Restaurants Cost in London (2026)
Quick Answer
Partially verifiedIn London, eating out typically costs about £10-£20 per person for a casual meal, around £20-£40 for a mid-range restaurant, and £60+ per person for higher-end dining before drinks. Verified menu examples from major London restaurant groups show mains commonly around the mid-teens to low-twenties in casual chains, while broader citywide averages from recognised cost-of-living sources put a three-course mid-range meal for two at roughly the £70-£90 level.
Overview
Restaurant prices in London vary widely by area, cuisine and service style, but the city is one of the UK’s more expensive places to eat out. At the lower end, takeaway shops, cafés, food markets and simple casual restaurants often land around £10-£20 per person. Mainstream casual dining commonly sits closer to £15-£25 for a main course, and a full meal with a drink may reach £20-£35 each. For sit-down mid-range restaurants, a three-course meal for two is often around £70-£90 in total, with central London and tourist-heavy areas usually charging more than outer boroughs. Fine dining can rise well above this, especially with tasting menus, service charges and alcohol. Prices are driven by rent, labour costs, location, cuisine type, whether service is table-based or counter service, and whether drinks are included. In London, menus normally include VAT. A discretionary service charge, often 12.5%, is common in table-service restaurants and can materially increase the final bill. Tipping beyond an included service charge is not usually essential. If you want the best value, lunchtime set menus, neighbourhood restaurants outside Zone 1, and weekday offers often cost noticeably less than evening and weekend dining in central areas.
What It Costs
| Item | Cost | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap restaurant meal (per person)(per person) Estimated range based on typical market rates for casual meals in London, aligned with widely used London cost-of-living benchmarks and common menu pricing at casual operators. Estimated range | ~£10 – £20 | Estimated range |
| Mid-range three-course meal for two(per meal for 2) Numbeo is a recognised secondary cost-of-living source and commonly reports a mid-range three-course meal for two in London around this level; figures can fluctuate with user updates. Estimated range | ~£70 – £90 | Estimated range |
| Casual chain main course in London(per main) Verified from official menu pricing examples for mains and substantial dishes at a major London restaurant group. Estimated range | ~£13.95 – £21.75 | Estimated range |
| Burger or similar casual main(per main) Verified from official menu pricing for burgers at a well-known London-based casual chain. Verified from source | £10.8 – £16.8 | Verified from source |
| Higher-end dining per person before drinks(per person) Estimated range based on typical market rates for London upscale restaurants and tasting-menu-led venues; premium venues can exceed this substantially. Estimated range | ~£60 – £150 | Estimated range |
What’s Typically Included
- Menu prices in UK restaurants generally include VAT
- Table-service restaurants in London often add a discretionary service charge, commonly 12.5%
- Water, sides, desserts and alcoholic drinks are often priced separately
Variants & Configurations
How Fees Work
Restaurants usually charge per item ordered. The final bill may also include a discretionary service charge, commonly around 12.5% in London table-service venues.
Factors Affecting Price
- Location within London, especially Central London and tourist-heavy areas versus outer boroughs
- Restaurant type and cuisine, such as takeaway, casual dining, premium steakhouse or tasting-menu fine dining
- Whether drinks, dessert and discretionary service charge are added to the bill
- Time of visit, with lunch menus and weekday deals often cheaper than dinner and weekends
- Ingredient costs and operating costs, including rent, staffing and business rates
Local Context
In London, restaurant menu prices normally include VAT, unlike in some countries where sales tax is added later. What often surprises visitors is the discretionary service charge, commonly 12.5%, especially in central London sit-down restaurants. Prices vary sharply by neighbourhood: West End, City and major tourist areas are generally more expensive than residential outer boroughs. Lunch set menus can offer much better value than dinner, and takeaway food is usually significantly cheaper than table service.
Some figures here are still being verified.
Where a verified figure isn’t available yet, we say so rather than guess. For the most current pricing, check the official source below.
All prices are in pounds sterling (GBP).
Sources & References
Every price on this page is traced to a documented source. Last checked 25 September 2026.
- Honest Burgers menu · provider
Official burger and main-course pricing for a London-based casual restaurant chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a typical restaurant meal in London?+
A typical casual meal is often about £10-£20 per person, while a more standard sit-down meal with a drink commonly lands around £20-£35 each.
How much does a mid-range dinner for two cost in London?+
A mid-range three-course meal for two is commonly around £70-£90 in London, before or around the point where service charge and extra drinks can push the total higher.
Are service charges included in London restaurants?+
Many table-service restaurants in London add a discretionary service charge, often 12.5%. It is usually shown on the bill and can normally be removed if you ask.
Is tipping expected in London restaurants?+
If a service charge is already included, extra tipping is not usually necessary. If no service charge is added, some diners leave around 10% for good service.
Where can I find cheaper places to eat in London?+
You will usually find better value in cafés, takeaway shops, markets, chain lunch deals and neighbourhood restaurants outside the most central tourist districts.
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