10 Best Restaurants in Stirling for Students

If you are a student in Stirling, dining out presents an embarrassment of riches.

For a small city, Stirling has a surprisingly diverse array of dining establishments, from upscale date night spots to cosy pubs and much more. Of course, we would be remiss if we failed to mention that, when looking for the best places to eat, Stirling students should start on campus. The University of Sterling has a wide array of dining options, from restaurants to food carts. Whether you are hitting the deli bar at Scran for sandwiches and salads, heading to SUP for an extensive vegan breakfast and lunch menu, enjoying foods from around the world at Pathfood, exploring the American-style diner menu at Willow Court, dining on noodles or pho soup at Umami, or grabbing something to eat from one of the many other eateries on campus, it is fairly difficult to run out of options! When you do decide to head off campus for a bite, though, we have a list of some of the best Stirling restaurants for students.

1. Brea is not just one of the best restaurants Stirling has to offer, it is one of the best in the world. This bustling bistro, situated on Castle House, serves a varied menu of Scottish dishes, gourmet burgers, pizza and vegetarian options. Everything is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients including fresh seafood from the west coast and islands and produce sourced from local suppliers, and a selection of Scottish spirits, ciders, and craft beers. Whether you and your flatmates want a treat, or you are celebrating a special occasion, this award-winning restaurant won’t disappoint.
2. Fletcher’s is a family-run restaurant serving delicious food daily. Using locally sourced ingredients from local butchers, bakeries, and produce suppliers, the chefs at this restaurant create delicious dishes, including pizza, burgers, steak, and fish. They have also got some of the best cocktails in Stirling. Located in a converted Georgian House, Fletcher’s offers a welcoming family atmosphere, and was named ‘Restaurant of the Year’ at the Stirling Business Awards in 2023, as well as winning ‘Best Restaurant Team’ at the Scottish Restaurant Awards that same year. It is located just five minutes from Stirling Town Centre, convenient to transportation options, and has lots of free parking.
3. Stop by Meraki for fondue, tapas, and cocktails with friends. It may be a small city, but Stirling has a vibrant social scene, with a plethora of bars, pubs, and restaurants. When you want a night out in a quirky place with a menu of inventive cocktails made of fresh ingredients, this is sure to be your favourite spot. The menu changes with the seasons, but they carry classic cocktails all year long and have a broad selection of spirits so that they can create your favourite if you ask, even if it is no longer on the menu.
4. Café Aina has an impressive array of vegan options. This tiny café is tucked away on Cowane Street, and easy to miss, but well worth a visit. The menu includes cakes and coffee, light snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a surprising variety of vegan options, including vegan omelettes and full breakfasts, Souvlaki made with tofu or falafel, baguettes and burgers with vegan cheese, and scrumptious vegan cakes and milkshakes. Do not be put off by the small size of the café, because you can also order food for takeaway or delivery.
5. Mamma Mia is a charming and popular Italian restaurant in the heart of Stirling’s old town. The restaurant’s goal is to provide an authentic culinary experience, with all fresh local produce and the delicious flavours of the owner’s home town of Bari, in Southern Italy. It has a lovely, cosy ambience, with candles and mood lighting, and a crowd-pleasing menu. Here, you will find all the expected Italian favourites, in generous portions, including what is purportedly the best tiramisu in town. There are also weekly specials, Scottish steaks, and a seabass that comes highly recommended.
6. Mediterranea is casual and cosy. Featuring authentic dishes from many corners of the Mediterranean, including Greece, Spain, and Lebanon, this restaurant offers freshly prepared tapas and mezze, made from top-quality ingredients. It also serves as a venue for local arts and events, hosting a variety of events, including live music, poetry, art exhibitions, author talks, and more, in a warm, relaxed atmosphere. A family owned business, Mediterranea is the only tapas and mezze spot in Stirling, is reasonably priced, and is a wonderful place for a casual get together.
7. Green Gates is an award-winning restaurant with a friendly staff and a forest green façade. Just walking past, you will be lured in by the rich aromas emanating from the restaurant. The interior is stylish and modern, and the food is “home-style” regional cuisine from the North and South of India. In addition to their delicious dishes, they have a nice wine menu, along with beer and liquor. The dining options in Stirling are surprisingly multicultural, and this is far from the only Indian restaurant, but it is certainly one of the best. As an added bonus, Green Gates offers a student discount, making it a great option for students.
8. The Allan Park Pub has been described as the perfect pub and restaurant. Here, you will find everything from brunch to cosy nights by the wooden stove to afternoon tea to Sunday roast. Their specialities include baked macaroni and cheese, fish and chips, and seafood with chorizo pizza, and they also have plant-based and gluten-free menus. The food is excellent, the prices are affordable, and it is convenient to the university. Allan Park is also a boutique hotel, so if you have visiting family, they can stay in the beautifully appointed rooms, styled to blend well with the historic origins of the property.
9. The Birds and the Bees is located in a converted farm, a short five-minute walk from campus, near Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. This informal wine bistro offers traditional favourites and international dishes, with a menu that includes daily seafood market specials, traditional pub food, and interesting lunch meals like spicy Mexican beef chilli. It is a popular place to relax by the fire, have a glass of wine from the extensive wine list in the award-winning garden terrace, or sample some of their real ales. The food is based on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. During the day, it is fairly quiet, but in the evening, this popular spot comes alive.
10. Nicky-Tams Bar and Bothy is a short walk from campus and offers a cosy, inviting atmosphere. It is one of the oldest bars in Stirling, having opened in 1718, and it offers a menu of homemade, delicious food, with daily specials to keep it interesting and fresh. Give the Cullen Skink a try- we think you will love this classic Scottish fish soup, made with smoked haddock, potato, leek, and cream, and served with bread and butter. If you are in the mood for something less Scottish, you can always grab one of their delicious burgers, choosing from beef, chicken, or halloumi and customising it to fit your tastes. There is also live music, for those nights when you just want to go enjoy the pub, relax, and listen. This is another place with a student discount, making it an even more perfect place to frequent.

Dine in Stirling, Store with Storage Vault

When it comes to good restaurants, Stirling has plenty to offer, and so much more than we could fit in this one post! Whether you are visiting or moving here, we would like to welcome you. And if you find you need a place to stash your things in Stirling, look to Storage Vault. Whether you are decluttering, moving, or renovating and need space for your personal goods, you need storage for your business, or you are a student needing to stow your gear, Storage Vault is here for you. Proudly owned and operated in Scotland, we have 15 years of experience in commercial property and a dedication to providing an exceptional storage experience. We offer a wide range of premium storage units to individuals, families, businesses, and students, and our unbeatable prices with no long-term commitment have made us Scotland’s fastest-growing self-storage company. We offer 24/7 extended access, so you can always get to your stored items, and our friendly team provides advice and support.

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