Top Plymouth Restaurants - Complete Student Dining Guide 2025

Living in student accommodation in Plymouth and getting hungry while studying? Don't worry,  there are plenty of nearby food options to fuel your brain. Whether it’s a late-night snack or a weekend treat with friends, Plymouth has tons of great food spots that won’t let you down. From affordable meals to tasty comfort food, there’s something for every craving and every budget. This guide will help you find the perfect spot to eat well, save money, and enjoy student life to the fullest.

Whether you are heading to top universities in Plymouth for world-class education and vibrant campus life, or simply exploring the city, you will find fabulous eatery options all around.

Explore Plymouth’s Student Food Spots in 1 Minute

• Plymouth's food scene is diverse for students, with over 25 places to eat.
• Options range from budget-friendly £1.95 curry starters to gourmet meals under £15.
• Many study-friendly spots are within walking distance from campus, and most offer delivery straight to your housing.

Why Plymouth's Food Works for Students

The city truly understands student life in Plymouth, offering a welcoming environment, diverse food options and cultural experiences.

With around 30,000 students across three universities, there’s a large community of hungry students on a budget. As a result, local restaurants have adapted to meet these needs, offering affordable and student-friendly options.

What you'll find here:

• Meals that won't destroy your overdraft (£1.95 to £15 max)
• Everything is delivered to the student areas.
• Places that don't judge when eight of you rock up together
• Every dietary requirement is covered.
• Late-night food that isn't just kebabs

What You'll Spend

Budget-Friendly Student Meals (Under £5)

Ideal for when your loan is running low, these spots offer filling meals that keep you properly fed without stretching your budget.

Normal Times (£5-£10)

Perfect for weekend meals or casual date nights, offering good-quality food at affordable prices.

Special Stuff (£10-£15)

Great for birthdays, family visits, or end-of-term celebrations, these delicious options won’t break the bank.

Top Budget Picks (Under £5)

The Curry Centre

The Curry Centre in Plymouth is known for its simple, no-fuss Indian food. It’s popular for hearty meals and quick takeaways, especially late at night. People like it for reliable flavours, though sometimes the quality can be a bit mixed

Where: City centre, literally 5 minutes from uni
Why it's brilliant: Gujarati veggie food from £1.95
Get this: Samosas for £1.95 and Main curry for £3.50
Student thing: Show your ID, get 10% off

A Taste of Thailand

A Taste of Thailand is a popular spot in Plymouth that is known for real, fresh Thai food made to order. It’s loved for big portions, tasty flavours, and friendly staff. Whether you eat there or take food home, people enjoy dishes like Pad Thai and curries. 

Where: Near Mutley Plain (perfect if you live there)
The deal: All mains £6.50, starters £3 and sides from £1.80
Delivery: Free if you spend £15
Space: Tiny inside, mainly for takeaway

The Snack Box

The Snack Box is a friendly local café in Plymouth, known for its freshly cooked breakfasts. Popular for its welcoming staff and homely feel, it’s a favourite spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal in the city centre.

Where: Everywhere in Plymouth
What for:  Breakfast before 9 am lectures or a quick lunch between classes
Try: Full English for £4.50, Paninis for £3.50
Times: 7 am-4 pm
Student hack: Meal deals from £4

AtKitchen

AtKitchen in Plymouth is a cosy, modern eatery known for its inventive, freshly prepared Asian street food. The menu focuses on bold flavours and quality ingredients, making it a favourite for casual lunches and takeaways.

Where: Plymouth City Market, Cornwall Street
Food: Vietnamese and Thai street food
Prices: Summer rolls £3 and Noodles £5-6
Why go: Healthy and Quick service
Vibe: Market setting, grab tables with mates

Famous Chicken Shop

The Famous Chicken Shop in Plymouth is known for serving tasty, crispy fried chicken with generous portions. 

Where: City centre and Greenbank
The thing: Everything under £5.70
Must have: Loaded burgers with literally everything on them
Late night: Till 11 pm most days
Student favourite: Chilli cheese fries £3.50

While planning a day out to visit Plymouth restaurants, students can also schedule a visit to the museums in Plymouth and enjoy exploring the city’s highlights. 

Proper Good Food (£5 - £10)

Tilt

Tilt in Plymouth is a popular local spot known for its delicious sliders and street food tapas. The menu features a variety of options, including vegan choices, with dishes like Korean fried chicken and halloumi fries. 

Where: 68 Ebrington Street
What they do: Korean-fusion sliders
Get: Korean chicken sliders and Parmesan fries.
Price: £6- £9 for proper portions

The Barbican Pasta Bar

The Barbican Pasta Bar in Plymouth is a family-owned Italian restaurant located in the historic Barbican area. It has earned numerous awards over 25 years, praised for quality food, attentive service, and great value for money.

