Students’ Guide For Cheap Eats in Liverpool


Mark Barrow

Being a student can often mean living on a tight budget. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice good food. Liverpool is home to a range of affordable and delicious eateries that cater specifically to students. In this guide, we will explore some of the best cheap eats in Liverpool that will satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re a fan of mouthwatering roast dinners, delectable desserts, or perfectly cooked pizzas, Liverpool has something for everyone. So, let’s dive into the top spots to grab a meal without emptying your wallet.

Students eating a meal

1. Toby Carvery – 531 Aigburth Rd, Liverpool

Call – 0151 494 1032

When it comes to a hearty meal on a student budget, Toby Carvery is the place to go.

The Toby is famous for its all-day buffet-style carvery. There’s no waiting around for a roast, you simply let your server know that’s what you want and head over to the serving area to fill your plate up.

If you aren’t in the mood for a full roast dinner they also offer Yorkshire pudding wraps, sandwiches and small bites. Plus if you’re vegan or veggie, there are a couple of options for you to choose from, but you will have to order these and wait for it to be cooked and served. The restaurant also serves an all-you-can-eat breakfast, meaning you can enjoy Yorkshire puddings at the crack of dawn.

Why is it good for students? – The cost – The midweek carvery is currently just £9.49, and it’s impossible to leave still feeling hungry. It’s a little out of the main student area of Wavertree, but if you or your housemates have a car, it’s well worth the trip.

Can you order delivery? – Amazingly, yes! Check if your house is close enough for the Uber Eats or Deliveroo delivery service.

2. Greenbank Fish Bar – 234 Smithdown Rd, Wavertree

Call – 0151 734 2203

If you’re a student living in Wavertree, chances are you’ve visited Greenbank Fish Bar. Located on Smithdown Road, this fish and chip shop has been a favourite among students for years.

Their menu includes a variety of take away classics with kebabs, 10” pizzas, and our personal go-to, proper fish and chips. They even have Hollands Pies! If you know, you know. Plus, their meal-deals work out much cheaper when you order as a group.

A big reason this place makes it onto our list of cheap eats in Liverpool is that it’s across the road from the Brookhouse Pub. For this reason, the Geenbank has become the go-to cheap takeaway to visit after a night out in Wavertree.

Can you order delivery? – Yep, you can order from the Greenbank Fish Bar website, Foodhub, Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo.

 

3. Spitroast – 505 Smithdown Rd, Wavertree

Call – 0151 345 6168

Next on our list of cheap eats in Liverpool comes Spitroast, a not-so-hidden gem located on Smithdown Road in Wavertree. What sets this place apart is its focus on delicious rotisserie-style chicken dishes, all cooked to perfection.

The menu boasts a range of options, from a choice of chicken cuts (including the must-try wings) to wraps and bowls. My current personal favourite is the ½ roast chicken with loaded BBQ pulled chicken and Monterey jack cheese fries. Seriously good.

Just like the other well-known chicken joint, Nando’s, there’s a choice of sauces and dips that cover all tastes, from garlic mayo to katsu curry sauce. Sides include roast veggies, corn on the cob, mac n cheese and more.

Like most places in Wavertree, the shop is small and intimate so you might need to wait a little to receive your food. I had to wait 30 minutes for a takeaway wrap on my last visit, but it was well worth the wait.

Can you order delivery? Yes, from Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

4. Decent Donuts – 232 Smithdown Rd, Wavertree

Call – 0151 733 2029

If you’re like me, doughnuts are your ultimate comfort food, and Decent Donuts on Smithdown Road knows how to deliver. This small bakery specialises in gourmet coffees and handcrafted artisan treats that will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Check out their Instagram page without drooling, I bet you can’t.

From classic flavours to more unique creations such as White Kinder Bueno and Caramel Brownie, there is something for everyone. So, if you’re in need of a sugary pick-me-up or just want to treat yourself after a long day of studying, Decent Donuts is the place to go.

The shop is open from 12pm until 5pm, or until they sell out… so maybe don’t leave it too late.

Can you order delivery? No, but it’s worth the trip out, I promise.

 

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5. Love & Rockets – 52 Lark Lane, Aigburth

Call – 0151 728 2616

Outside of the city centre, Lark Lane in Aigburth is where you can find the best independent places for cheap eats in Liverpool. My current favourite hang-out spot there is Love & Rockets.

This family-run eatery is known for its laid-back atmosphere, gorgeous beer garden, friendly staff, delicious food and almost overwhelming drinks list.

With a diverse menu featuring stone-baked pizzas, burgers, Nachos and salads all tastes are covered. Plus, the portions are huge, so definitely student-budget friendly.

Not only is this a great place to eat, they also are a beer lover’s dream, with its massive range of draft ales, IPAs, lagers and ciders. They also pride themselves on their range of spirits and cocktail menu. Plus you can catch all the live sports games here.

Can you order delivery? No, eat-in only.

 

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6. Big Lola’s Taqueria – 493 Smithdown Rd, Wavertree

If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, Big Lola’s Taqueria is a must-visit spot on Smithdown Road. This vibrant eatery serves up a range of Mexican street food dishes including burritos, tacos, quesadillas, churros & more that will take you straight to the streets of Mexico.

Big Lola’s belongs on our list of cheap eats in Liverpool as the food is excellent and the prices are student-friendly. Right now, Tacos start at £7.00 for the Fried Halloumi, but we love the Baja Fish Taco at £8.00. Burritos start at £9.00 and we guarantee, they will fill you up. The menu changes regularly so you can check out the current options here.

Don’t just take my word for it, Big Lola’s was shortlisted for the Uber Eats Northwest Restaurant of the Year Awards in 2023.

Can you order delivery? Yes, from Uber Eats.

 

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7. Maggie Fu – 346 Smithdown Rd, Wavertree

Call – 0151 733 9300

For students in search of reasonably priced and tasty Asian cuisine, Maggie Fu is the place to go. Located on Smithdown Road, this casual eatery offers a range of Asian street food dishes from Ramen to Big Bowls of Noodles that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

This restaurant has been described as ‘like Wagamamas on steroids’, and regulars love the atmosphere, décor, and as you’d expect, the amazing food. The spicy chicken wings are now famous around Liverpool.

If you‘re a student living in Wavertree then this restaurant offers another great reason to stay local and save on bus fare into town. You can’t pre-book a table, but it’s so good that it’s not unusual to see a queue to get in.

Can you order delivery? Yes, from Uber Eats.

 

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Living on a student budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for subpar meals. There are an almost unlimited choice of cheap eats in Liverpool that cater specifically to students. From mouthwatering roast chicken takeaways to delicious doughnuts and flavoursome Asian street food, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite between lectures or a cosy spot to hang out with friends, these affordable eateries have got you covered.

Remember, good food doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag!