · £ · Wembley

58Signal

Start with

Mysore Masala Dosa

A traditional, bronzed, and crispy benchmark for the extensive menu, offering a reliable comfort food fix.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

42
Pho Ta

Vietnamese · £ · Tufnell Park

55Signal

Start with

Pho Tom

Described as a "standout" bowl that "excelled," featuring fat king prawns in a "highly aromatic broth made of chicken stock, reduced and reduced for twelve hours."

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

43
Salvino

Italian Deli · £ · Tufnell Park

55Signal

Start with

Deli Sandwich

Freshly made with a variety of fillings and praised as a neighborhood staple.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

44
Pizzeria Di Camden

Neapolitan Pizza · £ · Camden

55Signal

Start with

Patata Pizza

A 'highly aromatic' white base pizza with potato, onion, and a 'resonant hit of rosemary' that impressed critics most.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

45
Pasha Shawarma

Turkish · £ · Willesden Green

55Signal

Start with

Turkish Sandwich Lamb & Beef

The coal-fired rotisserie setup produces a 'formidable' shawarma with meat that earns a 'straight up 5/5' for taste and texture.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

46
Le Rif

Moroccan · £ · Finsbury Park

55Signal

Start with

Chicken with Olives

Cited as a 'perennial favourite' and described as 'exquisite' with juicy chicken, though some diners suggest asking for extra olives to balance the flavors.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

47
K.Cook

Korean · £ · Hendon

55Signal

Start with

Korean BBQ

The ideal choice for dining in groups, offering a social 'BBQ feast' experience at dedicated tables.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

48
It's Bagels Primrose Hill

New York Bagels · £ · Primrose Hill

55Signal

Start with

Lox and Scallion Schmear on Everything

Considered the benchmark sandwich that any New York bagel spot must get right; it is generously loaded and delivers exactly the nostalgic, satisfying experience expected.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

49
MTR

South Indian · £ · Rayners Lane

55Signal

Start with

Benne Masala Dosa

MTR's most popular dish, made with generous amounts of fresh butter. It is smaller and thicker than a typical dosa and is described as being in a league of its own.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

50
Amneh Grill

Syrian · £ · Willesden

55Signal

Start with

Half Rotisserie Chicken Meal

The crispiest chicken on the list that comes clean off the bone, served with fries, salad, and sauces for an unbeatable price.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

51
Regency indian

North Indian · £ · Queensbury

55Signal

Start with

Naan Bread

Described as soft, supple, and particularly impressive.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

52
Happy Dim Sum

Cantonese · £ · Finsbury Park

55Signal

Start with

Beef Brisket Cheung Fun

Hailed as one of the best in London, with silky rice rolls made from traditional rice flour and packed with rich, tender beef.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

53
Shree Sai Vada Pav

Indian Street Food · £ · Rayners Lane

54Signal

Start with

Vada Pav

The namesake dish is a benchmark specialty here, offering an 'authentic street food experience' with flavors 'reminiscent of Mumbai itself.'

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

54
Café Salaam

Algerian Sandwiches · £ · Finsbury Park

53Signal

Start with

Merguez & Chips Baguette

One of the standout 'Algerian sarnies' on a compact four-item menu, praised for being 'ridiculous value' and proof that the simplest things are often the best.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

55
Raab’s The Bakers

Traditional Bakery · £ · Islington

52Signal

Start with

Sprinkled Birthday Cake

A perfect, aggressively sprinkled slab of sponge that proves you don't need innovation when you have nostalgia for under £2.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

56
TRAMPOLINE Cafe

Cafe & Bakery · £ · Angel

52Signal

Start with

Pain au Chocolat

Cited by The Infatuation as one of London's best, this pastry is described as hefty, crumbly, and the perfect accompaniment to coffee.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

57
Kofteci Metin

Turkish · £ · Harringay

49Signal

Start with

Ottoman Kebab (Kofte)

The restaurant is a 'self-proclaimed meatball specialist' and this is the only main course—consistently described as 'juicy and grilled to perfection.'

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

58
Oli's Fish & Chips

Fish & Chips · £ · Holloway

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Cod & Chips

The quintessential order featuring generously sized fish, golden batter, and thick-cut homemade chips.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

59
Nibbles

Sandwiches / British Cafe · £ · Angel

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Made-to-order Sandwich

The core offering; locals describe them as 'dreamy lush' with a vast selection of fillings.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

60
Street Food Junction

Gujarati Street Food · £ · Holloway

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Vada Pav

A classic Mumbai staple and popular menu item offering a spiced potato fritter in a soft bun.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

61
Maru's Bhajia House

Indian (Kenyan-Gujarati) · £ · Wembley

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Maru Bhajia

The namesake dish: thin, crispy potato slices served with a legendary spicy tomato chutney.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

62
Jishal Goan

Indian · £ · Wembley

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Egg Ghotala

Endorsed by critics as a 'beast of a dish'—a muddle of omelette, curry, and cheese that rivals iconic London dishes.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

63
Jai Durga Mahal

Indo-Chinese / Indian Vegetarian · £ · North Harrow

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Chilli Paneer

Cited by Eater London as potentially the best in the city; the undisputed star of the menu.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

64
Mediterranean Café

Mediterranean · £ · Finsbury Park

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Merguez Baguette

Highlighted as tender, lean, and authentic, served with salad and chilli sauce.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

65
Giovannina

Italian Deli · £ · Hendon

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Parma Ham & Mozzarella

A classic, highly-rated combination listed as a popular favorite.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

66
Cousins Snooker and Pool

Bar Snacks · £ · Holloway

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Toasted Sandwich

The primary solid sustenance available, designed to keep patrons fueled for uninterrupted play.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

67
Royal Sandwich Bar

Indian Sandwich Bar · £ · Edgware

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Paneer Tikka Sandwich

A highly-rated customer favorite that defines the shop's fusion style, featuring spiced paneer, onions, cheese, and chutney.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

68
Giacobazzi's

Italian Deli · £ · Hampstead

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Fresh Pasta

The enchanting smell of handmade pasta hits you at the door; widely considered dreamy and restaurant-quality.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

69
Caribbean Delight

Jamaican · £ · Camden

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Curry Goat

A frequently mentioned staple that defines the menu's Caribbean roots.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

70
My Wok Box

Malaysian · £ · Kilburn

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Nasi Lemak with Chicken Rendang

The menu's signature celebration of Malaysian fare.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

71
Acropolis Grill

Greek · £ · Tottenham

0Signal
Light Coverage

Start with

Lamb Spit Roast

Hearty portions of lamb, lovingly seasoned and grilled to perfection.

Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.

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