Let’s face it, us students have a popular reputation of not being the richest of people out there – apart from when the student loan drops, but good things don’t last forever.
Sometimes we want to enjoy the finer things in life, like being able to get a lil dressy and feeling like the classy adults we are – so where exactly can you do that without breaking the bank?
No, I’m not talking about your typical cheeky Nando’s – I’ve put together a list of places that should fulfil your taste buds, impress your date or become the new go-to for you and your friends. Luckily, Manchester has a few hidden gems that deliver the luxury minus the hefty price tag.
Shahi Masala
1 Capital Quay, Salford M50 3WL
Shahi Masala can be found at Salford Quays – an ideal location for those who want to grab a bite after uni, or don’t want to stray too far from campus. If you love a good bargain and a good curry, Shahi Masala offers a 2 for 1 deal between the hours of 4pm to 6pm: yum!
Matchstick Man
Capital Quay, Salford M50 3WL
Is pub grub your thing? Bored of that Wetherspoons burger you always get? Want something local?
If your answer is yes – the Matchstick Man will tick all your boxes. Better yet, they offer a generous range of vegetarian and vegan options. Also based at Salford Quays, the Matchstick Man offers two full meals for only £9.99 Monday to Friday – unbeatable if you ask me!
Salford Quays offers a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, so you can walk off that meal if you end up eating a little too much!
Vero Moderno
Unit 4 Vimto Gardens, Chapel Street, Salford Greater Manchester M3 5JF
Vero Moderno is Italian for “True Modern” – so you know what to expect if you decide to pay it a visit!
Situated about a 10 minute walk away from the main campus, Vero Moderno is a top choice if you fancy trying somewhere local and new. Although it has some pricier options, there are still some absolute steals to make the most of – fancy a Semifreddo al caffè con pralina di pistacchio for £4.50?
Yeah, me too…
Peking Duck Manchester
1 Liverpool St, Salford M5 4LY
Chinese is one of those foods that you never stop craving – so it’s pretty handy for us Salford students that the Peking Duck is only a 5 minute drive (or 15 minute walk) from the main campus.
With unbeatable prices, the Peking Duck will satisfy for sure. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
Le Delicatezze Di Bruno
564 Ashton New Rd, Manchester M11 4RP
When it comes to pizza – I say go big or go home. If you’re a lover of all things Italian and don’t mind a tongue-twister, Le Delicatezze Di Bruno will cater for all your carbohydrate needs. Conveniently based in Manchester’s city centre – you can indulge in a 20” pizza for roughly £16. Bargain!
Habesha Restaurant
29-31 Sackville St, Manchester M1 3LZ
Have you ever found yourself wanting to try out Ethiopian food?
Possibly not, but once you’ve read this you might. Manchester is home to the Habesha restaurant – the only Ethiopian food restaurant in the city. You can grab yourself a meal for around £7 so there’s no excuse not to give this place a try – and take in the culture whilst you’re at it!
Vnam
140 Oldham Rd, Manchester M4 6BG
If you want to steer away from the typical meal out, why not check out Vnam – Manchester’s first authentic Vietnamese restaurant. Based in Ancoats, just outside Manchester city centre – you can escape the burgers and fries and try some fine cuisine for around £10 or less!
Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza
9 Cotton St, Manchester M4 5BF
Did you know Neapolitan pizza is a unique type of pizza, with a thin base and an airy crust? That’s a fact you can share whilst at the table. You’re welcome.
This fine Italian cuisine’s cheapest pizza is £4.90, £4.90! Along with a selection of reasonably priced drinks with fancy names, you really can’t go wrong with this one.
V-Rev Vegan Diner
20-26 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HN
Non-vegans, don’t knock it till’ you try it. Vegans, if you live in Manchester and haven’t tried it – I can’t recommend it highly enough!
V-Rev is a funky restaurant with lots of character. If you’re after a reasonably priced meal and a good time, add this to your list of places to visit. You can get a decent sized meal for under a tenner, and whilst you’re there be sure to try one of their shakes, I guarantee you’ll be back for more.
(WARNING: V-Rev Vegan Diner does NOT serve meat)
The Font
7-9 New Wakefield St, Manchester M1 5NP
I’m pretty sure every student in Manchester has heard about The Font, it’s definitely been a staple in my student life anyway.
At first I never considered it as a place to go for food, more a chilled place to go to hang out with friends in the evening. That was until I checked the menu – with fully loaded breakfasts available from 11am-5pm for £10 or less, The Font has you covered at any time of day!
Cant beat the breakfasts at The Font, Emma!