The Ultimate Student Guide To Nottingham Restaurants
Nottingham is a city which is famous for having links to the legend of Robin Hood as well as the lace-making, bicycle and tobacco industries.
That’s not all this East Midlands city is known for, it’s also a city which has a marvellous restaurant scene with diverse cuisines on offer to suit everyone.
For those studying in Nottingham who want to delve into the food culture here, you’ve come to the right place as we’ve put together this ultimate guide of the top Nottingham restaurants.
Trust us, you’re bound to find your new foodie heaven after getting to the end of this post. Even more good news, they’re not too far from our fantastic student accommodation!
1. Kayal
A meal at Kayal may be the dream dinner date for any student in Nottingham.
Located on Broad Street, this is the UK’s first authentic Kerala seafood speciality restaurant, so you’re guaranteed healthy, authentic and flavourful food.
It’s hard to pick just a few of the highlights from the well-executed menu, but we absolutely love the Mix Seafood Curry, and for the veggies their Mutter Paneer is chef’s kiss too!
If you’re after some unusual cuisine, head here to enjoy some mouth-watering food in relaxed surroundings, it can’t get much better than that!
The best part is, it’s excellent value for money and isn’t the type of place you’ll forget in a hurry.
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Address: 8 Broad St, Nottingham NG1 3AL
2. No.Twelve
No.Twelve is an award-winning plant based restaurant located in Eldon Chambers.
For anyone who thinks vegan food has to be boring, think again as this place has a well crafted menu which differs from anything you will have tried before.
What can you expect? This casual fine dining restaurant offers a small plate dining experience so you can try tons of fantastic flavours.
It’s recommended to get 2-3 dishes per person, with our favourites being the Charred Corn Tacos, Kimchi Wontons and Artichoke Fritti.
Located in an old Victorian Mill, you can indulge in some mouth-watering vegan food in an intimate, rustic setting.
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Address: Eldon Chambers, Wheeler Gate, Nottingham NG1 2NS
3. Alchemilla
Another amazing restaurant for vegans studying in Nottingham is Alchemilla.
This Michelin Star Restaurant specialises in imaginative, unique plant based fine dining, with some of the dishes including potato terrine with soured onion and BBQ leek.
If that doesn’t tickle your tastebuds, what about the salt baked beetroot, burnt aubergine and peppery greens? Sounds delicious!
That’s not all either, there’s plenty of drinks choices from vegan beer, wine, cocktails and so much more.
Alchemilla is more of a high-end restaurant if the Michelin Star didn’t already give it away, so menu prices are on the more expensive side of things, but it’s worth heading here for a special occasion!
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Address: 192 Derby Rd, Nottingham NG7 1NF
4. Malt Cross
Malt Cross is a charity-run bar and restaurant in the heart of Nottingham.
Inside this beautiful venue full of old world charm, you can enjoy a few drinks whilst listening to cool sounds played by the resident DJ.
Then when you start to get hungry, you’ll be blown away by the scran on offer. Our go-to has to be the Malt Cross Club which comes served with fries and garnish.
Another staple at this place is their Sunday Dinners, which comes served with creamed mash, seasonal veg, Yorkshire pudding and stuffing, along with your choice of meat.
Their roast is famous throughout Notts so make sure to give them a try!
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Address: 16 St James’s St, Nottingham NG1 6FG
5. The Soulville Steakhouse
The Soulville Steakhouse is a family run restaurant with a soul and Motown vibe, located on Queen Street.
This place boasts various cuts of prime British beef in every size, wings, strips and burgers all topped with a House sauce as well as delicious pasta dishes, so you’re sure to find something which gets your belly rumbling!
No matter if you’re fancying something good for lunch, or a treat for dinner, this dark wood steakhouse is all about quality and service.
The Motown music playing on the Jukebox to listen to whilst you’re dining is also a winner!
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Address: 3 Queen St, Nottingham NG1 2BL
6. Kushi-ya
Kushi-ya is a laidback Japanese restaurant tucked away on Cannon Court.
Their ever changing menu features snacks, small places, skewers, desserts as well as Japanese spirits, beer, cocktails, wine and sake.
Their skewers of meat and vegetables, cooked over a charcoal grill are absolutely amazing. Our favourite has to be their beef with black garlic mustard, mmm!
If that isn’t what you’re craving, how about their tiger prawns in strange flavour sauce? Or for something different try their raw salmon with smoked tosazu and wasabi.
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Address: 1A Cannon Ct, Long Row W, Nottingham NG1 6JE
7. Everyday People
Everyday People prides themselves on providing vibrant food, great drinks, and good times.
Despite being a newcomer to Nottingham’s restaurant scene, this new ramen and small plates spot set up by MasterChef finalist Pete Hewitt, is well worth a try.
Their Shoyu bowl will have all your foodie needs covered, you just can’t go wrong with pork belly, of course make sure to get a pint of Japanese rice lager too.
If you’re still hungry, try their vanilla panna cotta with Yorkshire rhubarb ginger and crumble for dessert.
You’ll find this place on Byard Lane in the heart of the city, so make sure to go for a meal you won’t forget!
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Address: 12 Byard Ln, Nottingham NG1 2GJ
8. Casa Italian & Seafood Restaurant
Italian restaurants in Nottingham are not hard to find, but one which takes the top spot has to be Casa Italian & Seafood Restaurant.
Enjoy a meal with friends in luxurious surroundings at this modern bistro on Upper Parliament Street.
Their fantastically varied menu features the likes of Crab Ravioli, Pollo Milanese and Beef Stroganoff to name a few.
They even have a 2 for 1 cocktail deal if you want to toast to the good times.
We’ll leave the tasting up to you so, make sure to book a table for a mouth-watering authentic Italian dining experience which will blow your socks off!
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Address: 110 Upper Parliament St, Nottingham NG1 6LF
9. Colombo Street
While you’re studying in Nottingham, you need to take a visit to Colombo Street.
Situated in the historic-quarter of The Lace Market, this independent restaurant specialises in traditional and authentic Sri Lankan food.
Kitted out in eclectic decor, this restaurant offers handpicked dishes which provide the best culinary voyage.
Unsure what to try? Their Southern Fish Curry comes with spice infused white fish ͬtilapiyaͭ cooked in authentic aromatic spices and rich coconut cream gravy is a MUST.
Be sure to get their Devilled Chicken Fried Rice too, you’ll be obsessed.
Trust us, you won’t be able to get enough of this place once you try it.
It’s also 2 for 1 on cocktails from 12-5pm, early dinner date anyone?!
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Address: 2-4 Adam’s Walk, Fletcher Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QS
10. Paste Contemporary Thai Cuisine
On the hunt for restaurants serving delicious Thai food in Nottingham City Centre? Your best bet is Paste Contemporary Thai Cuisine.
Their menu has plenty to offer with classic and authentic Thai dishes, from Pad Thai Boran to Pad Prik Pad to Satay Gai.
Open 7 days a week, this restaurant offers amazing food which brings the tastes of Thailand to the East Midlands.
More good news coming your way, if you don’t fancy leaving your student flat they’re also on Deliveroo so you can indulge in some tasty Thai food at home!
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Address: 16-20a, 16 Carlton St, Nottingham NG1 1NN
There we have it, the end of our post exploring Nottingham’s culinary highlights.
Now, it’s up to you to go out there and explore the restaurant scene in this vibrant East Midlands city!
Don’t forget to tag us in any of your pictures if you try out any of these restaurants @_homesforstudents.
If you’re wanting to get a taste of Nottingham’s lively nightlife scene, we’ve got just the guide for you on the top nightclubs.