Things are expensive right now and we get it. But if you’re craving good food without the splurge you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re after a quick lunch or a cheeky post work bite we’ve rounded up our top picks for cheap eats that still hit the spot. These spots are big on flavour, easy on the wallet and perfect for when you’re feeling peckish and price conscious.
Medan Ciak Indonesian Restaurant
Bringing bold and authentic flavours to the heart of the CBD, Medan Ciak is your go-to for tasty Indonesian food that will not break the bank. Most dishes sit comfortably under 20 bucks, making it a great spot for a flavour-packed lunch or casual dinner. Their signature Nasi Goreng Medan Ciak is a must try. It is comforting, spicy and full of punch. With its warm fit out and buzzing atmosphere, this Sussex Street gem blends traditional recipes with a modern vibrant touch.
De Vine Food & Wine
This isn’t your typical pasta joint, it’s a favourite for a reason. While most of their pasta dishes sit above the $20 mark (and rightfully so), their Pasta Del Momento lunch special hits the spot without hitting your wallet. Just $20 for a rotating weekly pasta, served at one of Sydney’s most charming Euro inspired wine bars. Available lunch only, and easily one of the CBD’s best cheap eats. We couldn’t recommend it enough.
Baharat
Another good place to mention is Baharat, a Barangaroo gem serving up Turkish street food with big flavour and even better vibes. Named after the Turkish word for “spice,” this cocktail bar and eatery is inspired by Istanbul’s lively drinking dens and vibrant spice markets. Mezes cost between $9 and $16, and that could include creamy hummus with chilli oil, pickles, stone-baked bread, and fresh chopped cucumber and tomato salad. A must-try for post-work hangs or casual catch-ups.
Alice’s Makan
Most of the menu sits under the $20 mark, making Alice’s Makan one of the CBD’s best-value Malaysian spots. Serving up crowd-favourite rice dishes like Nasi Lemak and Hainan chicken, this spot proves great flavour doesn’t have to cost more than $20. It’s a go-to for quick, satisfying lunches or post-work bites that don’t break the bank.
Ume Burger
Ume Burger Darling Square is the spiritual sequel to Bar Ume, and it’s still serving up Japanese-inspired burgers that deliver big flavour under $20. Think crispy chicken katsu, Nagoya-style wings, and their to-die-for Fish Katsu Burger ($16.50). Don’t skip the umami-dusted fries or the cult-favourite Japanese fried chicken.
Boon Cafe
From the team behind Sydney’s beloved Chat Thai empire comes Boon Café , an all-day Thai-western fusion spot tucked into the heart of the CBD. Think burgers and pasta alongside BBQ meat skewers, curries, and soups. Their all-day Som Dtum ranges from $20 to $22, while the grilled and fried dishes sit between $12 to $ 22. Big flavour, no fuss.
El loco at Slip Inn
Put a little fiesta into your lunch break with El Loco at Slip Inn. Their $20 lunch specials are reason enough to swing by, ranging from the El Frederiko Hot Dog & Fries to the Chicken Schnitzel Burger, it’s bold flavour without the big spend. If you’re after a midday bite that’s fun, filling, and easy on the wallet, this spot delivers.
Don’to
Bringing retro Tokyo energy to the heart of the CBD, Don’tō is all about big flavour without the big spend. Inspired by the hustle of Showa-era backstreets, this spot serves up steaming donburi that are fast, filling, and firmly under the “cheap eats that actually slap” category. Think neon-lit nostalgia, stacked rice bowls, and that perfect mix of comfort and convenience. There’s no fuss, no frills, just hearty Japanese favourites built for the everyday rush. Swing by the hole-in-the-wall counter for a lunch that’s fresh, affordable, and guaranteed to hit the spot.
Have we missed any? Tell us your favourite CBD cheap eats!
