In one of the most expensive cities in the world, it’s not easy to find decent restaurants that won’t break the bank. Thankfully, we’ve done the hard work for you, and scoped out some of the best places to bag a delicious dinner for as little as AU$5. So get digging for that loose change and treat yourself to a meal out!
Cheap eats with a sea view in Bondi
Beach Burrito Company
What could be better than a burrito on the beach? A burrito on the beach that costs you less than $15! The Beach Burrito Company in Bondi has an incredible menu with a selection of burritos and tacos to suit anyone. Our favorite are their giant fish tacos, served in an 8-inch tortilla, all for just $12. Drool.
Fat Ruperts
Think American style delicatessen with a modern Australian twist at Fat Ruperts. Lunch offers toasted bagels stuffed full of roasted and sliced meats, mustards, pickles... take your pick. At dinner they offer a menu of sharing plates, so take your mates and indulge in some delicious food without the guilt of spending a fortune.
Good Time Burger
Best value burger in Sydney? Quite possibly. Decked out like a typical American diner, expect red vinyl booths and checkerboard floors. Their handcrafted buns, homemade burgers and hand cut chips can be all yours for as little as $15. And if you‘re feeling brave enough, have a go at their ‘Man vs Burger’ challenge. Devour their one-kilo burger in eight minutes to bag yourself a free meal, and a place on their wall of fame.
Gertrude and Alice
If you fancy something a little more unique, Gertrude and Alice is a great shout. Situated in a bookstore, you can polish off their lentil stew whilst getting lost in a bit of classic literature. Their Mediterranean dishes come for as little as $8.50.
Cheap eats with a side of hipsters in Newtown
Vina
For the vegans out there, Vina offers a delicious selection of popular Vietnamese dishes without the meat, but with all the flavor. The prices are cheap, the food healthy and if you’re in need for a quick, good value dinner this is your perfect place to go.
Sultan’s Table
The Sultan’s Table offers diners authentic Turkish cuisine at incredible prices. All their specials are prices under $15 and dishes on the menu start from as little as $7. The kebab, grilled over charcoal, is any meat lovers’ dream and is a steal at just $14.
Newtown Hotel
If you’re after a bit of good cheap pub grub, Newtown hotel is the place for you. Fridays are the day to go if you want to get the most bang for your buck - a huge schnitzel and a beer for just $12. An absolute steal.
Thai-La-Ong
A Newtown favorite, you’ll have to get in early to bag a table at this eatery. Authentic Thai food at unbelievable prices, think Pad Thai for as low as $9.50 and a good hearty massaman curry for just $12.50. You can even order your food online on their website. Perfect for a Friday night take away.
Cheap eats in the big city
Mappen Noodle
This is paradise on a plate for anyone who loves a good feed at good value prices. The quality is second to none, with the udon noodles said to be as good as you’ll find in Japan. With a choice of curry, noodles and sides of tempura there will definitely be something to take your fancy. With a canteen-style service, you can have your food in front of you five minutes after you’ve walked through the door.
Burger Project
With three city center locations, you’ll never be too far from a Burger Project. All their burgers contain 100 percent Tasmanian-grown, Grass-fed beef, making them that little bit tastier. With an extensive menu and prices starting from $10, you’ll find it hard not to pop in everyday.
Spice Alley
An absolute favorite when it comes to a good choice of in budget options all in one, easily reachable place. Situated in the heart of the city, this chilled out venue is perfect to hang out with mates after a hard week of studying. The communal seating offers a relaxed atmosphere and the ten or so different food stalls means you can try a whole host of different cuisines. Even better still, its BYO.
Mr Crackles
Another meat lovers’ dream, Mr Crackles is best known for their crispy pork rolls with crackling, and also offers a selection of roast meats, rolls and hot dogs for anyone looking for a quick bite to eat. If you’re after something a little more substantial, you’ll find Asian-style dishes such as chicken katsu and char sui buns.
