Melbourne Eats Under $30: Delicious on a Budget

Melbourne wears the crown as Australia’s culinary capital, and you do not need a silver spoon to enjoy it. From hole‑in‑the‑wall noodle bars and sizzling souvlaki shops to multicultural market stalls and artisan bakeries, the city feeds you well for under $30. Whether you are here for a weekend, studying for a semester, or a local on the hunt for value, this guide maps the tastiest cheap eats across the CBD and the suburbs you will fall in love with, one budget friendly bite at a time.

Expect steaming bowls of ramen, crisp banh mi, flaky borek, flaky croissants, and plates of Ethiopian injera that overflow with color and spice. We highlight exactly what to order, where to find it, and how to stretch your dollar without sacrificing flavor. Pack your appetite, your Myki card, and a sense of culinary adventure, because Melbourne’s most delicious eats under $30 are ready when you are.

Note on prices: indicative only, most dishes listed are commonly found in the stated price ranges. Menus and pricing change often, so check before you go.

How to Dine Well for Less in Melbourne

• Seek lunch specials: Many restaurants price mains lower at lunch, often between $12 and $20.
• Head to markets: Queen Victoria Market and South Melbourne Market are budget paradise, with fresh snacks and meals under $15.
• Eat where students eat: Carlton, Brunswick, and the CBD are lined with bargain bowls, kebabs, dumplings, and sushi.
• Share plates: Order a few dishes across the table and sample more for less.
• Weeknight deals: Parma nights, burger Tuesdays, and snack hour specials can save serious dollars.
• Go for the classics: Pho, laksa, ramen, banh mi, gozleme, and pizza slices are dependable, filling, and wallet friendly.
• BYO wine where permitted: Some casual places allow BYO with a small corkage fee.
• Tap and go: Cards are widely accepted, but keep a little cash for market stalls.

Best Cheap Eats in Melbourne CBD Under $30

The city center packs a lot of flavor into a small footprint. You can hop between laneways for coffee, Chinatown for dumplings, and Elizabeth Street for a late night ramen, then finish with gelato, all under $30 per stop.

Chinatown Dumplings and Noodles

• Shanghai Street, CBD
  What to order: Pork and prawn xiao long bao, pan fried pork dumplings, shredded pork noodles.
  Why it is great: Handmade dumplings with plenty of soup and a short, tasty menu.
  Price guide: most plates $12 to $18.

• ShanDong MaMa, Chinatown
  What to order: Mackerel dumplings, boiled or pan fried, plus the fish wontons in clear broth.
  Why it is great: Punchy Shandong flavors and silky wrappers.
  Price guide: dumplings $15 to $20.

• Juicy Bao, Little Bourke Street
  What to order: Pork xiao long bao, rainbow dumplings, wonton in chili oil.
  Why it is great: Fast, fun, and very filling.
  Price guide: $12 to $22.

• Dodee Paidang, Little Collins Street
  What to order: Tom yum noodle bowls at your heat level, boat noodles, Thai omelets over rice.
  Why it is great: Big flavor, generous bowls, and quick service.
  Price guide: $15 to $22.

• Shujinko, multiple CBD spots, often late night
  What to order: Signature tonkotsu ramen, gyoza on the side.
  Why it is great: Friendly prices for legit ramen when the city is buzzing at midnight.
  Price guide: ramen $18 to $22.

Quick Japanese Bowls and Sushi

• Don Don, CBD and Carlton
  What to order: Beef don, chicken curry don, teriyaki tofu bowl.
  Why it is great: Lightning fast, consistently tasty, and famously cheap for the portion.
  Price guide: $9 to $14.

• Rice Workshop, several city locations
  What to order: Karaage chicken don, salmon sashimi don, udon bowls.
  Why it is great: Customizable toppings and set deals under $20.
  Price guide: $11 to $17.

• Sushi hand roll bars, Swanston and Elizabeth Street corridors
  What to order: Fresh salmon avo roll, spicy tuna roll, inari pockets.
  Why it is great: Grab and go, two rolls plus a miso often under $12.
  Price guide: rolls $3 to $5 each.

Grab‑and‑Go Street Bites

• Göz City, Swanston Street
  What to order: Spinach and feta gozleme, sucuk and cheese gozleme.
  Why it is great: Made to order on the griddle, buttery and crisp.
  Price guide: $13 to $18.

• N. Lee Bakery, Collins Street
  What to order: Roast pork banh mi with crackling, lemongrass chicken banh mi.
  Why it is great: Balance of pickles, herbs, and pate in a crackling baguette.
  Price guide: $8 to $12.

