The Best Cheap Eats in Melbourne (2026 Guide)

MELBOURNE | Where can I find the best Melbourne cheap eats? It is a question that I get asked a lot. It is a difficult question to answer without context. A question whose answer is subjective at best. What does one consider to be cheap or affordable? Is the price to quality ratio relevant? Does bias as to which cuisines should be cheap cloud one’s judgment?

For me, I use a rather simple definition of a cheap eat. Can I get a good quality, filling feed for under $25? If the answer to that question is yes, then I consider it to be a cheap eat.

In my list, updated for 2026, I provide a variety of places and cuisines offering some of the best cheap eats in Melbourne. I have placed them in alphabetical order across the city’s key regions, and they are all delicious. Are any of your favourites listed below?

At-A-Glance: The Best Cheap Eats in Melbourne (2026 Guide)

Inner North

A1 Lebanese Bakery (Brunswick)

This family business first opened in 1992 and has remained popular with locals to this day. A1 is a Lebanese bakery and Middle Eastern grocer. They sell bread (khobz), pita, pies, Lebanese pizza and Mediterranean grocery items. Their famed spinach and cheese triangle is a classic Melbourne cheap eat. There’s also a second, newer location in Fitzroy.

643-645 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056

Citrus (Fitzroy North)

Citrus is a family-run Sri Lankan restaurant in Fitzroy North with a menu that features a small number of a la carte dishes, as well as a very popular buffet. Available during lunch and dinner, the buffet features a selection of around 17 dishes, all owner and chef Shiyamalee’s home recipes.

252 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North VIC 3068

Cumbe (Brunswick)

Cumbe is a casual Mexican sandwich shop offering three tortas, also available as bowls, pies and sausage rolls, and a small selection of pastries from Suburbia Bakery. The tortas consist of bánh mì (similar to the Mexican bolillo) from nearby bakery Dat Thanh, with options like chilaquiles, Milanesa (chicken schnitzel), cochinita pibil (pulled pork), and huevo frito (fried egg).

551 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056

Damasquino (Brunswick East)

Damasquino serves up exceptional Syrian street food in Brunswick East, known for mouth-watering lamb and chicken shawarma, humus bowls, and sides.

464 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057

Frankie’s Tortas y Tacos (Collingwood)

One of my favourite sandwiches in Melbourne is the torta from Frankie’s Tortas y Tacos. The tortas come in three varieties: al pastor (pork cooked on a spit), crumbed beef milanesa, and asado mushroom. There are also three different tacos: al pastor, asada (charcoal-grilled beef), and mushroom.

30 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Gai Wong (North Melbourne)

Inspired by the hawker centres that co-owner Philip Leong visited as a child growing up in Malaysia and Brunei, Gai Wong offers a small menu full of amazing food. Come for what many consider to be Melbourne’s best Hainanese chicken rice, and stay for things like the kon lo mee and chai boey.

Shop 1/5-17 Flemington Rd, North Melbourne VIC 3051

Half Moon Cafe (Coburg)

Nabil Hassan opened his Egyptian-style falafel spot, Half Moon Cafe, in Coburg in 2003. To this day, they serve some of the best falafel and wraps in Melbourne. My pick is the “Full Moon”. Soft, fluffy, crispy, chickpea falafel with halloumi, eggplant, lettuce, rocket, mixed pickles, tabouli, hummus, and tzatziki.

13 Victoria St, Coburg VIC 3058

Hi Chong Qing (Hi CQ) (Carlton)

One of the best places to try Chongqing-style noodles in Melbourne is at Hi Chong Qing (Hi CQ). There are five noodle bowls, with a few customisation options like extra meat and fried egg. The signature Chongqing noodle bowl with a spicy pork bone broth is the way to go when you first visit.

