Throughout 2024 we're asking Michelin-starred chefs and top bloggers 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
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-star 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
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.
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"While being well known for their burgers - which are also delicious - it's the rotisserie chicken I'm recommending," Bradley says.
Bradley says this is "is stretching the budget slightly, but it's totally worth it as it's utterly delicious".
"The co*cktails 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
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.
"Their whole concept is around serving toasted sandwiches in Shokupan bread," says Ollie.
"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."
"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
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."
Humberside
The Hope and Anchor, South Ferriby
Recommended by Gareth Bartram, chef-patron at 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."
"If me and my wife manage to convince the grandparents to look after the kids, it has to be Hearth", says Gareth.
"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."
Lancashire
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
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 Pearly Queen and the Michelin-starred Cornerstone in Hackney, east London: "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."
For big portions and small prices, Tom says: "My other choice for a cheap eat is House of Momo . 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."
"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 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 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."
"You can't beat a 'That Spicy D'," Andy 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."
Andy'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."
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
"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 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 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 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 says.
"Authentic Thai food made with love, available for less than £10 for a substantial portion."
Another of Benjamin'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.
Judy 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."
A London institution with multiple venues across the city, also remains a favourite of Judy'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."
"Tucked away in the basem*nt of an unassuming British pub down a quaint mews street in Marylebone," Judy 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.
"For a cheap burger, Five Guys is consistently great! Customise your own burger, simple but delicious. Cajun fries are excellent too."
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."
"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."
Andrew 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
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.
"A tiny restaurant on the broads in Horning cooking lovely fish dishes."
Final cheap place recommended by Galton 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
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.
"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."
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. 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.
"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
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.
"For in the city centre I recommend Ora. The perfect spot for small plates and wines by the glass. Super co*cktails 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
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
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.
The Notty House, Dan 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."
"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
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."
"Not only are the owners Nathan and Rosie a pair of absolute legends," Tom 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."
"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."
"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
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
"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."
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."
"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. 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'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
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."
The best fried chicken spot in Birmingham, says Aktar.
"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!"
"An Indo-Persian restaurant which takes its inspiration from the Indian subcontinent and uses spices and techniques rooted everywhere from Turkey to India," Aktar 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."
