January in London often brings a resolve to tighten the purse strings, but that doesn't mean you have to forgo dining out. Across the capital, restaurants are rolling out a host of excellent-value set menus, lunch deals and early-evening offers designed to make midweek meals and weekend treats surprisingly affordable.
From cosy neighbourhood curry houses to elegant Mayfair establishments, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy fantastic food without breaking the bank. Whether you're after a comforting winter warmer, a pre-theatre steal, or a long lunch, here are ten of the best budget-friendly restaurant menus to try in London this January.
Curry, Chips and Comfort Food Deals
For those craving spice and warmth, KOKUM in East Dulwich has the perfect offer. Throughout January, its Curry Club deal allows diners to buy one curry and get a second half-price by mentioning “KOKUM Curry Club” when booking or ordering. The offer applies to the full menu, including dishes like the slow-cooked Lamb Shank Nihari and the fiery Pork Vindaloo.
Celebrating a decade in business, The Mayfair Chippy in Knightsbridge is turning back the clock on prices. Until 31 January, its classic fish and chips will cost just £13.50 – the same price as on its opening day in 2015. Normally priced at £26.50, this Sunday-to-Wednesday deal includes responsibly sourced haddock or hake with chips, mushy peas, tartar sauce and a choice of curry or HP sauce.
Rotisserie specialist Cocotte, with locations in Notting Hill, Shoreditch and beyond, is offering a new midweek set menu. Available from 5pm every Sunday to Thursday, the £20 deal includes a starter, a quarter rotisserie chicken, one side and one sauce, with the option to add dessert for £4.
Pre-Theatre and Midweek Dining Steals
If you're headed for a show, Pivot in Covent Garden provides a polished pre-theatre option. The menu from award-winning chef Mark Greenway offers two courses for £32 or three for £38. Dishes include smoked salmon or chicken terrine to start, followed by cod loin or minute steak, with desserts like berry pavlova.
Belly in Kentish Town, named Time Out’s best new opening, runs a quiet midweek bargain. From Wednesday to Friday, guests booking a counter seat before 6pm can enjoy mussels, the restaurant's seafood caldereta, beef-fat fries and a glass of house wine for £27.
Overlooking the Thames in Hammersmith, Sam’s Riverside serves a crowd-pleasing set menu for lunch and early evenings on weekdays. Two courses are priced at £26.50, with three courses for £31.50. The menu features starters like wild mushroom soup and mains including grilled rump steak with truffle.
Global Flavours and Unlimited Offers
For a taste of the Mediterranean, Riviera in Mayfair offers an elegant set lunch daily from 12–5pm. Diners can choose one course for £19, two for £34 or three for £41, with highlights such as veal ragù rigatoni and Riviera sea bass.
At Farzi London in Charing Cross, January brings two standout offers. You can opt for a North Indian thali for £18.95, which includes starters, rice or naan, a main and dessert, or enjoy 30% off the entire à la carte menu until 31 January.
Noodle lovers should head to Xi Home in Spitalfields on weekdays between 12pm and 3:30pm. Its rotating Luxe Noodle Specials see a different dish discounted each day, with prices starting from £11.88.
Finally, for a lively group meal, Doughnation in Covent Garden runs a Bottomless Pizza and Spritzes deal on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. For £35 per person, guests get one hour of unlimited pizza and pitchers of spritz, featuring classics like Margherita and Pepperoni.
With such a variety of tempting offers available, January 2026 is shaping up to be an excellent month for exploring London's vibrant dining scene while keeping a close eye on your budget.