UniLodge, D2/26 Orr St, Carlton VIC 3053

Juanita Peaches (Brunswick)

If you’re looking for what many consider to be the best cheeseburger in Melbourne, then Juanita Peaches is a must-visit. Along with their famed cheeseburger, they also sell fantastic fried chicken, burritos, and some of the city’s best doughnuts via All Day Donuts, which operates out of the same building.

12 Edward Street, Brunswick VIC 3056

Looking for more dedicated burger spots? Check out my guide to the Best Burgers In Melbourne for top smash patties and juicy sandos.

K&H Hot Bread Bakery (Brunswick)

Locals line up for the banh mi at Brunswick’s K&H Hot Bread Bakery, and it is easy to see why. Excellent bread that is baked fresh on site each day, generously filled with delicious ingredients. One of the best sandwiches in this part of town, period.

397 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056

N.Lee Bakery (Collingwood)

When it comes to banh mi in Collingwood, many consider that offered by N.Lee Bakery to be the best. They have been a stalwart of Melbourne’s Vietnamese bakery scene for over 20 years, and there are still lines outside every day during lunch. Quality bread and ingredients, and great flavours never go out of fashion.

220 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066

Roza Restaurant (Coburg)

Roza Restaurant is a small family-run spot in Coburg that has become a local favourite for affordable, high-quality halal Middle Eastern Gulf and North African food, particularly their incredible mandi.

131 Sydney Rd, Coburg VIC 3058

Tahina (Northcote)

Tel Aviv-born owner and chef Roy Sassonkin and his partner Natalie Powell cook up mouthwatering Israeli street food bites at Tahina. Everything on the menu at their Northcote location is vegetarian or vegan. It is simple, home-style, wholesome food that is packed full of flavour.

223 High St, Northcote VIC 3070

Tochi Deli (Coburg)

One of Melbourne’s best sushi spots, Tochi Deli, is located behind an unassuming arcade in Coburg. The sushi here is some of the best that I have had outside of Japan. The fish is of the highest quality (try the tuna belly), and the rice is brilliant.

4/12 Victoria St, Coburg VIC 3058

Waroeng SS Spesial Sambal (Carlton)

Waroeng SS brings authentic Indonesian comfort food to Carlton, specialising in an extensive selection of fiery traditional sambals served alongside affordable fried chicken, fish, and tofu dishes.

398-400 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053

Wazzup Falafel (Preston)

One of the best Melbourne cheap eats for falafel lovers is Wazzup Falafel. The Preston food truck turned bricks and mortar shop was started by Jordanian/Palestinian refugee Ahmad Alalaea in 2021. The aim? To introduce Melburnians to the joys of Palestinian-style falafel, which is different to the kind of falafel that most are used to in Melbourne.

343 High St, Northcote VIC 3070

Melbourne CBD

Anatolia Gozleme Kitchen (Melbourne CBD)

Anatolia Gozleme Kitchen is a fantastic family-run spot in the CBD serving up freshly made-to-order traditional Turkish gozleme loaded with savoury fillings like spiced lamb, spinach, and feta, and other home-style Turkish dishes. The mixed plate is a great cheap eat. There’s also the original location, at Prahran Market.

Southern Cross Lane, 121 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Bammi (Melbourne CBD)

Bammi is a welcome addition to the CBD lunch scene, serving up exceptionally crunchy, well-filled Vietnamese banh mi with great protein options and balanced flavours. There’s currently two locations in the CBD.

342 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000

Banh Mi Stand (Melbourne CBD)

Banh Mi Stand focuses on crusty baguettes loaded with traditional and non-traditional, but authentic, fillings, out of a small window on Flinders Lane.

547 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000

Butcher’s Diner (Melbourne CBD)

Butcher’s Diner features an American diner aesthetic with metal tables, an orange laminate bar, and red and grey tile flooring. The food menu features diner favourites like a fantastic cheeseburger and Coney Island chilli dogs. There are also things like pork, octopus, and Chinese sausage skewers, salads, and sandwiches.

