You may know Sydney for its beaches, skyline, and buzzing food scene, but eating well here doesn’t have to drain your wallet. From those hole-in-the-wall noodle joints to lively food courts and low-key diners, the city is packed with affordable spots that locals genuinely love. If you’re hunting for the best cheap restaurants Sydney has to offer, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, you’ll find 7 budget-friendly eats across the city, especially around hotspots like Sydney CBD, Circular Quay, and The Rocks. We’ll give you filling meals, bold flavors, and smart tips to stretch every dollar while still eating like a local!
1. Spice Alley Hawker eats 🍜
Asian street food stall offering cheap eats in Sydney’s CBD | Photo from YK NG on Pexels
Spice Alley is a go-to for affordable Asian comfort food right in the city. Instead of one restaurant, you get multiple hawker-style stalls serving Malaysian, Thai, Singaporean, and Chinese dishes at wallet-friendly prices.
It’s perfect if you’re traveling with others who want different flavors without blowing the budget. Many dishes land well under $15, which easily earns it a spot among the best cheap restaurants Sydney travelers rely on. The lively atmosphere also makes it feel like an experience, not just a meal.
If you want to explore more cheap eats without spending extra on transport, the Sydney Hop-On Hop-Off bus is a good option. It connects key food and sightseeing areas like the Sydney CBD, Circular Quay, and The Rocks, so you can jump off for a meal and hop back on when you’re done.
🍽️ Recommended Dish: Char kway teow or Hainanese chicken rice
💰 Price Range: $10–$15 per dish
📍 Address: Kensington Street, Chippendale
🚶 How to Go: Walk from Central Station or Redfern Station
2. Malay Chinese Takeaway 🍛
Affordable curry and flatbread lunch at a local Sydney takeaway | Photo from Tim Samuel on Pexels
Malay Chinese Takeaway is a favorite among locals who love bold flavors without big prices. The menu changes every day, which keeps things exciting and affordable. It’s easy to eat well here for under $15, making it one of the good cheap restaurants in Sydney you’ll want to save for later. Meals are hearty, so you won’t need a snack an hour later.
🍽️ Recommended Dish: Curry chicken with rice
💰 Price Range: $8–$14 per meal
📍 Address: Hunter Street, Sydney CBD
🚆 How to Go: Train to Wynyard Station, then short walk
3. Mr. Crackles 🐖
Crispy pork bites served fresh with lime at a budget-friendly Sydney eatery | Photo from Kamila Pompeu on Pexels
Mr. Crackles is famous for turning roast pork into a cult favorite. The crackling is loud, crispy, and deeply satisfying. Prices stay reasonable, especially for the portion size and quality.
It’s a great stop if you’re exploring between Circular Quay and The Rocks. For travelers chasing the best cheap restaurants Sydney has, this one feels indulgent without the guilt.
🍽️ Recommended Dish: Pork belly roll
💰 Price Range: $12–$18 for rolls and plates
📍 Address: Darlinghurst, Sydney
🚌 How to Go: Bus from Circular Quay
4. Marrickville Pork Roll 🥖
Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich from a cheap eat in Sydney | Photo from Jordan Coleman on Pexels
This spot is a legend for budget bánh mì lovers. The bread is fresh, fillings are generous, and prices stay refreshingly low. It’s ideal if you want a fast, tasty meal before continuing your city adventure.
Many locals swear it is one of the best cheap restaurants Sydney-wide for under$10 eats. Bring cash, order confidently, and enjoy every bite.
🍽️ Recommended Dish: Classic pork bánh mì
💰 Price Range: $6–$9 per bánh mì
📍 Address: Marrickville, Sydney
🚆 How to Go: Train to Marrickville Station
5. Time for Thai 🍜
Affordable pad thai with prawns at a cheap Sydney restaurant | Photo from Undo Kim on Pexels
Time for Thai serves comfort food fast and affordably. The menu is broad, portions are filling, and spice levels are customizable. It’s a solid choice if you want something warm after a long day of exploring.
