Melbourne is one of Australia’s top foodie cities, packed with world-class restaurants, trendy cafes, and vibrant street food. But let’s be real, eating out can get expensive fast. The good news? If you know where to look, you’ll find some of the cheapest food in Melbourne that’s just as tasty as the high-end stuff.
From sizzling bowls of pho to fresh mussels at the market, Melbourne’s budget eats don’t skimp on flavor or quality. You can fill up your belly for under A$15. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best cheap eats in Melbourne, and yes, they’re all worth a spot on your foodie bucket list!
🍲 The Mussel Pot
Yummy and cheap seafood at Muscle Pot | Photo Credits: RDNE Stock project on Pexels
If you love seafood, The Mussel Pot is a must-visit. Inside the lively Queen Victoria Market, this food stall serves up hot bowls of mussels drenched in rich, savory sauces. The garlic and white wine version is a crowd favorite. It’s steamy, aromatic, and perfect for dipping with crusty bread.
You can enjoy your food at the market’s shared seating area, making this a fun and casual experience. For seafood lovers on a budget, this is one of the best cheap eats Melbourne CBD has to offer.
Want to taste even more local favorites? Booking a Queen Victoria Market foodie tour is an easy way to try top eats like this while learning the stories behind the market.
📍 Where to Eat: Queen Victoria Market, Food Court Area
🍽️ Best Dish: Mussels in garlic and white wine sauce
💵 Price Range: A$12 to A$15
☕ Holy Grounds Cafe
Egg and bacon brioche roll from Holy Grounds Cafe | Photo Credits: Pablo Rodríguez on Pexels
Brighton might be known for its upscale beachside vibe, but Holy Grounds Cafe proves you can still eat well here without spending big. This cozy little café is just a short walk from the famous Brighton Bathing Boxes, making it an ideal stop before or after your beach visit.
Their egg and bacon brioche roll is a standout with its fluffy eggs, crispy bacon, and soft brioche that melts in your mouth. With good coffee and a friendly staff, it’s a perfect breakfast or brunch spot that won’t hurt your wallet.
If you want to explore more of Melbourne’s café scene, booking a Coffee lovers walking guided tour is a fun way to discover great coffee spots like this while learning what makes the city’s coffee culture so special.
📍 Where to Eat: Near Church Street, close to Brighton Bathing Boxes
🍽️ Best Dish: Egg and bacon brioche roll
💵 Price Range: A$10 to A$14
🐟 Flippin Fish and Chippery
Crispy fish and chips from Flippin Fish and Chippery | Photo Credits: Damon Kestle on Pexels
Nothing beats classic Aussie fish and chips, and Flippin Fish and Chippery near Essendon Fields delivers big portions at low prices. It’s a no-fuss, local favorite that serves up crunchy battered fish, golden chips, and creamy tartare sauce.
What makes this spot shine is its value. Meals are generous and under A$15. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or dinner while exploring Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
📍 Where to Eat: Near Essendon Fields Shopping Centre
🍽️ Best Dish: Flake and chips with tartare sauce
💵 Price Range: A$10 to A$15
🍔 New York Minute
Juicy burgers at New York Minute | Photo Credits: Xhemi Photo on Pexels
In the mood for a big, juicy burger? Head to New York Minute on Flinders Street. This American-style burger joint delivers bold flavors and generous portions at wallet-friendly prices. The Brooklyn Cheeseburger, stacked with beef, cheese, pickles, and special sauce, is a total win.
They often have lunch deals, so you can pair your burger with fries and a drink without going over budget. Plus, it’s just a short walk from Federation Square, making it one of the top picks for cheap eats in Melbourne CBD.
📍 Where to Eat: Flinders Street, near Federation Square
🍽️ Best Dish: Brooklyn Cheeseburger
💵 Price Range: A$12 to A$15
🍜 Pho Hung Vuong Saigon
Warm bowl of pho soup at Pho Hung Vuong Saigon | Photo Credits: RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Pho Hung Vuong Saigon near Jells Park serves some of the best cheap food in Melbourne. Their beef pho is rich, flavorful, and super filling. The broth is made fresh daily and filled with herbs, noodles, and thinly sliced beef.
It’s the kind of meal that hits the spot on a cool day, or after a relaxing walk through Jells Park. You can also sip on their famous Vietnamese iced coffee if you need a pick-me-up. It’s fast, tasty, and seriously affordable.
📍 Where to Eat: Near Wheelers Hill Shopping Centre, close to Jells Park
🍽️ Best Dish: Beef pho (pho tai)
💵 Price Range: A$13 to A$15
Tips for Your Melbourne Food Trip
Want to make the most of your Melbourne food adventure without spending too much? Here are some tips to help you find the best cheap eats Melbourne has to offer, plus a few tools to make your trip even better:
Stay connected with an Australia eSIM
Melbourne has tons of hidden food gems tucked away in alleyways, markets, and suburbs. To easily find directions, check reviews, or browse updated menus, it’s best to have the internet on the go.
Grab an Australia eSIM to stay connected the moment you land, no SIM swapping or hunting for Wi-Fi needed.
Score deals with lunch specials and combo meals
Many cafes and restaurants across Melbourne offer cheaper meals during lunch hours—usually between 11 AM and 2 PM. You’ll often find burger combos, Asian noodle bowls, or takeaway boxes priced $5 to $10 less than the dinner menu.
Klook Tip: Check windows or chalkboard signs outside restaurants, these usually advertise daily specials that aren’t always online.
Use the Klook Pass Melbourne to save on tours and eats
Planning to explore more than just food? The Klook Pass Melbourne gives you discounted access to multiple top attractions, like the Melbourne Skydeck, zoo, or river cruises. This helps you save more money to spend on meals!
FAQs about cheap eats in Melbourne
How much does an average meal in Melbourne cost?
On average, a sit-down meal at a casual restaurant can cost around $20–$25. But if you know where to go, you can easily find the cheapest food in Melbourne for under $15, especially at local food stalls and smaller cafes.
What food is Melbourne famous for?
Melbourne is known for its coffee culture, brunch scene, and multicultural food options. You’ll find everything from Italian and Vietnamese to Greek and Middle Eastern flavors. It’s a foodie’s dream, no matter your budget.
What areas in Melbourne have the best cheap food?
Some of the best places include the Melbourne CBD, Footscray, Carlton, and markets like Queen Victoria Market. These areas offer lots of cheap eats in Melbourne, from street food to budget-friendly sit-down spots.
What is the cheapest food to try in Melbourne?
Some of the cheapest meals include pho, toasties, fish and chips, and market snacks like dumplings or mussels. They’re filling, flavorful, and often cost less than $15.
Are there good cheap restaurants in Melbourne CBD?
Absolutely! Places like New York Minute and stalls at Queen Victoria Market offer some of the best cheap eats in Melbourne CBD. You don’t have to leave the city center to find great value meals.
Let the Cheap Melbourne Food Hunt Begin
Melbourne’s food scene is full of surprises, and the best part is, you don’t need to splurge to enjoy it. From juicy burgers to steamy bowls of pho and fresh seafood, the cheapest food in Melbourne still delivers big on taste.
So pack your appetite, grab your eSIM, and let your taste buds lead the way. And don’t forget to check out Klook for food tours, attraction passes, and insider deals that make your trip even more delicious!
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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