Throughout 2024 we’re asking Michelin chefs to pick their favourite cheap eats – a meal for two for less than £40 – in their part of the UK. We’ll add to this list every week…
Buckinghamshire
The Cedar Marlow
Recommended by Tom De Keyser, head chef at Tom Kerridge’s two-starred The Hand and Flowers: “It’s a fantastic coffee shop and spot for a lovely lunch. I always have the pastrami bagel which is brilliant, my wife loves the chicken shawarma salad, and my young daughter has a fluffy bowl of scrambled eggs. You can happily feed the three of us with a couple of delicious coffees for less than £40.”
The Butcher’s Tap and Grill, Marlow
Recommended by Sarah Haywood from the one-starred The Coach, in Marlow: “A great spot to pop in for some pub snacks or a fantastic burger, or for something a little bit special you can choose a cut from the butcher’s counter like a pork tomahawk or T-bone steak. The chefs will cook it exactly how you like it!”
Cornwall
Roundhouse in Penzance
Recommended by Bradley Monk from the award-winning One Fish Street in St Ives: “Joel makes the most incredible focaccia sandwiches at this little spot in Penzance. The lightest focaccia you will try, with just the right level of saltiness.”
Blas in St Ives
Bradley Monk says: “While being well known for their burgers – which are also delicious – it’s the rotisserie chicken I’m recommending.”
Little Palais in St Ives
Bradley Monk says this is “is stretching the budget slightly, but it’s totally worth it as it’s utterly delicious”.
“The cocktails are sublime, the cheeseboard is by far the best in the area, and the ever-changing selection of small plates are always divine. The view from the window table doesn’t hurt, either.”
Cumbria
Homeground, Windermere
Recommended by Ollie Bridgwater, executive chef at the one-starred SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel: “This is my go-to brunch place of choice. Brunch is served til close and the menu has a variety of sweet and savoury options. My personal favourite is the Homeground Sarnie which includes both smoked back bacon and streaky bacon, a fried egg, smashed avocado, hash browns, caramelised red onion and leaves and is served in a sourdough ciabatta.”
Toast, Windermere
“Their whole concept is around serving toasted sandwiches in Shokupan bread,” says Ollie Bridgwater.
“Shokupan is a Japanese milk loaf, which when toasted is the perfect bread for toasties – they bake the Shokupan on site daily so it’s the freshest it can be. They have a range of fillings, including plant-based options, and their teriyaki pulled mushrooms toastie with pulled mushrooms, teriyaki marinade, cheese, spring onion and sweet mayo is delicious.”
The Brown Horse Inn, Winster
Ollie Bridgwater says: “Quite simply, a really good pub. It’s family-owned, has a varied food and drink offering that celebrates local produce and always guarantees a warm welcome for all – families and dogs included. It was even Cumbria’s best pub and bar in last year’s National Pub and Bar Awards.”
Devon
Jun Jaow Thai, Torquay
Recommended by Simon Hulstone, from Michelin-starred The Elephant in Torquay: “We can be fed well for £40 with authentic Thai food in a family-run restaurant. I am partial to the Thai flavours from many trips and slowly building up my chilli tolerance. Jun Jaow is as close as I can get to some local Thai cuisine.”
East Yorkshire
Drewton’s Farm Shop and Kitchen, Yorkshire Wolds
Recommended by James Mackenzie, from Michelin-starred the Pipe and Glass in South Dalton: “Nestled in the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds, they serve a fantastic all-day breakfast using local ingredients, including their own craft sausages and Doreen’s black pudding. It certainly sets you up for a busy day.”
Laveracks, Holme on Spalding Moor and Pocklington
James Mackenzie says: “A butcher/deli that makes great sausage rolls that hit the spot if I’m out and about – they’re a generous size wrapped in delicious home-made pastry. The pies are chunky too, they don’t scrimp on the filling and the flavours are fab. They also offer a top-quality selection of meats – everything that a great butcher should be.”
Humberside
The Hope and Anchor, South Ferriby
Recommended by Gareth Bartram, chef-patron at Michelin Guide-recommended Auction House in Louth, Lincolnshire: “A fantastic pub on the south bank of the river Humber. We always go for the home-cured charcuterie board and the burger made from the trim from their whole cow project is incredible.”
Hearth in Hull
“If me and my wife manage to convince the grandparents to look after the kids, it has to be Hearth”, says Gareth Bartram.
“The restaurant and bakery is an amazing addition to the Hull dining scene with Ryan Telford cooking the majority of the menu over hot coals.”
