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Best Restaurants in Leicester: A Student’s Guide to the City’s Top Eats
Published by Bhakti on 24th Jun, 2025

Best Restaurants in Leicester: A Student’s Guide to the City’s Top Eats


Leicester’s food scene is one of the most exciting and diverse in the UK, and if you’re moving here for university, get ready for a culinary experience that’s as vibrant as the city itself. From authentic global flavours to budget-friendly local gems, Leicester offers something for every craving, culture, and wallet.

Whether you're living in Leicester student accommodation near the City Centre, Clarendon Park, or the Golden Mile, you’re never far from amazing food. Think classic British pubs, mouth-watering Indian curries, Turkish grills, and Chinese spots that taste like the real deal, plus plenty of halal, vegan, and late-night options.

And the best part? Most restaurants here are student-friendly, offering generous discounts, takeaway deals, and prices that won’t blow your budget. This guide highlights the best restaurants in Leicester where great food meets student life, no compromises needed.

TL;DR: Leicester’s Student Food Scene at a Glance

  • Meals from just £3–£8, perfect for student budgets
  • Incredible international cuisine, especially along the famous Golden Mile
  • Loads of halal and vegan options available across the city
  • Late-night eats open till 3 AM, ideal for post-library (or post-party) cravings
  • Student discounts at many restaurants and takeaways
  • Something for every craving from fast food to authentic global flavours

Why Leicester's Restaurant Scene Works for Students

Budget That Actually Makes Sense

Most student-friendly restaurants in Leicester keep mains between £5-12. That's not just fast food either - proper sit-down meals with mates. Loads of places do student discounts too, especially near campus areas.

The Golden Mile (Belgrave Road) is where your money goes furthest. Massive portions, authentic flavours, and prices that won't destroy your overdraft. Plus, many restaurants there are family-run, so they genuinely care about feeding people properly.

Location, Location, Location

Leicester's compact size means you're never more than 15 minutes from incredible food. Whether you're at the University of Leicester or De Montfort University, restaurants cluster around campus areas and the city centre.

Transport links connect everything easily. Plus, loads of places deliver through Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat if you can't be bothered leaving your accommodation.

Budget-Friendly Champions (Under £8)

Gillys Sandwich Bar

Cuisine: British Café
Price Range: £3-6
Why Students Love It: Perfect hangover cure

This place is a Leicester student legend. A proper British breakfast that'll sort you right out after a messy night. Full English for £5.50, and their bacon sarnie is genuinely life-changing.

They do amazing coffee too - not that fancy stuff, just strong, cheap caffeine that actually works. Opens early (7 am), which saves you when you've got 9 am lectures.

Location: Near the University of Leicester campus
Student Discount: 10% with student ID

Daft Bird Leicester

Cuisine: Fast food - Grilled chicken
Price Range: £4-8
Why It's Brilliant: Halal options, open late

Honestly, the best chicken shop in Leicester. Everything's halal, portions are massive, and it's open till 2 am most nights. Their chicken burger meal deal for £5.50 is legendary among students.

The peri-peri chicken wraps are properly spicy and filling. Perfect for late-night munchies or quick lunch between lectures.

Location: Granby Street
Opening Hours: 11 am-2 am daily

Chef and Spice

Cuisine: All-you-can-eat Chinese/Indian buffet
Price Range: £7.95 lunch, £12.95 dinner
Group Dining Gold: Perfect for big groups

This is where you bring your whole flat when everyone's skint but still wants a proper meal. The buffet's mental - Chinese, Indian, salads, desserts, everything.

Lunch buffet for £7.95 is unbeatable value. You'll roll out completely stuffed. Great for celebrations or when your parents visit and you want to impress them without spending loads.

