Top Brighton Restaurants - Complete Student Dining Guide 2025

TL;DR: 

Budget Winners (Under £10):

• Pompoko: Amazing Japanese food, £3 - £8 mains
• Bagelman: Fresh bagels, £4 - £7
• La Choza: Mexican street food, £5 - £9
• Mohammed Spice of Life: Indian curries, £6 - £12

Group Dining Champions:

• Fatto a Mano: Wood-fired pizza, £8 - £15
• The Joker: American wings, £8 - £14
• Donatello: Italian family restaurant, £8 - £13

International Student Favourites:

• Moshimo: Japanese sushi, £8 - £18
• Curry Leaf Cafe: South Indian, £7 - £15
• Wahaca:  Mexican chains, £6 - £12

Late Night Heroes:

• Patterns: Beach club food until 3 am
• Burger Brothers: Legendary burgers until midnight
• Pizza delivery - Multiple options until 2 am

Brighton has plenty of top spots that are perfect for a midnight pizza, a quick snack, or a full meal. The city has it all, so let your taste buds enjoy! If you're staying in student accommodation in Brighton and caught up with studies, cravings can hit anytime. Maybe it’s the thought of hot, sizzling food that just won’t leave your head; it drives you mad for a bite. But don’t worry! Here’s a list of student-friendly restaurants that serve great food with a touch of something special.

Why This Guide Matters for Brighton Students

Finding good food as a student in Brighton isn’t just about affordability; it’s about fitting your lifestyle. You need places that are open when you finish that late lecture, spots where you can grab a bite with friends without breaking the bank, and restaurants that welcome you even if you show up in pyjamas at 2 PM. This guide is here to help you discover the best student-friendly dining options that combine convenience, comfort, and quality. 

Brighton's got over 40,000 students attending the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex. The food scene is a major part of student life in Brighton. On the other hand, it also means that the competition is fierce for spots at the top universities in Brighton.

The Brighton city guide focuses specifically on what matters to you as a student, like budget breakdowns. It covers everything from average rent prices to weekly grocery costs for transport. Additionally, it highlights the pros and cons of living in Brighton, so you can get a realistic view of student life before making your move.

Budget Categories: Find Your Price Point

Brighton is an ideal student destination with a wide range of dining options to suit every budget.

Affordable Student Meals (Under £8)

These eateries are affordable, reliable, and always there to save the day. If eating out still feels like a stretch, students can ease the cost by taking up part-time jobs in Brighton to support their lifestyle. Want to know more? Don't miss our blog on the benefits of part-time jobs for students. 

Pompoko: The Japanese Legend

• Location: Church Street (5 mins from Brighton Uni city campus)
• Budget breakdown: Mains £3.30 - £7.50, sides £2- £4
• Best for: Quick lunch between lectures, solo dining

Students love this spot for its massive portions and authentic Japanese flavours, all at budget-friendly prices. Just a heads-up: it gets busy, so go early or late to avoid the queues!

Bagelman: The Breakfast Hero

• Location: Multiple locations, including North Laine
• Budget breakdown: Bagels £4 - £7, coffee £2 - £3
• Best for: Breakfast on the go, study fuel

Students love this place for its fresh bagels and loads of options, great for a quick bite or hangover cure. Don’t forget to bring your student ID on Wednesdays to get up to 20% off!

Mohammed Spice of Life

• Location: Open Market, city centre
• Budget breakdown: Mains £6 - £12, rice £2
• Best for: Comfort food, budget curry fix

Students enjoy this spot for its generous curry servings and tasty vegetarian choices, starting at only £6. The lunch thali for £6 offers fantastic value and is a must-try!

Students can manage their cost of living in Brighton by carefully planning their budget for dining out. To estimate expenses more accurately, consider using a cost of living calculator and plan your meals accordingly. 

Comfortable Student Dining (£8-15)

Students can visit these elite dining spots when they’ve got a bit more to spend. If you’re exploring things to do in Brighton or celebrating a friend’s birthday, these places are simply fantastic. 

Fatto a Mano: The Pizza Perfection

• Location: Three Brighton locations
• Budget breakdown: Pizzas £8 - £15, drinks £3 - £6

This Italian place is a student favourite for its tasty food, fun atmosphere, and group-friendly setting. It’s ideal for celebrations, casual dates, or meeting up before a night out. Just make sure to book if you’re in a group of 6 or more.

The Joker: American Wing Paradise

• Location: Preston Circus (walking distance from both universities)
• Budget breakdown: Wings £8-14, burgers £10-14

Students love this place for its tasty wings, great beer, and fun sports vibe. Visit on a Wednesday for the buy 2, get 1 free wing deal, perfect for group nights out. The Joker is a great spot for group hangouts and sports fans. 

