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.

Sakura House

If Mondays need a little motivation, Sakura House has you covered with one of the CBD’s best-value deals. The Japanese eatery is serving up $1 chicken gyoza every Monday until 10pm, making it dangerously easy to order plate after plate. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, the dumplings come topped with sesame, la-yu and fried garlic for an extra flavour kick. With a minimum order of five pieces, it’s the kind of cheap eat that’s perfect for a quick bite or sharing with friends after work. Walk-ins only, so just swing by and dig in.

Belles Hot Chicken

If spice is your love language, Belles Hot Chicken is a must. The Melbourne-born favourite landed in Barangaroo and quickly built a reputation for serving some of the crispiest, spiciest fried chicken around. Choose your cut, from wings to tenders, and then pick your heat level (fair warning: “really hot” means it). The crunchy Nashville-style chicken is the star, but the sides deserve attention too, including mac ’n’ three cheese, Old Bay fries and tangy slaw. It’s bold, messy, and full of flavour, the kind of cheap eat that’s perfect for sharing with friends.

Loulou Bistro

For a taste of Paris without the price tag, Loulou Bistro is serving up a classic French lunch that won’t break the bank. Their $25 Sandwich Américain special is the star: a juicy beef patty piled with crispy fries, smothered in their signature Andalusien sauce and tucked inside a freshly baked house-made baguette. Even better, it comes with your choice of house wine, beer or a soft drink. Available at both Milsons Point and Martin Place for lunch, it’s simple, satisfying and très français—proof that a great midday meal doesn’t need to cost a fortune.

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.

Taku Taku Katsu House

If you’re craving comfort food with serious crunch, Taku Taku Katsu House in Barangaroo delivers. Specialising in Japanese katsu, this casual spot serves everything from classic tonkatsu and chicken katsu to jumbo prawn cutlets and stacked katsu sandos. Rice bowls are the real stars though—think Wagyu and scallop donburi with a poached egg and tobiko, or spicy tan tan udon with chashu and truffle oil. It’s hearty, flavour-packed Japanese comfort food that’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or quick dinner by the harbour.

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!