Looking for places where the food is as satisfying as the portions, and the vibes don't scream 'budget dining'? I've eaten my way through London's student-friendly spots to find those rare treasures where quality meets affordability. Warning: reading further might cause spontaneous hunger and the irresistible urge to grab your mates for dinner.
Ngon Ngon has become my reliable Vietnamese comfort food sanctuary in Clerkenwell. Each time I duck through the neon-lit entrance on Old Street, I'm greeted by the aromatic waft of pho broth that's been simmering since dawn. The interior is unpretentious — wooden communal tables, exposed brick walls, and vintage Vietnamese posters that have probably seen better days, but it all adds to the authentic street food vibe. Their pho bo (£12.50) is a standout — a steaming bowl of rich broth with tender slices of rare beef and rice noodles that could cure anything from a hangover to a broken heart. Bun cha ha noi (£11.95) — chargrilled pork belly and meatballs served with vermicelli, fresh herbs, and a punchy dipping sauce – is equally irresistible, and would make any Vietnamese grandmother proud. Wash it down with their Laos coffee (£3.50), and you've got yourself a proper feast for under £20. Average bill: £15-18 per person.
Lost Souls Pizza in Camden is what happens when goths decide to open a pizzeria, and honestly, it's brilliant. Tucked away in an old Victorian pub, this black-walled haven serves up some of the most creative pizzas I've encountered, all on their signature charcoal base that looks like it was made from crushed dreams (in a good way). The Pentagram pizzas (£13) are my personal favourites — devilish variations of chicken, ham, 'nduja fillings and spices that'll wake up your taste buds and possibly summon a minor demon. The atmosphere is delightfully tongue-in-cheek, with horror movie posters, skulls as decoration, and staff who look like they moonlight in metal bands. Their Death by Pizza happy hour (Tuesday-Friday, 5-7pm) offers any pizza and two drinks for £15, making it a student budget's best friend. The house-made blood orange soda (£3.50) is wickedly refreshing. Average bill: £16-20 per person.
Bill's Soho has mastered the art of being simultaneously cosy and theatrical — quite fitting for its location, really. Housed in an old Georgian townhouse, it's all brass fixtures, vintage furniture, and warm lighting that makes everyone look like they're starring in their own indie film. The menu plays with British comfort food, remixing the classics into something unforgettable. Their halloumi & avocado burger (£13.95) is a vegetarian triumph that even made this carnivore reconsider their life choices — perfectly grilled halloumi, smashed avocado, and a chipotle mayo that ties everything together beautifully. The Bill's Pink lemonade (£3.95) is refreshingly tart and makes for excellent Instagram fodder against their botanical wallpaper. The student discount (20% off food with valid ID) means you can treat yourself to their legendary Bill's mezze plate (£13.50) — a colourful medley of ancient grains, roasted vegetables, pickles, and hummus that proves healthy eating needn't be boring or expensive. Average bill: £20-25 per person.
I simply can't resist Giraffe at Southbank — partly because of its location perfect for people-watching along the Thames, but mostly because it feels like taking a round-the-world trip without leaving your seat. The restaurant's sunny disposition is infectious, with its orange and yellow colour scheme, bamboo ceiling fans, and world music playlist that somehow works. Their Mexican tostada plate (£11) is a proper choice for breakfast, featuring marinated pork, refried beans, mature Cheddar, flatbread, and a tangy chipotle salsa. The Giraffe Super Smoothies (£4.95) are meals in themselves — I'm particularly fond of their Kale Kick blend with a lot of greens, spinach, and mango. During term time, they offer a fantastic student deal: 30% off food Sunday to Thursday, which makes their already reasonable prices even more appealing. Average bill: £18-22 per person.
Chicken Hub in Whitechapel might look like your standard chicken shop from the outside, but don't let that fool you. This place has elevated the humble chicken shop to an art form, and their loyal following of students and locals proves it. The interior is simple but spotless — think modern fast-casual with actual proper seating and funky chicken-themed wall art. Their Volcano wings (£5.99 for 10) live up to their name — gloriously crispy and coated in a sauce that'll have you reaching for their homemade mint yoghurt drink (£2.50). But it's Hub Special burger (£7.95) that's the real showstopper — a perfectly fried chicken breast topped with halloumi, turkey bacon, and their secret Hub sauce, all served in a toasted brioche bun. They've even got a student meal deal that includes any burger, regular fries, and a drink for £9.95. By the way, they're open until 2am, making them a salvation for late-night study sessions. Average bill: £10-15 per person.
Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes in Shoreditch is exactly as eccentric as its name suggests. Once a bag shop and shoe store, it's now a fascinating hybrid of art gallery, bar, and pizza joint that somehow works brilliantly. The decor changes regularly with rotating art installations, but the constant is their absolutely smashing sourdough pizzas made in a wood-fired oven. Their NDN pizza (£12) with ‘nduja, honey, and wild rocket is a spicy-sweet revelation that pairs perfectly with the selection of craft beers. The walls are typically adorned with works from local artists, making it feel like you're dining in an interactive art exhibition. During their Golden Hour (Monday to Thursday, 4-7pm), all pizzas are £8, and selected drinks are £4. The basement hosts regular DJ nights, making it a proper one-stop shop for dinner and entertainment. Average bill: £15-20 per person.
Salsa! Soho brings a slice of Latin America to central London, and I'm not just talking about the food. This place is a riot of colour, music, and flavour, with salsa classes upstairs and proper Latin American cooking downstairs. The decor is unashamedly over-the-top — vibrant murals, fairy lights, and enough Latin American memorabilia to fill a small museum. Their fajitas mix (£14.95) is pure theatre — arriving on a sizzling platter with enough smoke to warrant its own special effects credit. The house-made guacamole (£4.95) is smashed to order and seasoned perfectly. The Happy Hour (5-8pm daily) offers 2-for-1 on selected cocktails, making their mojitos (£8.95) even more appealing. Students get 25% off food Sunday to Thursday, and if you stick around after 10pm, the whole place transforms into a dance club. Average bill: £20-25 per person.
YO! Sushi at Westfield Stratford might be part of a chain, but this branch has mastered the art of serving fresh, quality Japanese food without the usual London markup. The conveyor belt setup is still oddly satisfying to watch, and the iPad ordering system means you can avoid awkward pointing at the menu. Their chicken katsu curry (£9.50) is proper comfort food — crispy chicken, rich curry sauce, and perfectly sticky rice. During the week, their YO! Student Club offers 25% off, making their already reasonable plates even more attractive. The Super Premium Thursday deal (all premium plates for £4.50) is particularly good value. Miso soup (£2.75) is unlimited with any main dish order, which is a godsend during London's endless winter. The blue plates (£3.50) are perfect for trying new things without committing to a full-sized portion. Average bill: £15-20 per person.
