The Eat Out to Help Out scheme has undoubtedly been a huge success, with Brits embracing the Monday to Wednesday dinner experience with gusto.
In fact, it’s been so popular (35million meals eaten in the first two weeks) that some restaurant owners are calling for it to be extended into September.
Whether that’ll happen or not is still uncertain, but there’s still one week to go – and plenty of restaurants to visit.
But it can be a bit overwhelming to choose between so many worthy dining spots.
To help you on your way, we have put together a list of some of our favourite restaurants – split by areas in London and with a range of options, from vegan joints to meat-heavy delights.
Bon appetit.
East London
Laphet, Shoreditch
Never tried Burmese food? Now’s the time – and Laphet is the perfect place to tickle your palate with Southeast asian food.
From pork and mustard green curry to small plates like yellow pea palatha, and bowls of noodles, you are spoiled for choice.
But you better hurry with that reservation – both Monday and Wednesday are already fully booked.
Essential Vegan, Dalston
Dig into a sandwiches like the Brazilian-inspired Salpicão or go with a classic burger like Cluckin’ Good – a deep-fried breaded seitan patty with grilled lupin cheese.
Add a side of chicken wings and cassava chips and you’re done. And yes, everything is plant-based.
There is currently availability on all discount days.
Map Maison, Haggerston
If you’re less interested in food and more into the drinks, Map Maison, known for its wide selection of cocktails and premium spirits.
But the food ain’t bad either – with tapas including charcuterie and cheese, as well as chicken skewers and beetroot nachos.
Availability is currently pretty good, with tables for all discount days still going.
Central London
Bone Daddies, multiple sites
Ramen, ramen, ramen – this Japanese gem is guaranteed to satisfy.
There’s plenty more besides thick noodles though, including small plates Izakaya-style, sashimi and ceviche, bao buns and more.
There are multiple sites to choose from in central (Victoria, Soho or Bond Street) but make sure you check that your restaurant of choice is open before heading over. Book in advance, basically.
Opium, Soho
Opium is a cocktail haven, with three bars in total, including a dim sum parlour, where you can eat… well, dim sum.
Get single baskets of Cantonese barbecue pork buns, spicy duck or mushroom and truffle dumplings, or get a platter of green delights.
They accept walk-ins and you can keep your table up to two hours.
Conchiglia, Fitzrovia
Treat yourself to all the carbs.
At Conchiglia, a family-owned joint, you can get a starter, main (choose any pizza or pasta) and a slice of the day’s cake for just £10 with the Eat Out to Help Out discount.
That’s a pretty nifty deal if you ask us.
South London
Knife, Clapham Common
The best part about Knife, aside from the mouth-watering meats, is the basket of Yorkshire puddings you’re served, with a side of gravy.
Come hungry and prepare to salivate.
Unfortunately however, Knife is currently fully booked for next week (sorry) but it’s always worth giving them a ring if you’re local, as fickle diners often cancel last minute or just don’t not show up.
The Coal Rooms, Peckham
After something with a fancier edge? Try the five-course menu at The Coal Rooms.
You’ll sample a trio of breads and snacks, sea bass sashimi, cornfed chicken served two ways or wild Brixham turbot, and finish off with cherry and mezcal sorbet.
The menu has a fixed price of £38 (the vegetarian option) or £49 per person, with 50% off on Wednesdays only.
Gunpowder, Tower Bridge
If you associate Indian food with chicken tikka/korma/jalfrezi and naan bread, Gunpowder is here to show you that the country has much more to offer.
The menu changes on a regular basis, so it’s worth speaking to the waiters when you order to get their recommendations.
But we can guarantee you’ll like the Nagaland house crispy pork ribs w/tamarind kachumber and the duck. Oh, the duck.
Wednesday is fully booked, but Monday and Tuesday still have some spots free.
North London
Lost Boys Pizza, Camden
Has your Instagram account suffered during lockdown?
Get your foodie reel back to tip top shape with a charcoal pizza at Lost Boys, a vampire-themed restaurant (yes, really). There are lots of vegan options too.
Plenty of seats free at the moment, but book early to avoid disappointment.
Jake’s Vegan Steaks, Highbury & Islington
Jake’s steak slices might not look vegan, but they definitely.
Go for the restaurant’s signature dish: Philly Cheese Steak, with a side of fries and maybe another steak sandwich (half price and all, treat yourself).
The food brand has teamed up with the Horatia pub, where you can eat in their delights.
The Cheese Wheel, Camden
Camden is a feast for the eyes (or rather, stomach) when it comes to street food from independent vendors.
We would highly recommend the hand-rolled tagliatelle from The Cheese Wheel. Why? Because your pasta is rolled in a huge wheel of Grana Padano, along with your sauce of choice.
Yes, yes, oh yes.
Open from 12pm to 5pm Monday to Friday, and you can just swing by, really.
West London
Little Bird, Chiswick
Cute, quirky and perfect for lunch.
Little Bird’s menu is all about flavour and colour; from Thai fishcakes to tuna sashimi and avocado, delicious spicy shrimp tacos and butter chicken curry.
Seats free Mon-Wed so far, so go forth and eat.
The Shed, Notting Hill
Last but not last, it’s The Shed.
Run by a trio of brothers, the shabby-chic spot is all about bringing Sussex to London with a seasonal menu of fish, fowl, lamb and much more.
There are currently plenty of tables to choose from, but as always book ahead to avoid tears.
Please note, we try to be as accurately as possible with opening hours and reservation availability, however this changes very quickly at present- so please check in with restaurants first, if you are considering a walk-in visit.
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