London’s Most Affordable Michelin Star Restaurants
When we think of Michelin-starred restaurants, the word “affordable” isn’t exactly what comes to mind. But it turns out, if you look hard enough, there are plenty of (relatively) cheap Michelin-star restaurants in London that you can visit without breaking the bank – think £60 each or less. We’ve put together our favourite options here.
The Ninth
This neighbourhood restaurant in Fitzrovia’s Charlotte Street is great for tasty French Mediterranean-style cooking. Sharing is encouraged, which the restaurant says is the best way to enjoy their menus. Top picks here are the homemade pasta, chargrilled meats and fish and their signature pain perdu. The set menu is £38 for two courses and £43 for three courses, which is a great deal when it comes with a shiny star.
Where: 22 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 2NB
Website: www.theninthlondon.com
Oma
Oma’s pomegranate and chamomile negroni is easily the best I’ve ever had, and the spanakopita gratin was so good I catch myself craving it every week.
Caitlin, Senior Campaign Success Manager
With no set menu, you do have to get a little bit creative at Oma to keep the prices down, but it’s more than doable at what might just be London’s most casual Michelin-star restaurant, and surely the only one you can rock up to wearing Adidas shorts on a hot day and not be turned away. Start with a mini Negroni at £6.50, before diving into the best Greek food in the city. Sharing plates like salt cod with labneh is priced at £6 and charred lamb belly with hummus and saláta is for £15.
where: 3 Bedale St, London SE1 9AL
Website: www.oma.com
St. John
The simple (even austere) décor focuses diners’ attention on the plates because this is where the real artwork happens. Head cheffed by Steve Darou, the Michelin-star restaurant is another great choice for meat eaters everywhere. For lunch, all mains are under or around £30, so you can enjoy an iconic London culinary experience without breaking the bank.
Start proceedings with a green salad, for mains take the grilled onglet, chicory and pickled walnut and finish up with half a dozen Madeleines.
Where: 26 St John Street, London, EC1M 4AY
Website:www.stjohnrestaurant.com
Kitchen W8
Kitchen W8 looks and feels like a ‘proper’ Michelin star. There’s none of your East London hipster ‘we-cut-costs-by-upcycling-the-furniture’ nonsense — this is a smart dining room in Kensington. Yet, the menu serves up an affordable meal, with a set menu of three courses for £49.50 available lunchtime Monday to Saturday, and early evenings (6.00 pm-6.45 pm) Monday to Friday and Saturday. The menus change regularly with the seasons to make room for new seasonal produce, and the restaurant has a homely vibe that makes it perfect for taking you from impromptu meals to special occasions.
Where: 11-13 Abingdon Road, Kensington, W8 6AH
Website:www.kitchenw8.com
Jamavar
Jamavar loudly and proudly claimed its spot on London’s enviable list of Michelin-starred Indian restaurants last year. Located in Mayfair, this smart restaurant is all about regional dishes and pan-Indian flavours, serving dishes inspired by the royal kitchens of North India to the coastal cuisine of the south. Expect food designed for royalty with a lunch menu that includes dishes like the pan-seared achaari pork, Malvani prawn curry and some classic old Delhi butter chicken. Thankfully, you don’t have to have royal lineage to afford a meal here – the lunch menu gets you a three-course meal for £51 and four courses for £57.
I’ve never been to a Michelin-starred Indian before but it was a very cool experience. My must-order dishes at Jamavar are the Tulsi Chicken Tikka and Dal Jamavar.
Natasha, Digital Editor
Where: 8 Mount St, London W1K 3NF
Website:www.jamavarrestaurants.com
Trishna
Nestled in the heart of Marylebone Village, Trishna serves up some excellent Indian coastal cuisine. The lunch and early evening menu features a taste of the Western Ghats at £50 for three courses and £55 for four. Dishes include Koliwada squid, wild mushroom and morel kaima biryani and tandoori lamb chop. Plus, there’s even a two-course offering for £40 that makes for an even more affordable choice for a taste of a Michelin without the heavy price tag.
This posh Indian favourite brings Indian coastal cuisine to central London and does so with style and a Michelin star.
Where: 15-17 Blandford Street, Marylebone, W1U 3DG
Website:www.trishnalondon.com
Galvin la Chapelle
Handbook favourite Galvin at Windows sadly shut down after 18 years on Park Lane, but there’s always the lovely Galvin La Chappelle, which is a lot more affordable. The lunch menu features dishes like cured sea bream, risotto carnaroli and caramelised Delica pumpkin and clementine tart, available for £49 per person for two courses and £55 for three.
Where: 35 Spital Square, The City, E1 6DY
Website:www.galvinrestaurants.com
Sabor
Awarded a star by the Michelin Guide in 2018, Sabor takes you on a journey from the tapas bars of Andalucía through to the asadors of Castile and the seafood restaurants of Galicia. Located on Heddon Street, Sabor has four distinct areas – La Mesa, the Counter, and the Bar on the ground floor and El Asador on the first floor, each offering a different taste and experience of Spanish cuisine and hospitality. There is also an al fresco terrace best enjoyed over the summer. La Mesa’s Tapas Tasting Menu begins at £55 per person.
I’m not usually big on seafood but Sabor’s seafood rice dish is incredible. It’s creamy and rich and the flavours are out of this world.
Andrea, Contributing Food, Culture & Lifestyle Editor
Where: 35-37 Heddon St, London W1B 4BR
website: www.saborrestaurants.co.uk
Wild Honey St James
Wild Honey St James is all about simple dishes that deliver on flavour. As one of the area’s most impressive restaurants, expert chef Anthony Demetre showcases distinctive modern European menus in a Grade-II listed former banking hall. Everything is cooked with the highest quality ingredients delivered with authenticity and simplicity, and dishes are a mix of different portion sizes to satisfy every appetite.
The restaurant is the definition of good food and grandeur; however, the “Working Lunch” menu can get you three courses for £45, and for £59 you can include a glass of fizz, coffee and canelé.
Where: 8 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5NG
Website:www.wildhoneystjames.co.uk
Benares
Benares is a London favourite for pre-theatre dining with its Michelin-starred set menu options. Order two courses for £43 or three for £49, with a stellar lineup including Welsh lamb masala, beetroot kofta korma, and fish and egg curry.
An exceptional choice for an affordable Michelin-starred dining experience, just before dashing to the theatre.
Where: 12a Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BS
Website:www.benaresrestaurant.com
