Eating out in London doesn’t have to drain your wallet. From Soho’s cocktail bars to Shoreditch street food spots and Covent Garden’s restaurants, smart dining apps are helping locals and visitors unlock huge savings. Whether it’s last-minute discounts, hidden gem offers, or off-peak bargains, these tools make eating out in the capital affordable without losing quality. Here are the top apps helping Londoners dine well for less.
1. Appetite App — Discover and Save with Community Insight
Appetite is more than just a restaurant finder—it’s a social foodie hub offering personalised recs and hidden gem alerts across London. You can filter searches by cuisine, vibe, and dietary needs. You can also save your favourite spots into lists. These lists can be for date nights, cheap eats, or spontaneous meet-ups (appetiteapp.uk).
They also have in-app “Appetite Drops.” These unlock special freebies and dishes at certain places. They are often time-sensitive and only for users. For example, users recently reported early evening offers (Mon–Fri, 4–7 pm) at LARDO in Hackney.
2. EatClub — Tap & Pay for Up to 50 % Off
If you want instant savings, EatClub is your go-to. Now live in London, this app offers dynamic, off-peak discounts—up to 50% off your total bill, drinks included (eatclub.co.uk).
What makes it stand out?
- Seamless payment: Just use the EatClub digital card via your mobile wallet.
- Wide coverage: Over 150 London venues at launch.
- Proven value: Save over £100 in a single day by stacking offers across venues.
3. Other Smart Savings: Tastecard, TheFork & Timing Hacks
- Tastecard: 50% off or 2-for-1 meals at thousands of UK restaurants.
- TheFork: Booking-based discounts at central London hotspots.
- Timing hacks Eating off-peak (e.g. late sushi or early brunch) can slash prices by up to 70%.
- DUSK: A free app that gives you one complimentary drink a day at hundreds of London bars and pubs — perfect for pairing with discounted meals.
Quick Comparison Table
| App / Website | Discounts & Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Appetite | Free dishes, curated deals, insider recs | Discovering hidden gems & freebies — see our Best Picnic Spots in East London |
| EatClub | Up to 50% off entire bill via tap-to-pay | Big savings at local restaurants — explore Grocery Costs in London by Neighbourhood |
| Tastecard | 50% off / 2-for-1 meals (annual subscription) | Frequent diners seeking consistency. |
| TheFork | Booking-based promotions | Flexibility when reserving ahead. |
| Timing hacks | Smart off-peak dining | Students & budget-conscious diners — read 10 Most Expensive Places to Buy Groceries in London |
| DUSK | One free drink per day at hundreds of bars | Nightlife lovers and social drinkers — explore Best Picnic Spots in South London for day-to-night plans |
Suggested Weekend: London Eats on a Budget
- Friday evening – Use Appetite for a “Drop” deal in Hackney or Shoreditch.
- Saturday lunch – Use EatClub for up to 50% off in Soho or Covent Garden.
- Saturday dinner – Book with Tastecard for 2-for-1 mains.
- Sunday brunch – Use timing hacks: dine off-peak for extra savings.
Conclusion
Eating out in London doesn’t need to be expensive. Apps like Appetite and EatClub make it easy to enjoy the city’s food scene at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re in Soho for a night out, grabbing a quick lunch in Shoreditch, or planning a dinner in Covent Garden, there are deals to be found every day.
For those who want convenience beyond dining, choosing the right place to live matters too. At Homequarters, you’ll find pet-friendly rental options across London, while Essential Living makes it simple to search apartments in London that fit your lifestyle and budget. From flexible amenities to great neighbourhood locations, we help you save where it counts—so you can spend more on enjoying the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best food deals in London today?
Apps like EatClub and Appetite list real-time restaurant discounts across London. Popular areas like Shoreditch, Soho, and Covent Garden often feature last-minute offers, with savings of up to 50% off.
What is the cheapest way to eat out in London?
Using apps such as EatClub for off-peak discounts, Appetite for free dishes, and Tastecard for 2-for-1 meals can cut your dining costs in half. Dining earlier or later often unlocks even bigger savings.
Are there food deal apps that include drinks in London?
Yes—EatClub offers discounts on the total bill, including drinks, across venues in Central and East London.
Which London boroughs have the most dining deals?
Areas like Islington, Hackney, Camden, and Westminster top the list. Expect plenty of offers clustered around Angel, Shoreditch High Street, and Soho.
What are the best happy hour food and drink deals in London?
Some of the most popular include:
- 2-for-1 cocktails in Islington (Simmons Bar, Ladybird Bar)
- £1 oysters in Angel (Plaquemine Lock)
- 50% off Indian dining in Covent Garden (via EatClub)
Do any London apps offer free food or exclusive perks?
Yes—Appetite Drops regularly unlock free dishes or plates at select Hackney and Shoreditch spots.
Are London restaurant deal apps worth downloading for tourists?
Definitely. Visitors can save £20–£50 a day on meals in Covent Garden, Southbank, and Soho by using EatClub and Appetite.
What’s the best app for dining discounts in Central London?
EatClub for instant 50% discounts.
Appetite for community-led finds.
TheFork for advance booking offers.
Where can students in London get cheap food deals?
Student areas like Camden, Stratford, and Shoreditch are hotspots for app discounts. Tastecard also offers a student membership with reduced rates.
Can you save money dining in West London?
Yes—though fewer than East London, EatClub still partners with restaurants in Kensington, Hammersmith, and Ealing offering 20–40% off.
