Travelling can be hard on the wallet, especially in a city as vibrant and packed with things to do, see and explore as Sydney.
When you’re eating out three times a day, it’s easy to blow your budget (or worse, settle for that suspiciously empty café serving up burnt coffee and stale sandwiches).
If you’re looking for a top taste on a thrifty budget read on- we’ve polled the locals to find the city’s best cheap eats.
Rising Sun Workshop
1C Whateley Street, Newtown
Initially a pop up, Rising Sun has fast become a Newtown staple. Open for breakfast and lunch daily and dinner on Wednesdays - Saturdays, the café serves up an impressive array of Japanese-inspired fare with a modern twist. From ramen to burgers to the humble vegemite on toast, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. The reasonable prices will keep even the most budget-weary visitor happy.
Prices: Grab a main for under $20
Mamak
15 Goulburn Street, Haymarket
At the southern end of Sydney’s CBD you’ll find Haymarket, where the bustling restaurants of Chinatown offer up endless delicious possibilities. One spot guaranteed to always be full is Mamak. Fans of Malaysian cuisine will be in heaven with the authentic roti and mee goreng, but be prepared to queue if you come here during peak times.
Prices: $14 - $18 for a main
Gasoline Pony
115 Marrickville Road, Sydney
If you’re venturing to Sydney’s trendy inner west for a night out, Marrickville staple Gasoline Pony is a great spot to start. A favourite with locals, the bar offers an impressive selection of share plates and mains to suit all dietary requirements. Our tip: grab a drink and some handmade steamed dumplings and enjoy the good vibes.
Prices: Share plates from $12 - $20, mains $15 - $20
Govinda’s
112 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst
Part vegetarian Indian restaurant, part cinema, Govinda’s is a great way to enjoy dinner and a movie in Sydney without breaking the bank. The all-you-can-eat buffet style menu changes frequently and offers a wide selection of delicious vegetarian fare. Stroll downstairs for a movie after dinner and sit back and relax on the comfiest cinema seats you’ll ever encounter.
Prices: Around $20 for dinner, or $35 for dinner and a movie.
Gojima
Café Court, The Star, 80 Pyrmont Road, Pyrmont
Dubbing itself ‘Sydney’s first rice burger bar’, Gojima offers up bun-free burgers, Japanese-style fried chicken and umami seasoned fries. It’s Japanese-does-American, but it works – and if you’re up for a novel take on the classic cheese burger, Gojima won’t disappoint.
Prices: Grab a burger and fries for under $20
Mary’s
6 Mary Street, Newtown
Mary’s is one of those hidden gems that truly feels like a locals-only joint. Tucked down an alleyway with no signage, if you weren’t looking for it you wouldn’t know it was there. But patrons lucky enough to stumble in will be greeted with a great selection of craft beer and wine, and some of the best burgers to be found in Sydney. Plus, chicken gravy mash. Yes please.
Prices: Burgers start at $10, or grab a combo for $15
Little Momo
2/398-402 King Street, Newtown
Dumpling lovers, look no further: this is your mecca. With fast service, wallet-friendly prices and a menu that even the dairy or wheat opposed will be happy with, it’s hard to go wrong at Little Momo. Plus – if you’ve never had a dessert dumpling, now is the time. Trust us.
Prices: Dumplings start at $7, mains $15 or less
Pizza Autentico
15 Brisbane Street, Surry Hills
Four words: all you can eat. For $20, the team at Pizza Autentico will bring you out more pizza and pasta than your stomach can accommodate. Bring a group of hungry friends.
Prices: $20 all you can eat (per person, 90 minutes)