10 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD VIC 3000

Croque Monsieur (Melbourne CBD)

If you’re looking for a proper French croque monsieur and other variations on the classic, then hole-in-the-wall cafe Croque Monsieur is for you. My favourite is the croque madame: a ham, Emmental cheese, and béchamel toasted sandwich with two eggs added to a croque monsieur. There is also a selection of French pastries available.

Shop 2/241 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000

Dodee Paidang (Melbourne CBD)

Both of Dodee Paidang‘s locations are popular with those looking for an affordable Thai feed in the heart of Melbourne. The restaurant’s tagline is “We serve things most Thai restaurants don’t, Dodee Paidang is not fusion – we offer either traditional-style street food or things we have invented ourselves.” It is a good summation of the food here, with dishes influenced by those from across Thailand, and in particular Isaan in Thailand’s north-east.

245 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Dragon Hot Pot (Melbourne CBD)

One of the most popular hot pot restaurants in town, Dragon Hot Pot has multiple locations across Melbourne. You use tongs to grab as much as you like before handing it over to the staff to cook in your broth of choice. There is an assortment of noodles, meat, seafood, offal, vegetables and more.

251 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Drums Cafe (Melbourne CBD)

This family-run Sri Lankan spot has stood the test of time, operating for 25 years in Queen Victoria Market. At Drums Cafe, you will find things like kothu roti, devilled chicken, lamprais, and more, all cooked with love and the aim of bringing Sri Lankan street food to locals and tourists from around the world.

Queen Victoria Market Food Hall, 71 Victoria St, Melbourne VIC 3000

D’Penyetz & D’Cendol (Melbourne CBD)

This Halal Indonesian franchised restaurant has over 100 outlets around the world, and is known for its authentic, delicious food. D’Penyetz & D’Cendol‘s signature item is Ayam Penyet. It is fried chicken that is smashed with a pestle against a mortar to make it softer, served with sambal, slices of cucumber, fried tofu, and tempeh. They currently have three locations in Melbourne – CBD, Carlton, and Clayton

204 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3004

EatAlley (Melbourne CBD)

EatAlley brings a slice of Malaysian and Singaporean hawker heritage to QV, offering incredible street food classics like KL Hokkien mee, pork bone broth bah kut teh, and innovative pineapple bun kaya toast under one roof.

Shop 11, L2, QV, Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Craving more fried chicken? Take a look at my guide to the Best Fried Chicken In Melbourne for loads of great spots.

Hanbaobao (Melbourne CBD)

Chicken burgers are the star of the Hanbaobao menu, their point of difference being the buns, which are hand rolled and steamed for an airy, bao-like texture. Flavours include things like original chicken thigh, the signature fragrant spicy burger and, my favourite, the Sichuan pepper chicken. There’s also a few grilled options if you don’t feel like fried chicken. Everything on the menu is halal.

369 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Heartbaker Bun Mee (Melbourne CBD)

If you’re looking for an affordable, delicious, and filling sandwich in the CBD, Heartbaker Bun Mee is a great option. Try their signature crispy pork belly banh mi. Generous fillings, pork belly that is melt-in-your-mouth tender with a super crispy exterior, and a perfectly light, fluffy, and crunchy tiger roll holding it all together. They have a second location on Spring Street.

3/241 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000

Jojo Little Kitchen (Melbourne CBD)

One of my favourite spots for authentic Malaysian pan mee is Jojo Little Kitchen, be it the original or the QV branch. Pan mee is a Hakka-style flat flour noodle which can be enjoyed as a soup, which uses a pork bone and dried anchovy broth, or dry. When you order, you can choose your noodle thickness and a selection of sides and additions.

7/120 A’Beckett St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Kare カレー (Melbourne CBD)

KARÉ カレー is a West Melbourne Japanese cafe focusing on dishes made with curry, and other comforting Japanese yōshoku dishes.

