The five cafes and restaurants that are perfect for brain food in Derby

They've all had positive reviews

There's no reason why eating food that is good for getting the brain juices flowing should be boring or unpleasant.

Particularly in the midst of a long day of studying or working, there's nothing more enticing than the call of a hearty meal.

In Derby, there are plenty of cafés that offer just that - a healthy, tasty meal at an affordable price.

For students now arriving in Derby, moving to a new city is tricky enough without having to work out the best places to eat out when you're hungry and on a budget.

So we've collated a non-exhaustive list of some of the places in Derby that can provide good food that'll make your brain feel good.

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Five eateries in Derby that are great for brain food

1. Grand Cafe Caruso, Intu Derby

An independent cafe found in the heart of Derby city, inside the Intu shopping centre, the Grand Cafe Caruso offers an authentic Italian cafe experience.

The menus are reasonably priced, with large bacon butties for around £4 and breakfasts for less than £5, and there are options available for vegetarians and vegans.

Grand Cafe Caruso has a rating of five-stars on Trip Advisor from more than 400 customers.

2. Elements Tea and Coffee House, Victoria Street

Oozing hipster chic, Elements Coffee House has been given a five-star rating by travellers on Trip Advisor, making it the fourth best café in Derby according to customers.

The menu ranges from contemporary brunches, such as salmon and eggs on a waffle, to the classic English breakfast, as well as a host of different coffees and teas.

Online customer reviews praised the black pudding, the "fantastic breakfast" and the atmosphere.

3. Plant, Sadler Gate

A cafe by day and a bar by night, Plant is Derby's new all-vegan eatery that offers everything from full English breakfasts and meatless sausage rolls to homemade pizza.

Although the prices might be a touch high for students on a budget - a full English costs £8.50 and pizzas are priced from £7 - the menu is brimming with healthy plant-based produce.

Derbyshire Live's secret service reviewer visited Plant to test out their food and drink, you can read the review by clicking here.

4. Milk and Honey, Sadler Gate

As well as being a popular cafe selling salads, paninis and bagels, Milk and Honey also doubles up as a deli with a range of locally-sourced produce on display.

The deli section of the cafe sells different artisan cheeses and meats, honey from the local area, quiches, houmous and dairy produce from a farm in the Peak District.

On the café side of the business, Milk and Honey sells cakes of many varieties and hot drinks to drink in or takeaway.

5. Bean Caffe, Friar Gate

A stalwart feature of Derby's café scene, Bean Caffe is the brain child of mother and daughter duo Sarah and Olivia Pritchard who have opened several venues in the city.

Tucked away in Friar Gate studios, Bean Caffe has a menu packed with healthy food like beans on toast, artisan baguettes, doorstop sandwiches and homemade soups.

The prices aren't too bad either, with a sandwich costing around £4 and breakfast butties priced at around £3.90.