If you’re visiting Sydney, or even if you’re a local, you may have noticed the costs of dining out in the city can quickly escalate. Brunch for two with coffee can easily be over $50, and even pub meals tend to range from $20-30 per person, before even thinking about drinks. Although I love my avocado toast as much as the next person, sometimes you just need a delicious meal that won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for the best cheap eats in Sydney, we are here to help!
Luckily, Sydney has such a diverse and plentiful dining scene that amazing food at bargain prices can definitely be found- you just need to know where to look. Here are some of our recommendations that are worth your effort.
Best Cheap Eats in Sydney
Here are some of my top recommendations for eating cheaply in and around the CBD, which is where out of town guests are most likely to be staying. That being said, delicious food from all corners of the world can be found all over Sydney’s suburbs, so head further afield if you have time- try Cabramatta for Vietnamese, Lakemba or Arncliffe for Lebanese, or Hurstville or Chatswood for Chinese.
The Italian Bowl, Newtown
The Italian Bowl, on Newtown’s King Street, is one of my fav places for a comforting pasta that won’t break the bank. There’s often lines out the front, but don’t let that put you off- it moves fast and there’s plenty of tables inside, or get yours to go.
All food is freshly cooked in the open kitchen, and their meals are plentiful, tasty, and authentic. You can’t go wrong with Primavera, Pesto, Risotto, or freshly baked lasagna, and you’ll find all your Italian favourites here.
There’s seriously so much to do and see in Sydney! Read more here.
Scary Canary, CBD
Delicious pub-style food on a budget can be hard to come by, but if you’re staying in the city, check out the Scary Canary. With regular drink specials and a diverse menu with most items under $15 AUD, it’s a great choice. Is it geared to backpackers? Um, well, yes – but all are welcome and it’s quiet and welcoming most of the time, although it does become a club at night. Locals and travellers enjoy it for the low prices and fun atmosphere, so it’s worth checking out.
It’s hard to beat the feeling of amazing comfort food like burgers or schnitty, but if you’re cooking at home, nothing beats the cheesy goodness of a tuna melt.
Lentil as Anything, Newtown
Newtown’s Lentil as Anything is one of the best cheap eats for vegans and vegetarians- although the food is so delicious, even carnivores won’t miss the meat. This unique social enterprise has a menu based on seasonal produce that changes every day, and operates on a pay-what-you-think -it’s-worth system.
They work to support a range of community initiatives, such as barista training for refugees and asylum seekers, and tend to be very popular- consider booking ahead if you’re planning to visit.
They also have several locations in Melbourne, if you’re heading down after your time in Sydney.
Tokyo Loco Bowl, Crows Nest
Tokyo Loco Bowl is on Willoughby Road in Crow’s Nest, on Sydney’s lower North Shore. Although a little further afield from the city, it’s great if you’re staying in North Sydney or are in the area- also, it’s one of my personal favorites, so it had to be on the list!
Visit this unassuming spot for incredible Japanese donburi, udon noodles, or salads, all freshly made as you wait. Sweet potato tempura, salmon teriyaki, lightly salted edamame…there’s a lot to love here. The prices are really reasonable and the food is ready quickly.
Spice Alley, Haymarket
Spice Alley is not just one restaurant, but a collection of about ten eateries, all set in a beautiful street-market inspired setting, reminiscent of Singapore or Hong Kong. It’s great for groups, as everyone can choose their own, including Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, and there’s even a gin bar.
Prices range around $13 AUD per main, and the restaurants here seriously rival some of the city’s fine dining options. As you can imagine, Spice Alley can get really crowded, so consider going early for dinner on weekends.
Harry’s Cafe de Wheels, Woolloomooloo (but has multiple locations)
Is there anything more Aussie than a meat pie? Well, perhaps, but you can’t go wrong with Harry’s, a Sydney institution for over 70 years. Consider the Tiger, a meat pie topped with mashed potato and mushy peas, or a seafood pie, hot dog, finished off with a warm apple turnover.
Their retro-inspired designs are fun and reminiscent of an old fashioned town fete, and their Woollomoolloo location has some of the best views in the city. Enjoy your pie as you watch the sunset over the harbour- Aussie as.
Mamak, Chinatown or Chatswood
Mamak quickly gained a cult following in Sydney for their delectable Malaysian cuisine at great prices. All rice and noodle dishes are under $15 AUD, and the mains are still very reasonably priced- $24 AUD for tiger prawn sambal is still a great deal. Dine at the group tables and enjoy award-winning eats on a backpacker budget.
Looking for other ways to save money in Sydney?
Fast Pho, Chinatown
I love a good pho on a cold day- this Vietnamese noodle soup is great with shredded beef, tofu, or chicken, and Fast Pho is a top choice with locals and students from the nearby universities.
Portions are plentiful and almost everything on the menu is under $10 AUD. If you’re after a quick and easy lunch or dinner, Fast Pho, located in Ultimo not far from Central Station, is a top choice.
Frankie’s Pizza, CBD
Americans love the concept of pizza by the slice for a quick snack or meal, but the tradition hasn’t really caught on in Australia. However, Frankie’s Pizza has caught on to this and offers hot and fresh pizza by the slice in their funky bar and eatery in the CBD, near Wynyard. Pop in for a happy hour and a slice or two and enjoy a few rounds of pinball. Live music is offered a few times a week, and Frankie’s gets popular with workers in the city, tourists, and usually has quite an eclectic mix.
How to find cheap accommodation in Sydney
Although Sydney can be an expensive place to visit, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you want to splurge or save, you’ll find tons of options in the city.
When it comes to accommodation, find cheap hotels in Australia with Accor, a top travel brand in the country. In Sydney particularly, the Ibis Budget hotels are cheap, cheerful, and in great locations.
If you’re still looking for ways to save money when eating or in Sydney, here are some more top tips:
- Many restaurants offer BYO, at least for wine. There may be a small corkage fee, but bringing your own bottle is a lot more affordable than buying bottles at a restaurant.
- Consider planning a picnic or BBQ with friends as an alternative to dining out. There are many amazing public parks in Sydney, often near the water, that have free public barbeques and also allow alcohol consumption.
- Decent Happy Hours can still be found in the city – here’s a guide to get you started
- Money-saving voucher sites such as Groupon often have great restaurant deals. They require a little bit of advance planning, but substantial discounts can be found.
- Consider splitting a dish between two people, especially if you’re not starving. Portion sizes can be large here and restaurants are almost always happy to bring an additional plate out.
Do you have a favourite restaurant in Sydney, or a top way to save money when visiting? Would love to hear your recommendations below!