The Cheapest Michelin Star Restaurants In London

There may now be five Barrafinas dotted around London, but this flagship operation on Dean Street is the one that holds a Michelin Star. It’s a perennially popular place, where a seat at the counter comes with a buzzing atmosphere and daily blackboard specials. The tapas menu includes classic Spanish dishes like tortillas and pan con tomate, alongside an array of seafood proudly displayed on ice.

Tapas À La Carte, All Opening Hours – £49.50 (average price)

India’s spiritual capital lends its name to this Berkeley Square institution. The place certainly heralds a sense of occasion as you arrive, heading upstairs past a pool to the spacious, brightly lit restaurant. The cooking shows a strong balance between originality and tradition, always respecting the origins of the cuisine. The best value comes at lunch and before 6.30pm for dinner. If you’re after something lighter, 2 courses cost just £35.

3 Courses, Mon-Sat Lunch & Early Evening – £43

Named after the family who once lived in nearby Ham House, the Dysart is an undeniably beautiful building, where period features like leaded windows and flagstone floors blend with more contemporary design elements. There’s even room for an antique grand piano, which comes into its own during dinner and concert evenings. The cooking pushes seasonal produce to the fore, with the ‘Garden Menu’ the most affordable offering.

3 Courses, Thurs-Fri Lunch & Weds-Thurs Dinner – £45

This characterful red-brick former school is surrounded by the financial district’s modern, glass-fronted towers, so there’s always a strong corporate contingent dining here during the week. Run by brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin, the cooking here is unashamedly classic in style and underpinned by time-honoured signature dishes. The building’s original Victorian features blend with linen covered tables to make for a brasserie de luxe feel.

3 Courses, All Opening Hours – £48

There’s always a great vibe and a contented buzz at Leroy; the background music comes courtesy of their expansive collection of vinyl, and the relaxed style really does suit its location. That said, there is obvious structure and a palpable pride shared by both the kitchen and serving teams. The core ingredient shines through in every unshowy dish, some of which can be found on the great value lunch menu.

3 Courses, Tues-Fri Lunch – £32

The tastes of Italy meet the finest British produce at this well-run restaurant, where the cooking is balanced, flavoursome and skilfully judged. While the à la carte may suggest you’re in for an expensive visit, the ‘Bar Express’ lunch menu – served up at the bar or in one of their elegant booths – offers exceptional value. Dishes might include fried Jerusalem artichoke, roast coppa or a tiramisu for dessert.

3 Courses, Tues-Sat Lunch – £30

This fun, engaging Spanish restaurant is split over two floors, each with its own menu and approach. The upstairs El Asador showcases dishes from the ‘asador’ wood-fired oven, while The Counter is home to a tapas menu with influences from all over Spain. As is often the case with tapas, some judicious ordering can result in a great value experience – just try to refrain from ordering a whole suckling pig.

Tapas À La Carte, All Opening Hours – £53.35 (average price)

Natural, ‘proper’ food is the order of the day here. Founder Fergus Henderson’s nose-to-tail ethos, combined with minimalist white décor and a general lack of pretension, has influenced a generation of unfussy restaurants. Ingredients like tripe, bone marrow and all manner of offal populate the gutsy, generous dishes offered at appealing prices. This is a no-frills dining experience powered by real quality cooking.

3 Course À La Carte, All Opening Hours – £52.50 (average price)

Few restaurants feel more ‘London’ than The Ninth. It’s a busy place, with a buzzing atmosphere and bold, confident cooking. Top ingredients bring plenty of flavour, in dishes that showcase well-judged contrasts and skilled preparation. The menu typically involves sharing, but their set lunch offers a straightforward 3 course option at a fraction of the usual price.

3 Courses, Mon-Sat Lunch – £35

The area often referred to now as ‘Marylebone Village’ is home to this lively and enthusiastically run Indian restaurant, which has a real neighbourhood feel. Focusing on the cuisine of southwest India, the menu offers a great combination of old favourites and more contemporary dishes, and ranges from re-imagined street food to more sophisticated offerings. Vegans and vegetarians are well catered for too.

3 Courses, Lunch & Early Evening Every Day – £45

Pitched at the city centre’s tiring shoppers, the weekend lunch deal at Veeraswamy is a must for fans of Indian cooking. Not only is this officially the oldest Indian restaurant in the UK, but it’s also one of the best. Unlike with many lunch menus, diners are not restricted in their choice, instead having a full array of dishes to pick from. There is a notable amount of skill on display across the varied dishes, plus some fine British produce.

3 Courses, Sat-Sun Lunch – £45

Anthony Demetre’s original Wild Honey was greatly missed when it closed, so there was a great sense of joy and anticipation when he agreed to re-locate to this larger space within the Sofitel London St James Hotel. The space is stylish and atmospheric, with cooking that is perfectly pitched to enhance the experience, and the focus is – in equal parts – on the ingredients, the preparation and the flavours.

3 Courses, Weds-Fri Lunch & Tues-Sat Early Evening – £45