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London is famous as a global gastronomic capital, where Michelin-starred restaurants are often associated with luxury and exclusivity. But what if you could indulge in world-class cuisine without the sky-high price tag? Enter the realm of affordable Michelin star restaurants in London —a collection of exceptional venues offering exquisite dishes and impeccable service at a more accessible price point.
Our guide explores some of the city’s budget-friendly Michelin-starred establishments, each bringing its unique flair to the table. From the coastal flavours of Trishna and the regal Indian heritage of Veeraswamy to the intimate West African creations of Chishuru and the elegant European charm of Kitchen W8, these restaurants redefine luxury dining.
Trishna
Located in Marylebone Village, Trishna offers a contemporary interpretation of Indian coastal cuisine. Since earning its Michelin star in 2012, the restaurant has been celebrated for its innovative dishes.
The interior design features a minimalist aesthetic complemented by antique mirrors, marble tabletops, and original wooden panelling. This creates a pleasant neighbourhood dining atmosphere. Terrace doors open onto Blandford Street, providing a semi-alfresco ambience.
Trishna’s menu highlights the flavours of India’s southwest coast, emphasising seafood and tandoor preparations. Notable starters include the Nandu Varuval—masala-fried soft-shell crab with white crab and tomato chutney—and the Telicherry Squid & Shrimps, featuring curry leaf, Telicherry pepper, and green mango & coconut chutney. The Hariyali Bream stands out from the tandoor, marinated in green chilli and coriander, accompanied by smoked tomato kachumber. For main dishes, go for the crab, prepared with coconut oil, pepper, garlic, and curry leaves.
Complementing the cuisine is an extensive wine list that emphasizes emerging regions and boutique wineries. Trishna’s commitment to quality and innovation makes it a distinguished destination for those seeking an elevated yet accessible Indian dining experience in London.
Website: Trishna
Address: 15-17 Blandford St, London W1U 3DG
Veeraswamy
Established in 1926 by Edward Palmer, Veeraswamy is the UK’s oldest surviving Indian restaurant. Palmer, an Anglo-Indian and former British Indian Army officer, drew inspiration from his heritage—his grandfather was an English general and his grandmother, an Indian princess—to introduce authentic Indian cuisine to London.
Situated on Regent Street in Mayfair, Veeraswamy exudes opulence reminiscent of 1920s Maharaja palaces. The interior has ornate décor, including hand-woven rugs and a grand chandelier. The ambience is complemented by attentive service, Michelin-star approved.
The menu showcases diverse regional Indian dishes, artfully blending traditional recipes with contemporary flair. Starters such as the Anglo-Indian Mulligatawny Soup and Tandoori Green Prawns are highlights. Signature mains include the Patiala Shahi Raan Encroute—a lamb shank encased in golden puff pastry, served with bone marrow, saffron, and rose sauce—and the Very Slow Cooked Kashmiri Lamb Roghan Josh, with the flavours of traditional spices. Vegetarian options like the Paneer Gulzar and Deccani Platter make this a place for all.
In 2016, Veeraswamy was awarded a Michelin star, a testament to its enduring excellence. The Michelin Guide praised the restaurant for its authentic and satisfying dishes, noting that “the room is awash with colour and is run with charm and obvious pride.” With nearly a century of history, Veeraswamy remains a beacon of fine Indian dining in the city, and one of the best affordable Michelin Star restaurants in London
Website: Veeraswamy
Address: Victory House, 99 Regent St., London W1B 4RS
Chishuru
Chishuru, founded by Nigerian-born chef Adejoké “Joké” Bakare, has swiftly become a cornerstone of London’s culinary scene. It offers a modern interpretation of West African cuisine. After winning a local competition in 2019, Bakare launched Chishuru as a pop-up in Brixton Village, where it garnered significant acclaim. In 2023, the restaurant relocated to Fitzrovia, providing a more expansive setting for its dishes to shine.
The restaurant’s design features textured coral walls and terrazzo-flecked tables, reflecting the vibrancy of West African culture. The two-story layout includes cosy dining areas and a standout basement booth ideal for group gatherings.
Chishuru offers a set menu that evolves regularly. Diners might begin with a fermented rice cake topped with white crab meat and brown purée, followed by a bean cake with duck egg sauce and fried tomato crisps. Main courses often feature options like guinea fowl served with taro root and uziza sauce or a fish dish such as hake fillet complemented by spiced black sauce and wilted chard. Sides include caramelized plantain and house-made pickles.
Here, you can also find a selection of cocktails infused with West African ingredients, such as the Spiced Okra Martini and the Pineapple Smash. The wine list focuses on small French producers.
