Portsmouth has a great food scene
On-campus
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite between lectures or to grab tasty food without stepping too far from your lecture halls, we’ve got some great options. All our cafés and coffee shops offer a range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, paninis, sweet treats, and hot and cold snacks. Our outlets include:
- Eldon Café – located in the Eldon Building, with a courtyard that’s perfect for relaxing between lectures.
- Pitstop Coffee Shop – in Anglesea Building, offering drinks and snacks to grab on the go.
- Library Coffee Shop – inside the University Library, serving quick snacks and drinks, with vending machines for late-night study sessions.
- Park Coffee Shop – in Park Building basement, offering jacket potatoes and weekly soup specials.
- Portland Coffee Shop – located in Portland, a minimalist café overlooking a courtyard.
- Terrace Café – serving hot breakfasts, lunches and weekly specials.
- Ravelin Sports Centre Café – serving Starbucks coffee and post-workout protein options.
- The Hub – in Dennis Sciama, offering a range of cuisines, from custom subs at the “Hubway” counter to hot meals.
- Union Tuck Shop – inside the Students’ Union shop in Neptune Building, offering quick drinks and snacks including crisps, protein bars and sweets, all at student prices.
- Uni Food Trailer - Keep an eye out for the American-style Airstream around campus serving delicious hot food such as gourmet burgers, pulled pork baguettes, pancakes and vegan and gluten-free options.
Loyalty, deals and discounts
There are a number of deals and discounts available across the campus cafés:
- Scan your University ID card to earn five points for every £1 spent. Every point is worth 1p, redeemable at any catering venue across campus.
- Scan your University ID before you pay, and when you buy 8 hot drinks, you’ll get your next one free.
- Save 20p off any hot drink when you bring a reusable cup.
Bringing your own food
If you prefer to bring your own food – whether you’re budgeting, eating healthier, or studying into the evening – there are microwaves available across campus for you to reheat food:
- The Library – next to the Library Coffee Shop
- Dennis Sciama Building – inside The Hub
- Portland Building – next to the Portland Coffee Shop
- Students’ Union – outside the ground floor common room
Off-campus
Venture outside campus to discover our vibrant food scene and the best places to eat in Portsmouth.
Gunwharf Quays offers a mix of popular chain restaurants and independent eateries, with many enjoying beautiful views across Portsmouth Harbour.
Albert Road is a Southsea favourite, known for its eclectic mix of independent cafés, pubs and restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. From casual bites to relaxed dinners and drinks, there's something to suit every taste and budget.
Palmerston Road is another popular Southsea destination for eating and drinking, with a varied selection of restaurants, cafés, gastropubs and bars. Whether you're craving Italian or Indian food, looking for a casual lunch or heading out for an evening meal, you'll find plenty to choose from.
Pie and Vinyl
Outside-In Food Court
Dice
Fish and chips
Huis
Top picks
Pie & Vinyl
A record store in the heart of Southsea that specialises in delicious pie and mash. You can also browse the vinyls they have on offer while you wait.
Sakura
Authentic Japanese food served in cosy booths, with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Croxtons
Amongst the busy area of Palmerston Road, Croxtons offers craft beer, cocktails, wine and spirits, along with award winning food.
Southsea Beach Cafe
Enjoy a locally-sourced bite with a coffee or a cocktail at this popular eatery, which is right on the beach.
Budget friendly
Portsmouth has plenty of affordable options to choose from, including:
- Outside in food court: hosting great street food vendors. From £5.90 gyros to tasty burgers starting at just £8.
- Boswell’s café: a café serving a variety of food and drinks, including sandwiches, baguettes and baps starting at just £4.50.
- Campus eateries: you can earn five points for every £1 spent with your student card. Every point is worth 1p, redeemable at any catering venue across campus.
Some restaurants also offer student discounts and apps like Too Good To Go offer cheap, surplus food from local eateries.
Dietary friendly
Portsmouth is packed with options for every dietary need. Such as:
- Hunter Gatherer: amazing brunch and lunch menus – with the menu being mostly vegetarian and vegan too.
- Panero Lounge: offering a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes. From tapas and sandwiches to brunch and salads.
- Meat and Barrel: serving amazing burgers, wings, fries, and craft beer. You can get gluten-free buns along with vegan options.
- Boswell’s café: Boswell's also has an extensive gluten free and vegan menu. From toasties and salads to jacket potatoes and breakfasts.
"My favourite restaurant is Outside-In food court as they offer lots of different foods."
Holly Baker, BSc (Hons) Marine Environmental Science
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