While the food choices in Southampton may not be as extensive as London, however, the city does have its own share of quality restaurants with extensive range of cuisines on offer, be it the traditional English Breakfast or some exotic Caribbean curry. Here is a list of some of Southampton’s finest restaurants, in no particular order, along with special deals/discounts they offer to fit your student budget!
Picolo Mondo
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: 8-12£
Located in the city-centre, right opposite the Civic Centre, Picolo Mondo is one of the finest Italian restaurants in the city. Range of pizzas and pastas coupled with signature Italian coffee make for a perfect Italian meal. Additionally, the traditional Italian desserts on offer here such as Tiramisu and Cassata are a must-try! Full menu can be found here.
Promotions/Discounts Available: Any Pizza or Pasta for £6.50 on Weekdays from 12 – 3 PM.
The Real Greek
Cuisine: Greek
Price Range: 12-15£
Recently opened at The New West Quay, this Greek restaurant offers range of signature Greek dishes. Whether you’re a craving a quick bite in a Souvlaki wrap or a three-course Greek pita-dip platter, the lively ambience and quality food at this restaurant never disappoints. Full Menu can be found here.
Promotions/Discounts Available: A 3-course Athenian Dinner set available for £11.95.
UniKebab
Cuisine: Turkish
Price Range: 5-7£
Perhaps the best restaurant on Burgess Road, close to the Highfield Campus, UniKebab offers delicious Turkish food at affordable prices. Be it the usual, chicken/lamb shish kebab or a fusion dish in Arabian style Calzones or Pizzas, Unikebab serves an array of delicious filling dishes. Full menu available here.
Promotions/Discounts Available: Any two large pizzas with a two-litre soft drink available for £10.
The Tram Stop
Cuisine: English
Price Range: 8-10£
Another newly opened gem at Portswood, The Tram Stop is British pub/restaurant with abundance of signature British/European dishes with delightful twists. Favourites include Chicken/Prawn/Beef Burgers served with Sweet Potato chips and coleslaw.
Promotions/Discounts Available: Vary on a monthly basis, includes Buy 1 Get 1 Burger Free every Wednesdays.
Sakura
Cuisine: Japanese
Price Range: 8-12£
Fancy some Spicy Japanese Ramen or an assorted set of Sushi? Sakura has you covered. Situated at The Bedford Place, about 15 minutes from the main High field campus, this Japanese restaurant offers range of authentic Japanese dishes at affordable prices. To top it all off, you can end a perfect sushi platter with a scoop of Matcha or Sesame ice-cream, or both, if you like! Full menu can be found here.
Promotions/Discounts Available: 20% Student Discount on Weekdays if you pay by cash.
Cosmo’s
Cuisine: International Buffet
Price Range: 14-17£
Located at The New West Quay, Cosmo’s buffet comprises of the most extensive of cuisines at economical prices. Ranging from popular European dishes to exotic Mongolian food, Cosmo’s has dishes to satisfy everyone’s taste palette. The most popular sections include the Japanese “Teppanyaki” section, which is a live stir-fry station of the meat of your choice. Desserts include a chocolate fountain along with marsh-mellows to be coated upon apart from numerous ice-cream and cake choices. Cosmo’s makes up for a perfect celebration meal, be it a birthday or the end of term!
Promotions/Discounts Available: 20% Student Discount from Monday-Thursday.
Special Mentions
The Student Union Café: Perhaps my most frequented meal during term-time, the all-day Breakfast at the Student Union Café is the best meal for any university student. Available from 8 AM to 6 PM every weekday, the breakfast is reasonably priced at £3.20 for 7-items plus a complimentary drink.
Fusion: Fancy some Malaysian food in the UK? Fusion, located in the city-centre offers numerous Malaysian dishes ranging from the national-favourite Nasi-Lemak to a Curry Laksa.
JRC Global Buffet: Another economical buffet in the city, JRC has the best of desserts in town!