Location: City centre
Student Tip: Go for lunch - same food, cheaper price

Indian Restaurant Leicester: Golden Mile Gems

Tipu Sultan Leicester

Cuisine: Upmarket Indian
Price Range: £8-15
Special Occasion Worthy: Date nights, family visits

This is the place for when you want to treat yourself or someone special. Tipu Sultan Leicester isn't your average curry house - it's proper fancy but still affordable for special occasions.

The lamb karahi is incredible, and their naan breads are the size of small tables. Portions are generous enough to share, which helps with the budget.

Location: Belgrave Road (Golden Mile)
Booking: Essential for weekends
Student Discount: 15% Monday-Thursday with ID

Bobby's Restaurant

Cuisine: Vegetarian Indian
Price Range: £4-9
Vegetarian Paradise: Famous across the UK

Bobby's is a Leicester institution. Completely vegetarian, incredibly cheap, and the food's absolutely authentic. Their samosas are legendary - crispy, spicy, and massive.

The atmosphere's canteen-style, which means quick service and communal tables. Perfect for grabbing food between lectures or meeting international students who miss home cooking.

Location: Belgrave Road
Cash Only: No cards accepted
Must Try: Pani puri and chole bhature

Kayal Restaurant

Cuisine: South Indian (Kerala)
Price Range: £6-12
Hidden Gem: Authentic flavours

Kayal does proper South Indian food - dosas the size of your head, fish curries that'll make you weep with joy, and coconut-based dishes you won't find anywhere else.

Their lunch thali for £8.50 gives you six different dishes plus rice and bread. Incredible value and you'll taste flavours you didn't know existed.

Location: Granby Street
Speciality: Fish curry and appam

Italian Restaurant in Leicester

Cafe Roma

Cuisine: Traditional Italian
Price Range: £7-14
Student Favourite: Massive portions

A proper Italian family restaurant that's been feeding Leicester students for decades. Their pizza bases are handmade daily, and pasta portions could feed small villages.

Margherita pizza for £8 easily feeds two people if you're sharing. Their spaghetti carbonara uses proper pancetta and is creamy perfection.

Location: City centre
BYOB: Bring your own wine (£2 corkage)
Student Deal: 20% off Monday-Wednesday

San Carlo Leicester

Cuisine: Upmarket Italian
Price Range: £10-18
Special Occasions: Worth the splurge

This is Leicester's poshest Italian, but their lunch menu makes it accessible for students. Beautiful interior, proper Italian service, and food that's genuinely restaurant-quality.

Their risotto changes daily and always uses proper arborio rice. The tiramisu is made fresh and could convert anti-dessert people.

Location: Granby Street
Lunch Menu: £9.95 for two courses

Turkish Restaurant Leicester

Konak Turkish Restaurant

Cuisine: Authentic Turkish
Price Range: £8-15
Group Dining: Sharing mezze is perfect for students

Turkish food's having a moment, and Konak's the best place to try it in Leicester. Their mixed grill for £13 feeds two people easily, and everything's cooked over proper charcoal.

The mezze selection lets you try loads of different flavours. Hummus, baba ganoush, dolmades - perfect for sharing with flatmates and trying new things.

Location: Belgrave Road
Halal: All meat is halal
Student Tip: Order mixed mezze to share

Efes Turkish BBQ

Cuisine: Turkish grill house
Price Range: £6-12
Late Night: Open till midnight

Proper Turkish grill that does incredible lamb shish and chicken doner. Their bread's baked fresh throughout the day, and portions are massive.

Chicken shish wrap for £6.50 is perfect drunk food - proper meat, fresh salad, amazing sauces. Much better than your average kebab shop.

Location: London Road
Opening Hours: 5 pm-midnight daily

Chinese Restaurant Leicester

Kuru Kuru Sushi

Cuisine: Authentic Japanese
Price Range: £8-16
Authentic: Owner trained in Japan

This tiny sushi bar near the University of Leicester does the most authentic Japanese food you'll find outside London. The owner actually trained in Japan, so everything's traditional.

