La Piola
Get yourself to the lovely La Piola, on Park Square, for their 'early menu' which is on from 11-3pm every day. Everything (except a meat/cheese board) is priced at under £10, including gourmet Italian panini's, salads, light bites (aranchini's and more) and maybe the best thing - £7 for a small plate of pasta or £9 for a large plate.
The owner, Fabio, is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Italian food, and it was great getting recommendations of what he loved on the menu, we had the guanciale, pistachio and stracciatella and it was unlike any other pasta we had tried before- creamy, and a hit of nuttiness from the pistachio, then the gorgeous taste of the guanciale (a fattier pancetta) comes through providing the perfect pairing, honestly we wouldn't be able to do the dish justice by trying to explain it- you need to go try this place!
Owner Fabio at La Piola
Mommy Thai
Mommy Thai is the place we just can't stop going to time and time again. Their lunch menu is under £11, and includes a starter and a main, a perfect mid-shopping treat, or take an hour (if you're lucky) of indulgence during a working day. Their evening menu is very much reasonably priced too if you find yourself needing a casual place to eat without a reservation!
Image taken from Mommy Thai's Instagram
Rudys
One pizza = one meal, right? Rudy's is always a good option, it's a cheap eat for lunch or dinner (...tea) with their pizzas coming in at around the £11 mark.
Their pizza topping range is fantastic, they've brought the streets of Naples to Leeds. You've got all your classics like a marg, veggie options, wild boar salamis and also keep your eye out for their specials on the boards each time you go in.
Our latest obsession has been 'The Tonno' it consists of a tomato base, tuna, olive oil, oregano, chillies, sweet tiny peppers and onion, a must is their garlic aioli to dip in. Que the debates on does tuna belong on a pizza...let us know your thoughts.
Image of The Tonno from Rudy's Instagram
Falafel Guys
They've got a home in Salt Granary Wharf, a caravan on Briggate and a spot in the newly opened Northern Market (in the old Assembly Underground venue), Falafel Guys are taking Leeds by storm! Their food is incredible and definitely a cheap eat whilst in the centre, the name gives it away but their Falafel is some of the best we've tried!
A wrap or salad bowl is coming in at roughly between £6-£9 depending on choice of filling, and they also offer sharing plates, which can be enjoyed between two as a meal, or between more as a beer snack if you're feeling peckish!
Image from Falafel Guys Instagram
Manjits Kitchen
Image from Manjits Kitchen Instagram