Melbourne’s dining scene is a dream. The problem is our wallets aren’t always as full as our appetites. But who says you can’t eat well on a budget? We’re here to prove you absolutely can. If you know where to look, Melbourne has some of the best affordable restaurants and eateries around. From cheap eats in Melbourne CBD to cheap lunches, dinners and cheap takeaway options, here’s our guide to the best cheap food Melbourne has to offer. Get ready for some seriously good grub that’ll keep both your wallet and belly happy.
There are plenty of affordable restaurants in Melbourne’s CBD. Asian cuisine spots (think Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese etc) are your best bet – offering you real bang for your buck with heaps of options. Any of these hotspots will make for a great night out, so read on to check out our list of the best cheap restaurants Melbourne has to offer!
Need a bevvie to wash down your cheap eats? Check out the best bars in Melbourne. Or, if you’re looking for dessert, here are the best gelato and ice cream spots in Melbourne.
Cheap Places to Eat in Melbourne Overview
- Best cheap eats in Melbourne CBD overall: Soi 38
- Best cheap Chinese/Malaysian: Lulu’s Char Koay Teow
- Best cheap Italian: Heartattack and Vine
- Best cheap pizza: Pizza Pizza Pizza
- Best cheap Middle Eastern: Very Good Falafel
- Best cheap lunch menu: Hi Chong Qing
- Best cheap dinner menu: Udon Yasan
1. Udon Yasan
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Address: 186 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Open: Mon-Sat 11.30am – 8.30pm, Sun 11.30am – 7.30pm
- Best Deal: Curry Udon Noodle ($9.90)
Looking for a quick, cheap, and cheerful noodle dish in Melbourne CBD? Head over to Udon Yasan for some Japanese udon magic. Just follow the crowd, pick your bowl, load up on sides, and jazz it up with all the free toppings you can handle (like fried tempura flakes, spring onion, grated radish, bonito flakes and several sauce options). Whether it’s a Teriyaki Chicken on Curry Udon Noodle ($9.90) or Sukiyaki Beef & Bean Curd Noodle Soup ($8.50), you’re getting an absolute bargain feed.
Described as a hidden gem, Udon Yasan is the kind of place you’d expect to find on a bustling corner street in Japan. The no-frills eatery is unassuming by nature but features a delicious range of enticing meals to get you in the door. Best of all, the team crafts fresh, handmade udon noodles every day, ensuring a truly authentic dining experience. While you may have walked past this cheap Melbourne dinner spot a thousand times before, it’s definitely worth ducking your head in if you are in need of a good meal in a rush.
2. Crossways
- Cuisine: Vegan/Vegetarian Pan-Asian
- Address: 147 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Open: Mon – Sat 11.30am – 8pm
- Best Deal: Daily special – $9.50 all-you-can-eat
Vegan and vegetarian food can sometimes seem overpriced for what it is, but not at Crossways. For just $9.50, you can indulge in all-you-can-eat vegetarian and vegan mains, plus dessert! With a different menu every day featuring dishes like Chickpea Curry and Malaysian Tofu Curry, alongside mouthwatering Halava desserts, it’s serious bang for your buck.
The eatery has been operating in Melbourne for over 30 years, offering locals an assortment of vegan and vegetarian options at a bargain price. The lunch and dinner meals are cooked by the Hare Krishna devotees, who are more than happy to chat and explain their culture in detail. With every meal, you’ll receive two courses along with a drink – and there is no extra charge for seconds.
3. Miznon
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Address: 59 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Open: Tues – Thurs 2–3pm, 5:30–9:30pm, Fri – Sat 2–3pm, 5:30–10:00pm
- Best Deal: Cheakypita – $19
Hardware Lane is renowned for its incredible array of restaurants, but when you’re on the hunt for something cheap, you can’t look past Miznon. This Middle-Eastern spot is led by renowned chef Eyal Shani (whose pita empire spans Israel, Paris, Vienna and the United States) and features a range of mouth-watering & filling pitas under $20. The ratatouille, cheakypita, hot chickpea and golden fish pita are the go-tos for wallet-friendly and happy tummy dining.
Outside of the cheap options, Miznon is also a full-service restaurant with meals to suit any budget. Once you tested out the delicious and wallet-friendly foods, you might want to venture back for a multi-course feast. I definitely recommend the set menu, whihc includes stew, pita, cauliflower and green beans.
