Melbourne CBD is a paradise for food lovers—but eating out every day can quickly drain your wallet.
Luckily, you don’t need to spend $40+ per meal to enjoy delicious, satisfying food in the heart of the city.
Whether you’re a student on a budget, a worker on a lunch break, or just someone who loves finding value-for-money restaurants, this 2025 guide has you covered.
We’ve curated the best cheap eats in Melbourne CBD, with meals that are light on price but heavy on flavour and portion size.
🏙️ Why Melbourne CBD Is a Paradise for Budget Foodies
Melbourne’s CBD is known for its bustling laneways, multicultural food scene, and constant flow of students, workers, and tourists.
With such a diverse crowd, it’s no surprise that affordable food options have flourished here.
From budget eats to cheap and tasty food spots, the city center offers everything from sizzling street-style noodles to gourmet burgers under $15.
It’s easy to dine out daily without spending a fortune—if you know where to look.
🥗 Top 10 Cheap Restaurants in Melbourne CBD (Under $15)
Here are 10 top-rated places for cheap eats under $15 in Melbourne CBD:
Don Don (Swanston Street)
🍛 Japanese rice bowls starting from $9.50
Super fast service, great for students
Sushi Hub (Elizabeth Street)
🍣 Fresh sushi rolls from $3
Affordable combo boxes
Walker’s Doughnuts (Flinders Street)
🍩 Meal combos under $10
Great late-night option
Nosh (Melbourne Central)
🥗 Healthy poke and rice bowls from $13
Perfect for a light yet filling lunch
Phở Thin (Russell Street)
🍜 Authentic Vietnamese pho from $14.90
Big portion sizes, rich flavours
Rasa Rasa (QV Melbourne)
🍛 Malaysian food under $12
Great nasi lemak and curries
TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie (Bourke Street)
🍜 Rice + noodle deals from $14
Good indoor ambiance, feels premium
Lord of the Fries (Swanston St)
🍟 Vegan fast food from $10
Great for a quick bite
Melbourne Central Food Court
🥡 Dozens of stalls with $10–$12 meals
Ideal for variety on a budget
B’Churrasco To Go (La Trobe Street)
🥩 Brazilian-style grill boxes under $15
Meat lover’s dream
These student-friendly restaurants combine quality and affordability, making them ideal for daily eats.
🍛 Best Value-for-Money Meals with Large Portions
Looking for meals that leave you full and cost under $20? These large portion food spots are your best bet:
Wonderbao – Massive bao buns for $5–$8 each, two can fill you up.
Dodee Paidang – Thai boat noodles with a spice kick, huge bowls for $14.
The Curry Vault – Indian curries with naan or rice sets around $16–$18.
Papparich Express – Large Malaysian combo meals, often under $20.
These restaurants offer the best bang for your buck—ideal for big appetites and tight budgets.
🥡 Best Cheap Takeaways in Melbourne CBD
Need a grab-and-go option that won’t burn your wallet?
Souvlaki GR – Greek wraps from $11.
Jamaica Blue – Sandwiches and snacks starting at $8.
Boost Juice – Meal replacement smoothies under $10.
Pie Face – Aussie meat pies for around $5–$7.
Perfect for office lunches or a quick cheap takeaway in the city.
🌏 Affordable International Cuisine
Melbourne’s global food scene shines when it comes to affordable international eats:
🥢 Asian Food
Shanghai Street Dumplings – Handmade dumplings under $13.
Hakata Gensuke Ramen – Real Japanese ramen bowls around $18.
🌮 Mexican
Mad Mex (Emporium) – Burrito bowls starting from $12.
Salsas Fresh Mex Grill – Quick service with $10–$15 meals.
🥙 Middle Eastern
Fateh Cafe – Hummus bowls and kebab plates under $15.
Tiba’s Lebanese – Famous for their budget platters and wraps.
Use this list as your go-to Melbourne CBD cheap eats guide for globe-trotting on a budget.
🍷 Cheap Eats That Feel Expensive (But Aren’t)
Craving a premium experience without the price tag?
Om Vegetarian – Unlimited Indian thali for $7.95.
Grill’d (QV Melbourne) – Gourmet burgers under $15.
Betty’s Burgers – Classy burger joint with meals around $16.
Kong BBQ – Korean-style BBQ and buns, shareable and under $20.
These spots offer affordable dining in Melbourne CBD that rivals fancy venues.
🌙 Late Night Cheap Eats in Melbourne CBD
Late night cravings? Here’s where to go:
Stalactites – 24/7 Greek food, wraps under $15.
Shanghai Street – Dumplings till 11PM.
Lord of the Fries – Open late and always cheap.
Rice Paper Scissors (on weekends) – Great for late-night bites and share plates.
Use this for your late-night eats in Melbourne CBD checklist.
❓ FAQ – People Also Ask
Where can I find cheap food in Melbourne CBD?
Try Don Don, Sushi Hub, or Wonderbao for budget-friendly meals under $15.
What are the best budget eats near Flinders Street Station?
Check out Walker’s Doughnuts, Lord of the Fries, and Stalactites for quick and affordable food.
Which restaurants offer the best value in Melbourne?
Phở Thin, Shanghai Street, and Grill’d provide quality meals without the high price.
What’s the best cheap Asian restaurant in the city?
Shanghai Street Dumplings and Hakata Gensuke Ramen are local favourites under $20.
💸 Tips to Save Even More on Food in Melbourne
Use food apps like EatClub or Too Good To Go for last-minute discounts.
Visit food courts between 2PM–5PM for meal deals.
Follow venues on Instagram for weekly specials and student discounts.
Stick to budget-friendly food spots in Chinatown, QV Melbourne, and Flinders Lane.
Dining out on a budget is not just possible—it’s a tasty adventure.