Top Cheap Places to Eat in Leeds for Students

Top Cheap Places to Eat in Leeds for Students

Author Jarisse Nunez

Jarisse Nunez

27 March 2026 • 5 min read


About the author: Hi! My name is Jarisse Nunez, a Business Management with Marketing student at the University of Leeds. I am an aspiring marketer who loves all things creative. Outside of my studies, I enjoy keeping memories in my scrapbook, staying active through yoga and going to concerts!

One thing about living in Leeds is that you’ll never run out of food choices. From brunch and dinner to coffee catch-ups, the city has it all for students. While I could go on for hours about Leeds’ extensive food portfolio, I’ll break down my top spots – perfect for students living on a budget (or trying to).

Hygge 🍵

New to the Merrion Centre, Hygge offers a warm and cosy coffee shop environment, great for getting your uni work done or meeting up with friends. Its interior offers an inviting and welcoming space with plenty of seating and even swinging chairs! Their menu has an extensive selection of drinks along with a variety of brunch, toastie and salad options. Offering a 10% student discount, Hygge is definitely the ideal study/hangout spot.

📍 42-44 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 8LX

Pizza Punks 🍕

At Pizza Punks, they do things differently – offering unlimited toppings for one flat fee! Located right in the city centre, this pizza restaurant has many student-friendly deals. Their 'Cheap Date Monday' deal includes 2 pizzas + 2 drinks for £32.50, while every Thursday they offer 1 side + 1 pizza + 1 drink for only £25!

📍 37 Bond Street, Leeds, LS1 5BQ

Things in Bread 🥪

Another great spot for food in Leeds is Things in Bread. Born from their parent company, Doh’hut, the team at Things in Bread created a sandwich shop that offers more than just the plain meal deal sandwiches you get at your local Tesco. While the price range is more towards the premium side, ranging from £5 - £7, the quality of their fresh, made-to-order sandwiches will certainly help during busy exam seasons.

📍 15 Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6AE

Akmal’s 🥘

Tucked away in Woodhouse Moor is Indian restaurant Akmal’s Tandoori Bistro. Their wide selection of Indian dishes and generous portion sizes are great for sharing with large groups. The restaurant is common for university society dinners, which are often held there due to its close location and amazing value.

📍 235 Woodhouse Lane, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 3AP

Mr Su’s Noodles 🍜

Another popular spot for cheap food on Woodhouse Lane for student is Mr Su’s. Known for their comforting ramen and malatang, Mr Su's homemade noodles and vibrant flavours are perfect for a rainy day or quick lunch between lectures. The restaurant offers regular deals; right now (until 29th April 2026) they're offering pho for only £8.99!

Curious about what else Woodhouse offers? Check out my student guide to Woodhouse here!

📍 Blenheim Terrace, 24 Woodhouse Road, Leeds LS2 9HD

Thai A Roy Dee 🍲

A family-run Thai restaurant since 2012, Thai A Roy Dee provides an extensive range of Thai cuisine. From pad thai to tom yum soup, their restaurant takes pride in showcasing authentic Thai food. Most of their main courses are less than £10 and they offer a Happy Hour menu everyday from 12-5pm, which includes starters + main course + rice or chips for only £10.95!

📍120-122 Vicar Lane, Leeds LS2 7NL

Kirkgate Market 🍽️

Probably one of the best places for cheap eats is Kirkgate Market! With a variety of different food stalls that are exclusive to Leeds, you’ll want to try them all! Popular spots include Maxi’s Rotisserie (serving Chinese roasts and handmade dim sum), Bánh & Mee (offering authentic Vietnamese street food), and Jacket Joy (which offers a selection of loaded jacket potatoes). With all these food vendors offering quality meals for less than £15, you’ll be spending more time trying to decide which to choose first!

📍Vicar Lane, City Centre, Leeds, LS2 7HY

Flames 🔥

A Leeds student classic, Flames is located along Woodhouse Lane opposite the University of Leeds' Parkinson Building. This cheap and cheerful takeaway is the ideal scran after a night out, serving your late-night cravings. Offering your staple takeaway favourites, including burgers to chicken and chips, their food hits the spot without breaking the bank.

📍 162a Woodhouse Lane, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9HB

Thinking about where you're going to be eating your leftovers?

UniHomes works with letting agents across the city to bring you a wide range of student accommodation in Leeds, from Hyde Park and Headingley to Burley and beyond. So if you still need to sort a Leeds student house for next year, dont worry; UniHomes can help you find the perfect home for you and your mates (and with bills included, too!). Check out UniHomes' range of student accommodation in Leeds today.

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The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.


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