4. Soi 38
- Cuisine: Thai
- Address: 38 Mcilwraith Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Open: 7 days, 11 am–3pm, 5–10pm
- Best Deal: Tom Leng Zap – $20
You wouldn’t expect one of Melbourne’s best cheap eats to be situated in a car park. Or, maybe you would. Either way, Soi 38 is an absolute must-visit for cheap lunches and cheap dinners in Melbourne CBD. Whether you’re after something deep-fried, noodle or soup-based, most meals will set you back between $15–$20. And, when you consider the serving size, it’s an absolute steal. I’d recommend the Tom Leng Zap ($20 – spicy soup with slow-cooked pork spine bone) – but be warned, it’s spicy as heck.
The Larb Ped ($18 – minced duck meat salad dressed with lime juice, chilli powder, fish sauce and roasted rice, topped with crispy duck skin) is also bang on. Pro tip: get there right on opening or be prepared to queue (worth it, though).
5. Hakata Gensuke
- Cuisine: Japanese (ramen)
- Address: 168 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Open: Sun – Thurs 11.30am – 10:00pm, Fri – Sat 11.30am – 12:00am
- Best Deal: Signature Tonkotsu – $19
Ramen? $20 or less? In this economy? Unheard of. But Hakata Gensuke is dishing up the goods with some flavour-packed ramen that’s less than $20. For just $19, you can order the Signature Tonkotsu (I’d highly recommend it). It’s the signature original pork bone broth soup topped with homemade thin noodles, tender pork cha-shu, black fungus, and fresh spring onions.
If you are looking for something a little more adventurous, Hakata Gensuke is also renowned for its Black Tonkotsu. With this dish, the broth is elevated by the use of fried garlic and black sesame paste, giving it a deathly black hue. You can also grab 10 pieces of gyoza for just $14. What a steal. You’ll find a few Hakata Gensuke chains around Melbourne, including Carlton, Carnegie, and Hawthorn. Best of all, you can order online and pick it up, so if you’re in a pinch during the week, you won’t need to wait in line.
6. Pizza Pizza Pizza
- Cuisine: Italian (pizza)
- Address: 16 Meyers Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Open: Tues-Wed 5-11pm, Thurs 5pm-12am, Fri & Sat 5pm-1am
$5 for a huge-ass slice of pizza? Yep, you read that right. At Pizza Pizza Pizza you can grab a slice of delicious pizza for just $5 (or indulge in a whole pie for $32). From original Margherita to veggie lovers, marina, pepperoni, magic mushroom and triple cheese, there’s something for every tastebud. Even vegans and gluten-free diners are catered for – we love to see it!
Admittedly, the pizza won’t necessarily blow your socks off with flavour, but for the price, it does a great job of filling you up. The slices are huge and ready in an instant, so if you are looking for some quick and dirty, Pizza, Pizza, Pizza has you covered.
7. Dodee Paidang
- Cuisine: Thai
- Address: Basement/353 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Open: Tue–Thu 12–3 pm & 5–10 pm, Fri 12–3 pm & 5–11 pm, Sat 12–11 pm, Sun 12–10 pm
- Best Deal: Penang Curry with Rice – $16.90
For some of the best Thai food under $20 in Melbourne CBD, check out Dodee Paidang. Dodee offers a variety of delicious & authentic dishes under $20 (or close to) like pad thai and green curry on rice, pineapple fried rice, and chilli basil roasted duck fried rice. Service is fast, dishes are hot and tasty, and most importantly, it’s wallet-friendly. You can’t ask for much more! You’ll also find Doddee Paidang dishing out cheap eats in Box Hill and Glen Waverley.
Best of all, Dodee Paidang also offers a few more health-conscious offerings within its express and low-budget menu. You can score options like the steamed chicken and rice for under $17, while other steamed vegetable dishes are also up for grabs. If you are chasing a healthy meal for cheap, Dodee Paidang is a great option in the CBD area.
8. Lulu’s Char Koay Teow
- Cuisine: Malaysian
- Address: 27-31 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Open: Mon-Thurs 11am-8pm, Fri & Sat 11am-8.30pm, Sun 10.30am-3.30pm
- Best Deal: Lulu’s Char Koay Teow – $19.70
Another Hardware Lane gem, Lulu’s is a family-run restaurant bringing its authentic taste of Penang char koay/kway teow to Melbourne. You’ll find Lulu’s packed on the weekends (and mid-week too, to be honest), with each dish rich in the genuine flavours of Penang street food. And, of course, most of the menu comes in under $20. I’d recommend the signature dish, Lulu’s Char Koay Teow ($19.70, stir-fried thin flat noodles with prawns, Chinese sausages, egg, bean sprouts, pork lard, chives and chilli). For our vegetarian friends, Lulu’s also has a range of dietary-specific options available.