Sushi lunch boxes for £9.50 include miso soup and salad. Fresh fish arrives daily, and you can watch them make everything.

Location: Welford Road
Booking: Essential - only 15 seats
Cash Preferred: Cards accepted but prefer cash

Golden Mile Chinese

Cuisine: Traditional Chinese
Price Range: £5-11
Family Run: Three generations cooking

Proper Chinese family restaurant that's been in Leicester for 40 years. None of that sweet and sour tourist stuff - authentic Cantonese cooking with fresh ingredients.

Their kung pao chicken is properly spicy, and duck pancakes come with actual crispy duck skin. Portions are generous and perfect for sharing.

Location: Belgrave Road
Specialty: Roast duck and dim sum (weekends)

Leicester Vegan Restaurants

The Vegan Grindhouse

Cuisine: Plant-based comfort food
Price Range: £6-10
Instagram Famous: Incredible presentation

Leicester's vegan scene is mental, good, and Grindhouse leads the way. Their plant-based burgers actually taste like burgers, not disappointing vegetables pretending to be meat.

The "chicken" burger made from jackfruit is genuinely convincing. Even committed meat-eaters leave impressed. Plus, everything looks incredible on Instagram.

Location: City centre
Must Try: Jackfruit "chicken" burger
Student Discount: 10% with student ID

Herb Café

Cuisine: Vegetarian Indian
Price Range: £5-9
All Vegetarian: But it tastes incredible

Herb does modern Indian vegetarian food that'll make you forget about meat entirely. Their paneer dishes are creamy perfection, and the dal changes daily.

Lunch thali for £7.50 includes four curries, rice, bread, and pickle. Incredible value, and every dish brings different flavours and textures.

Location: Belgrave Road
Speciality: Fresh paneer made daily

Halal Leicester Restaurants

Amigo Leicester

Cuisine: Fast food - Halal burgers and pizza
Price Range: £4-9
Late Night: Open till 3 am

Perfect for late-night munchies or quick food between lectures. Everything's halal, portions are huge, and they deliver till 3 am most nights.

Their chicken burger and chips combo for £6.50 is legendary among Leicester students. The chicken's properly marinated and grilled, not processed rubbish.

Location: London Road
Delivery: Till 3 am via their own drivers
Student Favourite: BBQ chicken pizza

Shimla Pinks

Cuisine: Modern Indian
Price Range: £8-14
Contemporary: Modern take on classics

Shimla Pinks does contemporary Indian food in beautiful surroundings. All meat is halal, and they do incredible vegetarian options too.

Their butter chicken is creamy without being heavy, and naan bread is fluffy perfection. Perfect for dates or when your parents visit.

Location: City centre
Atmosphere: Modern, Instagram-worthy interior
Student Deal: 20% off Sunday-Tuesday

Breakfast Places in Leicester

Six Hills Cafe Bakery & Pizzeria

Cuisine: British café with Italian touches
Price Range: £4-8
All Day: Breakfast served till 3 pm

A proper full English breakfast for £6.50, amazing coffee, and friendly staff who remember your order.

Their bacon sandwiches use proper thick bacon, not those thin watery strips you get at some places. Perfect hangover cure or pre-lecture fuel.

Location: Near both universities
Opening Hours: 8 am-3 pm weekdays, 9 am-9 pm weekends

Harvester Meridian Park

Cuisine: British family dining
Price Range: £8-12
Unlimited Salad: Comes with every main

Harvester's not fancy, but their unlimited salad bar makes every meal feel like good value. Perfect for when you need vegetables after living on pot noodles.

Their mixed grill for £11.95 includes steak, chicken, sausage, and chips. Plus unlimited trips to the salad bar. Easily feed two students if you're sharing.

