Perth’s Best Cheap Eats Under $25

Perth is renowned for its sunlit beaches, sparkling rivers, and a food scene that travels the world without stretching your wallet. Whether you’re a backpacker chasing value, a local looking for a quick lunch, or a traveler plotting a days out that doesn’t break the bank, Perth serves up delicious options that keep you on the move. The city’s best cheap eats under $25 prove you don’t need to splurge to taste something memorable. From bustling food courts and lively laneways to harbour-side fish and chips and casual cafe bowls, there are plenty of eats that deliver big flavor for a small price.

In this guide you’ll find:

• Where to find budget bites across Perth
• A mix of cuisines that consistently offer value
• Practical tips to maximize value on a day out
• A suggested budget-friendly eating itinerary

Read on to discover Perth’s most satisfying meals that your wallet will thank you for.

Where to find budget bites in Perth

Perth’s cheap eats are spread across several dynamic neighborhoods. Each area has its own character, but a common thread runs through them all: big flavor, friendly service, and options that stay reliably under $25.

Northbridge and Perth CBD: street food energy and late-night bite options

• The heart of Perth for quick, affordable meals. Here you’ll find casual eateries that turn out substantial bowls, noodle dishes, and small plates long after the sun goes down.
• What to expect: dumplings, noodles, curries, roti, falafel, and street-food style bites that you can share or order as a main.
• Typical price range: most dishes sit comfortably between $8 and $20, with some share plates or combos approaching $25.
• Pro tip: explore the Chinatown lanes and the food courts around the CBD. They’re designed for a fast, tasty meal on a budget.

Fremantle: harbour charm meets wallet-friendly bites

• Fremantle is a foodie hub with a seaside vibe. Markets, waterfront cafes, and casual eateries offer good value without compromising flavor.
• What to expect: seafood-inspired dishes, mediterranean style platters, and casual bistro bites.
• Typical price range: mains often range from $12 to $25, with plenty of lighter options in the $10–$18 bracket.

Leederville and Highgate: casual cafes and global flavors

• This area is a magnet for locals who want a relaxed vibe and big flavors without paying premium city prices.
• What to expect: bowls, wraps, pizzas by the slice, and inventive small plates. It’s easy to pop in for lunch or a casual dinner.
• Typical price range: most mains fall between $12 and $22, with some share plates or specials up to $25.

Victoria Park and Mount Lawley: bustling strips with budget-friendly staples

• A mix of multicultural eateries and modern casual spots. Great for a quick bite before a movie or a stroll along the river.
• What to expect: kebabs, curries, tapas, and family-friendly meals.
• Typical price range: a good range of dishes under $20, with many options for around $15–$18.

Subiaco and nearby suburbs: bakery finds and value-driven cafe meals

• Subiaco is known for its cafe culture. You can often find hearty breakfasts or lunch bowls that feel indulgent but aren’t expensive.
• What to expect: fresh pastries, veggie bowls, and affordable daily specials.
• Typical price range: commonly $10–$20 for breakfast and $12–$25 for lunch.

Budget bites by cuisine: what to order under $25 in Perth

If you’d like a quick compass for your taste buds, here are reliable options that consistently deliver value across Perth’s neighborhoods.

Asian cuisine: dumplings, pho, curries, and more

• Dumplings and wok dishes: a perfect choice for shareable plates or a quick solo meal.
• Pho and noodle soups: warm, comforting, and usually very wallet-friendly.
• Curries and roti: satisfying and filling, with generous portions.
• Why it works in Perth: Perth has a thriving Asian dining scene with plenty of casual spots that price dishes well under $25, especially for lunch.

Indian and Sri Lankan flavors: curries, rice bowls, and roti

• Classic curries with rice or bread deliver a filling meal without a steep bill.
• Look for lunch specials or set meals that pair curry, rice, and bread at a single price.
• Why it works in Perth: Indian and Sri Lankan eateries are well represented in the city and suburbs, providing robust flavors at value prices.

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern: kebabs, falafel, and fresh salads

• Kebabs and shawarma wraps are fast, flavorful, and particularly good value when you snag daily deals or combo plates.
• Falafel and mezze plates offer variety at a friendly price point.
• Why it works in Perth: Mediterranean options are common in central and southern districts, making it easy to mix and match.

Mexican, Latin, and street food style bites

• Tacos, burritos, and loaded bowls can be both affordable and satisfying after a day of sightseeing.
• Look for spots with daily specials or a lunch menu to keep costs low.

