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Bournemouth restaurant guide: best spots & cheap eats for students
Bournemouth might be best known for its beaches, but there's plenty to love beyond the coastline. Whether you're hunting down a budget-friendly lunch between lectures, planning a brunch catch-up with friends or looking for somewhere decent (that won't drain your student loan), the town is full of deliciously cheap places to eat.
From independent restaurants in Charminster to beachfront cafés and burger joints in the Town Centre, Bournemouth's budget-friendly food scene offers something for every taste and it’s one of the best things about being a student here.
So, want to know the best places to eat in Bournemouth? We’ve rounded up all our favourites and grouped them by restaurants, street food, fast food and cafes so you can find exactly what you’re looking for! Sound good? Let’s dive in...
TL;DR: Bournemouth is packed with student-friendly places to eat! Head to the Branksome for smash burger deals and The Real Greek for value lunches, Helch Market, Street Food Corner and K-Bunsik for international street food or cafés like South Coast Coffee and Arch Coffee House are great for coffee catch-ups. Add in plenty of fast-food options and student discounts, and eating well is easy.
Best-value restaurants 🍽️
Eating out as a student doesn't have to mean blowing your entire weekly budget. These Bournemouth restaurants offer great food, generous portions and deals that make dining out a lot more affordable…
The Branksome
Part pub, part restaurant, part sports hangout — the Branksome is a great shout when you're looking for value, without sacrificing atmosphere.
Its weekly offers are particularly student-friendly, including a smash burger, fries and pint deal for £12.95 on Mondays, plus discounted pints during weekday happy hours. There's also a £10 lunch workspace deal with unlimited drinks, making it a handy spot for remote study sessions between lectures.
The menu focuses on student-friendly crowd-pleasers, from smash burgers and fried chicken to loaded waffle fries, while regular sports screenings help create a lively social atmosphere.
The Real Greek
If you're eating out with friends, The Real Greek is one of the best value options in Bournemouth.
The restaurant offers a weekday lunch menu from £13.50, including a souvlaki grill plate or wrap with a side. Students can also take advantage of a 25% discount on the main menu from Sunday to Thursday, making it even easier to keep costs down.
With plenty of sharing dishes, grilled meats and traditional Greek favourites on the menu, it's the kind of place that works equally well for a quick lunch or a longer evening meal with friends.
Urban Garden
Tucked away in Bournemouth’s town centre overlooking (you guessed it) the gardens, Urban Garden feels a little more special, without carrying the price tag you'd expect.
Its "Love Lunch" offer allows diners to enjoy two courses for £25, making it a great option for catch-ups with friends, family visits or celebrations that call for something more than a quick takeaway.
The menu covers everything from brunch and coffee to cocktails and dinner, while the outdoor terraces make it one of Bournemouth's most scenic places to eat.
Food halls & street food 🔥
Looking for something quick, affordable and a little different from the usual restaurant experience? Bournemouth has plenty of mouthwatering street food spots serving flavours from all around the world…
Helch Market
Opened in 2022, Helch Market has quickly become one of Bournemouth's most unique foodie destinations. Upstairs, you'll find four independent kitchens serving a rotating mix of cuisines, including delicious Mexican and Brazilian-inspired dishes.
Downstairs, there's a hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar, with live jazz nights adding to the atmosphere throughout the week.
Street Food Corner
Just a short walk from Bournemouth Beach, Street Food Corner is one of the easiest places to grab a quick bite after a day of exploring Bournemouth’s top attractions.
Located in the Lower Gardens, it has a rotating line-up of traders, so what’s on offer is always changing. One day you might find Thai street food, the next freshly cooked paella. Either way, it's a great place to discover something new, without committing to a full sit-down meal.
K-Bunsik
For students who love Korean food, K-Bunsik is a must-visit. This popular Bournemouth spot specialises in Korean street food favourites, including loaded corn dogs, crispy fried chicken and freshly made gimbap.
The portions are generous, the prices are student-friendly, and everything is made fresh to order. It’s based in Boscombe – one of Bournemouth’s best student areas – so a great option if you fancy a change from the town centre.
