Leeds is a vibrant city known for its bustling student life and cultural diversity. With an incredible food scene that caters to every taste and budget, you can always find student restaurants in Leeds. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite between lectures, a cosy brunch spot, or a place that offers student discounts, Leeds has something for everyone. This guide will help you discover the best places to eat in Leeds.
Best restaurants offering student discounts
Vegan, gluten-free and halal restaurants
Cafés and brunch spots
Laynes
Located near the Leeds City train station, Laynes Espresso is famous for its artisan coffee and delicious brunch options. Students love it for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly service, and they also love its £10 to £20 budget.
IF Up North
Known for its Instagram-worthy interiors and hearty all-day brunch menu, IF is a great spot for students. With free Wi-Fi, it’s also a popular place to catch up on assignments over a cup of coffee. It’s worth mentioning that bookings aren’t accepted—walk-ins only, and there’s usually a queue, so get there with a bit of time to spare.
St Jude
If you’re a true brunch lover, you’ll thoroughly enjoy St Jude. Serving up wood-fired bagels, stacked pancakes, smoothie bowls and more, there’s everything to love about the St Jude menu. Maybe pancakes aren’t a sweet enough brunch, so the restaurant’s dessert menu is open from 10 am; talk about a bonus!
Fettle Café
Fettle boasts a rich Scandinavian-inspired brunch menu with options like smoked salmon, poached eggs, and sourdough toast. It’s a cosy spot with minimalist décor, perfect for a late morning brunch alone or with your closest mates.
North Star
This speciality coffee shop is renowned for its ethically sourced coffee paired with delicious pastries. North Star is a great place to enjoy a quiet study session or catch up with friends over brunch.
Best restaurants offering student discounts
Zaap Thai
A vibrant Thai street food restaurant, Zaap Thai offers a 10% student discount, making it a cool place to eat in Leeds for those who love authentic Thai flavours. The menu features dishes from Pad Thai to Massaman curry. They also offer a 2-course meal for just £12 from Monday to Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm.
Bills
With many student discount restaurants in Leeds, Bills is the perfect place for students to dine out. With a menu that has it all, from brunch to burgers and the most pleasant tea time, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a quality meal and service at Bills. They offer a 10% discount for current students and a complimentary glass of prosecco for 2024 graduates.
Rola Wala
In Trinity Kitchen, Rola Wala offers Indian street food with a modern twist. Students with valid student IDs can enjoy 20% off, making it a budget-friendly and flavour-filled choice for lunch or dinner.
Fast food
Trinity Kitchen
Trinity Kitchen is an excellent food court with a unique concept. It combines a rotating mix of street food vendors under one roof that changes every eight weeks with permanent eateries. It offers everything from burgers to burritos, pho, and tapas plates. It’s a convenient and affordable choice for students looking to try something new.
Almost Famous
Almost Famous is a must-visit for burger lovers. The menu features fully loaded burgers and fries with toppings like chipotle hot honey, bacon, and jalapenos. You’ll spend a maximum of £20 here, and with a 2 for £15 happy hour deal every day and an added 20% off for students, it’s the perfect takeout place.
MEATliquor
MEATliquor is a burger diner and bar offering delicious burgers, fries, and shakes in a vibrant, graffiti-covered setting. With great meal deals, where you can spend a maximum of £20 per meal and a youthful vibe, it’s perfect for a quick bite between lectures.
Vegan, gluten-free and halal restaurants
Fleur Restaurant
If you’re heading on a date, Fleur is one of the most romantic halal places in Leeds—the restaurant blossoms with flowers and pretty pink colours. With a great ambience, diet-friendly options and budget-friendly mains ranging between £8 and £18, Fleur is the ideal place to enjoy a lovely dinner.
Falafel Guy
If you’re looking for a quick but delicious bite to eat on the go, Falafel Guys is the place to be. It is located in Briggate and is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every weekday except Friday. Falafel Guys serves some of Leeds’s best halal, vegan, and vegetarian-friendly food. Their famous falafel wraps and salads are a must-try.
Doner Summer
Located in Assembly Underground, Doner Summer serves mouth-watering vegan kebabs and fast food at an affordable price. With the menu ranging between £10 and £20, you won’t break your bank looking for something delicious. It’s an excellent spot for students who crave comfort food without compromising taste, ethics or diet restrictions.
Dessert Cafés
Fluffy Fluffy
There are many cool places to eat in Leeds, and Fluffy Fluffy is one of the best. The dessert café brings a taste of Japan’s famous soufflé pancakes to the city’s heart. With a welcoming interior, it provides a cosy setting that complements its Instagram-worthy dishes. As a student, you can make the most of the sweet experience by using the café’s 10% student discount.
Haute Dolci
Haute Dolci offers a luxurious dessert dining experience with an elegant ambience, making it popular among students who love sweet treats. It is known for its beautifully presented and incredible-tasting desserts, including waffles, gelato, macarons, and more.
Outro
Leeds is not just a great place to study but also to explore diverse and student-friendly food options. Staying at Study Inn, you’ll find yourself close to these fantastic dining spots. With its vibrant food scene, Leeds offers something for everyone, making it an ideal city for local and international students.