• Hella Good, Elizabeth Street
  What to order: Classic lamb souvlaki, chips with feta and oregano.
  Why it is great: Fast Greek charcoal flavor in a soft pita.
  Price guide: souvlaki from $12 to $18.

• Miznon, Hardware Lane
  What to order: Minute steak pita, cauliflower pita, fold a pita and go.
  Why it is great: Israeli street food with bold sauces, ideal for lunch on the move.
  Price guide: $16 to $22.

Sweet Fuel and Coffee

• Queen Victoria Market, edge of the CBD
  What to order: Borek from the Borek Shop, spinach and cheese or spicy lamb, plus a bag of hot jam doughnuts from American Doughnut Kitchen.
  Why it is great: Melbourne icons, both filling for under $10 each.
  Price guide: borek around $5 to $6, doughnuts bag from around $7.

• Shortstop Coffee & Donuts, CBD
  What to order: Maple walnut brown butter, triple matcha, plus a flat white.
  Why it is great: Artisan doughnuts baked fresh, not too sweet, excellent coffee.
  Price guide: doughnuts $5 to $7, coffee $4 to $6.

• Market Lane Coffee, CBD and Queen Victoria Market
  What to order: Pour over or flat white, seasonal roasts.
  Why it is great: Classic Melbourne coffee, worth the pilgrimage.
  Price guide: $4.50 to $6.50.

Fitzroy and Collingwood Cheap Eats Under $30

Creative, a little bohemian, and packed with delicious budget food, Fitzroy and Collingwood give you slices, falafel, and sandwiches that will have you planning your next lunch before you finish the first.

Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly Bargains

• Tahina Bar, Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
  What to order: Pita pocket with falafel, salads, and tahini, or a sabich bowl with eggplant and egg.
  Why it is great: Fresh, crunchy, colorful, and very affordable.
  Price guide: $12 to $18.

• Smith & Deli style vegan sandwiches, Collingwood precinct
  What to order: New York deli inspired subs stacked with house made fillings.
  Why it is great: Plant based does not mean boring, these sandwiches are packed with flavor.
  Price guide: $14 to $22.

• Vegie Bar, Brunswick Street
  What to order: Pad Thai, burrito bowl, curries, and daily specials.
  Why it is great: Big portions, loads of vegan and gluten free options under $30.
  Price guide: $18 to $28.

Slice Culture and Sandwich Royalty

• Slice Shop Pizza, Collingwood
  What to order: New York style pepperoni slice, white slice with ricotta, plus a soda.
  Why it is great: Foldable slices that rival Brooklyn, cheap and cheerful.
  Price guide: slices $6 to $8.

• Nico’s Sandwich Deli, Fitzroy and city
  What to order: The Nico’s original, mortadella and provolone, or a chicken schnitzel sambo.
  Why it is great: High quality bread and fillings, easy to eat on the run.
  Price guide: $14 to $20.

• Lazerpig, Collingwood
  What to order: Margherita or ham and pineapple pizza to share, add a side salad.
  Why it is great: Wood fired bases with great char, most pizzas fall under $30 and feed two if you add a side.
  Price guide: pizzas $18 to $28.

Bars That Feed You Well

• The Standard Hotel, Fitzroy
  What to order: Pub classics like steaks, parmas, and seasonal specials, look for weeknight deals.
  Why it is great: Courtyard vibes, hearty plates, and frequent sub $25 specials.
  Price guide: many mains $22 to $28 during specials.

• The Evelyn or workers pubs along Brunswick Street
  What to order: Parma nights, burger Tuesdays, wings on Wednesdays.
  Why it is great: Music, mates, and meals that do not break the bank.
  Price guide: specials often $15 to $22.

Brunswick and Carlton Student‑Friendly Eats

Between campuses, music venues, and indie stores, these suburbs were made for budget dining. You will eat Lebanese pies, Japanese dons, and gelato, then still have change for a tram home.

Middle Eastern and Turkish Staples

• A1 Bakery, Sydney Road, Brunswick
  What to order: Zaatar and cheese pie, spinach and feta triangle, lamb pizza, and a tub of hommus to take home.
  Why it is great: Reliable, inexpensive, and beloved by locals.
  Price guide: pastries $4 to $8, pizzas $9 to $15.

• Tiba’s Lebanese Restaurant, Sydney Road
  What to order: Mixed grill plates, falafel plates, and dips with fresh bread.
  Why it is great: Huge portions, friendly service, easy to share.
  Price guide: most plates $18 to $28.

