27 Best Cheap Eats Melbourne CBD: Lunches Under $25
If you want a break from your usual sandwich, there are plenty of delicious cheap eats in Melbourne CBD—and we’ve rounded up the best of them.
From dumplings to focaccias, curry to souvlaki, here are the best cheap eats in Melbourne where lunch won’t cost you more than $25 (and often far less!).
Best Cheap Restaurants Melbourne Has for Lunchtime
1. Sushi Hub
From $3.50 per plate
Who doesn’t love a sushi train? At Sushi Hub, it’s easy to mix and match your favourites without breaking the bank. Fresh, fast, and great for a solo lunch or quick catch-up.
Read our review of Sushi Hub.
Sushi Hub, Melbourne Central and various locations across Melbourne and Victoria
2. Angliss Bistro and Restaurant
Lunch for under $20
This hidden gem is run by hospitality students and offers restaurant-quality meals at a fraction of the price. One of the best affordable restaurants in Melbourne CBD—if you can snag a booking.
Read our review of Angliss Bistro.
Angliss Bistro, Ground Floor, Building D, 555 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Schmucks Bagels
From $11-$15
Hearty bagels packed with flavour and personality. Perfect for something filling on the go.
Read our review of Schmucks Bagels.
Schmucks Bagels, Shop 1/551 Little Lonsdale St AND 181 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
4. Banh Mi Stand
From $16
Craving crunch? Grab a Vietnamese baguette loaded with fresh herbs, pickles and tender meat. This is a grab-and-go option with no seating available. We found picnic tables nearby on Flinders Lane.
Banh Mi Stand, 547 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Read more: 11 Flinders Lane Restaurants For a Tasty & Affordable Lunch
5. Tim Ho Wan
Around $20 per person
Yes, it’s Michelin-starred. Yes, it’s affordable. Their dim sum is legendary, and it won’t cost more than $25 for a full lunch. Melbourne cheap eats don’t get more impressive.
Read our review of Tim Ho Wan.
Tim Ho Wan, 206 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
6. Dodee Paidang
Under $20
Spicy Thai street food, bold flavours, and great prices. Ask for mild if you’re heat-shy! Comfortable seating and spacious restaurant.
Dodee Paidang, Basement/353 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Related reading: 35 Best Gluten-Free Melbourne CBD Lunch Spots 2025
7. Göz City
Everything under $16
Fresh Turkish gozleme made to order. Perfect for a handheld lunch or eat-in with a Turkish tea. The salad bowls are generous and fresh, too.
Göz City, 502 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
8. Stalactites
Souvlaki for $20–$22
Melbourne’s Greek institution. Not the cheapest on this list, but still solid value for a CBD lunch—and reliably tasty.
Read our review of Stalactites.
Stalactites, 177/183 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
9. Bowltiful
Bowls from $18 – $20
Hand-pulled noodles with rich, meaty broths or spicy sauces. A flavour bomb in a bowl.
Bowltiful, 382-384 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000
10. Lucky Dumplings
$7.90 for pork dumplings
A dozen dumplings for under $10? Don’t mind if we do. Add popcorn squid or a side salad for variety. One of the best cheap eats Melbourne CBD newcomers.
Lucky Dumplings, various locations across Melbourne and Victoria
11. BKK, Her Melbourne
$15–$25
Thai street food with rooftop vibes at HER Melbourne. Grab a curry or stir-fry and soak up the city views.
Read our review of BKK.
BKK, Her Melbourne, 270 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000, (03) 9997 0437
12. Mamak
Meals from $18 – $25
Malaysian favourites—roti, satay and curries—served fast and flavourful. Always busy, always worth it.
Mamak, 366 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
13. Mr Ramen San
$19 ramen
Affordable, slurp-worthy ramen tucked into Mid City Arcade.
Mr Ramen San, Shop 12A, 200 Bourke Street, Melbourne (Mid City Centre)
14. Om Vegetarian
All-you-can-eat for $10
Yep, you read that right. Generous portions, rotating curries, and a great option for vegetarians and budget-conscious eaters alike.
Om Vegetarian, Suite 4/227 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
15. Robo Mao
Under $25
Big servings of fried rice, noodles and dumplings. Tasty and filling. Great gluten-free menu, too!
Read our review of RoboMao here.
Robo Mao, 214 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
16. Brim CC
Under $15
Cosy little Japanese café with great curries and donburi. Gyoza are a must-try.
Brim CC, shop 2/601 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, 03 8672 9934
17. Superhiro
From $15 – $30
Stylish Japanese share plates. Ideal for a group lunch with variety.
Superhiro, 211-213 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
18. The Borek Bakehouse
From around $5-$8
Middle Eastern pastries, wraps and sweets. Great for grab-and-go.
The Borek Bakehouse, 481 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000
19. Miznon
Expect to pay around $15–$20
Israeli-style pita pockets bursting with grilled veggies, meats, and spices.
Miznon, 59 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
20. French Fix
All baguettes $14
Freshly made daily and filled with French classics like ham and cheese or chicken mayo.
French Fix, 3/221 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
21. FOC
Focaccias from $15
Artisan Italian-style focaccias stuffed with flavourful fillings.
FOC, 423 Little Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
22. Warkop
$15 sandos
Indonesian sandwiches with sambal and spice—definitely something different!
Warkop, 1 Little Collins Street, Shop 13 Melbourne, VIC 3000
23. Butcher’s Diner
$12 classic burger or toastie
A retro spot with no-fuss, honest food. Open late too.
Butcher’s Diner, 10 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
24. CBD Pies
Award-winning pies, most under $15.
Try the beef and Guinness for a hearty lunch.
CBD Pies, Shop 4, 118-126 Queen St Melbourne VIC 3000
25. Buddy Bakery
$5-$10
Croissants, sandwiches and pastries that don’t skimp on size or flavour.
Buddy Bakery, 351 High St, Melton VIC 3337
26. Soi 38
$10 Thai boat noodles
A hidden basement restaurant with a cult following. Great flavours, great prices.
Soi 38, 8 Royal Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
27. Ronnie’s
Focaccia sandwich $15
Big, bold sandwiches with Italian flair.
Ronnie’s, The Rialto – entry via Piazza 525 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Your Guide to the Best Affordable Restaurants Melbourne CBD
It’s easy to eat well in Melbourne without spending a fortune. Whether you’re after something hearty, healthy, or just plain delicious, these spots serve up the best cheap eats Melbourne has to offer. Perfect for a midweek treat or budget-friendly day out.
Looking for more cheap restaurants Melbourne locals love? We’ll keep this list updated as we discover more hidden gems!
And if you visit, tell them you found them through Seniors in Melbourne — it helps us share more places we think you’ll love.
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