9. Butcher’s Diner
- Cuisine: Modern Australian
- Address: 10 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Open: Tues-Sat 11.30am-1am
- Best Deal: Coney Island chilli dog – $17
A popular late-night jaunt for hospo workers, Butcher’s Diner is the definition of tasty, no-frills dining. It’s more of a drop-in cheap takeaway spot than dine-in, but it’s well worth checking out. Dig into a hamburger for just $12, yakitori skewers for $10, or a decadent $17 Coney Island chilli dog. With daily specials $20 or under like a buttermilk crispy chicken sandwich or a Reuben sandwich, there’s plenty to choose from. The must-try? Saturday’s special: a baked French dip roll with wagyu beef ($19).
For a 24-hour restaurant, Butcher’s Diner is actually quality. The unique shopfront provides a handy place to indulge in a little greasy food whilst also satisfying your cravings for bustling New York-style hotpots. The diner is located very close to the city, particularly if you are staying at Le Méridien, so if you do find yourself in Melbourne on a whim, this could be the place to wander in.
Best Cheap Eats North of the CBD
10. Stefanino’s Paninos, Collinwood
- Cuisine: Italian sandwiches
- Address: Collingwood Yards, Unit 4/30 Perry St, Collingwood VIC 3066
- Open: Tues-Fri 10am (Sat from 11am) until sold out
- Best Deal: Bologna Sandwich – $15
After sadly moving away from its OG location in Brunswick East, Stefanino’s is now in a bigger spot in Collingwood Yards. More room (including indoor & outdoor seating) means more of their killer Italian sandwiches, like the loaded Roma, Bologna or II Nord (all my fave picks). There are 12 combos to choose from or you can whip up your own.
Most paninos come in under $20 – hovering more around the $15 mark. And you get a tonne of meat, spread and veg. So generous! The ciabatta rolls are light, fluffy and crunchy on top, sourced from renowned Natural Tucker. Plus, they’ve also got a delicious gluten-free roll (at no extra cost!)
11. Hi Chong Qing, Carlton
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Address: UniLodge, D2/26 Orr St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Open: Mon-Fri 1 1am–3 pm, 6–8:30 pm, Sat 6–8:30 pm
- Best Deal: Mince and chickpea noodles – $13.80
For a cheap lunch near Melbourne CBD, check out Hi Chong Qing, where you’ll find less spicy, more approachable traditional Chongqing noodles. Think rich broth with garlic and Sichuan peppercorns, combined with chewy, bouncy noodles. I’d recommend the tofu, beef brisket, or the mince and chickpea noodles at just $13.80 per bowl. Pro tip – they’re delicious but messy, so maybe don’t wear your favourite outfit.
The restaurant is perhaps best known for its Signature Chongqing Noodles, which arrive swimming in a broth made from pork bones and elevated with traditional ingredients such as garlic, ginger and Sichuan peppercorn. Naturally, a fried egg is whacked on top for good measure, with the dish served piping hot and billowing with steam. Best of all, you can even ask for a vegetarian option, with the team happy to accommodate preferences where possible. All that for under $20 makes for one heck of a good deal.
12. Vola Foods, Brunswick
- Cuisine: Cameroonian
- Address: 30 Ovens St, Brunswick VIC 3056
- Open: Wed-Sun 12-9pm
- Best Deal: Chicken giblets – $15
Keen to try some Cameroonian (West Africa) fare? Vola Foods in Brunswick is the spot to do it. Mixing up African, Arabic, and European food, they’ve been dishing out traditional jollof rice, tasty puff puff, and killer BBQ meats to the Inner North locals since 2021. While some of the larger dishes come in northwards of $20, when you consider how much food you get, you’re still slipping in at under $20 per person. If you’re dining alone, don’t worry, there are still options for you. The chicken giblets ($15), BBQ meats ($15.50), chicken & chips ($16) and plantain nachos ($13.50) are your go-to choices (plus a few more).
