Best Places to Eat in Birmingham for Students

One of the best things about being a student in Birmingham is the sheer amount of food on offer, perfect for those days when you’re bored of cooking up budget meals. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch between lectures, looking for somewhere to take your friends when they come to visit, or simply fancy treating yourself for handing in that essay, you won’t be short of options. 

From Japanese ramen and Korean BBQ to burgers, Middle Eastern dishes, and classic pub food, Birmingham’s food scene is seriously diverse. Better still, you don’t always have to spend a fortune to eat well!

To make your life a little easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to eat in Birmingham for students, including affordable restaurants in the city centre and student-friendly spots.

Places to Eat in Birmingham on a Budget

Eating out regularly can quickly eat into your student budget. Lucky for you, Birmingham has plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy a filling meal without completely emptying your bank account. 

Yakinori

If you’re a fan of Japanese food, Yakinori is a great option. Its menu includes ramen, sushi, poke bowls, noodles, and other Japanese-inspired dishes, so there’s plenty to choose from whether you want something light or a seriously filling meal.

The Selly Oak branch is particularly convenient if you’re studying at the University of Birmingham. With it being just a 15-minute walk away, it’s an easy option if you’re searching for lunch places in Birmingham to enjoy after lectures. 

Damascena

For something a little different, head to Damascena, one of the best halal restaurants in Birmingham serving Middle Eastern food and drinks. With dishes inspired by the flavours of the Levant, it’s a great place to try something new without needing a huge budget. 

Here, you can expect things like falafels, hummus, grilled meats, wraps, and (most importantly) their delicious range of sweet treats, Middle Eastern tea and coffee. 

The Hunters Moon

Fancy a classic pub meal? The Hunters Moon is a relaxed choice if you want something hearty without the formality of a fancy restaurant.

It’s the sort of place that works well for a casual meal with your housemates, whether you’re after a burger, pub classics, or just a bite to line your stomach before a much-needed night out on the town. As it’s part of the Hungry Horse chain, you’ll be able to find regular food and drinks offers for an even better value meal, making it one of the best cheap eats in Birmingham!

Tiger Bites Pig

Tiger Bites Pig is a good shout when you want big flavours and something a little different. The restaurant specialises in Asian-inspired street food, with plenty of bold flavours and comforting dishes. 

It’s one of those places to eat in Birmingham city centre that’s perfect for grabbing food with your friends when everyone wants something tasty and filling. If you’re bored of the same takeaway rotation, this is defo one to put on your bucket list! 

Dilshad

Cheap food in Birmingham doesn’t always mean it lacks in the flavour department. For a proper curry, Dilshad is well worth considering. The restaurant serves Indian and Bangladeshi dishes, giving you plenty of choice if you’re eating with a group and everyone has slightly different tastes and preferences. 

Curries are also ideal for sharing, meaning you can order several dishes for the table and try a bit of everything! It’s a great way to make a meal out feel more sociable while keeping individual costs manageable. 

Original Patty Men

Burger fans should have Original Patty Men firmly cemented on their list. Based in Digbeth, OPM is known for indulgent burgers packed with flavour, making it a popular choice for a treat with friends. There are also locations in Stirchley, so you don’t necessarily need to head into the city centre to get your burger fix. 

It might not be your everyday student dinner, but when you’ve survived a week of lectures, deadlines, and questionable supermarket meals, sometimes a proper burger is exactly what you need.

Shababs 

If you’re after a curry in Birmingham, Shababs is another popular option. Located in the Balti Triangle, it’s particularly well known for its Pakistani and Kashmiri-inspired dishes, as well as being one of the top cheap places to eat in Birmingham. 

The Balti Triangle itself is also worth exploring if you fancy turning dinner into a mini food adventure!

Habanero’s

Habanero’s is a handy option when you want Mexican-inspired food that’s quick, casual, and filling. From burritos and tacos to other spicy favourites, there’s plenty to choose from.