• Very Good Falafel, Brunswick
  What to order: The classic falafel pita stuffed with salads and house pickles, or a sabich with eggplant.
  Why it is great: Fresh fried falafel, generous salads, bright sauces.
  Price guide: $12 to $16.

Cheap Japanese and Korean Comforts

• Don Tojo, Lincoln Square, Carlton
  What to order: Teriyaki chicken don, katsu curry, or a bento.
  Why it is great: Student favorite, quick service, solid portions under $20.
  Price guide: $12 to $18.

• Shinbashi Soba, Lygon Street
  What to order: Cold zaru soba in summer, hot duck soba in winter.
  Why it is great: Handcrafted soba at prices that surprise, very filling.
  Price guide: $18 to $24.

• Korean fried chicken chains like Gami or NeNe, Lygon and CBD
  What to order: Half chicken, tenders with sauces, and a side of pickled radish.
  Why it is great: Shareable, satisfying, and often discounted in sets.
  Price guide: $15 to $25 per person when shared.

Gelato on Lygon Street

• Pidapipo, Lygon Street
  What to order: Two scoop cup of pistachio and bacio, add a hot Nutella tap on a cone if you like.
  Why it is great: Creamy Italian style gelato with seasonal flavors.
  Price guide: $6 to $9.

• Il Dolce Freddo, Lygon Street
  What to order: Durian gelato for the brave, mango, coconut, and classic chocolate.
  Why it is great: Quirky, generous scoops, open late.
  Price guide: $5 to $8.

Footscray, Sunshine, and the West: Bold Flavors on a Budget

This is where Melbourne’s multicultural heart beats loudest. Jump on a train to Footscray and prepare for Vietnamese noodle houses, Ethiopian injera feasts, and bakeries that will set your tastebuds dancing for under $30.

Vietnamese Classics That Hit the Spot

• Pho Hung Vuong Saigon, Footscray
  What to order: Rare beef pho, special combination pho, and Vietnamese iced coffee.
  Why it is great: Deep broth, brisk service, and a loyal following.
  Price guide: $13 to $17.

• Pho Tam or Pho Chu The, Footscray
  What to order: Beef pho, chicken pho, bun bo Hue if you like a spicy kick.
  Why it is great: Authentic flavors and under $20.
  Price guide: $13 to $18.

• Nhu Lan Bakery, Footscray
  What to order: Crispy roast pork banh mi, barbecue pork banh mi, and a pandan waffle.
  Why it is great: Queue moves fast, prices stay kind.
  Price guide: $7 to $11.

Ethiopian Injera Feasts

• Konjo Ethiopian Restaurant & Craft, Footscray
  What to order: Veggie combination platter with lentils, greens, and stews, or tibs with beef or lamb.
  Why it is great: Eat with your hands, soak up sauces with spongy injera.
  Price guide: platters $20 to $28, enough to share.

• Addis Abeba, Footscray
  What to order: Doro wat, key wat, and veggie combos, plus Ethiopian coffee if you have time.
  Why it is great: Home‑style cooking and warm hospitality.
  Price guide: mains $18 to $28.

African Snacks and Bakeries

• Somali and Ethiopian grocers along Nicholson and Barkly Streets
  What to order: Sambusas, fresh bread, and spice mixes to take home.
  Why it is great: Snack while you explore, often under $5 per item.

Richmond, Hawthorn, and the East: Comfort Bowls and Grills

From Victoria Street’s pho strip to ramen in Hawthorn and fish and chips in Richmond, the east is a sure bet for satisfying meals under $30.

Victoria Street Vietnamese, Richmond

• I Love Pho 264, Victoria Street
  What to order: Beef pho in small or large, spring rolls to share.
  Why it is great: Consistent broth, fast service, open late.
  Price guide: $13 to $18.

• Co Thu Quan, Victoria Street
  What to order: Hue style spicy noodle soup, broken rice with pork chop, seafood stir fries.
  Why it is great: Extensive menu with plenty under $25.
  Price guide: $16 to $25.

• Hien Vuong or Thanh Ha, Victoria Street
  What to order: Bun cha, bun bo Hue, rice paper rolls.
  Why it is great: Traditional northern and central Vietnamese dishes at friendly prices.
  Price guide: $12 to $20.

Ramen and Japanese Comforts

• Hakata Gensuke, Hawthorn and CBD
  What to order: Tonkotsu signature ramen with your preferred noodle firmness, black garlic ramen for extra depth.
  Why it is great: Rich pork broth and customization without premium prices.
  Price guide: $18 to $22.

