Best Student Restaurants in Leeds

The blog's goal is to provide information to students about studying in Leeds while remaining positive and easy to understand.

2 June 2025   •    8 min read

Best Student Restaurants in Leeds

Leeds is a foodie haven, offering students an incredible range of restaurants and eateries. Whether you’re craving quick, affordable bites, quirky dining experiences, or a taste of international cuisine, this vibrant city has something for everyone.

Budget-conscious? Don’t worry! Leeds is packed with student discounts and deals, making it easy to enjoy delicious meals without overspending. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best restaurants in Leeds for students, including:

  • Almost Famous
  • Kirkgate Market
  • Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen
  • Axum
  • Bundobust

No matter your taste or budget, these student-friendly spots in the UK are sure to hit the spot. You’ll find a mix of places to satisfy your cravings, and places where you can find the best brain food for studying.

Almost Famous

If you’re a burger lover, you won’t want to miss Almost Famous. Known for its bold and indulgent creations, this vibrant eatery is a top choice for students looking to treat themselves or celebrate with friends.

Why It’s Great:

Located just a five-minute walk from Leeds Beckett University, Almost Famous is all about big flavours and creative combinations. The menu is full of towering burgers, loaded fries, and indulgent sides that are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Perfect For:

  • Students who love over-the-top burgers, but are still working on cooking like a pro.
  • A fun lunch or dinner outing with flatmates.
  • Celebrating special occasions with their unique bottomless brunch.

What Else You Should Know:

  • Popular menu items include the “Phoenix” burger with buttermilk fried chicken and the “Triple Nom” with double cheeseburgers and pulled pork.
  • They offer a weekday lunchtime meal deal starting at £12.50, plus a 20% student discount.
  • Open everyday of the week from lunchtime until 10pm (some nights 9.30pm), it’s the perfect spot for chilling with friends and enjoying a delicious bite to eat.
  • You can even get Almost Famous delivered for cosy nights in.

Kirkgate Market

For a unique dining experience, head to Kirkgate Market. This historic indoor market is one of the largest in the UK and offers an incredible range of food stalls serving up flavours from around the world.

Why It’s Great:

Kirkgate Market is more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a cultural hotspot. From fresh Yorkshire pudding wraps to sweet crepes, there’s something to suit every craving.

Perfect For:

  • Students looking for affordable, freshly made meals.
  • Foodies who love trying different cuisines.
  • History lovers who appreciate its stunning Grade II-listed architecture.

What Else You Should Know:

  • It’s the ideal spot to grab a bite before exploring the market’s clothing, flowers, and homeware stalls.
  • Seasonal and pop-up stalls mean there’s always something new to try.
  • The market’s atmosphere is perfect for an Instagram-worthy lunch break.
  • You can grab some brain food for studying from many of the market vendors selling fresh produce.

Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen

Looking for a place where great food meets live music and art? Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen is a favourite among students for its vibrant atmosphere, rooftop terrace, and eclectic mix of food and drink.

Why It’s Great:

This iconic venue combines culture, entertainment, and dining all under one roof. With a lineup of pizzas, burgers, and rotating food stalls, there’s always something delicious to try.

Perfect For:

  • Music lovers who enjoy live gigs.
  • Groups of friends looking for a chill hangout spot.
  • Students taking advantage of food and drink deals.

What Else You Should Know:

  • Food offerings frequently include amazing pizzas and burgers, but the lineup changes on a regular basis.
  • You’ll find deals like “buy one burger, get another for £1” on Sundays, which make it super affordable.
  • They’re open until late everyday so you can hang out with friends after lectures, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the different food stalls. 
  • Located just an 8-minute walk or 3-minute cycle from our Nido Leeds - The Fabric Works, it’s incredibly convenient.

Axum

Craving something a little different? Axum, located on Regent Street, brings the flavours of Ethiopia and Eritrea to Leeds. This cosy eatery offers hearty, authentic dishes that are perfect for students looking for a change from the usual options.

Why It’s Great:

Axum’s menu is filled with rich flavours and traditional recipes, from injera to spicy lentils and beautifully seasoned meats. It’s a hidden gem that’s loved for its welcoming atmosphere and great value for money.

Perfect For:

  • Students seeking a taste of international cuisine.
  • Groups with different dietary needs, thanks to its wide range of vegetarian dishes.
  • Anyone looking for delicious food on a budget.

What Else You Should Know:

  • Signature dishes include injera, a sourdough flatbread served with flavourful stews like doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and misir wat (spiced lentils).
  • Vegetarian options like shiro wat (a chickpea stew) are great for plant-based dinners.
  • It’s just a 2-minute walk from The Fabric Works, our Nido in Leeds, making it a convenient choice for students.
  • Axum is praised for its excellent value and service, with glowing reviews on TripAdvisor.

Bundobust

Bundobust is where Indian street food meets student-friendly dining. Known for its fresh, vibrant dishes, this Leeds hotspot is perfect for quick bites, group meals, or a weekend takeaway treat.

Why It’s Great:

Located in the heart of Leeds, Bundobust serves up authentic Indian flavours with a modern twist. The menu is packed with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, which means there’s something for everyone.

Perfect For:

  • Lovers of Indian cuisine and street food.
  • Groups of friends sharing combo dishes.
  • Students with dietary restrictions, thanks to its extensive vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

What Else You Should Know:

  • Must-try dishes include bhajis, paneer tikka, and okra fries.
  • Open daily from 12pm, Bundobust is also available for home delivery.
  • Combo plates are great for sharing, keeping costs down while ensuring everyone gets a taste of something delicious, and maybe even leaving you with leftovers for the following day!

Enjoy Modern Student Accommodation in Leeds with Nido Living

Leeds is bursting with incredible places to eat, ensuring students never run out of exciting and affordable options. From indulgent burgers at Almost Famous to the international flavours of Axum, there’s a spot for every mood, taste, and budget. The city’s diverse food scene perfectly complements student life, making it easy to enjoy great meals whilst watching your pennies.

At Nido in Leeds, you’ll find modern, comfortable spaces designed with students in mind, plus a supportive community where you can make lifelong friends. With year-round events like cooking classes and film nights, Nido ensures you feel connected and settled from day one.

Located close to the city’s universities and top food spots, Nido is the ideal base for your student adventure.

Ready to start your journey? Contact us to learn more about Nido Living in Leeds.

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