7 ways to eat out on a budget in Somerset

Dining and lunching for (mostly) £25 per head or under

I suppose it’s just the making of a well-functioning economy, but no one seems to spend any money for the first six weeks to two months of the year, every year. Whether that’s because it’s too cold to go out, or because the general public have parted with all their cash during Christmas, either way it’s a general fact restaurants are all too aware of.

And so exists the set menu lunch, one of the primary tools hospitality uses to put a little more wind in its sails throughout January and February.

Trouble is, the best deals always seem to be the hardest to find. Let that now be less the case, as I’ve come up with a list of good (either on authority or from my own judgement) independent restaurants in Somerset offering up remarkably budget-friendly options for eating out. If, in most cases, you don’t mind venturing out for lunch and if, in most cases, you don’t mind forgoing one of the traditional three courses.

To be even more specific, I’m talking about restaurants to which you go sit down, have some nice service and probably a glass of wine. Need it be said, extra spend is encouraged – particularly as you’re getting a good deal already, and particularly as local independent restaurants tend to operate on margins as thin as carta di musica.

Alfredo’s

“Italian food with a pinch of Somerset” is how they do things at Alfredo’s, and out of what was before home to the very good and nationally-recognised 28 Market Place. Somerton locals aren't missing it too much – not when Alfredo’s is bringing sourdough pizzas (here any The Office comparisons end) and fresh pasta to town.

Anyway, they’re at the top of this list for the very fact that – for lunch Wednesday to Saturday – you can get a pizzetta, beef lasagne, and affogato (to use an example) for £18 per person. Magnifico.

alfredos.uk 
28 Market Pl, Somerton TA11 7NB