• Koko Japanese, Glenferrie Road precinct
  What to order: Katsu don, udon, and sushi sets at lunch.
  Why it is great: Student friendly lunch deals.
  Price guide: $12 to $19.

Fish and Chips, Greek Grills

• Hunky Dory, Richmond
  What to order: Grilled fish and salad pack, or classic battered fish and chips.
  Why it is great: Lighter options and traditional fry ups, both under $30.
  Price guide: $15 to $25.

• Lamb and chicken souvlaki shops along Swan Street and Bridge Road
  What to order: Mixed gyro, chips with garlic sauce, and a can of soft drink.
  Why it is great: Fast, filling, and friendly to the wallet.
  Price guide: $12 to $20.

Southbank, South Melbourne, and St Kilda: Waterfront Bargains

Make a day of it. Stroll the river, browse a market, hit the beach, and keep every meal under $30.

South Melbourne Market Must‑Eats

• South Melbourne Market Dim Sims
  What to order: Pork dim sims or steamed siu mai, hot and peppery.
  Why it is great: A local legend and a cheap snack between stalls.
  Price guide: from around $3 per piece.

• Agathé Patisserie
  What to order: Classic croissant, almond croissant, or a seasonal fruit pastry.
  Why it is great: Buttery layers baked to perfection.
  Price guide: $6 to $9.

• St Ali and specialty coffee spots in the precinct
  What to order: Flat white, batch brew, or cold brew.
  Why it is great: Specialty roasters that define Melbourne coffee culture.
  Price guide: $4.50 to $7.

St Kilda Bites by the Bay

• Pink Flake, St Kilda
  What to order: Fish and chips pack, potato cakes, and a lemon wedge.
  Why it is great: Old school beachside feed at old school prices.
  Price guide: $12 to $22.

• Acland Street bakeries
  What to order: Sacher torte slice, vanilla slice, or fruit tart, with an espresso.
  Why it is great: European style cakes that cost less than a cocktail.
  Price guide: $6 to $12 per slice.

• Quick kebabs and gyros along Fitzroy Street
  What to order: Mixed kebab with garlic and chili sauce.
  Why it is great: Close to the foreshore, perfect for a sunset snack.
  Price guide: $10 to $16.

Southbank Snacks

• Food court and riverside eats
  What to order: Bento boxes, sushi sets, and burgers.
  Why it is great: Plenty of options under $25, plus river views for free.
  Price guide: $12 to $25.

Breakfasts and Brunch Under $30

Melbourne takes breakfast seriously, and there is no need to overspend for a great start.

• Bakery breakfast:
  Lune Croissanterie, Agathé Patisserie, and Bread Club turn out pastries under $10. Pair with a $5 coffee and you are cruising.

• Cafe classics:
  Toasties, bacon and egg rolls, and granola bowls usually run $12 to $20. Many cafes eat well under $30 unless you stack sides.

• Pancake Parlour and classic diners:
  American style stacks, crepes, and milkshakes, with sets under $25.

• Market breakfasts:
  Borek and coffee at Queen Victoria Market, dim sims and pastries at South Melbourne Market, hard to beat on both value and flavor.

Street Food and Snacks Worth the Tram Ride

• Borek at Queen Victoria Market: spinach and cheese, or spicy lamb, a warm bargain.
• Jam doughnuts from the vintage van at QVM: hot sugar and jam, under $10 for a small bag.
• Curry puffs and satay at Malaysian and Thai kiosks in CBD arcades: quick lunch for $10 to $15.
• Arepas at Venezuelan and Colombian kiosks around the inner north: corn pockets stuffed with beef or beans, $12 to $18.
• Gelato Messina in Fitzroy and Richmond: creative scoops around $6 to $7.

Vegan and Vegetarian Cheap Eats Across Melbourne

• Falafel and pita: Tahina, Very Good Falafel, and similar spots serve filling meals for $12 to $18.
• Veggie ramen: Most ramen shops offer mushroom or miso based bowls around $18 to $22.
• Indian vegetarian plates in the CBD and Dandenong: dosa, thali, and chaat under $20.
• Market salads and grain bowls: Look for salad bars with generous portions under $15.
• Plant based burgers: Lord of the Fries keeps burgers and chips sets comfortably under $20.

One Perfect Cheap Eats Day in Melbourne

Use this sample itinerary to eat your way through the city without spending more than $30 at any stop.

