Food and drink
Nottingham's independent food and drink scene is bursting with personality and bubbling with world flavours. Its vibrant restaurants and cafes will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Bangkok, the rustic pizzerias of Naples and the burger joints of New York City.
We couldn’t possibly give you a taste of all the great places to eat in Nottingham so here’s our pick of the student hotspots to suit all occasions.
Join our students for a course-by-course tour of some of the city's best cafes, restaurants and bars.
On a budget
If you're after some nice places to eat on a budget then look no further than Ugly Bread Bakery. As soon as you walk in, you’ll be hit with the aroma of freshly baked bread and Italian coffee. Tuck into trademark ciabatta toasties and deli favourites, with amazing student deals. It’s fresh, affordable and just minutes away from our City Campus.
Fancy an all-day breakfast? Warsaw Diner serves filling and tasty food – pancakes with syrup & bacon, waffles, scrambled eggs and beans – all in a vintage diner interior. Everything is perfectly cooked and reasonably priced.
Notts is also home to chain restaurants to suit all tastes, with most offering student discounts. YO! Sushi offers 33% discount for students on Sunday – Friday, Pho Nottingham offers 15% discount and you'll get 20% off at Bill's.
There are so many food and drink options around the city, many of which offer student discounts, so be sure to keep an eye out for those cheap eats!
For your foodie flatmates
Positive vibes, vibrant food and live music – Bustler Market is an indoor street food venue that truly embodies Nottingham’s independent flavour. From chicken katsu curry burgers, to Mexican tacos and loaded fries – a fusion of world flavours with a contemporary twist keeps them fresh and exciting.
Pizzamisú serve the only certified authentic Neapolitan pizza in Nottingham: expect exceptional pizza, fresh toppings and a buzzing atmosphere.
Vegan and vegetarian
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or just want to explore new tastes and amazing dishes, Nottingham has a large selection of vegan restaurants and vegetarian options. Our Vegetarian and Vegan Society recommendations include Prickly Pear, Mocky-D and Viva Street Food.
On campus
Remember to take a break from your studies and grab some food and a drink at one of our many on-campus places to eat. We’ve got something for every taste and dietary requirement across our campuses – these include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal.
You can also earn points when you pay with your NTU Smartcard balance or bank card too.
Mum and dad friendly
Looking for somewhere to treat (or be treated by) your parents when they visit? Step inside Zaap and be teleported to the streets of Bangkok – full of bright neon lights, tuk-tuks, and sizzling plates of authentic Thai food.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with a roast. Head to The Malt Cross for a classic Sunday roast made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
There are also plenty of coffee shops, each with their own unique feel, for a catchup on uni life over a brew.
Extravagant eats
Looking for the ultimate dining experience? Nottingham is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants and is the only city outside London to have two establishments in Harden’s national top 20 eateries.
Restaurant Sat Bains has held two Michelin stars since 2011 and is one of the UK’s most lauded foodie destinations, with its adventurous 10-course tasting menus.
Journey into the red-brick vaulted arches of a Victorian carriage house once owned by wealthy lace merchants at Alchemilla. This Michelin-starred restaurant delivers unique, imaginative, plant-based, fine dining – all with ethically and sustainable sourced ingredients.
Iberico World Tapas and its sister site Bar Iberico also come with a Michelin recommendation, and our own seal of approval for classic and vegan Spanish tapas, flatbreads, breakfast eats and cocktails.
Something sweet
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just want a catch up with friends over dessert, you’ll be spoilt for choice. From shakes to cakes, sundaes to waffles and crepes, there surely is something for everyone to enjoy at Nottingham’s famous dessert places. Our picks include The Pudding Pantry, Tough Mary's Bakehouse, and Doughnotts.
You can't walk far in Nottingham without coming across yet another cafe, many of which have windows full of tempting cakes and puddings. Nottingham cafes are a great change of scene for study sessions, and a sweet treat makes it just that bit easier to concentrate!
Festivals for foodies
There's always something going on in Notts, and if you're a foodie looking for the most Instagrammable plates, the local festival scene is the place to be.
Nottingham is renowned for its independent food and drink places, playing home to several coffee roasters, breweries, small cafes and restaurants. Many of these businesses take part in the annual Nottingham Coffee Festival and the Craft Beer Festival, which are great opportunities to discover your brand new faves. There are several street food markets that pop up all around the city too.
Don't just take our word for it – explore Nottingham and our stunning campuses at an open day. One short walk around Nottingham and you'll fall in love.