Affordable and Delicious: Best Restaurants in Southampton for Students

Being a student in Southampton isn’t just about lectures and late-night study sessions, it’s also about discovering just how good student food can be. This buzzing port city is a hidden gem for budget-friendly eats, offering everything from £3 street food to sit-down dinners that won’t make your bank account cry.

Whether you're racing between classes, fuelling up before a big night out, or treating your parents to something that looks expensive (but totally isn’t), Southampton delivers. Expect everything from sizzling Asian stir-fries and loaded kebabs to vegan cafés, classic British comfort food, and more, all within walking distance of uni and most student accommodation in Southampton.

I’ve spent the last few years eating my way through the city, dodging tourist traps and overpriced chains, to bring you the ultimate guide to student-approved restaurants. No fluff. No fake “budget” listings. Just honest spots students actually love, with realistic prices, legit student discounts, late-night lifesavers, and great vibes for mates, dates, and deadlines.

So if you’re hungry and on a budget, but still want food that slaps, this list is for you. Let’s dig in.

TL;DR: Southampton’s Student Food Scene

Southampton is home to 25+ student‑friendly restaurants, offering everything from quick £3 kebabs to stylish £15 fine‑dining experiences. Southampton offers diverse dining that fits every student's budget. Just bring your appetite and your student ID!

Budget Bites (Under £5)

• UniKebab: Legendary £3 döner wraps. A must-grab before or after lectures!

• Sakura: Affordable sushi and bento boxes packed with flavour.

• Local kebab shops offer solid late-night eats at wallet-friendly prices.

International Flavours (Around £10)

• COSMO: An all-you-can-eat buffet featuring global cuisine, from Chinese to Italian.

• Dozens of other great spots serve Indian, Middle Eastern, African, and Latin dishes.

Treat‑Yourself Dining (£12–£15)

• A variety of cosy bistros and student-favourite gastropubs for special occasions or group dinners, many with loyalty perks or evening deals.

Late‑Night Cravings

• McDonald’s, Subway, and trusted local kebab joints stay open into the early hours, perfect for post-club or study-session fuel.

Student Savvy Tips

• Always ask for a student discount, even if it’s not advertised!

• Check for lunchtime specials and group deals, especially in buffets.

• Use your weekends to explore global cuisines right on your doorstep.

Thinking of Moving to Southampton?

If you're considering life in this vibrant city, check out our blog on the pros and cons of living in Southampton. It covers everything from lifestyle and cost of living to transport and nightlife.

Budget-Friendly Champions (Under £8)

UniKebab - The Student Legend

• Location: 190 Burgess Road (5 mins from Highfield Campus)
• Average Cost: £3-6 per meal
• Student Discount: 10% with a valid ID

Every Southampton student knows UniKebab. It's practically a rite of passage. This Turkish gem sits right by Highfield Campus and feeds students at all hours. The chicken shish kebab costs £4.50 and easily feeds two people if you're sharing.

Their Arabian-style calzones are really good. Think pizza meets kebab in the best possible way. The lamb doner wraps are massive, perfect for those 2 am study sessions. 

The best part? The staff are incredibly friendly and often remember regulars by name. It’s more than a takeaway, it’s part of the student experience.

If you're living near Highfield or looking for a place nearby, check out our blog on affordable student accommodation in Southampton to find great spots within walking distance of UniKebab and other local student favourites.

Must-try: Chicken shish kebab with extra salad and garlic sauce.

COSMO - All-You-Can-Eat Heaven

• Location: Westquay Shopping Centre
• Average Cost: £15-17 for dinner buffet
• Student Discount: 20% off Sunday-Thursday with student ID

COSMO might not be your everyday budget pick, but when it comes to value, it’s unbeatable. One fixed price gets you unlimited food from over 15 world cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Italian, and British favourites. It’s the ultimate choice for flatmate dinners or society celebrations, especially when everyone has different tastes.

The sushi station alone is worth the trip, with fresh salmon, tuna, and creative rolls made daily. Live cooking counters keep the stir-fries and noodles piping hot, and the dessert bar features proper gelato, cakes, and even a chocolate fountain.

Pro tip: head in around 5–6 PM to beat the rush and get the first pick of everything.

Looking to treat yourself to nights like this more often? Check out our blog on part-time jobs in Southampton to discover flexible roles perfect for students, and start turning weekend shifts into sushi nights.