173 Victoria Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003

Lulu’s Char Koay Teow (Melbourne CBD)

When your Malaysian friends all tell you that Lulu’s Char Koay Teow is the real deal, you know that it is about more than hype. They offer six variations of Penang-style char koay teow. The classic contains prawns, Chinese sausage, pork lard, eggs, bean sprouts, chives, and chilli.

27-31 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000

Musashi Izakaya (Melbourne CBD)

One of my favourite Melbourne spots for ramen, and casual Japanese fare in general, is Musashi Ramen & Izakaya Bar. Open late every night of the week, the restaurant is known for their signature tonkotsu ramen and other ramen varieties, alongside an assortment of Japanese dishes like takoyaki, yakitori, karaage, and gyoza.

Level 1/181 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Ngon Banh Cuon (Melbourne CBD)

Ngon Banh Cuon is a CBD specialist dedicated to the art of delicate, made-to-order steamed Vietnamese rice noodle rolls stuffed with savoury minced pork and wood ear mushrooms.

404-406 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Salero Kito (Melbourne CBD)

Salero Kito have two locations and is popular with the local Indonesian community. Owners Afdal Utama and Tika Kartini’s focus at the restaurant is on Padang cuisine, which originates from West Sumatra, Indonesia.

264-266 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Sanhe Congee (Melbourne CBD)

Sanhe Congee specialises in Chinese-style, comforting Asian rice porridge, congee, with over 30 savoury and sweet versions on the menu.

185 Victoria Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003

Shanghai Street (Melbourne CBD)

There are a few outposts of dumpling favourite Shanghai Street in the city, and all of them always have lines to get in during peak times. The reason is simple: delicious, affordable, made-to-order dumplings. Xiao long bao are the specialty.

342 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Shujinko Ramen (Melbourne CBD)

When looking for late-night, affordable Japanese food in the city, Shujinko is always a good shout. All four locations offer an assortment of Japanese favourites, with a focus on ramen and Osaka-style okonomiyaki.

427 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Soi 38 (Melbourne CBD)

Now in bigger digs, Soi 38 is still serving up some of Melbourne’s tastiest Thai food. The focus is on food that evokes eating at Thailand’s street food vendors. Think boat noodles during the day, and BBQ and hot pot at night.

38 Royal Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000

Ta-ke Don (Melbourne CBD)

Ta-ke Don is a popular Melbourne CBD rice bowl take-away spot offering fast, affordable Japanese donburi and Thai-inspired lunch options for local workers and students.

4/265 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Udon Yasan (Melbourne CBD)

Udon Yasan on Bourke Street is a fast-casual Japanese noodle joint where you grab freshly made Sanuki udon bowls and pick your own tempura sides off the counter.

186 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Yulongfu Steamed Buns Restaurant (Melbourne CBD)

One of my favourite spots for dumplings and casual Shanghainese eats in Melbourne is Yulongfu Steamed Buns Restaurant. The signature item is their xiao long bao, the recipe for which has been passed down through owner Yong Liu’s wife Emily’s family since 1904.

138 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Inner West & Footscray

Cô Thư Quán (Footscray)

Cô Thư Quán offers an assortment of specialities from across Vietnam, including many dishes you will not find elsewhere in Footscray. The pho here is really good, but try the vibrant Canh Bun (Water Spinach Noodle Soup). Also try the Banh Trang Cuon, small, lightly fried mini rice paper wrappers filled with deliciousness.

Shop 11 &, 12/10 Droop St, Footscray VIC 3011

Nhu Lan Bakery (Footscray)

Like N.Lee above, Nhu Lan Bakery is a stalwart of Melbourne’s Vietnamese bakery landscape. The Footscray original has been operating for over 25 years and is still considered to be one of the best places for banh mi in the neighbourhood.