In 2024, Chishuru earned a Michelin star, with inspectors praising its “delicious, satisfying and full-flavoured dishes” and the “warm, bright spot which comes with a real neighbourhood feel.” This accolade underscores Chishuru’s dedication to excellence and its role in bringing West African cuisine to a broader audience.
Website: Chishuru
Address: 3 Great Titchfield St., London W1W 8AX
Kitchen W8
Kitchen W8 blends neighbourhood charm with Michelin-starred sophistication. Established in 2009 by restaurateurs Phil Howard and Rebecca Mascarenhas, the restaurant has maintained its Michelin star since 2011, showing its consistent culinary excellence. The interior features soft lighting, white tablecloths, and tasteful décor, fostering an inviting atmosphere. This ambience makes Kitchen W8 versatile and equally suited for romantic dinners, business meetings, or casual lunches.
Under the stewardship of Head Chef Mark Kempson, the menu showcases modern European cuisine with British influences, emphasizing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Diners can indulge in dishes like the Roast Loin of Cornish Cod, accompanied by crushed potatoes, gremolata, and shellfish bisque, or the Cotswold White Chicken with truffle creamed potatoes and wild mushrooms. Vegetarian options, such as the Jerusalem Artichoke Risotto with hazelnuts and winter truffle, highlight the menu’s diversity.
Complementing the culinary offerings is a thoughtfully curated wine list featuring selections from established and emerging regions. For added flexibility, the restaurant offers a BYOB option with a corkage fee and free corkage on Sunday evenings. Kitchen W8 also provides a set menu, offering three courses for £40, allowing guests to experience Michelin-starred dining at a more accessible price point.
Website: Kitchen W8
Address: 11-13 Abingdon Rd, London W8 6AH
Wild Honey St James
Opened in spring 2019 by chef Anthony Demetre, Wild Honey St James brings a refined dining experience to the Sofitel London St James. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star in 2022. The interior, designed by Jim Hamilton, exudes elegance. Marble tabletops, chestnut leather seating, and dark polished wood accents create a sophisticated atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of Pall Mall, with natural light and a connection to the cityscape.
Chef Demetre’s menu showcases modern European cuisine, blending classic French techniques with the finest British seasonal produce. The à la carte menu evolves daily. Diners might encounter dishes like the classic duck, pork, and guinea foûte’ with spiced relish or the crisp Sutton Hoo chicken accompanied by wild mushroom ‘cèpe’ cream and hand-cut macaroni. Desserts such as the warm apple tart tatin or the wild honey ice cream with raw Bermondsey honey and warm madeleines provide a sweet conclusion to the meal.
Complementing the cuisine is a thoughtfully curated wine list featuring selections from established and emerging regions. The restaurant also offers a pre-theatre menu.
Website: Wild Honey St James
Address: 8 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5NG
Benares
Benares has been a cornerstone of London’s fine dining scene since its establishment in 2003. Named after the ancient city of Varanasi, the restaurant blends traditional Indian flavours with contemporary culinary techniques. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Sameer Taneja, Benares has maintained its Michelin star for years, constantly improving the quality of its delivery.
The interior features dark, handcrafted wood furnishings and an ambience that offers a respite from the city. A large bar area complements the dining space. Benares’ menu showcases modern Indian cuisine, emphasizing British seasonal ingredients.
Signature dishes include the Tandoori Raan, a selection of chicken tikka, kasundi king prawn, and mutton seekh kebab, and the Malabar Scallops, hand-dived Scottish scallops baked on the shell with coconut curry and Malabar parantha. Vegetarian options like the Paneer Gulaoti, featuring goat’s milk paneer tikka with beetroot & lime murabba, cater to diverse palates.
The restaurant also offers a tasting menu, showing why it is one of the best affordable Michelin Star restaurants in London. The wine list is extensive, with selections thoughtfully chosen to complement the complex flavours of the dishes.
Website: Benares
Address: 12a Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BS
Elystan Street
Elystan Street is a collaboration between chef patron Phil Howard and restaurateur Rebecca Mascarenhas. Since its opening in September 2016, the restaurant has garnered acclaim for its modern British cuisine. It earned a Michelin star in 2017, which it has retained since. The restaurant’s interior is elegant yet understated. It features polished concrete tables and a neutral color palette that creates a relaxed atmosphere. Large windows allow natural light to flood the dining area.
