Eating out on a Budget in Lancaster – CityBlock

Lancaster is known as a small, historic city. However, it is buzzing with activities and, of course, fantastic places to eat. As students, we understand that budget-friendly options are important. If you’re looking for places to eat on a budget but don’t compromise on quality, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we will recommend some of the most popular eateries around Lancaster, covering different cuisines and dietary requirements that are both cheap and delicious! 

Budget Friendly (£) 

Go Burrito 

Go Burrito is Lancaster’s original Mexican restaurant, available for take-out, eat-in or delivery. Here you can build your own burritos with fillings of your choice at affordable prices.  

Address: Go Burrito, 6 Lower Church Street, 6 Church St, Lancaster LA1 1NP 

Tel: 01524 956734 

Whale Tail Café 

Whale Tail Café is known to be the best vegetarian place to eat in Lancaster. They also offer a range of vegan dishes. They offer a friendly and relaxing atmosphere and a selection of home-cooked meals to choose from.  

Address: Whale Tail Café, 78a Penny Street, Lancaster, LA1 1XN 

Tel: 01524 845133 

Full House Noodle Bar 

The Full House Noodle Bar is quite hidden, located upstairs K F Oriental food store. It is a Malaysian and Chinese restaurant offering a wide range of different dishes.  

Address: 21 Common Garden Street, Lancaster LA1 1, England 

Tel: 01524 842888 

Mid-Range (££) 

Herbarium 

Herbarium is a plant-based café that serves delicious breakfast and lunch, coffee, tea, and alcohol. It has a modern atmosphere and is aesthetically appealing. From time to time, fun and unique events are held, so make sure to look out for these.  

Address: 5, 7 Great John St, Lancaster LA1 1NQ 

Email: theherbariumbar@gmail.com 

 

Journey Social 

Journey Social is a popular brunch, coffee, and all-day dining place in Lancaster. It has a super aesthetic environment and excellent food presentations. Their menu is constantly changing, so make sure to check out their Instagram for up-to-date menus. However, it does get pretty busy, and their brunch is only available for walk-ins from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., so make sure to get there early!  

Address: 28 New Street, LA1 1EG 

Contact: journeysociallancaster@gmail.com 

Aquila 

Aquila is known for its Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas and breads. It offers a variety of traditional and signature pizzas, garlic breads, calzones, and dips. This restaurant opens at 5 p.m., which makes it a popular choice for dinner time; however, spaces are quite limited for eating in. 

Address: Aquila Pizza, 80 Penny St, Lancaster, LA1 1XN 

Tel: 015242 97289  

Higher-End on a Budget (£££) 

The Study Room 

The Study Room is a spacious, relaxed pub offering a family-friendly atmosphere. There are plenty of seating areas, with a big beer garden, perfect for the summertime. There are often events on, so make sure to keep an eye out on their Facebook page. They serve home-cooked food, cocktails, a range of beers, alcoholic drinks, and, of course, soft drinks. They also offer bottomless brunch on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, which is perfect if you want to catch up with your friends over the weekend! 

Address: 30-32 Church St, Lancaster LA1 1LH 

Tel: 01524 951423 

Nando’s 

Nando’s is a well-known, classic restaurant that many opt for. It is available to collect, deliver, or eat in. It is known for its classic, flame-grilled peri-peri chicken and sauces made from African Bird’s Eye chilli.  

Address: 17-19 High St, Market St, Lancaster LA1 1HZ  

Tel: 01524 969212 

Gallico Lounge 

Gallico Lounge is located on the busy Market Street in the heart of Lancaster. It offers a range of different menus, including vegan and vegetarian options, children’s menus, gluten-free options, and takeaway options. The atmosphere is super chill, colourful, and quirky, with a massive seating area.  

Address: Unit 3, 7-17 Market St, Lancaster LA1 1HZ 

Tel: 015242 30580 

Lancaster is full of independent restaurants that are affordable and high-quality. With the CityBlock Lancaster Discount Card, you can even save more money at a selection of restaurants across the city. Check out our website to see where else you can enjoy eating out on a budget! 

The Discount Card is exclusively available to CityBlock residents only and gives you access to special student discounts at a variety of local businesses, from food and drinks to leisure and lifestyle. 

To find out more about the CityBlock Discount Card or our student accommodation, please give us a call on 01524 39696. If you’re around the area, pop into our accommodation and talk to one of our friendly team members in person!  

Posted on May 9th, 2025