If you are looking for the best cheap eats in Southampton, you are in the right place. Whether you want a filling lunch, an affordable family meal or delicious street food without spending a fortune, Southampton has plenty of excellent budget-friendly places to eat.
This guide features some of the best cheap eats in Southampton, from independent sandwich shops and authentic Mexican street food to traditional fish and chips, generous kebabs and unbeatable family dining. Every recommendation has earned a strong reputation for serving quality food, generous portions and excellent value for money.
How This Guide Was Put Together
This guide is based on extensive research across public reviews, local recommendations and the overall reputation of each restaurant. Rather than relying on a single opinion, I looked for places that consistently receive positive feedback for their food quality, portion sizes, service and value for money.
When choosing the best cheap eats in Southampton, I considered:
- Value for money – Portion size and food quality compared with the price.
- Food quality – Fresh ingredients, flavour and consistency.
- Service – Friendly staff and fast, reliable service.
- Menu choice – Variety of affordable meals and dietary options.
- Overall reputation – Consistently positive customer feedback across multiple trusted platforms.
No restaurant has paid to be included in this guide.
10 Best Cheap Eats in Southampton
From independent sandwich bars and traditional fish and chip shops to Mexican street food, budget-friendly cafés and family favourites, these are the cheap places to eat in Southampton that are worth visiting. Click on any venue name below for directions on Google Maps.
1. IKEA Restaurant, Westquay Road
IKEA Restaurant is one of the best cheap eats in Southampton, offering hearty Swedish favourites and family-friendly meals at prices that are difficult to beat. Located on Westquay Road, the spacious self-service restaurant is popular with shoppers, families and anyone looking for a filling meal without spending a fortune.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★★
4.9/5.0
Location: Westquay Road
Price: Budget (£0.95 to £6 for most meals)
Best for: Family meals and unbeatable value
Must try: Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberry Jam
One of the best-value places to eat in Southampton. IKEA Restaurant combines generous portions, reliable quality and incredibly low prices, making it an easy recommendation for families and budget-conscious diners.
Why Visit IKEA Restaurant?
IKEA Restaurant has become a favourite thanks to its generous portions, consistently affordable prices and family-friendly atmosphere. Alongside the famous Swedish meatballs, the menu includes plant-based alternatives, children’s meals and seasonal specials that offer exceptional value.
Whether you are taking a break from shopping or simply looking for a proper hot meal without spending much, IKEA Restaurant is one of Southampton’s best budget dining options.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Try the famous Swedish Meatballs with lingonberry jam.
- IKEA Family members often receive additional food offers.
- Excellent choice for families with children.
- Visit outside weekend lunch hours for shorter queues.
- One of Southampton’s cheapest places for a hot meal.
2. SAUCE Kebab & Pizza, Queensway
SAUCE Kebab & Pizza has earned an excellent reputation for serving generous kebabs, loaded fries and authentic Polish zapiekanki at affordable prices. Situated on Queensway, it is one of Southampton’s most popular late-night takeaways and offers outstanding value throughout the day.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★★
4.8/5.0
Location: Queensway
Price: Budget (£6 to £12 for most meals)
Best for: Kebabs and loaded street food
Must try: XXL Mixed Meat Kebab
A fantastic independent takeaway offering generous portions, fresh ingredients and excellent value. SAUCE is one of the best cheap eats in Southampton if you want a satisfying meal without overspending.
Why Visit SAUCE Kebab & Pizza?
SAUCE stands out for its freshly prepared kebabs, homemade sauces and generous portion sizes. The menu also includes pizzas, loaded fries and authentic Polish favourites, giving diners plenty of choice at budget-friendly prices.
Whether you are grabbing lunch or looking for a late-night takeaway, SAUCE consistently delivers quality food and excellent value.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The XXL Mixed Meat Kebab easily serves two people.
- Do not miss the authentic Polish zapiekanki.
- Homemade garlic sauce is a customer favourite.
- Excellent value for generous portions.
- Ideal for lunch or late-night takeaway.