Kent
The Refectory in St Dunstan’s, Canterbury
Recommended by Stephen Harris, chef-patron at one-starred gastropub The Sportsman in Whitstable: “The food is brunch/breakfast but done in that Aussie style whereby it has restaurant standards. I often have eggs benedict or just scrambled egg on toast. The coffee is also top drawer. It is very busy and a queue often builds up, but it is worth the wait.”
Harbour Street Tapas in Whitstable
“I always have the Iberico ham,” says Stephen Harris. “We have been taking my son since he was about three and he has learnt how to go to restaurants through this place. The staff are great and we are lucky to have it at the end of our road.”
Lancashire
Jungle, Clitheroe
Recommended by Lisa Goodwin-Allen, executive chef of the Michelin-starred Northcote: “I love Jungle on the high street. I go there a lot for brunch with my husband and my son. It’s great value for money and just has a really cool, relaxed atmosphere, and they serve really tasty food. They have things like sweetcorn fritters with chilli jam and shakshuka with a falafel scotch egg on the menu. The dishes always have a twist to them. It also feels great to be able to give back to the brilliant independents on the local high street.”
London
Kati Roll Company in Soho
Recommended by Sameer Taneja, executive chef at one-starred Indian restaurant Benares, in Mayfair: “The is my go-to eatery for Kolkata-inspired meat and vegetable wraps that are absolutely delicious. It’s always a treat to enjoy their excellent spicy wraps, a bottle of beer, and good old Bollywood music.”
Max’s Sandwich Shop, Finsbury Park
Recommended by Tom Brown, from Michelin Guide-recommended Pearly Queen in Whitechapel: “My all-time favourite cheap eat is Max’s Sandwich Shop, which has an amazing reputation – their classic Ham, Egg ‘n’ Chips sandwich is undoubtedly the best. I’m big on my football, and where it’s located in Finsbury Park, it’s a great spot to hit before Arsenal.”
House of Momo, Dalston
For big portions and small prices, Tom Brown says: “They do a variety of fried dumplings served with delicious Nepalese curries – a personal favourite of mine is the cheese and vegetable momo. The food is divine. It’s big portions – the value for money is insane.”
Tongue and Brisket, Goodge St
Recommended by Pied à Terre owner David Moore: “Bring your appetite as portions are generous. I have a large salt beef on rye, pickles and mustard, £10 take away, a bit more to eat in. If dining in, try the Latka, fish balls and an excellent chopped liver, cucumber salad on side. No licence for booze… not a bad thing.”
Shoop, Tottenham Street
“This tiny, hole-in-the-wall spot serves up some of the tastiest soups you will find this side of Tel Aviv, but it doesn’t stop there,” David Moore says.
“Falafel, £8.20; shakshuka, £8.20; and chicken schnitzel, £9.00, are my firm favourites. Everything is cooked fresh on the premises.”
Palms of Goa, Charlotte Street
“They have been on Charlotte Street close to 30 years, you don’t do that without solid regulars and good food,” David Moore says.
“My favourite is king prawn masala, £15.95, or lamb biryani, £15.95 – plus a couple of naans at £2.95 each and some tap water just to stay on budget.”
Lahore Kebab House in Whitechapel
Recommended by Andy Beynon, chef patron of Behind in Hackney: “I love Lahore Kebab House. I used to go with my dad – we’d get a couple of lagers from the shop next door, then tuck into lamb chops, tarka daal, the Peshwari naan, which is always cooked fresh on the tandoor, and all the dips on the menu.”
Dom’s Subs
“You can’t beat a ‘That Spicy D’,” Andy Beynon says.
“There’s just something about that burnt chilli mayo and schiacciata piccante. It’s my favourite lunch to have on the go, and totally worth the mess.”
Umut 2000 in Dalston
Andy Beynon’s “go-to for a kebab fix”.
“They also do this amazing chargrilled lamb mince on a bed of tomato sauce with yoghurt and clarified butter. So good.”
Durak Tantuni, in Haringey
Recommended by Meedu Saad, head chef and co-owner of Kiln in Soho – which as well as being in the Michelin Guide, was crowned the UK’s best restaurant in 2018: “This place specialises in tantuni, a meat wrap that originates from Mersin in the south of Turkey. It’s finely diced lamb boiled and then lightly fried with spices, topped with fresh tomatoes and parsley before being wrapped in lavash and served with a monster plate of pickled chillies and lemon wedges.”