Location: Meridian Leisure Park
Student Deal: 25% off with student ID

All You Can Eat Buffet Leicester

Toby Carvery

Cuisine: Traditional British roast
Price Range: £8.99 weekdays, £10.99 weekends
Unlimited: As much as you can pile on your plate

Perfect Sunday roast without cooking or washing up. Choose from four different meats, unlimited vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, and proper gravy.

The trick is going hungry and piling your plate high. I've seen students create food mountains that defy physics. Great value and proper comfort food.

Location: Multiple Leicester locations
Best Time: Weekday lunch for cheaper prices

Oriental Buffet King

Cuisine: Chinese and Asian buffet
Price Range: £12.95 lunch, £16.95 dinner
Massive Selection: Over 40 dishes

This place is mental - hot dishes, cold dishes, sushi, desserts, ice cream. The selection changes daily, so you could go weekly and try something new every time.

Perfect for groups with different tastes. Everyone finds something they love, and you can try loads of dishes you'd never normally order.

Location: City centre
Student Tip: Go for late lunch (3-5pm) - dinner prices but lunch portions

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Area-Specific Recommendations

Near the University of Leicester

Walking Distance (Under 10 minutes):

  • Gilly's Sandwich Bar - Breakfast and lunch
  • Kuru Kuru Sushi - Authentic Japanese
  • Crafty Burger - Best burgers in Leicester
  • Amigo - Late-night halal food

Perfect For: Quick meals between lectures, hangover cures, late-night munchies

Top Housing Properties Nearby:

Tip: If you’re studying at UoL or planning to, check out our University of Leicester student guide to get insider tips on campus life, nearby eats, and everything in between.

Near De Montfort University

Walking Distance (Under 10 minutes):

  • Cafe Roma - Italian family restaurant
  • Bodega Cantina - Mexican and Latin American
  • The Vegan Grindhouse - Plant-based comfort food
  • San Carlo - Upmarket Italian

Perfect For: Date nights, family visits, trying new cuisines

Top Housing Properties Nearby:

DMU Tip: Studying at De Montfort University? The city centre is packed with student-friendly food spots just a short walk from campus. Explore our De Montfort University student guide for top picks on food, nightlife, and accommodation nearby.

Leicester City Centre Restaurants

Central Locations:

  • Tipu Sultan - Special occasion Indian
  • Shimla Pinks - Modern halal Indian
  • Oriental Buffet King - All-you-can-eat Asian
  • Six Hills Cafe - All-day breakfast

Perfect For: Meeting friends from different unis, accessible by bus from all accommodations

Top Housing Properties Nearby:

Golden Mile (Belgrave Road) Must-Visit

Cultural Experience:

  • Bobby's - Vegetarian Indian institution
  • Herb Café - Modern vegetarian
  • Konak - Turkish mezze and grills
  • Golden Mile Chinese - Authentic Cantonese

Perfect For: International students missing home flavours, trying authentic cuisines

Top Housing Properties Nearby:

Student Budget Hacks

Money-Saving Tips

Happy Hour Deals:

  • Many restaurants offer early bird menus (5-7pm)
  • Lunch portions often same size as dinner but cheaper
  • Midweek discounts at most places

Student Discounts: Always ask - loads of places offer 10-20% off with student ID, even if they don't advertise it.

Group Ordering: Sharing mezze, family-style Chinese, or splitting pizzas makes expensive restaurants affordable.

Living in Leicester as a student? Make sure you're not overspending without realising it, our Cost of Living in Leicester blog breaks down real local prices with tips tailored to student life.

Weekly Budget Planning

Budget Level

Weekly Spend

Restaurant Visits

Strategy

Tight (£15)

1-2 budget meals

Gillys, Amigo, Bobby's

Focus on £5-7 mains

Moderate (£25)

2-3 mixed meals

Mix budget + mid-range

One nice meal per week

Comfortable (£40)

3-4 varied meals

Try everything

Explore different cuisines

Curious how your food and fun budget stacks up? Use our Cost of Living Calculator to see what lifestyle fits your wallet before heading to that next happy hour deal.

