🍽️ 10 Best Student Places to Eat in Nottingham as a Student (On a Budget)

Let’s be honest: student life is 50% studying, 50% wondering what to eat next. If you’re new to Nottingham — or just stuck in a Deliveroo loop — here’s your go-to guide for places students actually love (and can actually afford). From hangover breakfasts to group dinners, here are our top 10 picks for student-friendly food around the city:

1. Annie’s Burger Shack

If you’ve not heard of Annie’s yet, you’ve probably just moved here. This place is legendary for a reason — it’s a quirky, Americana-style joint serving every kind of burger you can think of. Whether you’re veggie, vegan or a full-on meat lover, they’ve got you covered — and you can have any burger made in any style. The vibe is fun, the portions are hefty, and the menus are chaotic (in a good way).

💡 Try this: The Sunday Dinner Burger — yes, it has gravy and roasties inside the bun.

2. Tamatanga

Tamatanga is Nottingham’s answer to fast-casual Indian that still feels like a proper night out. Think colourful interiors, banging playlists, and food that arrives quick but never feels rushed. It’s great for sharing with mates, or grabbing a power-lunch between lectures.

💡 Try this: Chicken Tikka Wrap with a side of Gunpowder Chips — spicy, filling, and completely addictive.

3. Pizzamisu

This small but mighty pizzeria is tucked away just up Derby Road. It’s the kind of place you stumble upon, then make your regular. Wood-fired pizzas, freshly made tiramisu (hence the name), and a no-frills setting that feels like home. It’s also BYOB, so perfect for low-cost socials.

💡 Try this: The Salsiccia Piccante Pizza — spicy sausage, soft dough, and just the right amount of fire.

4. The Kitchen on Pelham Street

For those days when you need a decent lunch that isn’t beige or deep-fried, The Kitchen is your spot. It’s relaxed, friendly, and full of laptop-wielding students sipping flat whites and pretending to work. The food’s fresh and filling — ideal between seminars or for a chill solo bite.

💡 Try this: Halloumi & Roasted Veg Panini with sweet chilli mayo.

5. Bunk

Late-night chicken wings and cocktails? Yes please. Bunk is a rite of passage for Nottingham students. It’s loud, neon-lit, and always buzzing — whether you’re in for a full meal or just £5 cocktails before Rock City.

💡 Try this: Garlic Parmesan Wings — order a dozen, thank us later.

6. Oscar & Rosie’s

A slightly more “grown-up” pizza joint, but still totally student-accessible. It’s a great place to impress parents or take someone on a first date without blowing your overdraft. Their pizza toppings are next level, and they’re super veggie/vegan friendly too.

💡 Try this: The Big D — slow-cooked beef brisket, red onion, and house BBQ sauce. Unreal.

7. Goose at Gamston

Proper pub food at proper pub prices. Goose is perfect for a group meal, pre-drinks dinner, or a hangover-slaying Sunday roast. There are 2-for-1 deals most nights, and the portions are generous.

💡 Try this: Mixed Grill — because why choose one meat when you can have them all?

8. Kushi-ya

Small but mighty, Kushi-ya is an izakaya-style Japanese grill serving up skewers, sides and small plates. It’s tucked away in an alley off Pelham Street and feels like Nottingham’s best-kept secret. Ideal for when you want to level-up from Wagamama vibes.

💡 Try this: Chicken thigh yakitori with shichimi and tare glaze — sweet, sticky, and smoky.

9. Mowgli Street Food

This place is an Instagram dream — fairy lights, swing chairs, and plant-covered walls. But it’s not just pretty: Mowgli serves up real Indian street food that’s full of flavour and perfect for sharing. It’s a little more expensive, but worth it for a special occasion or payday treat.

💡 Try this: The Mowgli Chip Butty — trust us, it’s not what you expect, but it’s amazing.

10. Crocus Café

Run by volunteers, this hidden gem is a vegetarian café with a focus on sustainability and community. It’s the kind of place where your lunch might cost £4 and include five different colours. It’s calm, wholesome, and the complete opposite of a chicken shop.

💡 Try this: Homemade Lentil Dhal with flatbread — warming, filling, and £-friendly.

Final Bite of Advice 🍴

Get yourself a TOTUM card or download UNiDAYS — nearly every spot on this list has a student deal hiding somewhere. And if not, just ask — you’d be surprised what a smile (or a flat cap) can get you in this city.