Donatello: Family Italian

• Location: Heart of The Lanes
• Budget breakdown: 2 courses £13.50, mains £8-13

This spot is a student favourite for its two-course deals, cosy vibe, and ability to host larger groups. It’s perfect for family visits, romantic dinners, or special occasions. Don’t forget to ask about student group discounts.

Treat Yourself Dining (£15-25)

If you have the budget to spend a bit more, these places are great for a treat once in a while or on special days.

Moshimo: Japanese Excellence

• Location: Bartholomews, city centre
• Budget breakdown: Sushi £4 -£ 8 per piece, mains £12 - £20

Students love this sushi spot for its Instagram-worthy dishes. You also get the bonus of 50% off meals on Mondays and Tuesdays with a student membership. Moshimo is the perfect place for sushi lovers and special celebrations. 

Students planning their day out can also include a visit to the top museums in Brighton and enjoy everything from cultural discoveries to great food at nearby restaurants.

Location Guide: Eating Near Your Campus

Students can check the best areas to live in Brighton that are close to great restaurants and cafes, making it easy to enjoy good food between classes. To make the search easier, students can refer to our Brighton student accommodation guidefor helpful tips and recommendations.

University of Brighton City Campus Area

Within 5 Minutes Walk:

• Pompoko: Church Street, perfect between lectures
• Bagelman: North Street, breakfast sorted
• Wagamama: Churchill Square, reliable Asian food
• Franco Manca:  North Street, sourdough pizza

At the University of Brighton, students can easily attend their lectures and grab a bite to eat whenever they need.  Want to know more than just where to eat? Check out our student guide to the University of Brighton. 

University of Sussex Falmer Campus

On Campus:

• Cafe Library: Coffee and light meals
• Falmer Bar: Student union food, decent prices
• Subway: Familiar chain option

Getting to Brighton restaurants:

 The transport system in Brighton is reliable and offers plenty of options, making it easy for students to get around the city quickly. 

• Train to Brighton: 8 minutes, £2.50 each way
• Bus services: Regular but slower, £3 day pass
• Group taxis: Split between 4-6 people for city centre trips

Students looking for convenience can book student accommodation near the University of Sussex to enjoy easy access to popular eateries.

International Student Food Guide

Asian Cuisine Champions

Moshimo: Japanese Perfection

• Price range: £8 - £25, depending on what you order
• Best dishes: Chicken katsu curry, sushi platters, ramen

This place is popular with international students for its authentic flavours. The Japanese chef makes sure the food stays true to tradition.

Curry Leaf Cafe: South Indian Specialist

• Price range: £7- £15 per person
• Best dishes: Dosas, curry platters, Indian craft beers

International students love this place for its proper spice levels and sharing-style meals. It is run by an Indian family using traditional recipes, making the food authentic and comforting.

European Comfort Food

Donatello: Authentic Italian

• Price range: £8 - £15 per person
• Best dishes: Fresh pasta, proper Italian pizza, tiramisu

This restaurant is popular with European students because of its family feel and authentic Italian food. The owners use traditional recipes to make the experience special and familiar.

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean

What The Pitta: Vegan Middle Eastern

• Price range: £5 - £10 per person
• Best dishes: Vegan doner, falafel wraps, hummus plates

Many international students like this restaurant because it offers halal-friendly, tasty food at a good price. They use traditional recipes and have vegan dishes as well.

Comfort Food from Home

International supermarkets near campus:

• Turkish shops: London Road area
• Asian supermarkets: City centre and Lewes Road
• Polish shops: Throughout Brighton
• Halal butchers: Multiple locations

Group Dining: Where to Take Your Squad

Birthday Celebrations (6-12 People)

Fatto a Mano

• Why it works: Long tables available, sharing pizzas, reasonable prices
• Booking: Essential for groups of 6+
• Budget per person: £12-18 including drinks
• Special notes: They'll bring out birthday desserts if you mention it

The Joker

• Why it works: Wing sharing platters, sports atmosphere, craft beer selection
• Booking: Recommended for groups of 8+
• Budget per person: £15 - £20 including drinks
• Special notes: Wednesday wing deals are perfect for group dining

Study Group Dinners (4-8 People)

Donatello

• Why it works: Two-course deals, quiet enough for conversation
• Booking: Recommended, mention you're a student
• Budget per person: £13- £18
• Special notes: Family atmosphere, patient with student groups

Pompoko

• Why it works: Quick service, sharing platters available
• Booking: No bookings taken - queue together
• Budget per person: £8 - £12
• Special notes: BYOB for £2.50 per bottle

International Student Meetups

Curry Leaf Cafe

• Why it works: Sharing-style food accommodates dietary requirements
• Booking: Essential for groups
• Budget per person: £12 - £18
• Special notes: Excellent for mixed cultural groups

Wahaca

• Why it works: Tapas-style sharing, vibrant atmosphere
• Booking: Available online
• Budget per person: £15 - £22
• Special notes: Good for groups with different spice tolerances