3. The Terrace Sandwich Bar, Queens Terrace
The Terrace Sandwich Bar is one of Southampton’s hidden gems for affordable lunches, serving freshly made sandwiches, baguettes, jacket potatoes and breakfast rolls at excellent prices. Conveniently located on Queens Terrace, it is especially popular with office workers and commuters.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★★
4.8/5.0
Location: Queens Terrace
Price: Budget (£3.50 to £8 for most meals)
Best for: Fresh sandwiches and lunch deals
Must try: Chicken Tikka Baguette
If you are looking for an affordable lunch made with fresh ingredients, The Terrace Sandwich Bar is one of the best places to visit. Great food, friendly service and excellent prices have made it a local favourite.
Why Visit The Terrace Sandwich Bar?
The Terrace Sandwich Bar prepares sandwiches and baguettes to order using fresh ingredients every day. Alongside hot breakfast rolls and jacket potatoes, the menu offers plenty of variety while keeping prices comfortably budget friendly.
It is an ideal stop for commuters, office workers or anyone looking for a quick, filling lunch in Southampton city centre.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Chicken Tikka Baguette is one of the most popular choices.
- Breakfast rolls are excellent value.
- Fresh fillings prepared daily.
- Perfect for a quick lunch.
- One of Southampton’s best independent sandwich shops.
4. Mike’s Fish & Chips, Queensway
Mike’s Fish & Chips is one of the best cheap eats in Southampton if you are looking for a traditional British fish and chip shop that delivers generous portions at sensible prices. Located on Queensway, this long-standing favourite is known for freshly cooked fish, crispy golden batter and proper chip shop chips that keep customers returning.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.7/5.0
Location: Queensway
Price: Budget (£7 to £12 for most meals)
Best for: Traditional fish and chips
Must try: Large Cod & Chips
One of Southampton’s best traditional chip shops. Mike’s Fish & Chips consistently serves freshly cooked fish, generous portions and excellent value, making it a reliable choice for both lunch and dinner.
Why Visit Mike’s Fish & Chips?
Mike’s Fish & Chips keeps things simple by focusing on quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Fresh fish is cooked to order, the batter stays crisp without being greasy, and the generous portions ensure excellent value for money.
Whether you are after a classic cod and chips or a quick takeaway on the way home, it remains one of Southampton’s most dependable fish and chip shops.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Large Cod & Chips is the most popular order.
- Fish is freshly cooked to order.
- Excellent value for generous portions.
- Ideal for a traditional British takeaway.
- One of the best independent chip shops in Southampton.
5. Mexifun, East Street
Mexifun is one of the best cheap eats in Southampton for fresh, flavour-packed Mexican street food at affordable prices. Located on East Street, this independent restaurant serves burritos, tacos, rice bowls and quesadillas made with quality ingredients, making it a favourite with students, city centre workers and anyone looking for a satisfying meal on a budget.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.7/5.0
Location: East Street
Price: Budget (£8 to £12 for most meals)
Best for: Authentic Mexican street food
Must try: Pulled Pork Pibil Burrito
One of Southampton’s best-value Mexican restaurants. Mexifun combines fresh ingredients, generous portions and bold flavours, making it an excellent choice for lunch or a quick evening meal.
Why Visit Mexifun?
Mexifun prepares its burritos, tacos and rice bowls using freshly cooked ingredients and authentic Mexican-inspired flavours. Vegetarian and vegan options are also well catered for, while homemade salsas and fresh guacamole help elevate every meal.
If you are looking for something different from the usual takeaway options, Mexifun offers outstanding value and some of the tastiest street food in Southampton.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Pulled Pork Pibil Burrito is one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.
- Fresh guacamole is made daily.
- Excellent vegetarian and vegan choices.
- Great value for generous portions.
- One of Southampton’s top spots for Mexican street food.
Why Southampton is Great for Affordable Food
Southampton’s diverse food scene makes it easy to enjoy excellent meals without spending a fortune. Independent cafés, family-run takeaways and international street food vendors offer everything from traditional British favourites to Mexican, Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, proving that great food does not have to come with a high price tag.
6. 7Bone Burger Co., Bedford Place
7Bone Burger Co. is one of the best places for affordable gourmet burgers in Southampton. Located in Bedford Place, it has earned a loyal following thanks to its smashed beef burgers, loaded fries and indulgent sides that offer excellent value considering the generous portion sizes.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.6/5.0
Location: Bedford Place
Price: Budget-friendly (£10 to £15 for most meals)
Best for: Gourmet burgers
Must try: Prince Charles Is Overrated Burger
If you are craving a quality burger without paying premium restaurant prices, 7Bone delivers consistently excellent food, generous portions and plenty of flavour.