Unlike a lot of the Melbourne restaurants on this list, Vola Foods is the kind of place you’d be happy to spend the afternoon. The dining space has this relaxed semi-outdoor vibe that feels a lot like a food truck brought to life, albeit under the tarps of a marquee structure. The music is pumping and the energy is high. I am a big fan of the fried black-eyed bean fritters, but the star is Vola’s spicy housemade chunky chilli sauce. You can literally put this sauce on anything and it will taste incredible.
14. Heartattack and Vine, Carlton
- Cuisine: Italian
- Address: 329 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Open: Mon-Thurs 8am-10pm, Fri-Sat 8am-11pm, Sun 8am-9pm
- Best Deal: Porchetta Roll – $20
Heartattack and Vine may well be remembered for its steady assortment of cocktails (not to mention a rather famous Tom Waits quip), but the Carlton institution is also home to some great mid-week deals. The Lygon Street special brings Italian-inspired charm to the heart of Melbourne, offering up one of the best cheap eats lunches. It’s certainly an inner north hotspot, especially for the post-work crowd.
Open through brekky, lunch and dinner, their lunch-time menu is definitely the one to try, featuring a range of rolls under $20. From the prawn roll to the veggie roll, to the signature porchetta roll – a perfect mix of slow-roasted pork and sauces in a ciabatta for $20 – Heartattack and Vine offers up real value for a taste of Italy right in Melbourne.
15. Sonido, Fitzroy
- Cuisine: South American
- Address: 69 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
- Open: Mon-Fri 7.30am – 3pm, Sat-Sun 8.30am-3pm
- Best Deal: Ropa vieja – $17.20
For some dang tasty South American food (with most of it being gluten-free too), you can’t beat Sonido. A staple in Fitzroy, Sonida has been all about the arepa since 2010. They stick to tradition, crafting their arepas with Aussie corn for that authentic, charred goodness. With fillings like their popular ropa vieja ($17.20) and pollo pocket ($17.80), it’s serious bang for buck. You can also pick up a hearty rice bowl with your choice of meat for under $20.
Importantly, Sonido feels innately authentic. Stepping through the doors of the Fitzroy eatery, you are greeted by a burst of colours and smells, transporting you all the way to South America. The bustling cafe is alive with music and the staff are buzzing around with an infectious energy. Whether you want to stay for lunch or just grab a coffee while you peruse one of the many books on the shelf, Sonido is truly welcoming.
16. Very Good Falafel, Brunswick
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Address: 629 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
- Open: Mon-Sat 11am-5pm
- Best Deal: Falafel Plate – $14
Meals don’t have to be complex to be delicious, and that’s where Very Good Falafel in Brunswick shines. Plates filled with falafel, hummus and your choice of salads, or huge pita pockets if you like to carb load. Their falafels are a decent size too – featuring a hot, crispy outside and tasty chickpea filling. All prices are under $20, so you can enjoy a delish meal without breaking the bank.
Importantly, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill kebab shop falafel. The space has been thoughtfully designed by Caitlin Perry from Setsquare Studio, with the open deli concept making you feel as though you are sitting in an actual home-style kitchen. Here, you can grab from the selection of daily salads, choosing from a mix of artichoke and rocket, spinach and pumpkin or a bunch more, all loaded with a healthy smattering of hommus.
Best Cheap Eats South/West of the CBD
17. Mr Lee’s Foods, Ringwood East
- Cuisine: Korean
- Address: 5 Old Lilydale Rd, Ringwood East VIC 3135
- Open: Tues-Sun 11 am–2 pm, 5–9 pm
- Best Deal: Pork belly soondae – $16
Mr. Lee’s Foods in Ringwood is a small 20-seater, famous for its six pork-based Korean dishes (hence, not good for vegetarians). Despite its simplicity and lack of advertising (no socials…not even a website), it’s always packed. Embracing Korean traditions, they serve everything pork, from soondae to pork belly and broths. The menu hovers comfortably around $20ish, but it’s even cheaper if you opt for the ‘small’ serving sizes (large sizes would be for sharing).
In my opinion, the pork belly soondae is the pick of the bunch. Fatty cuts arrive steamed with a beautiful top of skin, smothered in doenjang (soy bean paste) and loaded with garlic shavings. It’s big, bold and entirely delicious, providing an incredible taste of Korea.