Late-Night Dining Options

Post-Pub Munchies (Open Past Midnight)

Till 2 am:

  • Daft Bird Leicester - Grilled chicken
  • Efes Turkish BBQ - Turkish grills
  • Various kebab shops on London Road

Till 3 am:

  • Amigo Leicester - Halal burgers and pizza
  • Selected McDonald's and KFC locations
  • Several 24-hour convenience stores with hot food

Weekend Night Owls

Friday and Saturday nights, loads more places stay open late. Perfect for post-night out refuelling or late study session breaks.

Dietary Requirements Sorted

Halal Options Everywhere

Leicester's massive Muslim student population means halal options are everywhere:

  • Dedicated Halal: Amigo, Shimla Pinks, Konak, Daft Bird
  • Halal Sections: Most Indian restaurants on the Golden Mile
  • Ask First: Many places can accommodate, but don't advertise

Vegan Paradise

Leicester's vegan scene is incredible:

  • Fully Vegan: The Vegan Grindhouse, selected cafés
  • Excellent Options: Herb Café, Bobby's, most Indian restaurants
  • Clearly Marked: Most menus now mark vegan dishes clearly

Gluten-Free Friendly

Many restaurants now cater specifically for gluten-free diets:

  • Italian: Ask about gluten-free pasta options
  • Indian: Naturally gluten-free rice dishes
  • Always Check: Cross-contamination policies vary

Special Occasion Dining

Date Night Winners

Romantic but Affordable:

  • San Carlo - Proper Italian atmosphere
  • Tipu Sultan - Elegant Indian dining
  • Konak - Intimate Turkish mezze

Budget Date Ideas:

  • Bobby's - Casual, great food, conversation-friendly
  • Cafe Roma - BYOB keeps costs down
  • Herb Café - Beautiful food, relaxed atmosphere

Family Visit Impressors

When your parents come up, these places make you look like you know what you're doing:

  • Tipu Sultan - Upmarket without being intimidating
  • The Gresham - Proper British fine dining
  • San Carlo - Impressive Italian, reasonable lunch menu

Best Student Housing Near Leicester’s Food Scene

Finding the right place to live isn’t just about being close to campus; it’s about being close to the food you love. Leicester’s best student housing options offer prime access to the city’s most delicious eats, whether you're into street food, global cuisine, or late-night takeaways.

City Centre Living

Staying in the City Centre puts students right at the heart of Leicester’s buzzing food scene. From international restaurants on Granby Street to fast food and cafés open till late, it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys variety and convenience. Plus, most city centre accommodations are within walking distance of both universities, making spontaneous food runs a breeze.

Student accommodation in Leicester isn’t just about proximity to university; it's about community, convenience, and easy access to the best the city has to offer. Discover more about why living in Leicester student accommodation can enhance your overall student experience.

Campus-Adjacent Options

If you prefer being closer to class, purpose-built student accommodation near the University of Leicester and DMU offers the best of both worlds. These locations often include fully equipped kitchens, but they’re also surrounded by affordable restaurants and takeaways, ideal for busy days when you’d rather not cook.

Explore top-rated student accommodation properties in Leicester that place you within walking distance of food hotspots like Clarendon Park, the City Centre, and Belgrave Road. Whether you're a foodie, a budget diner, or just looking for convenience, Leicester has a housing option to match your taste, literally.

Kitchen vs Restaurant Balance

Most students find a mix works best:

  • Cook basic meals in the accommodation kitchens
  • Eat out 2-3 times weekly for social experiences and trying new foods
  • Order delivery for late-night study sessions and group meals

Seasonal Food Events

Leicester Food Festival

Annual event showcasing the city's incredible diversity. Loads of restaurants offer special menus and discounts. Perfect timing usually coincides with the start of the academic year.

Diwali Celebrations

Golden Mile restaurants go all out during Diwali season. Special menus, street food stalls, and cultural celebrations create incredible food experiences.