McDonald's - Late Night Saviour

• Location: Multiple locations (High Street, Portswood)
• Average Cost: £3-7 per meal
• Student Discount: Check the app for deals

Look, sometimes you just need McDonald's. The High Street branch is open until 3 am at weekends. Perfect for post-night out munchies. The Portswood location is closer to student housing.

Use the McDonald's app religiously. It has constant deals like £1.99 Big Macs or 99p cheeseburgers. 

Student life hack: share 20 nuggets between mates for £4.99.

And hey, if you’re feeling a bit low or homesick (especially if you're new to the UK), grabbing some comfort food can help more than you’d think. Check out our blog on how to deal with homesickness as a student for more tips that actually work.

International Cuisine Favourites

Sakura - Japanese Excellence

• Location: 20 Bedford Place
• Average Cost: £8-12 per meal
• Student Discount: 20% weekdays when paying cash

Sakura brings proper Japanese food to Southampton. Their ramen bowls are incredible, rich, steaming broths with perfect noodles. Their bento boxes offer amazing value with sushi, gyoza, and hot dishes together.

The salmon teriyaki gets rave reviews from students. Fresh fish, perfectly glazed, with proper sticky rice. Matcha ice cream rounds off meals beautifully.

Must-order: Spicy ramen with extra egg and chicken bento box.

Nara Japanese Restaurant

• Location: Various locations
• Average Cost: £6-10 per meal
• Student Favourite: Voted best sushi by Southampton students

Nara is a certified student favourite, and for good reason. It consistently tops campus polls for the best sushi in Southampton, and once you try it, you’ll understand why. Their salmon sashimi is melt-in-your-mouth fresh, and the bento boxes (which include sushi, gyoza, and hot dishes) are unbeatable value at just £8.50.

The vibe? Laid-back, friendly, and ideal for students. The staff won’t rush you out, so it’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a relaxed lunch or even a casual group study session over green tea. It's also perfect for a quick refuel between library runs and lectures, thanks to their speedy service.

Speaking of study spots, if you're hunting for the best quiet places to focus, don’t miss our guide on the top libraries in Southampton, from campus gems to hidden public spaces worth checking out.

Coriander Lounge - Authentic Indian

• Location: 130-131 High Street
• Average Cost: £8-15 per meal
• Student Deal: Monday curry, rice, and drink for £10

Coriander Lounge elevates Indian food beyond typical curry houses. Their chef's specials showcase regional dishes you won't find elsewhere. The karahi dishes are phenomenal - try the lamb karahi with garlic naan.

Monday night deals are legendary among students. £10 gets you curry, rice, naan, and a drink. Perfect for groups sharing multiple dishes. Vegetarian options are extensive and creative.

The Real Greek - Mediterranean Vibes

• Location: Westquay Shopping Centre
• Average Cost: £6-10 per meal
• Student Discount: 15% with student ID

The Real Greek has fresh and healthy Mediterranean food that doesn't break the bank. Their souvlaki wraps are packed with flavour and cost under £7. Perfect for quick lunches between shopping.

The mezze platters work brilliantly for groups. Share hummus, olives, feta, and warm pita while catching up with mates. Grilled halloumi is addictive.

BayLeaf Kitchen - Modern Indian

• Location: 56 High Street
• Average Cost: £10-15 per meal
• Vegetarian Paradise: Extensive vegan and vegetarian menu

BayLeaf Kitchen modernises Indian cuisine while keeping authentic flavours. Their korma actually tastes like korma should - creamy, rich, with proper spices. Vegan options are creative and satisfying.

The lunch menu offers smaller portions at student-friendly prices. Perfect for trying multiple dishes without spending a fortune. Service is quick during lunch hours.

Perfect for Groups and Celebrations

Piccolo Mondo - Italian Institution

• Location: City Centre (opposite Civic Centre)
• Average Cost: £8-12 per meal
• Weekday Deal: Pizza or pasta for £6.50 (12-3 pm)

This Italian restaurant has fed Southampton students for decades. The weekday lunch deal is legendary - proper wood-fired pizza or fresh pasta for £6.50. Perfect for groups celebrating assignment submissions.

Tiramisu here is ridiculously good. Share one between four people and you'll still be happy. The atmosphere is cosy and welcoming. Staff accommodate large groups without fuss.

Smugglers Bar & Restaurant

Location: 16 Carlton Place, Bedford Place

Average Cost: £10–15 per meal

Group Friendly: Beer garden perfect for parties

Smugglers is a local favourite that blends gastropub quality with student-budget prices. Tucked away in Bedford Place, it’s one of Southampton’s most laid-back and student-friendly spots. The beer garden is a standout, perfect for birthday parties, flatmate dinners, or casual group nights out.