Elystan Street’s menu focuses on seasonal, local ingredients that are pure and full of vitality and flavour. Diners can expect offerings such as Cumbrian beefoms, chargrilled asparagus topped with ewe’s curd, and lemon posset with Yorkshire rhubarb. The restaurant also offers a selection of wines from large and niche producers, as well as a large variety of cocktails and London beers.
Elystan Street aims to give guests unique, memorable experiences, emphasizing good old-fashioned hospitality to ensure patrons leave with a smile. It is definitely one of the best affordable Michelin Star restaurants in London.
Website: Elystan Street
Address: 43 Elystan Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 3NT
The Ninth
Located in Fitzrovia, The Ninth is a contemporary restaurant founded by chef Jun Tanaka in 2015. The establishment quickly garnered acclaim, earning a Michelin star in 2017, which it has retained since. The Ninth offers a relaxed atmosphere, featuring a minimalist interior with polished concrete tables and a neutral color palette.
The Ninth’s menu showcases French-Mediterranean cuisine, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and simple, refined dishes. Designed for sharing, the menu includes offerings such as clementine and pickled beetroot salad. This dish highlights fresh flavours, accompanied by coconut yoghurt and fig leaf oil. The cured scallops come served with smoked roe and artichokes. The Spaghetti with Winter Black Truffle and Aged Parmesan is a pasta option that combines rich, earthy truffle with savoury cheese. Another popular option is the Iberico Pork Pluma. Paired with pear, trevisano, and fresh walnuts, this dish exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to quality produce.
The Ninth also offers homemade pasta, chargrilled meats and fish, and a variety of vegetarian dishes catering to diverse palates. Its wine list is curated to complement the menu, featuring selections from established and emerging regions.
In 2022, The Ninth faced a significant challenge when a fire caused extensive damage, leading to a temporary closure. After a meticulous restoration, the restaurant reopened in 2023, much to the delight of its patrons. The Ninth remains a cherished destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of French and Mediterranean flavours in a convivial setting.
Website: The Ninth
Address: 22 Charlotte St., London W1T 2NB
Luca
Luca offers a refined dining experience that blends Italian culinary traditions with British seasonal ingredients. Opened in 2016 by the team behind The Clove Club, the restaurant has earned acclaim for its innovative approach to Italian cuisine. The interior features a minimalist design, polished concrete tables, and a neutral colour palette. The dining space is complemented by a large bar area, making it a favoured destination for social gatherings and intimate dinners.
Luca’s menu showcases modern Italian dishes, emphasizing high-quality British produce. Signature offerings include Parmesan fries—light, greaseless fingers of cheese that have become the restaurant’s trademark—and delicate starters like turnip tops with samphire and smoked cod’s roe. Pasta dishes like pheasant and mushroom agnolotti served in broth highlight the kitchen’s skill in marrying traditional Italian techniques with British flavours. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring a dynamic dining experience.
Luca continues to set the standard for modern Italian cuisine in London, offering a dining experience that is innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.
Website: Luca
Address: 88 St John St, London EC1M 4EH
La Trompette
Established in 2001, La Trompette has become a cherished dining destination in Chiswick. It offers exceptional modern British cuisine in a welcoming neighbourhood setting. The restaurant is part of the esteemed portfolio of restaurateurs Bruce Poole and Nigel Platts-Martin, who own renowned establishments like Chez Bruce. The interior of La Trompette has polished concrete tables and a neutral colour palette that creates an inviting atmosphere.
Under the culinary direction of Head Chef Greg Wellman, who previously led the kitchen at The Glasshouse in Kew, La Trompette’s menu showcases a blend of French and Mediterranean influences. Diners can expect offerings such as the Delica Pumpkin Soup. Enhanced with sage beurre noisette, pine nuts, and aged parmesan, this starter exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to seasonal produce. The Rabbit Boudi comes with celeriac purée, choucroute, crisp pancetta, prunes, and mustard. The Stone Bass is accompanied by Jerusalem artichokes, cep persillade, baby leeks, and chicken beurre noisette, highlighting the kitchen’s expertise in seafood preparation. Another highlight is the Venison Saddle. This is a robust and hearty main course, paired with smoked creamed potatoes, cavolo nero, beetroot, quince, chestnuts, and pancetta.
Dessert options include indulgent choices like the Banana Soufflé with passionfruit ice cream and the Prune, Almond, and Armagnac tart served with clotted cream. La Trompette has been recognized with a Michelin star, making it one of the best Affordable Michelin-star restaurants in London and reflecting its dedication to high-quality cooking and exceptional service.
Website: La Trompette
Address: 3-7 Devonshire Rd, Chiswick, London W4 2EU
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