From the hipster café through to the gourmet restaurant, Melbourne deserves its reputation for being the centre of food culture in Australia. What it is often not regarded as is the best place to eat cheaply in Australia. But know where to look, and Melbourne is remarkable in the sheer number of great places to eat that won’t cost you more than a $20.
Here’s our pick of places to eat that won’t break the budget.
Moroccan Soup Bar
St Georges Road, Fitzroy North VIC 3068
(03) 9482 4240
This institution has been in Melbourne for over 15 years now, and the people that queue up for it night after night are testament to its enduring popularity. As the name suggests a trip to this restaurant is an experience in exotic flavours, and this place is best known for its vegetarian banquet, which is just $20 for three courses.
Yong Green Food
421 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
(03) 9417 3338
Another option for vegetarian food, Yong Green Food has options for vegan, raw, organic and gluten-free food, and has quickly earned a reputation among Melbourne’s ever-growing community of environmentally and health-conscious people. Despite winning awards for the city’s best vegetarian food, the prices at Yong’s remain modest.
The Rainbow Hotel
27 St David Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
(03) 9419 4193
For people that do like a bit of meat in their diet, there’s The Rainbow Hotel. Head over there Monday night and you’re looking at a juicy traditional burger for $12, or a slider for $7. Wash that down with a beer and you’re still coming under that $20 budget.
The Merrywell
Crown Towers, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank VIC 3006
(03) 9292 7468
Burgers are, of course, the classic pub food. In fact, you could argue that a pub in Melbourne that doesn’t do a good, cheap burger is one that doesn’t understand what being a pub in Melbourne is about. The Merrywell in Southbank has a good value happy hour deal – between 4-6pm you’ll get a burger and a pint for just $15.
Café Vue
430 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9691 3899
Most people wouldn’t expect to see anything related to the Vue de Monde on this list, but the reality is that for a good lunch you’re looking at $18 from Café Vue. The lunch box set offers a starter, savoury and sweet, providing a bit of decadence to get through a day in the office without cracking out the credit card.
Ike’s Rack Shack
421 Rathdowne Street, Carlton VIC 3053
(03) 9347 8171
Lamb’s not exactly a cheap meat these days. Despite being an Aussie icon, a good lamb meal will almost always set you back enough that it’s a treat rather than something you could eat every day. Except, that is, when you visit Ike’s Rack Shack. For $15 you’re going to get yourself a half rack of lamb ribs, allowing you to indulge your inner patriot without giving yourself a budget emergency.
Love Pho
181 Swan Street, Richmond VIC 3121
(03) 9421 2200
When people think of delicious food from South East Asia, they’re often thinking about a good Thai curry, or perhaps a Rendang from Malaysia or Indonesia. But Pho is a remarkable way to eat as well. Love Pho is, as the name suggests, a celebration of the classic Vietnamese staple, and as with most Pho restaurants, it’s a cheap way to eat. You’ll get Beef Pho here for $10.
Laksa King
6-12 Pin Oak Crescent, Flemington VIC 3031
(03) 9372 6383
Of course, if you’re in the mood for “Asian” food, then it’s entirely possible that you are craving a good curry. The combination curry laksa at Laska King is $10, and is a mixed noodle dish with shrimp, fish cake, and chicken that will more than scratch that itch for you.
La Condesa
234 Johnston Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
(03) 9419 5675
This is surely the most remarkable taco deal in all of Melbourne. Any three of La Condesa’s superb range of tacos for just $12 will certainly put you in the Mexican spirit. There’s few better casual meals out there than tacos.
The Reverence
28 Napier Street, Footscray VIC 3011
(03) 9687 2111
Mexican food is, of course, known for its spice and savoury dishes, but for a superb dessert on a budget, we like what The Reverence is offering – chocolate nachos! Chocolate tortilla chips in a rich chocolate sauce, complete with hazelnuts and ice cream for $10. Decadence needn’t be reserved for the wealthy.