Where: Barbican waterfront
Story: Family place, been here 28 years
Try: Korma pasta with chicken for £8, and Stone-baked pizzas.
Student bit: 15% off on Tuesdays with ID.
Study: Waterfront tables work for laptop sessions

Lorenzos

Lorenzo's in Plymouth is a well-established Spanish restaurant known for its authentic Spanish dishes like pan-fried prawns, tapas, and flavorful seafood.

Where: City centre
Vibe: Spanish place, proper colourful. Live music nights
Food: Tapas £4-6 and Mains £7-9
Student night: Wednesday with live music

The Leandra

It offers traditional Greek dishes and fresh local seafood. Ideal spot for lunch or evening dining with family and friends in the city centre.

Where: Frankfort Gate (easy to get to)
Thing: Greek family restaurant, 30+ years running
Deal: 2 courses £16.95 and 3 courses £18.95
Must try: Greek Moussaka and Mezze platters for sharing
Good for: Birthday dinners when you want to feel fancy

Kapadokya

Kapadokya in Plymouth is a cosy, family-run Turkish restaurant. Students can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and the wide variety of options for meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

Where: Historic Barbican
Food: Turkish, proper authentic stuff
Feel: Cosy, ideal for catching up with friends
Price: Mains £6 - £9. Sharing stuff available
For students who find eating out a bit expensive, taking up part-time jobs in Plymouth can be a great way to manage their expenses while enjoying the city’s food scene.

Vegan Paradise 

Cosmic Kitchen

The restaurant is celebrated for its 100% plant-based menu packed with flavorful dishes. Cosmic Kitchen aims to serve “good mood food” that leaves everyone satisfied and happy. 

Where: Sir John Hawkins Square
Menu: Everything's vegan here
Must: Jackfruit wraps £6, Vegan sausage rolls £4, and a  Peanut butter cups £3
Setting: Peaceful courtyard and Mediterranean vibes
Study: Yes, WiFi and outdoor tables

Bonne Sante

Bonne Sante in Plymouth is a modern cafe, bar, and restaurant. It offers a fresh and indulgent menu focused on healthy, gluten-free dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Where: The Custom House Building, Barbican
Thing: Fresh produce, unique flavours, mostly vegan
Price: £5-12 for mains
Why: Healthy food that doesn't taste like punishment
Instagram: Very photogenic if that's your thing

Boston Tea Party

Boston Tea Party in Plymouth is a vibrant, family-friendly café renowned for its breakfast, brunch, and coffee in a unique setting overlooking Sutton Harbour.

Where: The Barbican
Environmental: First place to ban single-use cups
Bring: Reusable cup or borrow one.
Famous for: Massive fresh scones with cream tea
Options: Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, all sorted
Study: Great WiFi, laptop-friendly

International Food Adventures

Toot

Toot offers a diverse menu and excellent options for vegetarians and vegans alongside traditional kebabs.

Where: Mayflower Street, city centre
Food: Persian
Special: Persian roof terrace
Try: Persian meatballs £8 and Vegan Ghormeh Sabzi £7
Good for: When you want something completely different
Groups: Roof terrace perfect for bigger groups

Asian Options All Over

Once students know the prices, they can easily plan their cost of living in Plymouth. It helps them manage their budget effectively and avoid overspending. Students can use the cost of living calculator to estimate their monthly budget more accurately and plan for essentials such as rent, food, transportation, and leisure activities.

Study Spots with Food

The Terrace Cafe & Bar

The Terrace Cafe and Bar in Plymouth is a waterfront venue located on the Hoe foreshore. The venue also hosts live music events and is dog-friendly, making it a vibrant spot for both relaxation and social gatherings. 

Where: The Hoe waterfront
Study setup: Outdoor tables with Plymouth Sound views
Food: Local stuff, proper meals, not just snacks
Try: English breakfast £6
WiFi: Strong signal
Avoid: 12-2 pm if you want peace

Americano

The Americano Coffee House in Plymouth is a unique, boutique-style cafe known for serving fresh food and excellent coffee. 

Where: Heart of Plymouth
Feel: Latin American cafe vibes.
Study features: Private booths, dim lighting, and actually quiet.t
Food:  Good muffin selection, probably a light meal
Laptop thing: Stay as long as you want

If you’re looking for proper study spots where food won’t distract you and you can fully concentrate, try libraries in Plymouth. They offer quiet zones, study pods, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of space for group work. 

