Melbourne’s food scene is world-class. From hidden laneway gems and late-night dumpling bars to buzzing brunch cafes and authentic global eats, the city offers endless dining options for every palate. But with the rising cost of living, many residents and visitors find themselves wondering: Is it possible to enjoy Melbourne’s culinary richness without draining your wallet?
The good news? Absolutely. Whether you’re a student, a foodie on a budget, or simply looking to save, Melbourne is full of affordable dining experiences—if you know where to look. This guide breaks down the best strategies and insider tips for how to dine out in Melbourne on a budget, including cheap eats, weekday deals, discount platforms, and underrated food spots that locals love.
Why Melbourne Is Perfect for Budget Foodies
Melbourne’s diversity means budget dining doesn’t mean compromising on taste or quality. With a large international student population and a thriving multicultural community, the city has developed a vibrant street food culture and countless eateries offering high-value meals for under $15.
Moreover, Melbourne’s hospitality scene is highly competitive. This leads to regular promotions, set menus, loyalty schemes, and happy hours that diners can take full advantage of.
1. Discover the Best Cheap Eats in the City
Melbourne has no shortage of delicious and budget-friendly meals. Here are some local favourites that consistently serve great food at wallet-friendly prices.
CBD (Central Business District)
Don Don (Swanston St) – Fast, filling Japanese rice bowls and teriyaki for under $13
Spicy Korea (Elizabeth St) – Tasty Korean lunch boxes, bibimbap, and kimbap from $10
Shanghai Street Dumplings – Handmade dumplings starting at $11, always busy for a reason
Roti Road Express (Melbourne Central food court) – Malaysian curry with roti canai combo for under $14
Fitzroy & Carlton
Lentil As Anything (Abbotsford) – A pay-what-you-can vegetarian restaurant supporting community initiatives
Bimbo (Brunswick St) – $5 gourmet pizzas during happy hours
Footscray & Richmond
Pho Hung Vuong (Richmond) – Hearty pho from $12 served with all the fresh herbs
Nhu Lan Bakery (Footscray) – Legendary banh mi sandwiches for $7–$9
Exploring ethnic neighbourhoods like Dandenong (South Asian and African cuisines), Springvale (Vietnamese and Cambodian), or Box Hill (Chinese and Taiwanese food) also yields fantastic meals under $15.
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2. Take Advantage of Weekday Lunch and Dinner Specials
Many restaurants offer set meals or discounts during off-peak hours, especially during the week. Some ways to spot them:
Look for “Lunch Specials” signs out front, especially in busy areas like Swanston St, Lygon St, or Chinatown
Search “[restaurant name] lunch special Melbourne” in Google or on Zomato
Use apps like TheFork to find 30%-50% off deals for certain times
Examples of weekday deals:
Grill’d Burgers – Free chips with any burger for students on select days
Guzman y Gomez – $3 taco Tuesdays
Nando’s – $12 lunch combo (quarter chicken + chips + drink)
TGI Fridays – 2-for-1 burgers on Tuesdays and discounted happy hour menus
3. Download Food Apps That Offer Real Discounts
Several food platforms in Melbourne partner with restaurants to offer discounts or rewards:
Money-saving apps to download:
EatClub – Offers live discounts (up to 50% off) at restaurants with excess capacity. Great for spontaneous diners.
Liven – Earn cashback in the form of “LVN” credit when dining out, which can be reused at other partner venues.
TheFork – Book tables with exclusive discounts and read verified reviews.
Too Good To Go – Pick up unsold food from cafes and bakeries at reduced prices, reducing waste and saving money.
By using these apps regularly, diners can save hundreds per year while exploring new restaurants.
4. Embrace Food Trucks and Night Markets
Melbourne’s food truck scene offers gourmet meals on wheels at surprisingly affordable prices. Regularly appearing at festivals, markets, and pop-up parks, food trucks serve everything from tacos to Ethiopian stews and vegan doughnuts.
Where to find them:
Welcome to Thornbury (Northcote) – Rotating food trucks, cheap eats and happy hour drinks
Queen Victoria Night Market (seasonal) – Dozens of stalls offering diverse meals from $5 to $15
Coburg Night Market – A family-friendly market with live music and authentic cuisine
5. Explore BYO (Bring Your Own) Restaurants
Dining out gets expensive fast once drinks are added. Fortunately, BYO restaurants allow customers to bring their own alcohol, usually with a small corkage fee ($2–$5).
Tips to save with BYO:
Pair your meal with a bottle from home or a local bottle shop
Call ahead to ask about BYO policies and corkage fees
Great areas for BYO options: Carlton, Fitzroy, and St Kilda
Some notable BYO-friendly restaurants:
Thaila Thai (Carlton) – Delicious Thai meals with BYO wine
Curry Vault (CBD) – Popular Indian restaurant offering BYO and affordable curry combos
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6. Use Student and Membership Discounts
If you’re a student or part of a rewards program, you’re sitting on a goldmine of discounts.
Student perks:
Use a UNiDAYS or Student Edge account for exclusive food discounts
Many cafes near universities (like RMIT or Melbourne Uni) offer 10%–15% discounts with a valid student ID
Apps like Student Beans list restaurant deals and vouchers
Membership deals:
Entertainment Book App – Paid membership offering 2-for-1 meals and 25% off deals across hundreds of restaurants
RACV Members – Some dining venues offer discounts for cardholders
7. Follow Social Media for Flash Deals and Freebies
Many Melbourne restaurants post daily or weekly deals on Instagram and Facebook stories. Flash sales, free dessert offers, or competitions are common tactics to engage followers.
How to stay informed:
Follow hashtags like #melbournefoodie, #cheapmealsmelbourne
Turn on post notifications for your favourite spots
Join local Facebook groups like “Melbourne Cheap Eats” for user recommendations
This insider knowledge often leads to spontaneous (and delicious) discoveries.
8. Attend Free Food Events and Openings
Melbourne is known for its food festivals, cultural events, and soft openings, many of which offer free tastings or low-cost food samples.
Annual events to look out for:
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival – While some events are ticketed, many offer free tastings
Brunswick Music Festival – Food trucks and affordable eats alongside live music
Laneway Learning Food Classes – Low-cost sessions on cooking and food sustainability
Call to Action: Taste Melbourne Without Overspending
Melbourne’s food culture is as diverse as it is delicious—and you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy it. From food trucks to lunchtime deals, cashback apps to BYO havens, affordable dining is everywhere for those who know where to look.
Share this article with fellow food lovers, start marking your favourite cheap eats, and let Melbourne feed your appetite without emptying your wallet.
Conclusion
Dining out in Melbourne on a budget is not only possible—it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen. With the right mix of tech-savvy tools, local know-how, and flexible planning, anyone can enjoy the best of Melbourne’s food scene without overspending.
From back-alley ramen bars to rooftop happy hours, the city’s dining options are wide open to the budget-conscious foodie. So next time hunger calls, skip the overpriced menu and choose an affordable, unforgettable bite in the world’s most liveable city.
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