If you’re on the hunt for more great student hangouts, don’t miss our guide to the best student clubs in Southampton to round out your night after a meal at Smugglers.

Why students love it:

• Massive burgers with proper chips

• Sunday roasts that could feed a small army

• Strong, affordable cocktails

• Board games for a chill, rainy-day vibe

Smugglers has the right mix of comfort, value, and atmosphere, ideal for anyone looking to eat well and unwind without straying far from campus nightlife.

Soleto Bistro - Date Night Special

• Location: 11 Commercial Road
• Average Cost: £12-18 per meal
• Romantic Atmosphere: Perfect for impressing dates

When you need to impress someone special, Soleto delivers. This intimate Italian bistro has candles, exposed brick, and incredible food. Prices are higher, but worth it for special occasions.

Their spaghetti and meatballs are legendary. Massive portions mean you'll definitely have leftovers for tomorrow's lunch. They also have an excellent wine selection without being pretentious.

Quick Bites and Study Fuel

Union Southampton Café

• Location: Students' Union Building
• Average Cost: £3-6 per meal
• Convenience: Right on campus

The Union Café is the unsung hero of campus life, fueling study sessions, group projects, and early-morning lectures with no-nonsense food and strong coffee. Whether you’re after a proper breakfast (served until 11 am), a full English for just £4.50, or a quick sandwich between seminars, this spot has you covered.

Need a mid-lecture pick-me-up? Their coffee does the job, without breaking the bank. Hot meals are available all day, and there are always solid vegan and vegetarian choices. The staff understand student routines and keep prices student-friendly.

Looking to switch up your study spots? Check out our guide to the best cafés in Southampton for more cosy and caffeine-fueled hangouts perfect for a change of scenery or a study date.

POPSI'S Pizza

• Location: 80 Bedford Place
• Average Cost: £8-12 per pizza
• Quality Focus: Home-made dough, no additives

POPSI’S isn’t your average pizza joint, it’s where quality meets comfort. Their dough is made fresh in-house with no preservatives or additives, and you can genuinely taste the difference. Whether you're powering through a group project or binge-watching a series with your flatmates, these pizzas are perfect for sharing (or not, we won't judge).

Vegan? No worries. Their plant-based pizzas are actually good, thoughtfully made, not just thrown together as an afterthought.

And if you’re living nearby at Cumberland Place, Southampton, you’re in serious luck, POPSI’S is just a short walk away, making it an ideal go-to for lazy dinners, weekend treat nights, or spontaneous pizza cravings.

Whether you're dining in or taking away, POPSI’S delivers flavour, convenience, and a solid student-friendly vibe.

Dhaba 59 - Indian Street Food

• Location: 59 Lodge Road
• Average Cost: £5-8 per meal
• Tapas Style: Perfect for trying multiple dishes

Dhaba 59 brings Indian street food to Southampton. Small plates mean you can try several dishes without a massive expense. Goan prawn curry is incredible - coconut, tomato, and perfectly cooked prawns.

Perfect for adventurous eaters wanting to try new flavours. Portions are designed for sharing. Spice levels are clearly marked, so you won't accidentally destroy your mouth.

Late Night Lifesavers

Portswood Kebab Shops

• Locations: Burgess Road, Portswood Road
• Average Cost: £3-5 per meal
• Opening Hours: Most open until 3 am to 4 am

Portswood’s legendary kebab row is every student’s late-night lifeline. Whether you’re stumbling out of a club, finishing a study marathon, or just craving something greasy and glorious, these kebab shops deliver, fast, cheap, and full of flavour.

With several spots side by side, competition keeps prices low and portions generous. Chicken shawarma wraps are a go-to: hot, filling, and just the right level of messy. Many places offer student discounts after midnight, but bring cash, most don’t take cards.

Making a night of it? Don’t miss our blog on things to do in Southampton for pre-kebab adventures, from nightlife tips to evening strolls that end with garlic sauce and chips in hand.

Subway - 24/7 Options

• Location: High Street
• Average Cost: £4-7 per sub
• Always Open: 24/7 on weekends

When everything else closes, Subway saves the day. The High Street branch opens 24/7 at weekends, perfect for post-club munchies. Cookie deals and meal offers keep costs reasonable.

Staff working late nights are usually students themselves and understand the struggle. Don't judge anyone eating Subway at 3 am, we've all been there.