Haringey Corbacisi
Meedu Saad says: “A no-menu restaurant specialising in daily made soups and stews at very reasonable prices. My personal favourite is a soup by the name of kelle paca, which is a sheep’s head soup in a broth topped with garlic and ghee.”
Yipin China, Highbury and Islington
Specialising in Hunanese dishes and techniques, Meedu Saad says “they have a great selection of offal dishes and sour soup – one of my favourites being white fish and mustard greens.”
Berenjak in Soho and London Bridge
Recommended by Sofian Msetfi, executive chef at Mayfair’s one-starred Ormer restaurant: “Berenjak offers a traditional Persian dining experience – I’d recommend ordering a charcoal grilled kebab for that tables plus a selection of the mezze-style sharing plates to accommodate a budget of £40 for two.”
BAO (with locations around London)
“It’s known for its creative take on Taiwanese street food,” Sofian Msetfi says.
“They offer some of the best bao buns in the city which start from just £6, plus there’s affordably priced small plates.”
Secret Sandwich Shop in Notting Hill
Sofian Msetfi says this place “elevates the humble sandwich to new heights – the sheer size of the Japanese Wanpaku sandwiches are incredible and so filling”.
Saint George Cafe (Chelsea and Charing Cross)
Recommended by Benjamin Ferra Y Castell from one-starred Pavyllon in London: “This is a French bakery offering delicious sandwiches made with high-quality products. Their bread is made by a French baker with a specially selected flour. The pastries are also amazing – using high-quality butter and the chocolate used in the pain au chocolate makes it one of my best sweet treats in the city. On top of all of this, their coffee is some of the best in London.”
Tachbrook Street Market in Pimlico
“This market is really affordable and convenient and away from the hustle and bustle of Victoria Station,” Benjamin Ferra Y Castell says.
“Authentic Thai food made with love, available for less than £10 for a substantial portion.”
Bar Italia in Soho
Another of Benjamin Ferra Y Castell’s favourites.
“Offers great Italian coffee with authentic products from different regions of Italy. You can try different sandwiches and they have an excellent burrata. They serve real coffee, how it should be made.”
Paul Rothe & Son in Marylebone
Recommended by TV chef Judy Joo, who co-owns the popular Seoul Bird in London: “Since 1900, they have been crafting some of the best sandwiches in London. My go-to is their famous pastrami and cheese, piled high with pickle, mayo, and mustard.”
Trejo’s Tacos, Notting Hill
Judy Joo says Trejo’s Tacos has crossed the pond, opening its first international outpost in London. “Founded by actor Danny Trejo, this canteen boasts a cult following in Los Angeles (myself included) and has quickly become my favourite spot for tacos in London.”
Maroush
A London institution with multiple venues across the city, also remains a favourite of Judy Joo’s.
“Especially the original one Edgware Road. The chicken or lamb shawarma is the star dish, slow-cooked on vertical rotisseries, infused with aromatic spices, and expertly sliced off with sabers.”
Liu Xiaomian
“Tucked away in the basement of an unassuming British pub down a quaint mews street in Marylebone,” Judy Joo reveals.
“I usually order the minced pork xiaomian – toothsome wheat noodles swimming in a red chili broth, then dressed with seasoned pork and fragrant spring onions.”
Merseyside
Swan fish and chip restaurant, Southport
Recommended by Mark Birchall, chef-patron at two Michelin starred Moor Hall in West Lancashire: “It’s fresh fish, nice chips, lovely pies! A great one to visit on a family day out – kids all love it too.”
Five Guys
Mark Birchall says: “For a cheap burger, Five Guys is consistently great! Customise your own burger, simple but delicious. Cajun fries are excellent too.”
Chop Chop
Recommended by Andrew Sheridan of 8 By Andrew Sheridan in Liverpool: “Me and the guys in 8 head there for lunch most weeks. It’s some great Asian food, amazing katsu.”
Duke Street Market
Andrew Sheridan says: “The place to go when you don’t know what to eat as they have everything you could wish for under one roof. What I love about this place is the guys in the kitchen love what they do and the food is super tasty and consistent.”
Mowgli in Liverpool
Andrew Sheridan says it has “super tasty Indian food and is around the corner from 8 in Liverpool. Nisha Katona, the founder, is an amazing businesswoman and has created a brilliant brand”.
Norfolk
Allium in Downham Market
Recommended by Galton Blackiston of the Michelin-starred Morston Hall: “A family-run restaurant which involves mum, dad, Joe in kitchen and James front of house. Open Wednesday through to Sunday, it has a great vibe on a Saturday evening and great food.”
