Sagar

This bright & dependable South Indian vegetarian eatery is notoriously easy on the pocket, making it something of a rarity in WC2. All-in thalis, lunch specials (£6.25) & a £9.99 theatre deal are cracking value, although it’s more fun to pick & choose from the lengthy main menu – ask the helpful staff for their favourites if you can’t decide. Bring a hearty appetite & sit under the watchful gaze of brass Hindu deities as you sample Karnataka classics including crisp puris, a range of dosas, fluffy idlis (steamed rice & lentil dumplings), uthappams (lentil ‘pizzas’) & accurately made curries such as aloo ghobi, bhindi bhaji & mattar paneer. Add in home-baked breads, zingy chutneys & a short selection of authentic desserts (from gulab jamun to ras malai), & you won’t leave hungry.