Pay less, eat more with this guide to the best set menus in Sydney for less than $50.

We’re all well aware of the cost of living and the impact it’s having on our pockets. Between bills, transport and the weekly grocery shop there’s very little left to enjoy the finer things in life.

Here’s a round-up of places where you can cheers to not only a good feed but a well-maintained budget with set menus under $50.

Calle Rey

Embark on a culinary adventure with Calle Rey’s exceptional $42 per person set tasting menu, a true fusion masterpiece that beckons food enthusiasts to indulge in a symphony of flavours. This enticing menu, designed for a minimum of two people, offers a tantalising array of dishes that showcase the artistry behind combining Mexican, Peruvian, and Japanese cuisines. Begin your journey with the smoked chicken nachos, a delightful harmony of textures and smoky flavours. aji amarillo corn follows, providing a burst of Peruvian influence with its vibrant and spicy notes. The BBQ cauliflower wings introduce a touch of contemporary flair to the experience. Choose from a variety of two tacos, including options like the California roll, falafel, and fried calamari, each crafted to perfection. Conclude your culinary voyage with a sweet note, deciding between the decadent caramel & chocolate churros or the indulgent Mexican espresso chocolate brownie. The set menu, 100% plant-based and gluten-free, is a testament to Calle Rey’s commitment to culinary excellence and diversity. 

Ni Hao Bar

Elevate your Romantic Date Night at Ni Hao Bar with their new 7-course casual set menu for just $50 per person. Designed to impress, the intimate setting features soft lighting and a warm ambience, ensuring a memorable experience for you and your special someone. Available exclusively on Thursday nights, the menu is a harmonious blend of East meets Qest flavours, from the crab rangoon dip to the raspberry sorbet. Continue the culinary adventure with the refreshing cucumber salad and the flavourful pork bao or mushroom bao for a vegetarian option. The venue also puts on a live music display, adding a further touch of romance to the air.

Lil Sis

Embark on a culinary journey at Lil Sis Chippendale with their enticing $50 per person set menu (minimum 2 people). Line your stomach for a night of delight with eight snack plates, including Josie’s rainbow olives, taramasalata, and basil rigatoni with stracciatella, capers, and chilli. This cozy wine bar is a short walk from Central Station and draws inspiration from Parisian ‘cave à vins,’ offering a curated selection of wines spanning old to new world if you want to add a little flare to your meal. Whether you opt for a casual tasting at the communal wine shop table or settle in upstairs, Lil Sis promises a delightful experience where good wine, delectable snacks, and a relaxed atmosphere converge.

Tequila Mockingbird

Transport yourself to the era of leisurely Friday lunches with Tequila Mockingbird’s Throwback Friday Lunch Set Menu. From 12pm to 2.30pm, indulge in a delightful $50 set menu that rewinds the clock to those carefree times. Feast on snapper tiradito, cauliflower tacos, cornfed chicken, and crispy potatoes—all bursting with flavours. Complemented by a nostalgic playlist and throwback cocktails, this experience is perfect for sharing with friends or colleagues. Book a table for a minimum of two people and savour the Latin American diversity at this vibrant Paddington gem.

Dear Sainte Eloise

Discover a delightful feast at Dear Sainte Éloise with their Sample Prix Fixe Lunch Menu, priced at $49 per person, available Thursday through Sunday. Indulge in the excitement of choosing a snack, main, and dessert—all for under $50. The weekly changing menu showcases a variety of tempting options crafted to elevate your lunchtime experience such as rigatoni alla vodka, steak tartare and a selection of artisanal cheeses.. Immerse yourself in the warm ambience of Dear Sainte Éloise, where each dish is a celebration of culinary excellence, making it the perfect spot for a memorable and affordable dining escapade.

Barrio Cellar

Barrio Cellar, a late-night tequileria and eatery, specialises in seasonal Southern Californian and Mexican cuisine, complemented by an impressive selection of Tequila and Mezcal. They’re $50 per person set menu, is a culinary celebration designed for a minimum of two people and perfect for an even bigger party. Revel in a shared guac & salsa + chips starter before delighting your taste buds with BBQ corn, jalapeno poppers, and tuna tostada. The highlight follows with a trio of fish, chicken, and pork Tacos, each a mouthwatering symphony of flavours. Conclude your Mexican culinary adventure by indulging in churritos.