Why Visit 7Bone Burger Co.?
7Bone Burger Co. specialises in freshly smashed burgers, loaded fries and homemade sauces that have helped make it one of Southampton’s favourite casual dining destinations. The menu also includes vegetarian and vegan alternatives, making it suitable for a wide range of diners.
Whether you are stopping for lunch or meeting friends for dinner, 7Bone offers one of the city’s best-value burger experiences.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Prince Charles Is Overrated Burger is a customer favourite.
- Loaded fries are well worth adding.
- Vegetarian and vegan burgers are available.
- Excellent value considering the portion sizes.
- A popular choice in Bedford Place.
7. Mint Dosa, Civic Centre
Mint Dosa is one of the best cheap eats in Southampton if you are looking for authentic South Indian cuisine at affordable prices. Located near the Civic Centre, this independent restaurant is well known for its freshly made dosas, flavour-packed curries and generous buffet options, making it a favourite among vegetarians, families and anyone who enjoys traditional Indian cooking.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.7/5.0
Location: Civic Centre
Price: Budget (£8 to £14 for most meals)
Best for: Authentic South Indian food
Must try: Masala Dosa
Mint Dosa offers some of the best value Indian food in Southampton. Fresh ingredients, authentic recipes and generous portions make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy traditional South Indian cuisine without spending a fortune.
Why Visit Mint Dosa?
Mint Dosa specialises in authentic South Indian cooking, serving crisp dosas, fragrant curries and freshly prepared vegetarian dishes that showcase traditional flavours. Friendly service and consistently good food have helped the restaurant earn an excellent local reputation.
Whether you are discovering South Indian cuisine for the first time or returning for your favourite dosa, Mint Dosa is one of Southampton’s best budget-friendly restaurants.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Masala Dosa is the restaurant’s signature dish.
- Excellent vegetarian and vegan options.
- Weekend buffet offers outstanding value.
- Fresh chutneys and sambar accompany every dosa.
- One of Southampton’s best South Indian restaurants.
8. Corniche, Burgess Road
Corniche is a popular Lebanese takeaway and café on Burgess Road, serving freshly prepared shawarma, falafel, wraps and Middle Eastern favourites at affordable prices. Its generous portions and authentic flavours have made it one of the best cheap places to eat near the university area.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.6/5.0
Location: Burgess Road
Price: Budget (£7 to £12 for most meals)
Best for: Lebanese wraps and shawarma
Must try: Chicken Shawarma Wrap
Corniche combines authentic Middle Eastern flavours with generous portions and excellent prices, making it a favourite among students and locals looking for a filling meal.
Why Visit Corniche?
Corniche prepares freshly marinated meats, homemade falafel and traditional Lebanese wraps using authentic recipes. Friendly service and consistently generous portions make it one of the area’s best-value independent takeaways.
If you enjoy freshly grilled shawarma or authentic Middle Eastern food, Corniche is well worth visiting.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Chicken Shawarma Wrap is one of the most popular choices.
- Fresh falafel is prepared daily.
- Generous portions for the price.
- Excellent choice near the university.
- One of Southampton’s best Lebanese takeaways.
9. 329 Cafe and Lounge, Shirley
329 Cafe and Lounge offers something different from most budget restaurants in Southampton, serving coffee and light lunches during the day before transforming into an authentic Nigerian restaurant in the evening. Located in Shirley, it has become a favourite for generous portions, traditional West African dishes and warm hospitality.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.5/5.0
Location: Shirley
Price: Budget (£8 to £14 for most meals)
Best for: Authentic Nigerian cuisine
Must try: Jollof Rice with Assorted Meat
One of Southampton’s hidden gems for authentic West African food. Friendly service, generous portions and traditional recipes make it well worth seeking out.
Why Visit 329 Cafe and Lounge?
329 Cafe and Lounge combines a relaxed café atmosphere with authentic Nigerian cooking, offering dishes that are difficult to find elsewhere in Southampton. Everything is freshly prepared and packed with traditional flavours.
