Guide: Dining Out Boujee on a Budget

Eat, Melbourne / 24 July 2023

Feeling the pinch but still want to live your best life? Here’s our list of Melbourne’s best restaurants and their budget-friendly deals.

These offerings balance quality and affordability to satisfy every food lover’s appetite. From Entrecôtes mid-week lunch or terrasse menus, Maha’s enticing beer and burger combo to Yakimono’s hearty ramen, Melbourne’s best restaurants make sure no one has to compromise with these budget-friendly dining experiences.

budget-friendly Melbourne Restaurants

Entrecôte

With its reputation for Parisian opulence, Entrecôte in Prahran is making a switch this winter. Instead of flowing champagne and caviar bumps, the restaurant is offering a more subdued yet equally appealing experience. On weekdays, guests can partake in the Menu Rapide lunch, featuring a two-course meal for $49.9. Hungry? Make it a three-course feast for $59.9.

Feeling spontaneous? Snatch up a cosy spot on their charming Greville Street terrace. Here, the “Winter Terrasse Menu” is available all-day every day. For $29.9, you can choose between a comforting French Onion Soup, an enticing Entrecôte Cheeseburger, or a satisfying Mitraillette, each accompanied by a glass of Côtes du Rhône or a refreshing French lager.

budget-friendly Melbourne Restaurants

Maha Restaurant

Responding to popular demand, Maha Restaurant is serving up an irresistible lunchtime special. Satisfy your midday cravings with a mouth-watering cheeseburger, perfectly paired with a chilled Bricklane draught beer. This exclusive weekday lunch offer is priced at a reasonable $30, making it a hit among burger enthusiasts, beer lovers, and budget-conscious diners alike.

Half Acre

Half Acre is transforming the concept of a midday meal with its Express Lunch offering. Every Thursday and Friday, between 12pm and 4pm, choose from a tender Angus Hanger Steak, a nourishing Wood-Roasted Chicken Salad, or a sumptuous Seafood Pie, all paired with a glass of wine or a cool pot of beer. This delicious deal, priced at just $29, is a great way to treat yourself to an elevated lunch experience without the hefty price tag.

budget-friendly Melbourne Restaurants

Cityfields

Welcoming families and food lovers, Cityfields offers an enticing lineup of daily specials. Kick-start your week with the Monday special, ‘Pasta of the Day’ for just $20. On Tuesdays, steak enthusiasts can enjoy a juicy flank steak for $25 or a flavour-packed porterhouse steak for $35, both served with a side of crispy fries. On Wednesdays, warm up with the $24 lamb shank pie. For the fans of fusion food, the ‘Burgers and Burgundy’ special on Thursdays pairs a premium cheeseburger with a glass of Burgundy pinot noir for just $28.

budget-friendly Melbourne Restaurants

Stokehouse Pasta & Bar

From Tuesday to Friday, Stokehouse Pasta & Bar offers an appetizing express lunch for only $30. This includes a serving of pasta, bread, and wine. With weekly changes to the pasta dish, the restaurant keeps the menu fresh. Wine can be replaced with any house beverage of your choice. Moreover, every Tuesday night, Stokehouse hosts a Fish Night, offering grilled or battered market fish with chips or salad for a mere $24.

Yakimono

Yakimono blends Japanese culinary art with Melbourne’s food scene through its Ramen Lunch Special. For $24.50, delight in a bowl of Yaki Yuzu Shio Chicken Ramen, garnished with greens and a traditional ramen egg. Add a serving of panko king prawn for $6.50, and complement your meal with side snacks and a sake or craft beer for an additional $10.

While many are budget-conscious these days, the enticing offers from Melbourne’s leading restaurants prove that good food need not always come with a high price. These deals echo the city’s vibrant food culture, reminding us that enjoying quality cuisine doesn’t require breaking the bank. Remember, details of these offers may change, so check each venue’s website or call them directly for accurate information. Here’s to budget-friendly yet delightful dining in Melbourne!