Fast-food spots 🍟
Sometimes, only a greasy, super-fast double cheeseburger will hit the spot. And luckily, Bournemouth has plenty to offer on the fast-food front. From Tortilla to Nandos, Bournemouth town centre is a great place to find some super speedy meals.
Of course, you’ll find all the basics (we’re talking KFC, McDonald’s, Burger King) alongside some bonus eats like Slim Chickens, Five Guys and Taco Bell. Plus, being near the coast, there are plenty of fish and chip shops knocking about.
And, if a takeaway is more your vibe, you’re sure to find something to your taste with dozens on offer across town, from pizza and Middle Eastern food to Chinese, Thai and Indian. We’ll take a chicken bhuna, lamb bhuna, prawn bhuna, mushroom rice, bag of chips, keema naan and nine poppadoms...
Cafes, breakfast & brunch ☕
Whether you're powering through a study session, catching up with friends or simply in need of a decent coffee between lectures, Bournemouth has plenty of independent cafés that go well beyond your standard chain options. Here are a few we love…
South Coast Coffee
A long-standing name in Bournemouth’s independent coffee scene, South Coast Coffee has been serving up quality brews since 2008. Today, it’s known for its locally roasted craft coffee and fresh, handmade food in a relaxed space designed for switching off and slowing down.
It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for hours, whether that’s revising, catching up with friends or just taking a break from campus life. It’s even been voted one of the UK’s Top 50 coffee shops, which says a lot about its reputation.
Arch Coffee House
Conveniently located near Bournemouth’s train station, Arch Coffee House is a favourite among students looking for a reliable study spot with good coffee.
The interior is bright and comfortable, with plenty of seating options that make it easy to stay for a while. Alongside delicious coffee, you’ll find a stacked menu of smoothies, sandwiches and baked treats, including their viral pistachio and cream cookies (yum).
It’s also a win for your budget, with a student discount available and a loyalty card that rewards regular visits.
Revival Wellness Cafe
If you’re after something a bit more calming (especially for the morning after a big night out), Revival Wellness Cafe offers a quieter, wellness-focused space right in the heart of Bournemouth town centre.
The menu covers everything from protein pancakes and burritos to fresh juices, with the option to add extra nutritional boosts like CBD or adaptogens.
It’s a slightly more premium option compared to other cafes around town, but the relaxed, spa-like atmosphere makes it a popular choice when you need a break from busy student life, rather than just a quick coffee stop.
Restaurants with student discount 💸
Eating out in Bournemouth doesn’t have to drain your budget - especially if you make use of the student discount options available (and there are plenty to be found, trust us!).
Most students end up downloading UNiDAYS and Student Beans pretty early on, and for good reason. Together, they offer a wide mix of student discounts across food, retail and delivery services, all in one place.
On the food side, you’ll often find offers for popular chains like Domino’s, deals from local bakeries and discounts for delivery platforms like Deliveroo. It’s an easy way to take a bit of pressure off your budget when you fancy eating out or ordering in, especially during busy uni weeks.
And, if you’re enrolled at one of Bournemouth’s universities, you may have exclusive access to discounts and deals through your Students’ Union. Those studying at Bournemouth University can grab an ‘A-List Card’, which unlocks a range of local discounts across restaurants, cafes and bars throughout town.
Some local independent eateries may also offer student discounts on a discretionary basis, so it’s always worthwhile carrying around your student ID when you’re out and about!
Bournemouth: a top foodie town 🤌
One of the best things about eating out in Bournemouth is the variety. One day you could be grabbing brunch near the beach, the next you're trying Sri Lankan street food in the town centre.
Whether you're looking for a quick lunch between lectures or a cafe where you can settle in with a coffee and get some work done, Bournemouth has plenty of options that won't stretch your budget too far.
And, with many of the town's favourite food spots within easy reach of Bournemouth's main student areas, eating well has never been easier. One thing’s for sure – foodies are sure to feel at home here.
Heading to the south coast for your studies? Our Bournemouth student accommodation puts you right in the centre of the action, with easy access to all the best eats and experiences in town! Take a sneak peek inside our Belaton House, Bailey Point and Rothesay House residences below 👇
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