Top 5 Family Restaurants on a Budget | London Cheapo (2024)

Eating out can be pricey but when there is a whole brood to feed, things get even more expensive. Here are some fabulous family restaurants that are affordable too.

Cubana

Waterloo
The vibrant colours and Cuban décor make this a firm family favourite. It’s within walking distance of Waterloo Station and has a great menu that is also highly affordable. For just £6 you can choose fromtwo courses off the kid’s menu along with a juice and a super-sized ice cream sundae. Tasty fruit mocktails are on offer too and the adult co*cktail menu is a welcome addition. The delicious home-cooked grub and lively atmosphere add to the appeal.

They bake their own bread and Latin American pastries on site which gives the place an extra dimension. They also often have street food stalls outside, if you don’t fancy a sit down meal. Cubana has a fantastic ethical backbone with a strong emphasis on sustainable options and recycling, so is a great place to gently teach your children about ecological matters.

Cubana turns into thriving salsa night in the evening so you may like to return without the kids in the future. Entry is free on weekdays and they even offer free tastings and masterclasses in coffee roasting/tasting, Cuban co*cktails, Latin American patisserie and sourdough breads.

Bodean’s

Clapham, Fulham, Soho, Balham and Tower Hill
Great American-style comfort food in a lovely relaxed setting. With a menu full of favourites such as ribs, wings, burgers, pulled pork and mac n’ cheese, this diner-deli chain appeals to adults and children alike. Slow-smoked barbecue techniques, secret rubs and sublime sauce recipes means there is plenty of flavour on offer. Kids eat for free from the set menu until 3pm in the week and 5pm at weekends, ice cream is included. If you like to eat later, you can also get a free children’s meal with every paying adult, or pay just a fiver if you are outnumbered by children.

Masala Zone

Bayswater, Camden Town, Covent Garden, Earls Court, Islington, Soho, Selfridges
Masala Zone offers traditional Indian restaurant food, as well as street food. You can also get a delicious thali platter for just over £10, including rice, chapati and a great selection of main courses. If your little ones are under seven, they can eat from the kid’s menu for just five pounds. If they are older, things are still very affordable. The flavours are sublime and the atmosphere is lovely and relaxed.

Even though there are a number of restaurants in this chain, each one has its own unique style using a variety of Indian folk art, tribal art and contemporary design techniques.

Wahaca

West Field, Westend, South Bank
The Wahaca restaurants welcome little ones, with their lively restaurant settings and kid-friendly menus. Their children’s menu starts from £1.20 and offers smaller portions and less spice than the adult options. If your family enjoys the Mexican food on offer at Wahaca you can check out the recipes on their website where you can pick up tips on how to make your own Mexican feasts from home. You can even buy tasty treats like their Splash It On Sauce in store, which is inspired by Mexican street food.

Tokyo Diner

2 Newport Pl, London WC2H 7JJ (Chinatown)
This authentic Japanese restaurant offers fresh and delicious food with both vegetarian and meat options available. From between £6.50-£11.50 you can pick up miso soup, a rice/noodle based dish and a side dish. Between 3pm and 6pm things are even cheaper. You can ask for extra large portions at no extra cost. The inari zushi is only £2.90 for two pouches made of sweet marinated tofu stuffed with sushi rice. The menu contains very clear details on what each dish contains. Especially for allergy sufferers. You can also pick up a lunch special set menu from as little as £5.50 after 3pm. Japanese tea is free with every meal.

This selection are just a few of the many great family restaurants in London that are highly affordable. London has so many interesting restaurants offering cuisine from all over the world, meaning you can introduce your family to different cultures while enjoying some delicious food.