Starting student life at Imperial College London, the Royal College of Music (RCM), or the Royal College of Art (RCA)? You’ll soon discover that South Kensington has more to offer than world-class museums and stunning architecture. It’s also packed with places to eat, from hidden cultural cafés to affordable local favourites.
This guide will help you stretch your budget, find discounts, and discover the best spots for lunch, coffee, or dinner with friends.
Of course, you won’t have to go far to find food during the day. Imperial College London has plenty of options on campus, from Feast in the Sherfield Building to the Imperial Union’s FiveSixEight for affordable pub bites. At the RCM, the Café & Bar serves sandwiches and snacks, while the RCA has its own on-site cafés like The Refectory for drinks and light meals (including a vegan option). These will quickly become your everyday go-tos, while the rest of this guide highlights other spots around South Kensington worth exploring.
South Kensington’s cultural venues aren’t just about exhibitions — many have cafés that are surprisingly affordable and welcoming for students.
Europe’s first museum restaurant, the V&A South Kensington Café is famous for its beautiful Victorian interiors. Sandwiches start around £6.75, with hot mains and cakes also available. On Friday nights the museum stays open until 22:00, making the café a great pre-evening bite.
Grab a hot meal, salad, or sandwich in the Energy Café, or head to the Shake Bar for indulgent ice cream creations. Discounts are available when you bring your own reusable cup, and plant-based options are well catered for.
From the Central Café to the T. rex Restaurant, you’ll find pizzas, salads, and hot meals. If you’re saving money, the museum also provides designated picnic areas — perfect for packed lunches with friends.
Just across from campus, Verdi offers pizzas, pastas, and Italian favourites in a relaxed setting. It’s a great option for affordable group dining before a concert or after rehearsals.
Set in Hyde Park, this café is a gem for students. Friends of Ours offers fresh, seasonal dishes and excellent coffee. Even better, students get 20% off everything, plus half-price coffee before 11am. It’s one of the best-value study breaks in the neighbourhood.
Beyond the museums, South Kensington has plenty of local favourites where you can eat well on a budget.
Legendary sourdough pizzas starting at around £7. Big enough to share if you’re really counting pennies.
Lebanese wraps, tagines, and mezze served in a colourful, friendly setting. Great for sharing plates with a group.
Savoury galettes and sweet crêpes for under £13. A long-standing favourite with students looking for something filling but affordable.
Classic British beef, chicken, or vegan burgers with rosemary fries, usually £12–15. Big portions make it good value.
A weekly market right on campus offering street food, fresh produce, and snacks. Affordable, social, and a nice change from canteen lunches.
Sometimes the cheapest meal is the one you pack yourself. Luckily, South Kensington’s museums make this easy with dedicated picnic spaces where students can eat together indoors.
These spaces mean you don’t have to buy food every day — just bring your own and still be part of South Ken’s lively social scene.
South Kensington has plenty of options beyond campus cafés — from museum restaurants and cultural hotspots to budget-friendly pizzas, picnic areas, and street food. Whether you’re grabbing coffee before a lecture, picnicking with friends, or celebrating the weekend with a group dinner, there’s always something tasty (and affordable) nearby. You can find more fantastic places to eat here!
Show us where you’re eating by tagging @discover.south.kensington on Instagram — we’d love to see your favourite student food spots!