Chinese New Year

Leicester's Chinese community organises amazing food events. Restaurant specials and street food markets offer authentic experiences.

Cultural Food Experiences

Learning Through Eating

Leicester's restaurants offer genuine cultural education:

  • Indian cooking classes at some Golden Mile restaurants
  • Turkish tea culture at Konak and similar establishments
  • Chinese tea ceremonies at traditional restaurants

International Student Integration

Food becomes a bridge between cultures. Sharing meals helps international students feel at home while introducing British students to global cuisines.

Practical Information

Booking and Reservations

Always Book Ahead:

  • Tipu Sultan (especially weekends)
  • San Carlo (Friday/Saturday nights)
  • Kuru Kuru Sushi (limited seating)

Usually Walk-In Friendly:

  • Bobby's, Gillys, most casual places
  • Golden Mile restaurants (except peak times)
  • Fast food and café-style places

Payment Methods

Cards Accepted: Most places now take cards, and contactless is very common 

Cash Preferred: Bobby's and some traditional places prefer cash 

Student Discounts: Usually require a physical student ID

Transport and Accessibility

Bus Routes: Excellent public transport connects all restaurant areas 

Walking Distance: Leicester's compact size makes most places accessible on foot 

Accessibility: Most newer restaurants are wheelchair accessible, call ahead for older establishments

For a full breakdown of travel options, check out our guide to the transport system in Leicester.

Your Leicester Food Adventure Starts Here

Leicester isn’t just a great place to study, it’s a full-on playground for your taste buds. Whether you’re into bold spices, crispy street food, or comforting meals that taste like home, this city delivers. Start with budget-friendly bites, but don’t stop there, Leicester’s food scene is packed with hidden gems, local legends, and international flavours you won’t find anywhere else.

From the iconic Golden Mile to the indie hotspots in Clarendon Park and late-night eats in the City Centre, there’s always something new (and delicious) just around the corner. The best part? Student-friendly prices mean you don’t need to break your budget to eat well, or eat often.

So go on, swap your usual order for something unexpected. Ask around, explore, and make food part of your uni adventure. The meals, memories, and moments you’ll share will stick with you long after your final exam.

Want to live close to all the foodie action?Book your student accommodation through Best Student Halls and get the best of Leicester’s food scene right outside your door.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leicester a good place for students?

Leicester is one of the best student cities in the UK. It combines a diverse cultural scene, affordable living, top universities, and vibrant nightlife, all within a compact, walkable city. Students benefit from a strong sense of community, great food, and a wide range of academic and social opportunities. Want the full scoop on what makes the city stand out? Read our blog on Student Life in Leicester to explore everything from university support to the best hangout spots.

Where do most students live in Leicester?

Most students live in well-connected areas like Clarendon Park, Highfields, the City Centre, and Oadby. These neighbourhoods offer everything from budget housing to premium accommodation, and they’re all within easy reach of the University of Leicester and DMU. Not sure which area suits your vibe? Check out our guide on the Best Student Areas in Leicester to find your ideal neighbourhood.

Where do students go out in Leicester?

Leicester has a buzzing student nightlife scene. Popular venues include Mosh, Republic, and O2 Academy, along with chill bars in Clarendon Park and the City Centre. Whether you're into live music, themed club nights, or relaxed pub hangouts, there’s something for every style. Looking for the best venues, events, and student discounts? Don’t miss our blog on the Best Student Clubs in Leicester.

Bhakti Student Accommodation Expert

Bhakti

Bhakti is a talented content writer, editor and social media enthusiast. Her in-depth blogs and city guides reflect her curious mind and love for writing. Her creativity and research-intensive approach allow her to create informative articles with a fresh perspective. She often includes hot tips that make for an engaging and impactful read. Bhakti is a fan of tennis, fashion and literature with a special interest in digital culture.

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