Bure River Restaurant
“A tiny restaurant on the broads in Horning cooking lovely fish dishes,” Galton Blackiston says.
Parlour in Binham
Final cheap pick by Galton Blackiston is the Parlour.
“They have a great restaurant and you put money into an honesty box for their local cheese from the village and raw milk from their farm – a great place to visit in Norfolk.”
North Yorkshire
Blue Lion, East Witton
Recommended by Shaun Rankin from Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall: “A traditional country pub nestled within the picture-perfect village of East Witton in the Yorkshire Dales. Enjoy a scenic walk through the surrounding countryside before stopping off for lunch – their light lunch menu includes personal favourites such as croque madame with a rocket salad and Black Sheep-battered fish and chips.”
Oliver’s Pantry, Ripon
Shaun Rankin says: “If you’re heading in to explore the characterful charm of Ripon, a trip to Oliver’s Pantry is a must. They do great coffee alongside a delicious all-day brunch, an array of sweet treats and their seasonal lunch menu packed with fresh homemade dishes.”
Ye Olde Naked Man in Settle
Recommended by Michael Wignall, of the one-star The Angel at Hetton, in Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales: “It’s in a great location, opposite the market square and a traditional, old-school place that I love. The food is very reasonable, and the service is brilliant.”
Paradise Food, at Daleside Nurseries
“The chef here is lovely, and we go back a long way,” says Michael Wignall. “It started as a pop-up at garden centre, and is now a full-time restaurant. They’ve had a really colourful career, a great chef, which is reflected at Paradise. They’re hard working and have core values that I really respect, and I just love coming here for a great meal. It is super popular.”
Rind, at Courtyard Dairy
Michael Wignall says: “This is just over the tops, out of Settle and towards the Lake District. They are very famous and do our cheese for us. The team is super passionate, and a few years ago extended the cheese shop and built a pizzeria (among other things, like a museum). It is so good here, very cool and the views are just stunning. Our restaurant manager is Italian, and even she raves about it! That’s when you know it’s good. The toppings are a bit different, and it’s only 15 minutes away so we do visit often.”
Northern Ireland
Robert Stewart’s, Belfast
Recommended by Stephen Toman, chef owner at the one Michelin starred Ox restaurant in Belfast: “There’s a great little pub not too far from me in Belfast that does great pub grub and an even better Guinness. It’s called Robert Stewart’s (or Bob Stewart’s to the locals). I recommend the peppered steak and a pint of the black stuff to wash it down.”
Ora
Stephen Toman says: “For in the city centre I recommend Ora. The perfect spot for small plates and wines by the glass. Super cocktails also. The bang bang chicken or the pork fritters never fail.”
Oxfordshire
Pompette in Summertown, Oxford
Recommended by Theo Randall, Saturday Kitchen regular and chef patron at Theo Randall at the Intercontinental: “One of my favourite places is Pompette. The Prix Fixe menu is £26 a head; I had to mention this as I don’t think you can find better food and service for this price anywhere else in the UK. Pascal and Laura Wiedemann run this brilliant restaurant and have a range of fantastic offers like Thursday steak nights where you can enjoy a beautifully cooked onglet steak with watercress, real (!) French fries and a glass of wine for £24. Amazing value!”
Scotland
The Fishmarket at Newhaven
Recommended by Tom Kitchin, chef-owner at The Kitchin in Edinburgh: “I really enjoy The Fishmarket, down by the Newhaven harbour in Edinburgh. They offer classic fish and chips, done incredibly well, which you can either enjoy in the restaurant or to take away.”
South Yorkshire
Paesani
Recommended by Dan Conlon, head chef at Michelin Guide-recommended Rafters in Sheffield: “This is a family run, traditional Italian restaurant serving classic wood fired pizzas using authentic ingredients. My go-to’s are nocellara olives for, then the new contadina vegetarian or the San Daniele.”
Nottingham House
Sheffield’s The Notty House, Dan Conlon says, “is a down to earth pub serving pies, chips and mushy peas – a great selection of homemade pies at very reasonable prices, good student vibe”.
“The steak and stilton, and the chicken and sausage stuffing are my go-to’s.”
Urban choola
Dan Conlon says: “A long-established curry house in Sheffield, going from strength to strength. It’s not your run-of-the-mill curry – they have a distinct and inventive style.”
Staffordshire
The Patty Freaks, Lichfield
Recommended by Great British Menu champ Tom Shepherd, from Michelin-starred Upstairs by Tom Shepherd in Lichfield, picks his favourites in the city: “Great burgers, super tasty, filled with all the good stuff, a big selection of different toppings, cooked to order and they do some delicious sides too – from loaded fries to chicken wings and tenders.”
