Australia has some of the best cheap places to eat, and this list of cities and towns will show you where to go without breaking the bank.
Our great southern land has much to offer in the way of foodie delights, with our multicultural society bringing flavours from far-flung destinations to our doorstep.
Local fare is second to none, too, and the best thing about it is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to experience it all.
Western Australia
Warung Ade
Warung means local in Indonesian, so if you’re craving some of that tasty cuisine this is the place to go. The $12 nasi goreng is a favourite.
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Visit: warungade.com.au
Francoforte Spaghetti Bar
Serving up hearty bowls of lip-smacking pasta from just $15, complete with a piece of crusty bread, this is where carb-laden dreams come true.
Visit: francoforte.com.au/
South Australia
Zucca Glenelg
Grab a few friends and gather round for these top-notch Greek mezze plates. With dishes starting from $9, order a few and sample a range of flavours. Don’t miss the 12-hour cooked suckling pig gyros with crackle.
Visit: zucca.com.au
East Taste Cafe
With an extensive Chinese menu you’re spoiled for choice. The best thing to do is grab a few dishes and share them – the $11.80 salt-and-pepper eggplant is absolutely delicious.
Visit: chinatownadelaide.com.au
Northern Territory
Jetty & The Fish
This little food truck on the Nightcliff foreshore offers fish tacos, classic fish & chips and calamari, all priced under $12. Go catch the sunset while you polish off your seafood delights.
Visit: facebook.com/jettyandthefish
Monsoons
It’s pub food with a twist! You can choose anything from the lunch menu for $15, including a complimentary drink. Try the pan-seared chilli and prawn salad for a fresh treat.
Visit: monsoons.net.au
Victoria
Laksa King
The King has been nourishing the faithful for nearly a decade – this is the place for authentic Malaysian dishes cooked from scratch daily. You can’t go past the $10.80 chicken curry laksa.
Visit: laksaking.com.au
ShanDong MaMa
These are some of the best dumplings you’ll get outside of China. Here, dumplings are an art form and the cases are made in-house according to the filling – thinner for fish and thicker for other meats. You can get 10 beef dumplings for less than $15.
Visit: facebook.com/shandongmama
Tasmania
Shamrock Hotel
With daily $10 specials and generous servings, this is a bargain eatery with a cosy atmosphere.
Visit: facebook.com/pages/Shamrock-Hotel
New South Wales
The Yellow Deli
This quirky, cosy deli serves wholesome foods, such as fresh juices, sandwiches and salads. Our favourite’s the Reuben hot sandwich, complete with vegie bowl or crisps for $11.
Visit: yellowdeli.com
It’s Time for Thai
For moreish Thai, look no further than this casual venue, where you can get a melting beef massaman curry or mouthwatering pad see eiw for $13 each.
Visit: itstimeforthai.com.au
Queensland
Surfers Paradise Life Saving Club Gold Coast
Eat right by the iconic Surfers Paradise beach at this great value bistro. Treat yourself to a sunny all-you-can-eat breakfast spread from 7am for a mere $12.
Visit: surfersparadiseslsc.com.au/surfers-paradise-restaurant-bar
Ganbaranba
This unassuming place offers high-quality Japanese fare, including ramen, gyoza and donburi, and there’s nothing on the menu for more than $15.
Visit: facebook.com/Ganbaranba