Fish and chips and seafood hodgepodge

• Harbour areas and coastal suburbs often feature classic fish and chips, seafood baskets, and casual seaside meals under $25.
• Great for a relaxed dinner or a casual lunch by the water.

Pizza and bakery steals

• Pizza by the slice, or daily bakery specials, can deliver big flavor with a small price tag.
• Perfect for sharing or a quick solo bite on the go.

Practical tips to maximize value on a Perth food day

Want to stack up the savings while still sampling a range of flavors? Here are practical strategies that help you eat well without overspending.

• Eat lunch, not dinner, at casual places: many casual spots offer lunch specials that dip well under $25.
• Look for daily specials and set menus: these are common in cafes and casual eateries and can include a main plus a side or drink.
• Share plates or order family-style: many places are happy for you to split dishes, letting you taste more without doubling the cost.
• Seek out food courts and hawker-style spots: these venues intentionally price meals for quick turnover and good value.
• Check for student, loyalty, or app deals: some venues offer discounts during certain hours or to app users.
• Bring a reusable bottle and refill stations: saves money and is better for the planet.

A practical Perth cheap eats itinerary: one day of value

If you’re planning a day in Perth and want to sample a range of flavors while staying under $25 per meal, this sample itinerary keeps you moving and maximizes value.

• Morning: Northbridge or Perth CBD

  • Start with a hearty breakfast or a coffee plus a light bite from a casual cafe or bakery.
  • Suggested options: a savory pastry, a small acai bowl, or a veggie-filled bao to kick off the day.

• Late morning snack: Chinatown lanes in Northbridge

  • Grab a small plate or a handful of dumplings from a street-side stall or casual eatery.
  • Price range: usually under $15 per dish.

• Lunch: Fremantle or Leederville

  • Fremantle Market area for a harbour-side bite, or Leederville for a casual bowl or wrap.
  • Try a bowl, a wrap, or a share plate so you can sample multiple flavors without overdoing it.

• Afternoon stroll: Fremantle Harbour or Kings Park

  • Digest with a scenic walk and a coffee or a fruit cup from a local vendor.

• Dinner: Victoria Park or Subiaco

  • A kebab or a curry with rice is a reliable, satisfying option after a day on your feet.
  • If you’re craving pizza, pick a local spot that offers a few slices for a value price.

• Nightcap or dessert: a bakery or gelato shop

  • A small dessert or a gelato can be a delightful finish to a budget-friendly day.

This itinerary is flexible by design. Perth rewards spontaneous choices, and you’ll often uncover a hidden gem simply by wandering a few blocks.

Top picks: an at-a-glance list of budget-friendly bites

To give you a quick sense of the flavor spectrum, here is a compact list you can use as a reference when you’re deciding where to eat next in Perth. Prices are indicative and can vary with location and specials, but these categories are consistently budget-friendly.

• Dumplings and noodles: perfect starter meals under $15 per dish
• Pho bowls: hearty and comforting, typically under $15–$18
• Curry with rice or roti: robust flavors at around $12–$22
• Kebabs and falafel wraps: portable and wallet-friendly under $15–$20
• Fish and chips by the water: classic Perth experience often under $25
• Curries with naan or roti: generous portions, usually under $25
• Pies, pastries, and bakery items: quick, satisfying, and under $10–$15
• Pizza slices or small pizzas: easy to share, commonly under $25 for a pair of slices
• Bowls and casual cafe plates: fresh, filling, and priced to move under $25

Conclusion: savor more, spend less in Perth

Perth proves that excellent meals don’t have to come with an heavy price tag. The city’s diverse neighborhoods—from the lively lanes of Northbridge to the harbour-side charm of Fremantle, to the casual eateries of Leederville and Victoria Park—offer a broad spectrum of cheap eats under $25. Whether you crave Asian comfort food, Mediterranean mezze, Indian curries, or a simple slice of pizza, Perth makes it easy to enjoy flavorful, satisfying meals without breaking the bank.

So next time you’re planning a Perth expedition, pack an appetite and a sense of adventure. Let the neighborhoods guide you toward the best value meals, and use this guide as a compass for a day of delicious, budget-friendly discoveries. Perth is ready to feed your curiosity—and your wallet will thank you.

If you’d like, I can tailor this guide to a specific area you’re staying in, or create a personalized 2-day budget-friendly food itinerary based on your preferred cuisines and walking routes.