Montpellier is a vibrant student city with a food scene that caters to tight budgets. Whether you’re craving a hearty lunch between classes or a casual dinner with friends, you’ll find plenty of affordable options. In this guide, we explore the best restaurants for students in Montpellier, focusing on quality, price, and location.
Table des matières:
Why Montpellier Is a Student Food Paradise
With over 60,000 students, Montpellier has a diverse culinary landscape. The city is known for its Mediterranean influence, fresh markets, and creative street food. Many eateries offer student discounts, lunch specials, or formules that include a main, drink, and dessert for under €10. You’ll find everything from traditional French bistros to international cuisines like Vietnamese, Lebanese, and Moroccan.
Criteria for Choosing Student-Friendly Restaurants
We evaluated restaurants based on:
- Price: Main courses under €12, lunch menus under €10
- Portion size: Generous servings for hungry students
- Location: Near universities, the city center, or tram stops
- Atmosphere: Casual, welcoming, and conducive to studying or socializing
- Speed: Quick service for lunch breaks
Top 10 Best Restaurants for Students in Montpellier
1. Le Petit Marché – Fresh & Affordable Lunch Spot
Located near the Faculty of Medicine, Le Petit Marché offers a daily changing menu with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their formule déjeuner at €9.50 includes a main course, dessert, and a drink. The cozy terrace is perfect for sunny days.
2. Crêperie du Marché – Sweet & Savory Galettes
Just off Place de la Comédie, this crêperie serves generous galettes and crêpes starting at €6. Perfect for a quick, cheap meal. Their student menu (€8) includes a galette, a crêpe, and a cider.
3. Pho Bistro – Vietnamese Comfort Food
For a taste of Asia, Pho Bistro offers steaming bowls of pho and banh mi sandwiches for under €9. The large portions and fast service make it a favorite among international students.
4. Chez Boris – Hearty French Cuisine
This traditional bistro near the University of Montpellier serves classic dishes like beef bourguignon and duck confit. Their lunch menu is €11, and the ambiance is warm and rustic.
5. La Rumeur – Trendy & Budget-Friendly
A popular spot for students, La Rumeur offers a daily plat du jour for €8.50. The menu changes daily and features creative Mediterranean dishes. The industrial-chic decor attracts a young crowd.
6. Le Bistrot du Marché – Market Fresh
Located near the Marché des Arceaux, this bistro uses local produce. Their student-friendly lunch menu (€10) includes a starter and main or main and dessert. Try the tartine du jour.
7. Kebab House – Late-Night Student Staple
Open until 2 AM, Kebab House serves generous kebabs and tacos for around €6. It’s a lifesaver after a late study session. Their student combo (kebab + fries + drink) is €7.50.
8. Sushi Shop – Quick & Healthy
For a lighter option, Sushi Shop offers student discounts (10% off with ID) and lunch boxes from €8.90. Their rolls are fresh and made to order.
9. Le Comptoir de l’Écusson – Pizza & Pasta
This Italian spot in the historic center serves wood-fired pizzas starting at €8. Their lunch buffet (€9.50) includes unlimited pasta, salad, and dessert.
10. Les Halles de la Paillade – Budget Buffet
For a unique experience, head to this food court with multiple stalls. You can mix and match cuisines (Asian, French, African) for under €10. Great for groups with different tastes.
Comparison Table: Best Restaurants for Students in Montpellier
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range | Location | Student Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Petit Marché | French, seasonal | €9.50 lunch menu | Near Faculty of Medicine | No |
| Crêperie du Marché | Crêpes, galettes | €6-€10 | Place de la Comédie | Student menu €8 |
| Pho Bistro | Vietnamese | €7-€9 | Near Gare Saint-Roch | No |
| Chez Boris | French bistro | €11 lunch menu | University of Montpellier | No |
| La Rumeur | Mediterranean | €8.50 plat du jour | Écusson district | No |
| Le Bistrot du Marché | French, market | €10 lunch menu | Marché des Arceaux | No |
| Kebab House | Kebab, fast food | €6-€7.50 | Near Polytech | Combo €7.50 |
| Sushi Shop | Japanese | €8.90 lunch box | Multiple locations | 10% off with ID |
| Le Comptoir de l’Écusson | Italian | €8-€9.50 | Historic center | Lunch buffet €9.50 |
| Les Halles de la Paillade | Various | Under €10 | Paillade district | No |
How to Save Even More: Student Meal Hacks
Beyond these restaurants, you can stretch your budget further with these tips:
- Look for the “Menu Étudiant” – Many restaurants advertise a dedicated student menu, often cheaper than the regular lunch formula.