It’s particularly suited to student life: one of those cheap restaurants in Birmingham that’s casual enough for a quick meal, but still somewhere you can sit down and eat with friends. 

Bonehead

For fried chicken fans, Bonehead has got to be one of the best restaurants in Birmingham. Located in the city centre, it specialises in fried chicken burgers, wings, and an array of well-seasoned sides.

The casual atmosphere here makes it a top student hot spot, and its central location means it’s easy to reach after a day in the city. 

Hanbao

Another one for the burger lovers out there, Hanbao offers a creative take on the classics, packing them with personality. It’s a great choice when you’re tired of the standard fast food and are craving something a bit more exciting. 

Lahore Village

If you’re searching for the best halal food in Birmingham, Lahore Village is where it’s at. Serving Pakistani and South Asian dishes, it’s a good option when you’re looking for hearty food with plenty of flavour. 

The menu is particularly suited to sharing, so gather your nearest and dearest, and order a selection of dishes for everyone to try!

Grand Central Kitchen

Need breakfast, brunch, or a quick lunch in Birmingham? Grand Central Kitchen is a useful city-centre option, particularly when you’re looking for something straightforward and filling. 

From breakfast faves and sandwiches you’ll crave to other café-style dishes, there’s something for different appetites. Its central location also makes it perfect when you’re already shopping, sightseeing, or just meeting some friends in the city. 

Blue Nile Restaurant 

Got some extra money from your student side hustle to splash? For something completely different, try Blue Nile for Ethiopian and Eritrean-inspired food. It’s a brilliant option if you want to explore Birmingham’s international food scene and try dishes you might not normally have at home. 

Tamu Cafe

One of the best places for lunch in Birmingham, Tamu Cafe is a relaxed option if you’re looking to grab a casual bite or secure your caffeine fix for the day. It’s particularly suited to a slower brunch or catch-up with friends from back home when they come to visit. 

Cafés can also be a useful alternative to restaurants when you’re trying to keep costs down! Grab something small, enjoy a drink, and make the most of your time catching up between lectures.

Goose Selly Oak

The relaxed atmosphere at Goose makes it popular with students. Offering plenty of familiar pub-style favourites, it’s the perfect place if you want something that feels homemade. It’s always worth keeping up-to-date with their food deals as student discounts available in Birmingham can make your budget stretch much further. 

Fat Hippo Birmingham

Craving a seriously indulgent burger? Fat Hippo, one of the best restaurants in Birmingham city centre, is located on Bennetts Hill and serves signature beef burgers alongside boneless buttermilk chicken patties. 

There’s good news for students, too! Fat Hippo offers 20% off for students Monday–Thursday through Student Beans. It also has a lunch deal AND a loyalty scheme, so there are several ways to make your burger fix a little kinder to your bank balance. 

Gorilla Coffee Cafe 

For brunch and coffee lovers looking for cheap places to eat in Birmingham city centre, Gorilla Coffee Cafe is worth the visit. It describes itself as Birmingham’s first premium bicycle café and serves everything from coffee and light bites to sweet treats and brunch classics. 

It’s a great choice for a relaxed weekend breakfast or somewhere to meet friends when you want more than a quick coffee. And we know it’s delicious; just be careful not to spend your entire student loan on cake.

Kimchi Korean Restaurant

Located in Selly Oak, Kimchi Korean Restaurant is a great option if you’re trying to explore a new cuisine to your ordinary rotation. Its menu includes Korean classics such as bibimbap, bulgogi, BBQ dishes, and so much more. 

Savanna Restaurant

For a taste of African cuisine, Savanna is one of the few good places to eat in Birmingham where you’ll find just that! It’s a great way to discover new flavours and dishes while enjoying a meal with friends.

Birmingham is known for its diverse food scene, so don’t be afraid to venture beyond the cuisines you already know and love. Trying somewhere new can turn an ordinary student dinner into one of the highlights of your week.