Money-Saving Tips for Student Dining

Student Discount Directory

Budget Strategies That Actually Work

• Share Everything: Most restaurant portions in Southampton are huge. Share mains and order extra sides. You'll eat better and spend less.
• Lunch Specials: Many restaurants offer lunch menus with smaller portions and prices. Coriander Lounge's lunch plates cost £6-8 instead of £12-15 for dinner.
• Group Orders: Ordering delivery for 4+ people often unlocks free delivery and group discounts. Pizza places especially reward large orders.
• Student Night Deals: Monday nights are goldmines for student deals. Restaurants need customers on quiet nights and reward students accordingly.

Want to know how this all adds up? Use our cost of living calculator to estimate your monthly expenses based on your lifestyle. Or dive into our blog on the cost of living in Southampton for more practical ways to save while still enjoying the city.

Banking and Payment Tips

• Cash vs Card: Some places (like Sakura) offer discounts for cash payments. Others have minimum card amounts. Carry £20 cash for flexibility.
• Student Account Perks: Many student accounts offer restaurant discounts through apps. Santander and NatWest frequently partner with dining chains.
• Split Bills Apps: Monzo and Revolut make splitting group bills painless. No more arguing over who ordered extra drinks.

Area-by-Area Dining Guide

Not sure where to grab your next bite? Southampton’s food scene is scattered across student hotspots, each with its own vibe and price range. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you plan your next meal based on where you are (or where you might want to live).

If you're still deciding where to live next year, check out our blog on the best areas to live in Southampton to see how your favourite food spots align with top student neighbourhoods!

Near Highfield Campus

Walking Distance (Under 10 minutes):

• UniKebab (Turkish) - £3-6
• The Bridge (Pub food) - £6-10
• Portswood shops (Various) - £3-8

Best For: Quick lunches between lectures, late-night study fuel.

City Centre Cluster

High Street Area:

• Coriander Lounge (Indian) - £8-15
• BayLeaf Kitchen (Modern Indian) - £10-15
• McDonald's (Fast food) - £3-7
• Beity (Lebanese) - £5-10

Best For: Weekend dining, group celebrations, shopping breaks.

The City Centre is more than just a dining hotspot; it's also home to some of the most modern and stylish student living in Southampton. If you're after convenience and comfort, take a look at our blog on luxury student accommodation in Southampton to explore what living right in the heart of it all could look like.

Bedford Place Food Hub

Student Favourite Area:

• Sakura (Japanese) - £8-12
• POPSI'S (Pizza) - £8-12
• Lakaz Maman (Mauritian) - £6-10

Best For: Date nights, trying new cuisines, and quality food.

Westquay Shopping Centre

Mall Dining:

• COSMO (International buffet) - £15-17
• The Real Greek (Mediterranean) - £6-10
• Various chain restaurants

Best For: Group dining, trying multiple cuisines, rainy days.

Dietary Requirements Covered

Vegan and Vegetarian Paradise

Best Vegan Options:

• BayLeaf Kitchen: Creative vegan Indian dishes
• The Real Greek: Mediterranean vegan mezze
• POPSI'S: Proper vegan pizzas, not afterthoughts
• COSMO: Dedicated vegan section at buffet

Vegetarian Standouts:

• Coriander Lounge: Half the menu is vegetarian
• Sakura: Excellent vegetarian sushi and ramen
• Piccolo Mondo: Traditional Italian vegetarian dishes

Gluten-Free Friendly

Reliable Options:

• The Real Greek: Naturally gluten-free Mediterranean dishes
• Sakura: Sashimi and rice dishes
• Several restaurants offer gluten-free pasta and pizza bases

Always Ask: Southampton restaurants are generally good about dietary requirements. Most can accommodate with advance notice.

International Student Comfort Food

Asian Comfort:

• Nara and Sakura for Japanese
• Various Chinese takeaways in Portswood
• Thai options at the COSMO buffet

European Flavours:

• Piccolo Mondo for Italian comfort
• The Real Greek for Mediterranean
• German food occasionally at local pubs

Social Dining and Special Occasions

Birthday Celebrations

Budget Birthdays (Under £15 per person):

• COSMO buffet with advance booking
• Smugglers' beer garden parties
• Pizza sharing at POPSI'S

Special Occasion Splurges (£15-25 per person):

• Soleto Bistro for intimate dinners
• Blue Jasmine for waterfront dining
• The Pig in the Wall for unique experiences

Society and Club Dining

Group-Friendly Venues:

• Smugglers: Large tables and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere—perfect for society meetups and celebrations.

• COSMO: Spacious and skilled at handling big groups with ease.