1. Breakfast at Queen Victoria Market

   • Borek and a flat white.
   • Spend: about $10 to $12.

2. Mid morning coffee in a laneway

   • Market Lane or a boutique roaster off Degraves Street.
   • Spend: $5 to $6.

3. Lunch in Chinatown

   • Xiao long bao and a noodle dish to share at Shanghai Street or Juicy Bao.
   • Spend: $15 to $22 per person.

4. Afternoon sweet treat

   • Gelato at Pidapipo or Gelato Messina.
   • Spend: $6 to $8.

5. Dinner in Richmond or Fitzroy

   • Pho on Victoria Street, or a pizza slice and a salad in Collingwood, or a souvlaki in the CBD.
   • Spend: $15 to $25.

Total per person for the day: typically $50 to $70 depending on choices, with each meal safely under $30.

Money‑Saving Tips for Eating Out in Melbourne

• Visit early or late: Beat the rush and sometimes find happy hour food deals.
• Drink water: Tap water is free, save your budget for the food.
• Travel smart: Plan meals by neighborhood to reduce transport costs and time.
• Share dishes: Two mains across three people plus a side often costs less and feeds more.
• Follow your favorites: Many places post specials and limited dishes on Instagram.
• Weekday wins: Avoid weekend surcharges where possible, some cafes add a small public holiday surcharge.

FAQs: Cheap Eats in Melbourne

• Is Melbourne expensive for food
  It can be, but casual eateries, markets, and ethnic enclaves keep it very affordable. You can eat well under $20 to $30 per meal across most suburbs.

• Do I need to tip
  Tipping is appreciated for great service but not mandatory. Many people round up or leave 5 to 10 percent in sit down venues.

• Is cash necessary
  Most places accept cards, even small stalls. Carry a little cash for markets just in case.

• Are vegetarian and halal options common
  Very. Melbourne’s diversity means you will find vegan, vegetarian, halal, and gluten free choices across the city.

• Can I book cheap eats
  Most budget spots are walk in only. For popular ramen or dumpling houses, arrive a little early or be prepared to queue.

• Are there late night options under $30
  Yes. Shujinko ramen, Chinatown dumpling houses, and many kebab shops are open late with meals under $25.

The Neighborhood Hit List: What to Order for Under $30

• Melbourne CBD

  • Xiao long bao and noodle bowls in Chinatown
  • Donburi and sushi sets
  • Gozleme, banh mi, and souvlaki
  • Doughnuts and specialty coffee

• Fitzroy and Collingwood

  • Falafel pitas and vegan bowls
  • New York pizza slices
  • Sandwich delis and pub specials

• Brunswick and Carlton

  • A1 Bakery pies and Lebanese plates
  • Student friendly Japanese dons
  • Gelato on Lygon Street

• Footscray and the West

  • Pho and Vietnamese snacks
  • Ethiopian injera platters
  • Sambusas and bakery finds

• Richmond and the East

  • Victoria Street pho and bun bo Hue
  • Tonkotsu ramen in Hawthorn
  • Fish and chips, Greek grills

• Southbank, South Melbourne, St Kilda

  • Market dim sims and pastries
  • Beachside fish and chips
  • Gelato and coffee walks

Your Budget Foodie Game Plan

• Morning markets for breakfast to keep costs low and quality high.
• Lunch in a neighborhood known for one cuisine, Chinatown for dumplings, Victoria Street for pho, Sydney Road for Lebanese, or Footscray for Ethiopian, to get the best value.
• Afternoon coffee and a sweet treat from a local roaster and bakery.
• Dinner built around a comfort classic, ramen, souvlaki, pizza, burger, or curry, that hits the under $30 mark with ease.

Final Word: Eat Big, Spend Small, Love Melbourne

Melbourne rewards curiosity and an appetite. Slip into a crowded dumpling shop, join the banter at a Lebanese bakery, savor the steam off a bowl of ramen on a winter night, or carry a souvlaki down a lit laneway while the city hums around you. Every neighborhood has a delicious secret that costs less than you expect, and every tram ride can be a flavor tour when you know where to hop off.

If you are planning a trip, center your stays near the CBD, Fitzroy, or Carlton so you can walk to many of the best cheap eats. If you are local, make a weekend of it, pick a new suburb and a new cuisine each time. Melbourne’s cheap eats under $30 prove that the city’s famous food scene is not exclusive, it is inclusive, abundant, and absolutely delicious. Bring your appetite, tap your card, and let the city feed you well.