Eating out doesn't have to drain your wallet. London has a quiet roster of spots where $15 gets you a genuinely good meal — not a sad compromise, but food you'd happily go back for. Here are six places a local actually eats at when money's tight and the craving isn't.

1. Burrito Boys — 206 Central Avenue

The burrito bowl at Burrito Boys is one of the best cheap-meal deals downtown. Around $10 for the veggie bowl, and it's not skimping — you get a full bowl of rice, salad, sauces, kidney beans, and avocado. It's filling, fresh, and easy on the wallet. Worth knowing: the $10 bowl is the veggie version (no chicken), so come for it as a great meatless meal rather than expecting protein. It's a short walk from Victoria Park if you want to take your bowl outside.

2. Pizza Rounds — 422 Waterloo Street

Pizza Rounds on Waterloo Street does genuinely tasty veg pizza — fresh, and at a price that makes it an easy call. It's the kind of unassuming downtown spot you'd walk past, which is exactly why it belongs on this list. Go for the veg pizza; that's what it does well.

3. Rajdhani Restaurant — Dundas Street

Rajdhani on Dundas Street is the spot for a lot of tasty food without spending much. Under $15 gets you the mini thali — a full, satisfying plate that's the move here — and the dahi papdi is worth a try too if you want something lighter. This is honest, generous Indian food at a fair price. Come hungry; you'll get your money's worth.

4. Wow Shawarma — Clarence Street, downtown

A downtown cheap-eats list isn't complete without Wow Shawarma on Clarence Street. The food is tasty and genuinely affordable, and you get a free drink with your order — a small touch that says a lot about how the owners run the place. Good people, good value. Go hungry; you'll leave full with money still in your pocket.

5. The Ale House — downtown

If you want a lot of food for not a lot of money, the Ale House downtown is the pick. Generous portions, fair prices, and — the part that matters — it's actually tasty, which isn't always true of cheap-and-plenty spots. Order the tomato rice; it's the one to get. Good for when you're hungry and don't want to overthink it.

6. Villa Madina — White Oaks Mall food court

Don't let the food-court location fool you — Villa Madina inside White Oaks Mall is a reliable spot for very tasty food that won't break your budget. It's the kind of place you come back to because you already know it won't let you down, and that consistency is worth a lot when you're eating out cheap. An easy, satisfying stop if you're already out at White Oaks.

More London Cheap Eats — Recommended by Locals

When we shared this list in a London, Ontario community group, locals jumped in with their own favourites. Here are the most-recommended spots — straight from Londoners who eat at them. We haven't been to all of these ourselves yet, so treat them as trusted local tips, and always check current prices before you go.

  • Piper's Arms — weekday lunch specials, around $14. One of the most-recommended spots by far.
  • Piping Kettle — a local favourite for soup, fresh bread, salads and sandwiches.
  • Spare Parts (Clarke & Gore) — big portions, meals under $15.
  • Smokin' Joes (Dundas & Clarke) — a good burger and a ton of fries for about $12.
  • Egg Cloud (Richmond St) — sandwiches under $15, each one a full meal.
  • Florence Pizza & Shawarma — a baked 14" panzerotti is $12.99 and feeds two.
  • Pho Mi 888 (Hamilton Rd) — a huge bowl of rare beef noodle soup, around $15.
  • Mandi Guys — lunch deal: $7.99 shawarma burrito or $8.99 mandi rice, with a drink.
  • Thy's Banh Mi (downtown) — chicken banh mi for about $8.
  • Dandy's — a cheeseburger big enough to be a full meal, around $11.
  • Lynn's Bakery — a repeatedly-recommended spot for fresh, affordable baked goods.
  • The Bread Bowl — good pricing on sandwiches and hot meals.

Know a cheap eat we missed? We're always adding to this list — sign up for the free Local Guide and send us your pick.