Explore Brisbane's Best Budget Dining Options
Updated: 15 July 2021
Have you got fine-dining tastebuds and a student budget? You’ve come to the right place – we’re here to help you make the most of your dollar when dining out in Brisbane.
Read on to discover our pick of budget-friendly dining throughout Brisbane.
Asian cuisine
Fat Dumpling
The most obvious of them all, it can be quite easy to find cheap, quality Asian eats in Brisbane. For dumplings and Chinese, try New Shanghai, Little Red Dumpling, Steamed, Harajuku Gyoza, Mr Bunz or Fat Dumpling. For Japanese, try Sushi Kotobuki, Sushi Edo, Taro’s Ramen or Ginga. For Vietnamese, try The Vietnamese, Roll’d, Trang, Quan Thanh, Mrs Luu's or Little Saigon Grill. For Indian, try Indian Kitchen, Taj Mahal or Punjabi Palace. For Korean, try Madtongsan II, Noritor, Korilla BBQ or Maru. For a cluster of cheap Asian eats, go to 8 Street at Westfield Garden City – experience 13 Asian food stalls in a completely Chinese-themed area. Be immersed in the sounds and smells of downtown China as a trolley passes tables selling $5 beers.
To market, to market
Markets are a great option for those wanting to eat cheap and have variety. The Brisbane City Markets pops up in Brisbane City every Wednesday – a great opportunity to grab fresh produce plus lunch and a juice. Eat Street Northshore and Boundary Street Markets both offer a twilight market of food stalls with every cuisine you can imagine. Eat Street is set inside shipping containers, while Boundary Street has unusual stalls, live bands and a retail shopping market too.
All American feasts
Burger Project
Burger joints have been opening the doors all over Brisbane and are the perfect spot to stop for a cheap meal. Try Remy's, Miel Container, DA'Burger, Ben’s Burgers, Fritzenberger, Miss Kay’s, Charboys, Lucky Egg, Fat Angel or Red Hook. Tippler’s Tap will sell you a basket of chicken wings for $13. Other great places for wings include Wing Fury, Carolina Kitchen, Buffalo Bar or Archive. For hot dogs, try 5 Dogs or Brat Haus. For bagels, you can’t go past The Bagel Boys.
European gems
West End is known for its Greek heritage, and the food here is both good and well-priced. Get mains for less than $20 at Little Greek Taverna or Lefkas Taverna. For good and cheap Italian, try Vapiano, Verve or Italian Street Kitchen. The Brisbane German Club is a great place for cheap German food – get a face-sized schnitzel with vegetables and potato mash from $24. It is so large you could share with a friend.
Value dining
If you’ve got those fine-dining tastebuds and a small budget, dining in nice restaurants is still possible in Brisbane. For a nice dinner out that doesn’t break the bank, take your friends for a date to Beccofino, Julius Pizzeria, Hop & Pickle, Happy Boy, The Little Persian Cafe, Fat Noodle or Bird’s Nest Yakitori. At these places you will get the atmosphere and quality, but most mains are under $25.
Mexican
From fajitas and burritos, to quesadillas, tortillas and other words we can’t pronounce, Mexican fast food is here to stay – and it is cheap. For quick and easy, try The Burrito Bar. If you’ve got time to sit down, head to Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant, El Torito or the Burrito Bar.
Seafood
For some of the best and cheapest fish and chips in Brisbane, The Fishery or Fishmonger’s Wife are your best bet. One Fish Two Fish also has a number of cheap or value options.
For the sweet tooth
Kiss The Berry, Brisbane City store
Fortunately, sweets are often on the cheap, but where can you get the best treats? For the best Italian gelato or ice cream, try La Macelleria or Lick. Grab a donut, cronut or brownie from Flour & Chocolate. Speaking of brownies, I Heart Brownies are just $5 for the classic range. For a healthy and cheap breakfast, try Felix for Goodness or Botanica.
