The company which oversees food provision contracts for Leicester's hospitals has pledged to improve standards.
The news comes as hospitals nationally have been ranked for food quality and mandatory food standards in the NHS have now been introduced for the first time.
Statistics show that out of 1,258 hospitals nationwide, which were tested on food standards, Glenfield Hospital was rated at number 893, Leicester Royal Infirmary at 1,053 and Leicester General at 1,208.
Despite being low down the national table, the three hospitals all received high scores for quality.
Glenfield Hospital scored 90 per cent on food quality, Leicester Royal Infirmary 86 per cent and Leicester General Hospital 74 per cent.
The Willows and Mill Lodge, run by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, was given a 100 per cent rating from patients.
The ratings have come out of patient-led inspections, and have been published in a bid to improve standards.
Liz Tebbutt, performance and quality assurance manager for NHS Horizons, who manage the food provider's contract for Leicester hospitals, said Glenfield Hospital and the Leicester Royal Infirmary had good service on the assessment day. But the results were not up to standard at the General Hospital.
She said: "It is disappointing, but that is not the norm. The issues on that day have been addressed.
"The comments from patients were generally very positive. We do realise there is still more to do and we are continually trying to improve. We will obviously be reviewing the guidance to ensure we comply with it."
She said food was regularly sampled and the standard of service audited.
She added that Leicester hospitals provided three fish dish options a day, two beef, two lamb, two pork, three chicken, vegetarian options, ethnic food choices, special diet options, salads, sandwiches and jacket potatoes, plus fresh fruit and five or six hot desserts.
"Our meals are also approved by dieticians," she added.
Yesterday, the Hospital Food Standards Panel published its report to the Government recommending five legally-binding food standards for the NHS.
Hospitals will be required to screen patients for malnutrition and they should be given a food plan; hospitals must ensure patients get the help they need to eat and drink; canteens must promote healthy diets; food must be sourced in a sustainable way so it is healthy, good for individuals and for our food industry; and it has been recommended that all hospitals develop a food and drink policy to encourage healthy eating, high-quality food production, sustainability and excellent nutritional care.
Local health campaigner Zuffar Haq said: "I know improvements have been made, but obviously this table shows Leicester in the bottom third."
