Reading is a city in the UK, home to one of the top universities in the country; the University of Reading. This UK university is ranked #38 in the QS World University Rankings List 2025 for academic and research excellence. Living in Reading offers great academic and career opportunities. There’s a welcoming and encouraging environment inside the university campus and other areas as well. What’s more, Reading is one of the top 3 affordable cities in the UK. To provide you with an overview of how affordable Reading is, we will discuss 10 budget-friendly restaurants for Reading students.
Life in Reading, UK
Reading is a popular higher education destination in the UK. The city is home to one of the most prestigious research institutes in the world; the University of Reading. It is an affordable and safe place to live in. For international students, Reading has a lot to offer. It’s a multicultural city with over 23,000 students from all over the world. There are top hangout spots, historical places to visit, and affordable housing options.
10 Affordable Restaurants in Reading, UK
Reading is a great place to study and live. What makes reading a great place is the affordable lifestyle and budget-friendly restaurants. University students in Reading must explore these affordable restaurants to taste some of the most delicious cuisines in the world. Here are the 10 affordable restaurants in Reading for students.
Coconut Bar and Kitchen
Restaurant Type – Asian
Average Price - £12
Coconut Bar and Kitchen is a popular Asian restaurant in Reading. This restaurant is located just 1.9 miles from the University of Reading. From Thai green curry to Indonesian satay- pork, this restaurant serves a wide range of food options. The average price for a single meal at this restaurant is just £12.
Monty’s Cafe
Restaurant Type – Cafe (Mediterranean)
Average Price - £7 - £12
Monty’s Cafe is a 5-star rated and affordable restaurant in Reading. It’s a good hangout place for university students and young professionals. Its cuisines are cafe, international, Mediterranean, and healthy. It offers breakfast, lunch, brunch, and drinks.
Seven Red Crosses
Restaurant Type – American/ British
Average Price - £10 - £15
Seven Red Crosses is a value-for-money restaurant close to the Maiden Erlegh Local Nature Reserve in Reading, UK. Seven Red Crosses is known for its vegetarian and gluten-free meal options. This restaurant features comfortable and spacious seating, television, wheelchair access, alcohol, Free Wi-Fi, and table service.
Toby Carvery - Lower Earley
Restaurant Type – British
Average Price - £14 - £18
Toby Carvery – Lower Earley is a popular British restaurant, located next to the Suttons Bowls Club in the Lower Earley region of Reading. This is a good hangout option after a long day at the university or work. Its specialties are roast British turkey club, and the ultimate roast dinner sandwich.
Vel Kitchen
Restaurant Type – Indian
Average Price - £8 - £10
Vel Kitchen is a popular Indian restaurant in the Katesgrove area of Reading. This restaurant is within 13 minutes walking distance from the University of Reading. This restaurant is the ideal choice for students looking for a quick brunch, lunch, or evening snack between their lectures. It is famous for its affordable Indian Thali and Tandoori Dishes. Students are offered a 20% discount on the total billing.
Biryani Boyzz
Restaurant Type – South Asian
Average Price - £8 - £10
Close to the Reading Museum, a popular Biryani eatery is located; the Biryani Boyzz. Biryani is a popular South Asian, particularly Indian, food, made with rice, chicken/ mutton, and spices.
Shed
Restaurant Type – British
Average Price - £8 - £10
The Shed is a healthy and quick have-it restaurant in The Old Forge area of Reading. This restaurant is popular for its healthy and delicious options like sandwiches, soups, milkshakes, homemade cakes, and salads. The name is “Shed” but it's a spacious old forge. This beautiful restaurant is located next to Reading Cross Country Railway Station.
Sweeney & Todd
Restaurant Type – British
Average Price - £10 - £15
Sweetney & Todd is a vegetarian-friendly British restaurant on Castle Street, Reading. It features different meals, like brunch, Lunch, dinner & late-night dinner. Its menu includes steak, chicken, Yorkshire specialty, five-nation meals, and much more.
Fidget & Bob
Restaurant Type – British/ International
Average Price - £6 - £20
Fidget & Bob is another top-rated and value-for-money restaurant in Reading. It's a restaurant/ cafe known for its hygiene and customer-friendly service. This restaurant offers delicious breakfast and lunch options with have-it and takeaway options.
Conclusion
Reading has many good and affordable eateries for students and young professionals. We have only highlighted the 10 budget-friendly restaurants for students in Reading. This city is a perfect blend of academic opportunities with recreational options.
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