London’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants

Let’s be clear: plenty of restaurants in London have no Michelin star and serve cracking (and often cheaper) food than the places on this list.

But the Michelin guide and its stars remain a sign of culinary excellence if one that usually comes at a cost.

Saying this, not all Michelin-starred establishments in London charge eye-watering prices. Some are cheaper than you might think.

There’s just one catch: you’ll often need to be available for lunch on weekdays to get the best deals.

Before we start: we’ve done all we could to give you up-to-date and accurate information, but things can change. Before you book, check the menus and prices we highlight are available on the day of your visit.

The prices below don’t include service charges – so expect 12.5–15% to be added to your bill.

Restaurants with one Michelin star

As the first echelon on the Michelin scale, 1-star restaurants are usually the cheapest. So you won’t be surprised to see these establishments make up most of our list. Michelin says these places serve “high-quality food” and there are 63 of them in capital.

Here are our picks for best value:

1) Luca

Where: Clerkenwell

What to expect: Italian-inspired dishes using seasonal British produce

What Michelin says: “The Italian food is expertly rendered, and skilfully treads a balance between tradition and modernity.”

What to order: The Bar Express Menu (served between noon-2pm, daily)

The price: £26 for two courses, or £30 for three

2) The Ninth

Where: Fitzrovia

What to expect: French cuisine with a strong Mediterranean influence

What Michelin says: “Top ingredients bring plenty of flavour, in dishes that showcase well-judged contrasts and skilled preparation.”

What to order: The set lunch (available Monday–Saturday)

The price: £30 for two courses, or £35 for three

3) Kitchen W8

Where: Kensington

What to expect: Modern British cookery with a French vibe

What Michelin says: “Relaxed and free from pomposity, there is a lovely neighbourhood feel to this restaurant that provides both great cooking and a warm welcome.”

What to order: The set menu (lunch Monday–Saturday; early dinner Monday–Friday)

The price: £34.40 for three courses

4) Benares

Where: Mayfair

What to expect: A contemporary twist on traditional Indian cookery

What Michelin says: “The star ingredient of each dish is of exemplary quality; and the kitchen cleverly balances modern techniques with recognisable flavours and spicing.”

What to order: The set menu (for lunch and early dinner, Monday–Saturday)

The price: £35 for two courses, or £43 for three

Restaurants with two Michelin stars

We’ve climbed one rung on the Michelin ladder, and the air is rarefied. From 63 1-star restaurants, we’re now down to 13 with two stars. And prices, as you may expect, are on the up. Michelin describes the cooking at these places as “excellent”.

Here are our picks:

1) Gymkhana

Where: Mayfair

What to expect: Sophisticated Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist

What Michelin says: “The extensive menus are predominantly Northern Indian in style, featuring superbly executed, traditionally based dishes.”

What to order: The lunch menu (served daily)

The price: £48 for two course, or £54 for three

2) Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

Where: Knightsbridge

What to expect: A contemporary take on British dishes of the past

What Michelin says: “The kitchen works with intelligence, efficiency and attention to detail to produce dishes that look deceptively simple but taste sublime.”

What to order: The Luncheon (served Monday–Friday)

The price: £59 for three courses

Restaurants with three Michelin stars

That’s it. We’ve reached the summit of London’s culinary Everest. The top dogs. Only six haunts in the capital are deemed worthy of the highest accolade. Michelin describes these places as “exceptional” – and so are the prices they charge.

We’ve only selected one restaurant here. And while it is expensive, the lunch menu is cheaper than those offered at some 2-star restaurants, and it costs about half what other 3-star establishments can charge. Despite the price tag, it’s excellent value.

1) Helene Darroze at The Connaught

Where: Mayfair

What to expect: A haute-cuisine take on the dishes of the south west of France

What Michelin says: “The kitchen's focus remains steadfastly on the main ingredient, which is always of extraordinary quality.”

What to order: The Taste of Winter lunch menu (available on weekdays)

The price: £125 for three courses

London calling

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