12 Mar 2025
Finding a great meal on a student budget doesn’t have to be a challenge! Here are the eleven spots in and around republic.london, where you can grab a tasty lunch for under £5.
On-Campus Lunch Spots
1. Dora – Authentic Greek Flavours
Dora is a family-run restaurant offering delicious homemade Greek food. Enjoy hearty dishes like Pastitsio, fresh Greek Salad, and a choice of sweet and savoury treats. Mains start from £4.50, making it a great budget-friendly option.
Student Perk at Dora: Show your student ID for 10% off food—a great way to save while enjoying authentic Greek flavours! Dora offers vegetarian and halal choices.
2. Westland Coffee – Affordable & Filling
Westland Coffee is a top pick for fresh coffee, hot chocolate, and tasty food. They serve £5 toasted sandwiches packed with flavour, including pastrami, mortadella & mozzarella, and chicken avocado. Their soup of the day is available from £3.50, paired with their popular meat and vegan sausage rolls from £2.80. Westland offers vegetarian, vegan and halal choices.
3. Gelato a Casa – Sweet Treats & Chill Vibes
Take a trip through the Mediterranean with Gelato a Casa’s authentic Greek gelato and pastries. Whether you’re in the mood for classic vanilla, exotic sorbets, or a rich coffee, this cosy café is perfect for relaxing with friends while enjoying a sweet treat. Pastries start from £2.50, and small gelato cups are available from £3.00.
4. Sandwich Plus – Quick & Hearty Bites
For those who need a quick, filling meal, Sandwich Plus has you covered. They offer fresh sandwiches, baps, and hot meals like pasta, perfect for breakfast or lunch. Sandwiches start at £3.50, and pasta dishes are available from £4.50, making it a solid choice for students looking for a budget-friendly meal.
5. Salento – Authentic Italian Pizzas
Salento brings authentic Italian flavours to Republic with its delicious pizzas and traditional dishes. Their 2-for-1 Margherita pizza deal (available for pick-up Monday to Wednesday from 5 pm) is perfect for students looking to enjoy a tasty and affordable meal. Whether you’re in the mood for a freshly baked pizza or a classic Italian favourite, Salento offers great value without compromising on quality.
On-Campus Food Trucks
At Republic, we have two different food trucks available every day, ranging from Fish & Chips to Burritos, Japanese fried chicken, and Shawarma wraps. You can find our weekly menu displayed at the export and import building’s reception. We work with these food trucks to ensure students get an affordable lunch and experience all types of cuisines available.
Off-Campus Spots (5-10 Minutes’ Walk)
6. Dock Coffee – Vietnamese Classics & Fresh Bites
Just a short walk from campus, Dock Coffee is a cosy café offering Vietnamese classics alongside coffee, pastries, baguettes, and salads. Croissants and pastries start at just £1.80, while sandwiches and baguettes are available at £4.20. If you’re after something savoury, they also have steak slices starting from £2.90—perfect for a quick, affordable bite!
7. Nest – Deli, Coffee & More
Nest is more than just a grocery store—it’s a hidden gem offering coffee, deli items, and wine, making it a great place for students looking for a fresh and affordable meal. Their deli counter serves sandwiches, salads, and snacks starting from £3.00, and they often have rotating specials featuring quality ingredients. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite or looking for something unique, Nest has a great mix of options at student-friendly prices.
8. Poplar Café – Big Breakfasts & More
For those craving a hearty meal, Poplar Café is a classic greasy spoon offering huge English breakfasts alongside affordable lunch options. Their all-day breakfast is a must-try, but they also serve sandwiches starting from £3.50. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a filling meal that won’t break the bank, with a friendly, old-school café atmosphere.
9. Almari Cafe
A cosy café offering fresh, homemade meals at student-friendly prices. Almari Café serves delicious sandwiches, salads, and hot meals, with options starting from £4.00. Their warm atmosphere and friendly service make it a great place to sit down for a relaxing lunch.
10. Nisa – Meal Deal Options
Nisa is a convenience store that offers a selection of grab-and-go meal deals, snacks, and drinks. With meal deals starting at £3.50, students can pick up sandwiches, crisps, and a drink for an easy, budget-friendly lunch. They also stock fresh bakery items and hot snacks for those who need something warm on the go.
Follow Republic’s Socials For More Updates
Eating well on a budget is easy when you know where to go. Stay tuned for more money-saving food tips! Follow our WhatsApp Group, Facebook and Instagram pages to get up-to-date information on student offers, discounts, job opportunities, fun events and activities.
Message
