Best Cheap Eats in Melbourne

One of our favourite things to do on holiday is to eat. Exploring new restaurants, cafes, food trucks, delis, diners… you name it, we’ll eat at it! It’s one of the main reasons we love Melbourne, thanks to its never-ending supply of great places to fill our bellies. But sometimes you just want something fast, cheap and easy without the white tablecloths or need for a reservation. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favourite places to eat on the cheap in Melbourne:
 
Butchers Diner
Hungry at 2.00am? Head to the 24hr Butchers Diner for your fix of hamburgers, skewers, steaks and salads. Get the Japanese fried chicken and make sure to bring cash as they don’t take card.
 
Dosa Corner
If you’ve never tried dosa, savory crepes hailing from southern India, you’re in for a treat. Dip your toes into the water with a plain dosa and chutney or get creative and fill yours with masala spiced potatoes. They’ve got multiple locations around the city, perfect for whenever hunger strikes.
 
Ippudo
Ramen is one of the biggest food trends of the year and there’s nothing better to warm up on a cold Melbourne day (which, let’s face it, happen all year round) than a bowl of creamy broth and thick, silky noodles. Ippudo is one of the newest additions to the Melbourne ramen scene, and the lines out the door are proof that it’s one of the best.
 
Maker and Monger
There’s nothing that says ‘cheap eats’ better than a toastie and luckily for foodies everywhere, they are undergoing a resurgence in popularity. Maker and Monger’s toastie offerings are oozing with cheese on thick sourdough bread. The ingredients are supplied by other vendors within the Prahran markets, making them as fresh as you can get.
Maker and Monger


Miznon
Have you ever tried a pita pocket made by a Michelin starred chef? Well, you can at Miznon. With something for the meat lovers and the vegetarians (get the ratatouille topped with a boiled egg), you’ll be able to feed the whole family on the cheap.
 
Miznon


ShanDong MaMa
While it certainly doesn’t look fancy, there’s nothing quite like mama’s boiled mackerel dumplings. They don’t take bookings and the service is nothing to write home about, but don’t let that deter you – no visit to Melbourne is complete without a meal here.
Shandong Mama

 
To’s Bakery
They’ve been around for 10 years, but you’ll still struggle to find better Bahn Mi than at To’s Bakery. The most expensive thing on the menu will only set you back $6, and we’d recommend the freshly made rice paper rolls with Hoi Sin sauce.
To's Bakery

 
Very Good Falafel
Filling, cheap and delicious? It’s the Melbourne food trifecta. The chickpeas that make up the falafels are grown by the owner’s father and they are delectable when paired with freshly baked pita, pickles and tahini.
Very Good Falafel

 
Don Don
This tiny restaurant located in the CBD is a hot spot for students and office workers alike. The chicken katsu curry is one of the best in the city and it’ll be on your table and ready to eat in a flash. They don’t take cards and there can be a wait around lunchtimes.
 
Hotel Jesus
If you’re around on a Tuesday, stop by Hotel Jesus for $2 tacos. The brother site of Mamasita, you know it’s going to be good, and the price just makes it more so! Smoked cauliflower tacos are perfect for the veggos while meat eaters will love the slow cooked lamb shoulder.
Hotel Jesus

 
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