The Best Value Restaurants in Soho, London

You could argue that there is nothing more comforting than a classic, pillowy bao bun filled with melting confit pork. While you often have to queue for a space inside this popular spot reminiscent of Taiwanese xiao chi (small eats) houses, your patience will certainly be rewarded with authentic, flavour-packed cooking. Adding extras like soy-glazed aubergine and Taiwanese fried chicken alongside the range of bao fillings will make your visit even more satisfying.

Did you know that we also recommend hotels? We suggest following your meal at Bao with a stay at The London EDITION.

Iranian cuisine is the order of the day here, at a buzzing restaurant based on the hole-in-the-wall kabab houses of Tehran. The recipes are inspired by those of founder Kian Samyani’s mother and showcase all the colours, aromas and wealth of flavour that Persian cooking is known for. If you can’t make up your mind, they serve a ‘Feast Menu’, which allows you to sample a range of dishes. A choice of sharbats – a soft drink made from fruit, herbs and flower petals – is on offer, along with wines from Armenia, Turkey, Greece and Macedonia.

Need somewhere to stay? We recommend Chateau Denmark, just a short walk away.

One of two Bib Gourmand restaurants in Soho’s foodie hotspot of Kingly Court, Donia is London’s premier destination for Filipino food. Chef and founder Florence Mae Maglanoc was born in the Philippines and raised in the UK, and this heritage is reflected in her flavour-packed dishes based around British produce. The use of sourness in the cooking is particularly noteworthy, while the lechon with liver peppercorn sauce is a house speciality and well worth looking out for.

Those in need of a hotel should book the One-MICHELIN-Key Broadwick Soho.

The Sethi family have created many fabulous restaurants across London, including Bao, Berenjak and this take on Sri Lanka’s famous Toddy Shops. The eponymous ‘hopper’ is a pancake-like item made from fermented rice and coconut, then shaped into a bowl – and it serves as the perfect accompaniment to one of the creamy karis they serve here. Mutton rolls and hot butter squid are among the ‘short eats’ selection you can sample; everything comes out at once and is perfect for sharing.

Stroll for a mere three minutes from Hoppers to your room at the One-MICHELIN-Key The Soho Hotel, a Firmdale Hotel.

Imad Alarnab is more than just a chef; he’s someone who believes in great hospitality and its ability to bring people together. Having had his restaurant business in Damascus destroyed by war, Alarnab came to London and now serves his fresh, vibrant cooking in Carnaby’s Kingly Court. The simple, generous dishes provide great value for money, with falafel and shish tawook among the choices on offer. The friendly service team fit the contagiously fun, likeable nature of the restaurant.

The Two-MICHELIN-Key Hotel Café Royal is within walking distance of Imad’s Syrian Kitchen.

Clay pots, woks and grills are all used in the creation of the fiery, skilfully cooked Thai dishes at this busy little spot round the corner from Golden Square. The cooking is largely influenced by the northern part of Thailand and the neighbouring cuisines of Myanmar, Laos and Yunnan Province. The produce is mostly British however, and is fashioned into sharing dishes that have a wonderful spicy kick without allowing the central ingredients to become overwhelmed.

After eating at Kiln, take a short walk towards Trafalgar Square and you will find the Two-MICHELIN-Key Haymarket Hotel, a Firmdale Hotel.

Kricket is wonderful proof that a pop-up restaurant can morph into a permanent fixture and continue to grow and succeed. Small plates and cocktails are the order of the day, both inspired by the flavours and colours of regional Indian cuisine. Whilst there is a seasonal element to the menu, many dishes remain all year round – like their famed Keralan fried chicken. Subtle touches of innovation shine through in the cooking and there’s a brilliant buzz about the place, which is enhanced by a seat at the long kitchen counter.

Ham Yard Hotel, a Firmdale Hotel, could scarcely be closer to Kricket and holds Two MICHELIN Keys.

Narrow, intimate and filled with people, there's a terrific buzz in the air at this restaurant that brings a bit of Jerusalem to Soho. A zinc-topped counter is the best place to sit if you like to watch talented chefs preparing fresh, Middle Eastern inspired dishes like cod bi-laban and onglet mashwiya. Freshly baked kubaneh bread with a variety of dips is a must to start, followed by other full-flavoured dishes. You might have to restrain yourself, as everything on the menu looks so appealing.

Staying over in Soho? The Londoner Hotel is approved by The MICHELIN Guide and is a short walk from Palomar.