- Eat at university cafeterias (RU) – The Restaurants Universitaires offer full meals for €3.30 (subsidized by the state). They are open to all students with a valid ID.
- Visit food markets – Buy fresh produce from Marché des Arceaux or Marché du Lez and cook at home. You can also find prepared food stalls.
- Use apps like Too Good To Go – Many restaurants and bakeries sell surplus food at a discount via this app.
- Share dishes – Portions in some restaurants are large enough for two. Splitting a main and an appetizer can cut costs.
Common Mistakes Students Make When Eating Out
- Ignoring the lunch menu – The same dish can cost €15 at dinner but €10 at lunch with extras.
- Not carrying a student ID – Some places offer discounts but require proof. Always keep it handy.
- Eating in tourist traps – Avoid restaurants on Place de la Comédie that have no prices displayed. Walk one street away for better deals.
- Ordering drinks separately – A soda can cost €4. Stick to water or choose a formula that includes a drink.
Frequently Asked Questions About Student Dining in Montpellier
Are there vegetarian-friendly student restaurants in Montpellier?
Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian options. Le Petit Marché and La Rumeur often have vegetarian plats du jour. Sushi Shop has vegetable rolls, and Crêperie du Marché has savory galettes with cheese and vegetables.
What is the cheapest meal I can get as a student?
The cheapest option is the university restaurant (RU) at €3.30 for a complete meal. Among regular restaurants, kebab shops and crêperies offer meals for €6-€8.
Do restaurants in Montpellier accept credit cards?
Most do, but some small eateries prefer cash. It’s wise to carry a small amount of cash for markets or tiny bistros.
Can I find halal food near the university?
Yes, many kebab shops and North African restaurants near the universities offer halal options. Kebab House and several couscous restaurants in the Écusson area are halal.
What are the best late-night food options for students?
Kebab House is open until 2 AM. Also, some bakeries and pizza-by-the-slice shops near the train station stay open late. Check Too Good To Go for late-night surprises.
Is tap water safe to drink in Montpellier restaurants?
Yes, tap water in Montpellier is safe and drinkable. Always ask for a carafe d’eau for free instead of buying bottled water.
Your Next Steps: Explore Montpellier’s Student Food Scene
Now that you know the best restaurants for students in Montpellier, it’s time to explore. Start with the lunch menus near your campus, then venture into the Écusson for international flavors. Keep your student ID ready, use apps for deals, and don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations. Eating well on a budget is easy in this sun-soaked city. Bon appétit!
Photo by StartupStockPhotos on Pixabay
This is super helpful. I’m new to Montpellier and trying to stick to a budget. How do the ‘formule’ deals work exactly?
A ‘formule’ is a fixed-price meal deal. Typically, it includes a main course plus either a starter, dessert, or drink, and sometimes all three. For example, Le Petit Marché’s formule déjeuner at €9.50 includes a main, dessert, and drink. It’s a great way to save money while enjoying a full meal.
Are there any vegetarian-friendly options among these? I’m a student and I don’t eat meat.
Yes, several restaurants have vegetarian choices. Le Petit Marché often includes a veggie option on its daily menu, and Crêperie du Marché offers vegetarian galettes. Pho Bistro also has vegetable pho. For more options, you can check their menus online.
Great list! I was wondering if any of these places are open on Sundays? I often study on weekends.
Many student-friendly spots in Montpellier are closed on Sundays or have limited hours. Crêperie du Marché and Kebab House are typically open on Sundays, but it’s best to check their current hours online before heading out.
Do these restaurants offer takeaway? Sometimes I need to grab food quickly between classes.
Yes, most of them offer takeaway. Pho Bistro and Sushi Shop are especially fast for takeout. Kebab House is also great for a quick grab-and-go. Just ask at the counter when ordering.
Thanks for the recommendations! Are there any near the Paul Valéry University campus specifically?
Chez Boris is quite close to Paul Valéry University, and Le Petit Marché is near the Faculty of Medicine, which is also in that area. La Rumeur is a bit further but still accessible by tram. You might also find other affordable options around the campus.