Tips for Finding Cheap Eats in Birmingham

Birmingham has plenty of budget-friendly food options, but knowing where and when to look can make your money go further.

Look Beyond the Bullring

The city centre is convenient, but some of the best-value food can be found outside the main shopping areas. 

Explore neighbourhoods such as Selly Oaks, Stirchley, Digbeth, and the Balti Triangle, where you’ll find student-friendly independent cafés, restaurants, and takeaways.

Look For Restaurant Deals in Birmingham

Before you head out, check the restaurant’s website and social media pages for current offers. Deals can change regularly, particularly around weekdays, student nights, and quieter periods.

You can also check out apps that specialise in restaurant discounts. For example, Independent Birmingham is regularly recommended by Birmingham locals as a way to discover independent restaurants and access discounts. 

Check Your Student Discounts

Assuming a restaurant doesn’t offer a student discount is basically like declining free money. Sign up for apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans, and you’ll open doors to discounts you never even knew were available. 

Dine Out For Lunch

Eating out at midday can often be cheaper than in the evening, particularly with the number of set menus and lunch deals in Birmingham there are.

If you’re planning to meet friends for food, consider going earlier in the day rather than waiting until the evening. You might end up getting the same great food for less! 

The same logic applies to which day you decide to eat out, too. For example, while it might be tempting to reward yourself with a meal out at the weekend,  most places that offer deals are only available Monday–Thursday!

Share Larger Meals

Some restaurants serve generous portions or dishes designed for sharing. Ordering a few things for the table can sometimes work out cheaper than everyone ordering a separate meal.

Sharing is also a great excuse to try something you’ve never eaten before. Just make sure your friends are willing to share the chips!

Use Loyalty Apps

If you regularly visit the same café or restaurant, check whether it has a loyalty scheme; it’s one of the easiest ways to save on spending as a student! A free drink or discounted meal might not sound like much, but those savings add up over a whole term. 

FAQs About the Best Places to Eat in Birmingham for Students

Still wondering where to eat in the city as a student? Here are some quick answers to the questions students often have when looking for affordable restaurants in Birmingham.

Are There Student-Friendly Places to Eat in Birmingham City Centre?

Yes! There are tons of student-friendly restaurants, cafés, and takeaways. Fat Hippo, Bonehead, Original Patty Men, and Grand Central Kitchen are just a few options to consider. It’s also worth checking student discount apps before you visit, as some restaurants offer reduced prices for students. 

Where is Best to Go for an Affordable Brunch in Birmingham?

Gorilla Coffee Cafe and Grand Central Kitchen are great options if you’re looking for brunch and coffee in a relaxed setting.

What Are Some Budget-Friendly Vegetarian Restaurants in Birmingham?

Birmingham has lots of vegetarian-friendly options, particularly around areas such as the city centre, Selly Oak and Digbeth. Many restaurants on this list also offer vegetarian dishes, including Yakinori, Damascena, Kimchi Korean Restaurant and Blue Nile Restaurant. If you’re eating with friends, check the menu online before visiting so you can make sure there are several options available.

Is Yakinori Halal?

Yes, Yakinori in Birmingham offers halal-friendly meat options, including halal chicken and beef dishes. Popular choices include spicy chicken ramen, chilli beef ramen, and a range of katsu and teriyaki chicken dishes. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available, making it a good choice for groups with different dietary requirements.

It All Starts Right Here!

Before you rank your best food places in Birmingham, it’s a good idea to start thinking about where you’re going to call home during your studies in this exciting city. And it all starts with Here! Student Living, which puts you right on the doorstep of all the fun things to do here.

Conveniently located near the best food places Birmingham has to offer and complete with both social and study spaces, our student accommodation blends everything you need to enjoy student life into one building. Explore Here! Student Living’s The Toybox today and book your home away from home ahead of the next academic year.