If you are looking to try something different while staying within budget, this independent café and restaurant is an excellent choice.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Try the authentic Jollof Rice.
- Excellent coffee during the daytime.
- Friendly family-run atmosphere.
- Ideal for trying authentic Nigerian cuisine.
- One of Southampton’s hidden dining gems.
10. Perfect Spud, Bridge Road
Perfect Spud rounds off this guide with some of the best-value comfort food in Southampton. Located on Bridge Road, it specialises in freshly baked jacket potatoes loaded with generous toppings, making it an excellent option for a filling lunch without spending much.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.5/5.0
Location: Bridge Road
Price: Budget (£5 to £9 for most meals)
Best for: Loaded jacket potatoes
Must try: Chilli Con Carne Jacket Potato
Perfect Spud proves that simple food done well can be incredibly satisfying. Large portions, freshly baked potatoes and affordable prices make it one of Southampton’s best budget lunch spots.
Why Visit Perfect Spud?
Perfect Spud focuses on perfectly baked jacket potatoes topped with everything from classic cheese and beans to homemade chilli and tuna mayonnaise. The quick service and generous portions make it especially popular with local workers.
Whether you need a quick lunch or comforting food on a cold day, Perfect Spud offers excellent value for money.
Hello Southampton Tips
- The Chilli Con Carne Jacket Potato is highly recommended.
- Large portion sizes.
- Excellent value weekday lunches.
- Fast and friendly service.
- One of Southampton’s best places for a filling budget meal.
Which Cheap Eat in Southampton Should You Choose?
If you are looking for the best cheap eat in Southampton, the right choice depends on what you are craving.
For the best overall value, IKEA Restaurant is difficult to beat, offering generous portions and family-friendly meals at some of the lowest prices in the city. If you want an outstanding takeaway, SAUCE Kebab & Pizza is well known for its huge kebabs, loaded fries and excellent value, while The Terrace Sandwich Bar is perfect for freshly prepared sandwiches and affordable weekday lunches.
If you are in the mood for international cuisine, Mexifun serves flavour-packed Mexican street food, Mint Dosa specialises in authentic South Indian dishes, Corniche offers excellent Lebanese wraps and shawarma, and 329 Cafe and Lounge is a fantastic choice for authentic Nigerian cuisine. Traditional favourites are also well represented, with Mike’s Fish & Chips and Perfect Spud proving that classic comfort food can still offer excellent value.
Whatever your budget, these restaurants show that you do not need to spend a fortune to enjoy great food in Southampton.
Looking for More Great Food in Southampton?
If you are happy to spend a little more for a special meal, take a look at our guide to the best restaurants in Southampton City Centre, featuring top-rated independent restaurants, steakhouses, Italian dining and international cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best cheap eats in Southampton?
Some of the best cheap eats in Southampton include IKEA Restaurant, SAUCE Kebab & Pizza, The Terrace Sandwich Bar, Mike’s Fish & Chips, Mexifun and Mint Dosa. These venues consistently offer generous portions, quality food and excellent value for money.
What is the average cost of a cheap meal in Southampton?
Most budget-friendly meals in Southampton cost between £5 and £12, depending on the venue and the type of food. Sandwiches and jacket potatoes are often available for under £6, while larger meals such as burgers, kebabs and burritos typically cost between £8 and £12.
Which cheap restaurants are best for students?
Mexifun, Corniche, 7Bone Burger Co. and Mint Dosa are all popular with students thanks to their generous portions, affordable prices and convenient locations.
Where can I find vegetarian or vegan cheap eats in Southampton?
Mint Dosa offers an extensive vegetarian menu with many vegan dishes, while Mexifun also serves several vegetarian and vegan Mexican options prepared with fresh ingredients.
Which cheap eat is best for families?
IKEA Restaurant is one of the best family-friendly budget restaurants in Southampton thanks to its spacious dining area, children’s meals and outstanding value for money.
Can you get authentic international food without spending much?
Yes. Southampton has an excellent range of affordable international restaurants, including Mexican at Mexifun, South Indian cuisine at Mint Dosa, Lebanese food at Corniche and Nigerian dishes at 329 Cafe and Lounge.
