7 affordable restaurants to eat in Sydney

Are you searching for affordable dining options in Sydney? While Sydney is often viewed as a destination that can strain your wallet, a little exploration reveals a plethora of eateries where you can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, you’ll find that eating well in Sydney doesn’t have to be a costly affair!

Here are seven budget-friendly restaurants in Sydney that will satisfy your cravings and keep your budget intact. Don’t forget to check out everything you need to see and do in Sydney.

* We strive to keep our articles updated, but it’s possible we might miss something. If you find any of the restaurants listed closed or their prices different, feel free to let us know so we can update it. Thank you!

Side Bar: A Hidden Gem with Great Deals

Side Bar is a lively spot that you might stumble upon, just steps away from local hostels. This vibrant bar caught us by surprise with its fantastic atmosphere! Every afternoon from 4 PM to 8 PM, they offer one-liter beer jugs for just $10. While the beer might not be the highest quality, the real treasure lies in their daily special offers. We visited on a Friday and were thrilled to find massive chicken wings for only $0.50 each (that’s about 30 cents in euros!). Just a heads up, as the night progresses and the music gets louder, it transforms into a bustling nightclub!

Consider joining a free tour in Sydney for a fantastic and budget-friendly way to explore the city.

Stir Crazy Thai: A Lunch Delight

If we lived in Sydney, we would likely dine at Stir Crazy Thai almost daily. Their lunchtime deal is unbeatable: for just $10 (around €6), you can choose from a variety of authentic Thai dishes. The portions are generous, and the flavors are incredible! Don’t miss out on the massaman curry, which was one of the best we tried. We also ordered the garlic chicken, which didn’t disappoint. Plus, there’s free water available, making it easy to enjoy a hearty meal for just €6 next to Luna Park and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Harry's Cafe de Wheels: A Taste of Tradition

When it comes to iconic Australian food, you can’t miss the pies—savory pastries typically filled with meat. Harry's Cafe de Wheels, a legendary street-side eatery, is one of the best places to savor them in Sydney. Their signature dish, the Harry Tiger Edwards, is a meat pie served with mashed potatoes, crushed peas, and gravy. Priced at $7.90, it’s a filling option that won’t leave you hungry!

Manly Ocean Foods: Perfect After a Beach Day

We enjoyed a delightful meal at Manly Ocean Foods during our visit to Manly Beach, which we highly recommend. Known for its fish and chips, we indulged in a generous serving that featured one of the largest pieces of fresh fish we encountered. The batter was light and crispy, and the fries were perfectly cooked. Honestly, even a seagull couldn’t resist snatching one right out of my hand! While it might not be the absolute best in the city, it’s a solid choice if you find yourself at Manly Beach, with a price tag of $12.50.

Mamak: An Affordable Malaysian Treasure

While we didn’t get to visit Mamak, it’s certainly worth mentioning for its excellent value. This restaurant is a must-try for anyone fond of Malaysian cuisine. The Roti Canai, served with two curries and sambal sauce, is only $7.50. The Te Tarik, though slightly pricier at $4, is so delicious that it’s always tempting to order!

Spice Alley: A Culinary Journey Through Asia

Spice Alley isn’t just a restaurant; it’s more of a vibrant lane filled with various stalls offering a taste of Asian cuisine. Here you can find Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Singaporean, and Malaysian dishes, making it a paradise for Asian food lovers. The average price for a meal here hovers around $15.

Don’t forget to grab a Revolut card (with a €10 bonus), which is the best way to avoid fees when paying and withdrawing cash abroad!

Mercantile Hotel: An Aussie Pub Experience

The Mercantile Hotel is another fantastic spot where you can soak up the authentic Aussie vibe. Despite being an Irish pub (established in 1914, no less!), we had a delightful dinner here on our last night in Australia. For just $15, we enjoyed a generous serving of fish and chips, which came with a pint of beer or cider included! Perfect for a satisfying meal, especially after a long day. They offer daily special dinner deals, and the happy hour runs from 5 PM to 7 PM. During lunchtime, you can also enjoy daily specials for only $12. Located in The Rocks, it’s just a short walk from the Opera House and the YHA.

Discovering Dining in Sydney: A Visual Guide

To help you navigate these delightful dining options, here’s a map showing the locations of all the recommended restaurants in Sydney.

These are our top picks for cheap eats in Sydney. If you know of other great places, feel free to leave us a comment 🙂

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