• Various pubs: Many offer private function rooms, ideal for club socials or special events.

Booking Advice: Always call ahead for groups of 8 or more. Plenty of venues offer group menus or special deals to make your gatherings more affordable and fun.

If you’re involved in one of the many student societies and clubs in Southampton, these spots are go-to favourites for post-meeting meals or end-of-term parties. Check out our blog for a full rundown of the vibrant student communities and where they like to hang out!

Date Night Destinations

Impressive but Affordable:

• Soleto Bistro: Romantic Italian setting
• Sakura: Unique Japanese experience
• Ottoman Kitchen: Classy Middle Eastern atmosphere

Casual Date Spots:

• The Real Greek: Sharing mezze is fun
• Smugglers: Relaxed pub atmosphere
• Any good coffee shop for daytime dates

Practical Information for Student Life

Opening Hours Reality Check

Late Night Champions:

• McDonald's: Until 3 am on weekends
• Kebab shops: Most open until 3-4 am
• Subway High Street: 24/7 weekends

Early Closers:

• Many Asian restaurants close at 9-10 pm
• Sunday hours are often reduced
• Check before making plans

Planning to eat out late? Make sure you’re staying safe, too. Read our student safety guide for Southampton for smart tips on getting home, using taxis, and keeping your nights out stress-free.

Delivery and Takeaway Options

Too tired to cook? Southampton’s delivery scene has you covered—whether it’s post-lecture pizza or a group curry night in the flat.

Best Delivery Apps:

• Deliveroo: Widest selection across cuisines, with regular student-friendly discounts.

• Just Eat: Great for discovering hidden local gems and independent takeaways.

• Uber Eats: Quick delivery times and frequent student promos.

Delivery Costs: Typically £2–4 per order, but often free if you spend £15–20 or more. Pro tip: group orders make it cheaper and way more fun.

Getting food delivered is easy, but getting around town yourself is just as important. Whether you're heading to pick up a takeaway or exploring new neighbourhoods, check out our guide to the transport system in Southampton for everything from bus routes to cycling options.

Accommodation and Food: The Perfect Pairing

Whether you're based in university halls or living in private accommodation (like those found on Best Student Halls), Southampton’s food scene fits right into student life. From midnight kebabs to Sunday roasts, great food is never far from where you live.

On-Campus Hall Benefits:

• Most restaurants and cafés are within walking distance—perfect for spontaneous dinners or lunch breaks between lectures.

• Group dining is easy to coordinate when everyone’s just down the hall.

• With access to your own kitchen, you can save by cooking at home and eating out selectively.

Curious why so many students choose halls in Southampton? Check out our blog on living in Southampton student accommodation.

Private Accommodation Perks:

• You’ll usually have access to modern kitchens, great for meal prepping or storing leftovers from last night’s takeaway.

• Many private accommodations feature social spaces that are perfect for dinner parties or chilled evenings with friends.

• Some are closer to hotspots like Portswood, making it easy to explore Southampton’s diverse dining scene.

Looking for top-rated places to stay? Don’t miss our guide to the best student accommodation in Southampton.

Wherever you live, great food is a big part of student life. For a bigger picture of what makes this city such a great place to study, live, and eat, check out our blog on student life in Southampton.

Discover, Share, and Savour Southampton’s Student Food Scene

Southampton’s top restaurants offer more than just good meals, they serve up a full experience. Whether it’s a £3 shawarma after a night out, a £20 celebration dinner, or something new from a tucked-away café, there’s something here for every budget, every craving, and every occasion.

Forget microwave meals and limp sandwiches, your student years deserve better. Start with UniKebab for unbeatable comfort food, try authentic Japanese at Sakura, indulge in global flavours at COSMO, and relax with your society in the beer garden at Smugglers. Each meal can become part of a memory.

Dining in Southampton isn't just about food, it's a gateway to exploring the city itself. From buzzing nightlife to hidden cultural gems, there's always something happening. If you're curious to learn more, don’t miss our blog on fun facts about Southampton, you’ll be surprised by how much history and personality is tucked between the pubs and takeaways. And if you want to take a break from the food trail, discover the city's cultural side with our guide to the museums in Southampton, perfect for a day out that’s both educational and inspiring.

Of course, the right accommodation makes everything easier. Whether you're living near campus or in the city centre, great food should be right around the corner. If you're still deciding where to stay, Best Student Halls can help you find student housing that’s close to the action, with modern kitchens, social spaces, and unbeatable locations all included.

Start exploring. One meal, one museum, one memory at a time, Southampton is ready for you.