Student Discounts and Money-Saving Tips

Current Student Discounts 

Restaurants with Student Discounts:

• Moshimo: 50% off Monday-Tuesday with student membership (£10 annual fee)
• Bagelman: 20% off on Wednesday with a valid student ID
• Pizza Express: 30% off food bill with UNiDAYS app
• Wagamama: 20% off with student ID
• Nando's: 20% off with a valid student ID

Apps for Student Discounts:

• UNiDAYS: Free signup, local Brighton restaurant deals
• Student Beans: Regular flash discounts for Brighton eateries
• TOTUM Card: £12 annually, access to national chain discounts

Beyond great food discounts, Brighton also boasts a lively student community. There are over 100 student societies at the University of Brighton. Whether you enjoy cultural groups, hobbies, or social clubs, these student societies in Brighton offer fantastic ways to meet friends and share meals.

Late Night and Post-Club Eating

Nightlife in Brighton is vibrant and lively, with plenty of late-night and post-club eating options to keep you fueled until the early hours.

Open After Midnight

Burger Brothers

• Hours: Until midnight Friday-Saturday
• Why students love it: Legendary burgers, perfect drunk food
• Must-try: Simple Jack burger with chosen spice level
• Location: North Laine, walking distance from clubs

24/7 Options:

• McDonald's - Western Road, always open
• Subway - Multiple locations, most open until 2 am at weekends
• Kebab shops - Various locations, check individual hours

Brighton is safe for students, offering a friendly and welcoming environment with plenty of support services. Additionally, students can use the Brighton student safety guide for practical tips and resources to help navigate the city confidently.

Delivery Options for Late Night Study

Uber Eats/Deliveroo Coverage:

• Most of Brighton city centre is covered
• University halls are usually in delivery zones
• Private student housing coverage varies

Popular Late Night Delivery:

• Pizza places: Multiple options until 2 am
• Chinese takeaways: Usually until 1 am
• Indian restaurants: Many deliver until midnight
• Fast food chains: McDonald's, KFC, Subway

Dietary Requirements and Special Needs

Vegan Paradise Brighton

Top Vegan Student Spots:

• Iydea: Organic vegan meals, £6 - £12
• Food for Friends: Upmarket vegetarian, £12 - £20
• Wai Kika Moo Kau: Casual vegan cafe, £5 - £9

Why Brighton's great for vegans: Highest concentration of vegan restaurants per capita in the UK. Most non-vegan restaurants have excellent vegan options.

Fun fact: Brighton has the largest number of vegan restaurants in the UK. Want to know more? Discover more fun facts about Brighton and what makes this city an exciting place for students. 

Gluten-Free Options

Reliably Good Gluten-Free:

• Franco Manca: Gluten-free pizza bases available
• Wagamama: Extensive gluten-free menu
• The Joker: Gluten-free buns for burgers
• Most Indian restaurants: Naturally gluten-free curries

Halal Dining

Confirmed Halal Options:

• Multiple Turkish restaurants: London Road area
• Indian/Pakistani restaurants: Many are halal-certified
• Middle Eastern places: Check individual restaurant certification
• Chain options: Some Nando's, KFC branches are halal-certified

International student tip: Download the HappyCow app for dietary requirement restaurant searches in Brighton.

Quick Reference: Best Restaurants by Situation

First Date Spots

Budget-Friendly:

• Donatello: Romantic Italian atmosphere, £13 two-course deal
• Plateau: Intimate small plates, natural wine selection

Special Occasion:

• The Salt Room: Seafront views, impressive but not too formal
• Burnt Orange: Modern atmosphere, excellent cocktails

Family Visit Restaurants

When Parents Come to Town:

• The Gingerman: Proper fine dining, worth the splurge
• Riddle & Finns: Classic seafood, Brighton institution
• The Salt Room: Show off Brighton's seafront dining

Budget-Conscious Families:

• Fatto a Mano: Good quality pizza, family-friendly
• Wagamama: Reliable chain food, familiar to most parents

Study Fuel Stops

Between Lectures:

• Pompoko: Quick, filling, cheap
• Bagelman: Grab and go options
• Campus cafes: Convenient but basic

Study Session Dinners:

• Curry Leaf Cafe: Sharing plates, good for groups
• The Joker: Relaxed atmosphere, comfort food

Hangover Cures

Saturday/Sunday Recovery:

• The Breakfast Club: American-style brunch, perfect hangover food
• Cafe Rust: Full English breakfast variations
• Bagelman: Simple carbs and coffee

Final Words

Brighton isn’t just a foodie paradise; it’s a city made for students. Whether you're after budget eats, late-night bites, or celebration dinners, there’s something for every mood and moment. To fully enjoy what the city offers, choosing the best student accommodation in Brighton is key.