18. Kalimera Souvlaki Art, Oakleigh
- Cuisine: Greek
- Address: 43 Chester St, Oakleigh VIC 3166
- Open: Mon-Sun 11am-8.30pm
- Best Deal: Chicken Gyros – $12
Situated in Oakleigh’s Greek heart, Kalimera Souvlaki Art is your go-to for genuine souvlaki cheap eats. Located in Oakleigh, the beachy-themed eatery is like a welcomed respite from the bustling world outside, complete with white-painted wooden frameworks and the old-school Coca-Cola fridge. Whether you’re after a quick bite ($12 gyros pork or gyros chicken) or a feast for a few that combines salads, chips and dips, they’ve got you covered without breaking the bank.
For me, the star of the show is the chicken gyros. Cooked on skewers over coals, this poultry delight is served with freshly sliced onion and tomato, a scoop of paprika-dusted chips and your choice of salad. Make sure you go hard on the garlic sauce, this is a fan favourite fro a reason.
19. Hector’s Deli, Richmond
- Cuisine: Sandwiches
- Address: 1/94 Buckingham St, Richmond VIC 3121
- Open: Mon-Thurs 7.30am-2pm, Fri-Sun 7.30am-3pm
- Best Deal: Roast pork with smoked pork shoulder, pickled fennel, Calabrian chilli paste & kale pesto – $17
You know what’s great about Hector’s Deli? Absolutely everything on the menu comes in at under $20 – talk about the best cheap eats in Melbourne! Whether you want a fresh, fried or toasted sambo, Hector’s Deli’s got your back. Here in this delightful Richmod deli, helmed by former Stokehouse chefs Dom Wilton and Jason Barratt, you’ll find an assortment of incredible delicacies at a bargain price.
The beef and pickles toasted sandwich ($17.50) is absolutely incredible, while the fried chicken sandwich ($17.50) is a crowd-pleaser. My recommendation? The roast pork with smoked pork shoulder, pickled fennel, Calabrian chilli paste & kale pesto ($17). For a suburban spot on a leafy street, Hector’s has somehow managed to capture an intriguing downtown Chicago-vibe, complete with clean white brickwork and white tiles. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves sandwiches.
20. Sunshine Social, Sunshine West
- Cuisine: BBQ
- Address: 64 Glengala Rd, Sunshine West VIC 3020
- Open: Tues-Sun 11.30am-9pm
- Best Deal: Charcoal chicken pitta with tomato, cucumber, olives & lemon garlic yogurt – $15.50
Remember when burgers were under $20? No, neither. Until I heard about Sunshine Social – where their burgers comfortably sit around the $15 mark. Unspeakable. Starting with small bites like charred pitta for $2.50 and moving on to shareable goodies like fried chicken for $14.5, and half a chicken for $17… like, does it get any better? The salads are also super affordable, around $10. Tempted? You should be.
Things to Consider For Cheap Eats in Melbourne
When it comes to cheap restaurants in Melbourne, there are a few things to keep top of mind. Most notably; where to head to and what types of food to look out for.
Eat Streets
It doesn’t just have one Eat Street – it has multiple! From Gertrude Street and Lygon Street in the inner north, to Flinders Lane and Hardware Lane in Melbourne CBD – Melbourne’s streets are buzzing with eateries and bars, offering all sorts of munchies to tickle ya fancy.
Common Cuisines
Melbourne doesn’t have a common cuisine – and that’s what we love about it! It’s a mishmash of global foods – you’re as likely to bump into Spanish, Lebanese, Moroccan, Thai, Malaysian, Turkish, Vietnamese, and Ethiopian eats as you are to the classic Italian, French, and Chinese spots. Melbourne’s food scene doesn’t stick to one script; it mixes things up and gives you a taste of everywhere.
How We Chose This List
From the author, Ally Burnie: I am a Journalist and content creator who’s spent over a decade covering Australia’s food, drink and lifestyle scene. Since 2023, when I made Melbourne my home, I’ve made it my mission to find the best cheap eats around (I’m a hungry gal with a limited budget). I’ve personally visited numerous of these spots, each bringing something tasty & special to Melbourne’s cheap eats scene. For those I haven’t visited (yet), I’ve gotten the inside scoop from Melbourne’s hospitality experts and researched what other budget-loving foodies are saying online.
Alternatives to Cheap Eats in Melbourne
Alright, now that we’ve covered the best cheap places to eat in Melbourne – here’s everything else we love to eat, drink, see & do in this magical city!
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- Best fine dining in Melbourne
- Best steak in Melbourne
- Best Italian in Melbourne
- Best Greek in Melbourne
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