116 Hopkins St, Footscray VIC 3011

Ras Dashen (Footscray)

Footscray is known for its many Ethiopian and East African restaurants, and Ras Dashen is one of the best. It has been open for 20 years, run by Wondimu Alemu and his wife Alemitu Aberra. They serve up delicious home-style Ethiopian food like doro wat and other stews, and assorted tibs, all served with the famed Ethiopian injera.

247 Barkly St, Footscray VIC 3011

Inner East, South & Outer Suburbs

Baz Kreole (Richmond)

Baz Kreole brings vibrant, soul-warming Mauritian Creole flavours to Richmond, serving up comforting curries, spicy street food bites, and rich island dishes that offer fantastic value. The lease expired at their current location as I wrote this update. They should be up and running at their new location (TBA at the time of writing) by the time you read this.

270 Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121

Burek On Sunshine Ave (Kealba)

Located out in Kealba, Burek On Sunshine Ave is a legendary destination for massive, flaky, house-baked traditional Balkan pastries filled with things like minced beef, cheese, and spinach.

100 Sunshine Ave, Kealba VIC 3021

Co Do (Richmond)

Bun Bo Hue is one of my favourite Vietnamese soups. It is a joyous beef bone, pork shank, lemongrass, and fermented shrimp sauce broth filled with vermicelli noodles, sliced beef brisket, pork, beef loaf, pork loaf, and cubed pig’s blood. Co Do specialise in the soup, and their version is great. They also offer an extensive menu of other Vietnamese dishes.

196 Victoria St, Richmond VIC 3121

Laksa King (Flemington)

Yes, Laksa King has appeared on just about every Melbourne cheap eats list that has been released over the past 30 years. You know what though, it belongs here. There is the consistently great laksa, and an extensive range of Malaysian Chinese hawker-style dishes, all keenly priced.

6-12 Pin Oak Cres, Flemington VIC 3031

M Yong Tofu (Flemington)

Flemington gem M Yong Tofu offers a wide variety of authentic Malaysian dishes and is always packed with locals in the know. The signature item is yong tau foo. It is a Hakka Chinese dish consisting primarily of tofu filled with ground meat mixture or fish paste, and your choice of extras.

314 Racecourse Rd, Flemington VIC 3031

Oasis (Fairfield)

Whether it is the Murrumbeena original or the Fairfield outpost, you cannot go wrong at family-run Lebanese spot, Oasis. There is the cafe, offering things like shawarmas, falafel, Lebanese BBQ, and Lebanese pizzas, plus a retail section featuring house-made products like dips, salads, ready-to-eat meals, nuts, and spices.

92-96 Station St, Fairfield VIC 3078

Gone But Not Forgotten: The Legacy Archive

Editor’s Note: The entries below represent my original write-ups from my past Melbourne roundups. While these spots have since permanently closed their doors, I retain my original reviews here as an archived snapshot of the places that shaped Melbourne’s affordable dining culture.

Baba Hawker (Brunswick)

The kitchen at Baba Hawker was run by a former school teacher, who specialised in Peranakan cuisine and comforting curries.

Da Long Yi Hot Pot 大龙燚火锅 (Melbourne CBD)

A Chengdu-style hot pot destination on Russell Street known for spicy broths and extensive condiment stations.

Dari Korean Cafe and Bar (Melbourne CBD)

A cute spot serving loaded idol sandwiches, bulgogi burgers, and modern Korean cafe favourites.

Din Tai Fung (Melbourne CBD)

The Emporium outpost of the world-famous Taiwanese dumpling chain, known for fast service and reliable xiao long bao.

Hawker Chan (Melbourne CBD)

Home to the famed Michelin-starred Singaporean soya chicken-rice and roast meats on Lonsdale Street.

Manaaw (Melbourne CBD)

Manaaw was known for offering authentic and affordable express lunch dishes, alongside Thai mookata hot pot.

Meet Sando (Melbourne CBD)

A La Trobe Street staple that served value-for-money Japanese katsu sandos and chips.