Among cheap restaurants in Sydney, Australia, this one balances price and flavor nicely. Eat here, then walk through nearby streets to burn it off.
🍽️ Recommended Dish: Pad see ew
💰 Price Range: $10–$16 per main dish
📍 Address: George Street, Sydney CBD
🚶 How to Go: Walk from Town Hall
6. Sydney Fish Market Takeaway 🐟
Fresh oysters on ice from Sydney Fish Market takeaway counter | Photo from Flipp Romanovski on Pexels
You don’t need a fancy restaurant to enjoy Sydney seafood. The takeaway counters at the Fish Market offer filling meals at reasonable prices if you choose wisely. Share a platter with your friend or grab grilled fish and chips. This stop will add a twist to your list of good cheap restaurants in Sydney. Eat by the water and enjoy the relaxed vibe.
If you’re craving something a little more special without going fully fine dining, a Sydney Harbour lunch cruise is a great step up. You’ll enjoy a buffet-style meal while sailing past iconic sights like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, making it feel like great value for the experience. It’s perfect if you’re mixing cheap meals with one standout experience!
🍽️ Recommended Dish: Grilled fish and chips
💰 Price Range: $10–$20 depending on seafood choice
📍 Address: Pyrmont, Sydney
🚆 How to Go: Light rail to Fish Market stop
7. Chill with Budget Eats near Royal Botanic Garden 🌿
Pre-packed picnic hamper with wine and bites at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden
Around the Royal Botanic Garden, you’ll find cafés and takeaway spots perfect for budget meals. Grab wraps, salads, or pastries and eat outdoors. It’s one of the nicest ways to enjoy cheap restaurants Sydney City style: good food plus a free view.
If you’d rather skip planning and still eat well, book the Royal Botanic Gardens picnic in advance for an easy upgrade. You’ll get a pre-packed picnic that comes with fresh food, drinks, and a perfect setup, so all you have to do is show up and relax. It’s an effortless way to turn simple takeaway into a memorable Sydney moment.
🍽️ Recommended Dish: Wraps or meat pies
💰 Price Range: $8–$15 for wraps, salads, and pastries
📍 Address: Near Macquarie Street
🚶 How to Go: Walk from Circular Quay
FAQs about cheap restaurants in Sydney
What are Sydney's best cheap eats under $10?
Bánh mì shops, noodle houses, and food courts are your best friends. Many spots around the CBD offer filling meals under $10 if you avoid add-ons. Go where locals line up; it’s usually a good sign.
What to do cheaply in Sydney?
You can also save more by using the Sydney Klook Pass, which bundles popular attractions and experiences at a lower upfront price. It’s a smart way to cover sightseeing, cruises, or tours without paying full price for each activity. When you pair the pass with free spots like The Rocks and the Royal Botanic Garden, it becomes much easier to explore Sydney on a budget while still enjoying the highlights.
What are must-eats in Sydney?
Don’t skip a pork roll, dumplings, Thai noodles, or fish and chips in Sydney. These staples are easy to find and usually affordable. They’re part of everyday Sydney life, not just tourist food.
What's the average price for a meal in Sydney CBD?
A casual meal in Sydney CBD usually costs $15–25. However, if you target the best cheap restaurants Sydney locals love, you can eat well for less. Lunch specials are especially good value.
How to eat for $50 a week in Australia?
Its best to cook most of your meals, shop smart, and rely on budget takeaways for variety. Choose filling foods like rice, noodles, and sandwiches. Planning ahead makes a huge difference.
Eat well and spend less in Sydney
Sydney doesn’t have to be expensive if you know where to look. These spots prove that flavor and value can go hand in hand. Bookmark your favorites, plan your routes smartly, and start tasting the city without stressing your wallet. Dive into Sydney’s cheap eats and enjoy every bite.
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