Last Updated on August 1, 2026 by Daniel Globe
You’ll usually spend about £31 a day on food in London if you mix cheaper breakfasts, supermarket lunches, and modest dinners. A full English breakfast can cost £12 to £15, while a sandwich or meal deal at lunch is often £4 to £6. Casual dinners usually run £15 to £30, though ethnic restaurants and supermarket meal deals can save you money, and there’s more to compare if you want to plan ahead.
How Much Does Food Cost in London?
Food in London can fit a range of budgets, but you should expect to pay more than in many other UK cities. You can still eat well if you track food price trends and choose smartly. A full English breakfast usually costs £12 to £15, while continental options run £6 to £9. For lunch, supermarket meal deals are about £4, and café sandwiches or wraps often fall between £3.50 and £6. Dinner at casual restaurants or pubs usually costs £15 to £30, though ethnic spots often give you better value. Drinks add up too: a pint in a pub is usually £3.20 to £6, while grocery-store beer can be as low as £1. If you want freedom from overspending, set a daily food budget around £31. Know your dining etiquette, compare options, and spend where it matters.
London Breakfast and Lunch Prices
Breakfast and lunch in London can be affordable if you know where to look. For breakfast, you can choose from breakfast varieties that fit your budget and your mood. A full English breakfast usually runs £12-£15, while continental choices stay lower at about £6-£9. If you want more freedom with your spending, pick the cheaper plate and save the difference for later.
At lunch, you’ve got plenty of practical lunch options. Supermarket meal deals average around £4 and give you a sandwich, drink, and snack in one go. Cafés sell wraps or sandwiches for £3.50-£6, which keeps things flexible. Pubs also offer weekday specials for about £5-£10, so you can eat out without overspending. If you need convenience, takeaway meals often land between £7-£9. With a little planning, you can eat well in London and stay in control of your money.
What to Expect for Dinner in London
When dinner time rolls around in London, you’ve got several budget choices depending on how you want to eat. You can pick dinner options that fit your pace, from quick bites to fuller culinary experiences. Here’s a quick guide:
| Option | Typical Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Pub dinner | £15–£30 | Fish and chips, Sunday roasts |
| Ethnic restaurant | £12–£18 | Filling main courses |
| Takeaway or café | £7–£15 | Fast, affordable meals |
If you want something more polished, fancy restaurants usually begin around £25 for two courses, and your total can climb past £100 per person. Supermarkets also offer light dinner meal deals for about £4–£6, which can work well when you’d rather keep things simple and move on with your evening.
How to Save Money on Food in London
To keep your food budget in check in London, focus on where and when you eat. You can cut costs fast by using meal planning and grocery shopping before you head out, so you’re not forced into pricey choices later. Build your day around a bigger lunch, when many places charge less, then keep dinner light.
- Grab supermarket meal deals: they usually cost about £4 and give you a solid lunch without draining your wallet.
- Try budget cafes: places like Pret a Manger sell sandwiches and soups from about £3 to £7, which works well when you need speed and value.
- Choose pub lunch specials: weekday plates can land between £5 and £10, giving you good food for less.
- Find low-cost museum cafes: some offer affordable meals without an entry fee, so you can eat well and keep your freedom intact.
Cheap Eats and Supermarket Meal Deals
Cheap eats in London are easy to find if you lean on supermarket meal deals and fast lunch spots. You can grab meal deal options at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or M&S for about £4, usually a sandwich, drink, and snack. If you want to spend even less, some light meal options and budget snacks cost around £2.70. Pret a Manger also helps when you need speed; its sandwiches and soups often run from £3 to £8, so you can eat without blowing your daily budget. If breakfast is your thing, skip the full fry-up unless you want to pay £6 to £10. Choose toast and coffee instead. Pubs can also work for you at lunch, with hearty specials starting near £7 to £15. Use these low-cost choices to stay fed, keep moving, and spend your money on what matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Should I Budget per Day for Food in London?
You should budget about £31 a day for food in London, though £10 can work with meal planning. Mix local cuisine, street food, and budget dining to stay flexible, fed, and free.
What Is the 50 30 20 Rule in London?
It’s gloriously simple: you spend 50% on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings or debt. In London, that means balancing rent, grocery shopping, and dining experiences without letting money run your life.
How Much Money Do You Need as a Tourist in London per Day?
You’ll need about £60–£150 daily, depending on style. Use budget tips, street food, and local cuisine to save money, or spend more on dining experiences. Include transport and attractions, and you’ll stay flexible.
How Much Does a Typical Meal in London Cost?
A typical meal in London costs £4–£15: cheap lunches, mid-range dinners, and pricier breakfasts. You’ll see meal types vary by dining trends, so you can eat well, spend smart, and stay free.
Conclusion
In the end, you can comfortably spend less on food in London than you might think, especially if you mix supermarket meal deals, casual breakfasts, and the occasional cheaper dinner. The theory that London is always expensive isn’t fully true—you just need to choose wisely. If you plan ahead and avoid tourist-heavy spots, you’ll keep your daily food budget under control without missing out on good meals.