5 deals in restaurants for when you don't want to cook at home

No one’s cleaned the kitchen? Grab a restaurant discount code and go.

After a long day of lectures and studying, cooking can feel like a chore. We get it. Those ‘urgh, cba’ moments are all too real. Sure, cooking at home is a good way to save money, but nothing beats a great meal out.

Luckily, many restaurants offer discounts on student meals. Whether you're craving pizza, pasta, or something spicy, there are plenty of restaurant offers to choose from. Here are five fantastic deals in restaurants – ideal for when you don’t feel like cooking.

1. 25% off your total bill from Sunday to Friday at PizzaExpress

Brain turned to mush after a hard study session? Stuck on deciding what’s for dinner? Pizza is always a solid choice.

The good news is you can get 25% off your total bill from Sunday to Friday at PizzaExpress. That’s right – whether you’re chilling on a Sunday evening or looking for a midweek treat, you can enjoy your favourite pizza at a discount.

Do you like a classic Margherita or prefer to go wild with toppings? PizzaExpress has something for everyone. Enjoy Dough Balls, vegan goodies, desserts, and more at one of their 360+ pizzerias across the UK and Ireland.

The deals don’t end there. You can grab a pizza for just £7.95 from Sunday to Friday. Why settle for a dry oven pizza when you can feast on the real deal?

2. 20% off your total bill at All Bar One

Good vibes and great food await at All Bar One, where you can score 20% off your total bill any day of the week. With locations across the UK from Aberdeen to Portsmouth, you’re never too far from a great meal in a chilled-out atmosphere.

Cheap student meals don’t have to mean boring food. All Bar One has loads of delicious options, including flavourful tapas, burgers, and veggie dishes.

Plus, if you’re in the mood for a cheeky cocktail, All Bar One is the place to be. Their extensive drinks menu includes wines, classic cocktails, and bartender twists. There’s also a refreshing range of low- and no-alcohol drinks.

This is your sign to ditch the Pot Noodle and treat yourself to dinner at All Bar One instead.

3. 30% off food from Sunday to Thursday at Zizzi

Calling all pizza lovers and pasta aficionados: Zizzi’s got the goods with 30% off food from Sunday to Thursday. Zizzi has over 135 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, so you’re never far from your next delicious Italian meal.

This deal is the perfect excuse to replace the leftover pasta bake you thought was your only dinner option.

At Zizzi’s, you could be tucking into cheesy starters, creamy risottos, or one of their signature Rustica pizzas. The Rustica has a bigger base, a crispier texture, and more toppings than your standard pizza.

Plus, if you have a sweet tooth, Zizzi has cheesecakes, sundaes, tiramisu, and gelato galore. Dessert, anyone?

4. 30% off food from Sunday to Thursday at Las Iguanas

Get 30% off food from Sunday to Thursday at Las Iguanas and soak up the Latin American vibes, no passport required. From spicy Mexican bites to vibrant Brazilian dishes, their menu is bursting with bold flavours.

Las Iguanas has over 50 UK restaurants in cities like Birmingham, Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. The menu includes curries, burgers, and classics like enchiladas, burritos, and tacos. Basically, you’re spoiled for choice. (Save the homemade taco kit for another night…)

If you’re all about international eats and love trying authentic cuisine when you’re abroad, check out our guide on how to eat like a local when you travel. Food is a brilliant way to discover a new place and learn more about other cultures.

5. Pizza and wine for £11.95 at Franco Manca

Craving an authentic sourdough pizza? Franco Manca has you covered. Grab a pizza and a glass of wine for just £11.95, or pair it with a soft drink for £9.95.

Franco Manca keeps pizza simple – no complicated toppings or stuffed crusts. Just flavoursome, slow-rising sourdough cooked to perfection.

So we say ditch the bland leftovers. Give yourself a well-deserved break from the kitchen and treat yourself to a meal out without breaking the bank.

You can find over 40 Franco Manca pizzerias in Greater London alone. They’re also in cities like Birmingham, Bristol, Bath, Cambridge, Exeter, Leeds, Manchester, and Oxford.

If you’re in central London and looking for other great places to eat out, try our recommendations for 10 London restaurants on a budget.

More deals in restaurants with UNiDAYS

Now you know how easy it is to enjoy a discounted meal out, we know what you’re thinking: are there other restaurant deals near me?

The answer is: you bet.

Make or log in to your UNiDAYS account to access top deals in restaurants like Bella Italia, TGI Fridays, and Pizza Hut. There are also discounts for dining meals at Bill’s, Ask Italian, Yo Sushi, Harvester, and Toby Carvery.

Browse all of our Dine Out student discounts.