Fish and Chips

The Harbour Seafood Restaurant

The restaurant caters to all, from family meals to romantic dinners, and also offers a takeaway service for enjoying seafood at your place or outdoors. 

Where: Sutton Harbour, 21 The Barbican
Style: Proper contemporary with harbour views
Must try: Moules Mariniere with unlimited chips £9
Good for: Eating in, takeaway, having a beer with food
Groups: Big tables available
Quality: Some of the best in town, apparently

Barbican Fish & Chips

Barbican Fish & Chips in Plymouth is a traditional, family-run fish and chip takeaway and cafe located on Southside Street. It is known for cooking fresh, high-quality fish and chips with a light, crispy batter. 

Where: The Famous Barbican area
Thing: Takes fish and chips seriously
Menu: Fresh seafood, vegan options, veggie stuff too
Price: £6-10 for full meals
Tourist warning: Gets busy, visit off-peak

There are several luxury student accommodation in Plymouth that are conveniently located near popular Plymouth restaurants. Students seeking stylish living with easy access to dining options can book their ideal accommodation here.

Alternatively, students on a budget can find affordable student accommodation in Plymouth, many of which are also located just a short distance from popular eateries. This allows students to enjoy delicious food while maintaining a cost-effective lifestyle.

Delivery Game

Best Apps Here

Deliveroo: Covers the city centre, Greenbank, Mutley Plain, and most student areas.
Uber Eats: Good coverage, always has student discounts.
Just Eat: Local places, usually the cheapest delivery fees

To enjoy hot, sizzling food, students can choose the best areas to live in Plymouth, where food delivery is available within minutes

Delivery Heroes

Late-Night Delivery

Till midnight or later:

• Pizza places
• Chinese takeaways everywhere
• Kebab shops
• Indian restaurants
• Fast food chains

Student Discounts and Money Tricks

Regular Discounts

Money-Saving Hacks

• Meal deals: Lunch combinations £4-6 everywhere
• Happy hours: Early evening discounts at several places
• Group orders: Split delivery fees, bulk discounts sometimes
• Loyalty cards: Some indies do stamp cards
• Social media: Follow places for flash deals and student nights
• Flatmate hack: Order together to hit free delivery minimums. 

Where You Live vs Where You Eat

Near the University of Plymouth

5-minute walk:

• The Curry Centre
• Famous Chicken Shop
• Various coffee shops
• Campus dining

10-minute walk:

• Barbican restaurants
• City centre options
• Delivery central

Housing options near the University of Plymouth 

• Beckley Point: Offers spacious rooms with modern en-suites and great city views.
• iQ Astor House: Features fully furnished rooms with private bathrooms and on-site laundry.

Near Greenbank

Local gems:

• A Taste of Thailand
• Fish and chips
• Corner shops and cafes
• Great delivery coverage

Nearby housing options 

• Discovery Heights: Offers spacious en-suite rooms with a shared kitchen and study area.
• Central Point: Features modern rooms with private bathrooms and high-speed Wi-Fi

Near Mutley Plain

Student favourites:

• Various Asian places
• Traditional pubs with food
• Coffee shops everywhere
• Easy transport to the city centre

Nearby housing options 

• Mary Parker House: Elegant ensuite rooms with modern amenities
• St. Thomas Court: Includes high-speed Wi-Fi and is located close to shops and transport links.

Quick Bites Between Classes

10-Minute Lunch

The Snack Box: Ready-made stuff, grab and enjoy fresh food
Campus cafes: Woods Cafe, Prospect Hall, and various on-site cafes in Plymouth serve a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages.
Market food: Plymouth City Market, quick Asian dishes
Chain stuff: Subway, Greggs, high-street usuals

Study Fuel

Coffee and pastry: Under £5 in most cafes
Protein boxes: Healthy snack boxes at various cafes
Meal deals: Sandwich, drink, snack combos
Energy food: Nuts, fruits, energy bars from local shops

Getting Around

Food Area Navigation

The Barbican: Historic centre, waterfront restaurants, a bit touristy
City centre: Near uni, chain options, budget-friendly
Mutley Plain: Student area, local gems, good value
Sutton Harbour: Seafood focus, scenic, slightly pricier

Transport

Bus routes: Connect all student areas to dining areas
Walking: Most places are within 20 minutes of campus
Bikes: Plymouth supports cycling to restaurants
Late transport: Taxis for post-dining transport

The transport system is great, offering students reliable and convenient options to reach top Plymouth restaurants and return safely.

Final Words

In Plymouth, you don't just eat food, you discover this whole coastal city that's designed around making students happy with good, affordable food. The city promises every cuisine, every budget, every dietary need. All delivered or walkable, and your taste buds are about to have three amazing years.