Bore Street Bakery, Lichfield
“Not only are the owners Nathan and Rosie a pair of absolute legends,” Tom Shepherd says, “but they can also bake!”
“The pastries, fancies and savoury breads here are absolutely delicious, people queue past the door of the restaurant every single morning, it’s heaving from 9am, their pastry ‘knots’ are incredible, and the coffee is good too.”
Poms, Lichfield
Tom Shepherd says: “A firm local favourite serving some delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch items – all their bread is sourced locally from Silvertree Bakery (I used to work with the owner, Kirk) and they make the most amazing sandwiches, eggs benedict and salads, a definite go-to if you’re in Lichfield.”
Suffolk
Honey + Harvey, various locations
Recommended by Dave Wall, head chef at the UK’s number one ranked gastropub, The Unruly Pig in Suffolk: “A cracking spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch. They have the most delicious coffee and a cracking full English, the vibe is super-chilled and laidback and I always feel so relaxed there.”
Lark, Bury St Edmunds
Dave Wall says: “A beautiful little independent restaurant with the most incredible selection of small plates and top-drawer cooking. Admittedly, I find myself spending a fair bit more than £40 at Lark because I love James Carn’s cooking so much that I end up going way over the top and ordering far too many dishes.”
Wales
Daphnes in Presteigne
Recommended by Mark McHugo, head chef and owner of Michelin Green Star restaurant Chapters in Hay-on-Wye, Powys: “They serve great pizza, delicious wines and brilliant seasonal salads and starters.”
The cafe at Castle in the middle of Hay-on-Wye
Mark McHugo says: “Then, in the newly renovated Castle in the middle of Hay-on-Wye the cafe there serves really great lunches – plus Sunday lunch in the winter months, and their breakfast is pretty good too. It is the perfect quick stop off with great service and tasty dishes.”
Tokyo Nights
Recommended by Tommy Heaney of the restaurant Heaneys Cardiff: “I love what they are doing with the Cardiff Market, we’ve been crying out for a permanent street food market for years! My go-to is Tokyo Nights, fill your boots with homemade Gyoza and a banging tonkatsu sando.”
Bab Haus
Tommy Heaney says: “Another great spot that can be found in Newport, Barry and now Caerphilly. Leyli is one of the hardest working chefs I know, but more importantly she does a belting taco.”
Beales Fish and Chips in Porthcawl
“It’s about 20 minutes from my house,” says Tommy Heaney. “Head to the beach and just pig out in the back of the van.”
Warwickshire
The Straw Kitchen at Whichford Pottery
Recommended by Richard Craven from one-starred The Royal Oak in Warwickshire: “For brunch or lunch it has to be The Straw Kitchen. The kitchen offers classic brunch dishes with homemade relishes and home-grown leaves and super interesting and healthy salads with a great range of meaty and vegetarian options. My go-to treat would be the bacon sandwich.”
The Copper Grill, Shipston-on-Stour.
The second on Richard Craven’s list is the Copper Grill “which recently opened within our local, The Black Horse.
“The burgers are incredible. The bacon double-cheese burger is my favourite, but there are a great range that pair well with the selection of beers that the landlord, Gabe, keeps. They both support sustainable and regenerative farming and use the brilliant Tamworth pork from our neighbour Paddock Farm.”
West Midlands
Tiger Bites Pig, Birmingham
Recommended by Aktar Islam, chef patron of Opheem – the first Birmingham restaurant to be awarded two Michelin stars: “I’m a big fan of Tiger Bites Pig. Grab a counter seat and watch them smash out some of the best Taiwanese bao buns in the UK. My favourite is the chicken – it’s seasoned with Sichuan chilli oil and topped with chicken crackle. I could eat one every day.”
Bonehead, Birmingham
The best fried chicken spot in Birmingham, says Aktar Islam.
“Their Bonehead and Hothead seasonings are corkers. I usually get the burgers or the strips with a side of Nashville fries. If I’m feeling brave I’ll get a pickleback too, but they are punchy!”
Qavali, Birmingham
“An Indo-Persian restaurant which takes its inspiration from the Indian subcontinent and uses spices and techniques rooted everywhere from Turkey to India,” Aktar Islam says.
“Marinated meat is grilled over charcoal, and often served in richly spiced sauces and broths. I’m a meat eater, so nothing makes me happier than a big plate of grilled meat and this is my go-to.”
