When it comes to eating out in the city, sometimes we don't want to burn a hole in our pocket to have a good ol' time. From Thai hotspots offering mouthwatering set menus to laidback haunts boasting budget-friendly early bird deals, check out our guide to affordable restaurants in Leeds.
Last edited by Izzah Kazi
Last updated on 19th February 2024
Although it may be known for its indie music nights, The Wardrobe is also offering a pretty epic Leeds early bird menu. Available between Monday and Thursday from 5pm to 7pm, foodies can sink their teeth into a two-course meal, including sirloin steaks or king prawns, all for £18 each.
Boasting an entirely gluten-free menu, CASA is an inclusive venue for a range of diets. Starting from £6 each, enjoy tucking into tapas plates made up of mouth-tingling Latin flavours, from Colombia to Mexico. As for drinks? Try out the range of international beers or hand-picked Argentinian wines.
Hyde Park Hotel is home to international eats at a reasonable price, alongside live sport showings, weekly quizzes and regular DJs. For food, think £5.50 tacos, loaded fries packed with flavour, stone-baked pizzas and stacked burgers to cure those hunger pangs.
When it comes to casual places to eat in Leeds without spending too much, The Library is a solid choice. They've got an enviable selection of £5.50 small plates on the menu, as well as tasty sharers, loaded fries and stone-baked pizzas with all sorts of toppings, costing £12 or less.
The New Conservatory has a rich history, sitting on the site of the old Stock Exchange. The boozer has come a long way since its youth in the 1980s, thanks to new ownership and renovations, but offers the same hearty and affordable grub chock-full of homemade goodness that'll make your taste buds sing. From delish 12'' stone-baked sourdough pizzas to their signature steak and ale pie, there's something for everyone.
With venues on North Street and in Headingley, Brewdog has cemented itself as one of the best student restaurants in Leeds, offering a 25% discount on food and drink all day, everyday. But don't worry if your uni days are behind you, this spot is still pretty affordable with 312 Hoppy Meals and more.
For cheap pub food in Leeds city centre, head to Box. Not only do they offer a £7 lunch deal, but the main menu is pretty dmn affordable too. Think burgers and pizzas for less than £15 a pop, as well as unbelievable kebabs and loaded fries, all while sipping a pint of course.
Step inside Sukhothai Chapel Allerton or South Parade, where you'll be met with tropical interiors, including a peaceful feature pond and water wall, alongside an affordable menu to boot. Dig into a range of sharing plates for under a tenner and tasty noodle dishes, most of which cost you just £12.75.
When it comes to budget-friendly eats in the city centre, Cult Wing is a firm choice. This edgy joint has a crackin' menu, including everything from chicken to nachos and churros. As for drinks? There are also affordable tequila-laced house specials from £5.
Looking for an ideal spot to chill out over great food? Reds True BBQ is the restaurant for you. Not only does this venue have rustic vibes alongside a cool range of neon signs dotted about the place, but it also whips up a mouthwatering 10-hour smoked beef brisket. Yum.
This glamourous New York-style bar and restaurant is located in Headingley, whipping up two for one cocktails all day, everyday. Sip signature blends like the Cake By The Ocean or an Orchard Apple Spritz at Manahatta, whether you're heading there on a date night or for their popular bottomless brunches that feature dishes like sweet chilli chicken pizza and barbecue plant-based burgers. And for entertainment? Hit the shuffleboard tables after your meal.
4pm-8pm: The Lost Hours - 2 for £12 Cocktails and 1 other offer
On the hunt for a bargain breakfast in the city? Then make your way to The Lost & Found Leeds Club or Greek Street for their bottomless brunches, costing you just £35 for unlimited cocktails or prosecco and dishes including smashed avo on toast or a smoked salmon waffle.
If you're after affordable restaurants in Leeds city centre, then YO! is a firm choice. Whether you're a veggie, vegan or carnivore, this Japanese hotspot is bound to impress with an extensive range of thrifty maki rolls and hot plates that arrive on the signature conveyer belt.
Mowgli is one of the best cheap restaurants in Leeds for lunch, thanks to their lineup of Indian street food. For £20, nab yourself the handy multi-layered tiffin boxes for chef-chosen delights, or choose between mixing and matching a load of other dishes.
With bottomless brunches coming in at £30 per person and affordable meals making up the main menu, Fleur Restaurant And Bar is great for a cheap lunch in Leeds city centre. What's more, this venue concept is from award-winning MasterChef finalist and Great British Menu-famed chef Bobby Geetha.
Fronting exposed brick walls and funky wall art, La Bodega is at the top of our list for a cheap lunch in Leeds city centre. Explore the impressive range of tapas plates with friends, starting from £5 and including patatas bravas or fried chorizo lollipops, served alongside a pear aioli sauce.
Running a £10 lunch offer from Tuesday through to Friday, The Canary bar is a winner for cheap places to eat in Leeds. Think dishes like steak and blue cheese sandwiches, loaded fries or butternut squash salad with a soft drink, or upgrade to a pint for £2 extra.
Old Ball flaunts an extensive menu of scrumptious grub that won't break the bank. Get ready for juicy burgers, stone-baked pizzas and pub classics done just right, with prices rarely going over a tenner. Plus, the venue has the affordable drinks list to pair.
Been searching for 'cheap restaurants near me' lately? Check out Original Oak Inn Headingley, a boozer where freshly pulled pints are accompanying all the pub grub you could wish for. Think mix 'n' match tapas priced at three plates for £13, as well as gourmet burgers, pies and katsu curry.
If you're in the mood for Italian grub, Gusto knows how to nail signature pasta plates. As for interiors? You'll certainly be impressed by the gorgeous dining room decked with greenery and fairy lights, alongside the chic outdoor terrace ideal for the warmer months.
Boasting a seriously impressive selection of cocktails, Revolution Electric Press is a bar and restaurant serving up stone-baked pizzas, stacked burgers and classic pub grub. Even better? You can get 50% off main meals every single Monday at this city centre spot.
Fronting £7.95 lunch deals and a truly tasty main menu, Mommy Thai is a street-food inspired restaurant in the heart of the city. Their small plates start from just £3, with larger plates including khao pad, tom yum soup and a huge choice of curry or noodle dishes.
Bundobust is a great choice cheap restaurants in Leeds city centre, as you can nab two dishes off the select menu for a bargain price of £9.95. And when you need affordable vegan and vegetarian food, there's no better place than this Indian eatery.
Ranked the UK's best pizzeria, Rudy's specialises in Neapolitan-style slices using 24-hour double fermented dough. All of the mains cost £12.50 or less, with toppings like smoked mozzarella, salami, mushrooms and even vegan cheese. What's more, there's delicious Italian cocktails like Aperol spritz or negronis too.
