With the cost of living taking a sledgehammer to our budgets, Australia’s most expensive city is feeling the pinch harder than anywhere else. Especially when Sydneysiders are also obsessed with eating out.
In times of credit crunch, it’s still possible to have a great meal out without breaking the bank. Sydney is a melting pot of different cultures so you can grab a bowl of noodles, some pasta or sandwiches for less.
There are also some high-end restaurants which are offering luxe for less lunch specials so you can have your cake and eat it too!
Staple cheap eats favourites
Olympic Meats
Olympic Meats in Dudley St, Marrickville, is fast becoming a favourite place for not just locals but Greek fans from all around Sydney. I love Olympic Meats because the food feels like it’s come straight from a yia yia’s kitchen. It’s all about the grilled meats and the dishes here are inspired by the cuisine from the Peloponnese. It’s not fussy and everything is homemade.
The sourdough pita bread takes two days to make and is soft and pillowy – perfectly paired when you’re dipping it in to the Tarama (smoked roe with queen may potato) or the Fava, a split fava dip with the wood-fired mushrooms.
Don’t go past the grilled meats – my favourite is the Lamb Kontosouvli, as well the Chicken Gyro Meat. Dishes range from $9 to $22 and if you want something on the go, pick up a Pitogyro.
Bear in mind, Olympic Meats doesn’t take bookings and it gets busy! If you’re coming for lunch, come around half an hour before they open and put your name down on the waitlist.
My other hot tip is to order takeaway and then walk down towards Cooks River and have a picnic.
The Kamayan
Established in 1995, this Filipino favourite in Rooty Hill is one of the oldest Filipino restaurants in Sydney. My favourite is the kare kare which is a rich oxtail stew with a peanut sauce. There’s just the right hit of shrimp paste for that extra savouriness.
The adobo, considered to be the national dish of the Philippines, is a delicious braised chicken dish marinated in vinegar, soy and garlic and super heartwarming for a winter’s day.
kThe Kamayan a humble restaurant that is affordable and is a great representation of the Filipino community in Sydney.
It’s worth visiting with a group of friends and sharing a bunch of dishes like the kilawin, a dish of marinated pork ears and cheeks, the sisig, the kechon kawali as well as the fried tilapia.
Dishes range from under $20 unless you order something like a whole fish.
But if you’re feasting with mates, you could be paying less than $50 each for the whole meal.
Sogogi
This halal Korean BBQ spot has a great list of premium wagyu cuts – and all at great prices. The reason why I love this Merrylands joint is because of the warm vibe and atmosphere.
My top picks from Sogogi are wagyu chuck eye roll, short ribs and oyster blade and they have delicious marinated chicken.
The best thing is that the meal comes with unlimited sides and they have a great list of fried chicken too like sweet & spicy as well as the garlic soy options.
There’s also soup and rice options like the Kim Chi soup and spicy silken tofu hot pot which is great on a winters day.
Prices start from $34 for a serving of wagyu meats and other plates like the crispy seafood pancake start from $27.
My advice – go with a group of friends so you can try an array of dishes.
Albee’s Kitchen
My family and I have been coming to Albee’s Kitchen for years. And coming from a family of Singaporeans and Malaysians who have extremely discerning tastes about whether they can get the same ‘wok hey’ in dishes compared to the motherland is a constant struggle.
But for two decades, Albee’s Kitchen has been serving the Singaporean/Malaysian community with its 37 pages of dishes.
You can just go in for a bowl of laksa or head in with the family to share some dishes. If you’re going in with a group, get the beef rendang, the salted egg yoke chicken, sambal fried fish and the seafood tofu and vegetable hot plate.
There are plenty of nasi lemak set options as well – a typical Singaporean/Malaysian dish of rice with deep fried anchovies and nuts, cucumber and an egg served with either deep fried salt and pepper chicken or a small chicken curry.
Noodle dishes now start from around $23 and the satay skewers are priced from $23.40 for five sticks.
Moyashi
A recent discovery in Darling Square is the Japanese hot pot restaurant, Moyashi which offers flavourful sukiyaki or shabu broth with a huge range of Australian wagyu beef, seafood and seasonal vegetables.
Pick your set menu for both dinner and lunch. I went for dinner and opted for the $79 per person premium wagyu package. There is also a standard buffet option for $58 per person.
Order as much as you want within an hour and a half and aside from the delicious beef cuts, you can also order things like sushi rolls, sashimi, tataki and much more.
Best thing is, soft drinks are free with the dinner menu.
If you’re looking for a quick, filling, affordable and delicious lunch, Moyashi also has two lunch specials – a sushi and sashimi set for $28 or a special lunch buffet for $42.80 per person.
The sushi and sashimi set includes six pieces of sashimi and two pieces of salmon, a single person hot pot, a choice of either one angurs brisket or chuck eye roll and a selection of rice, udon of wafu salad.
The lunch buffet includes brisket and wagyu chuck eye roll, all vegetables, salmon roll, California roll, chicken karaage, takoyaki and all sides.
Secret tip – if you give them a five star review (and its warranted), you get $10 off per person for groups of four between Monday to Wednesday, or on Thursdays for the $78 buffet.
Medan Ciak
Another family favourite, Medan Ciak‘s cuisine focuses on dishes of the North Sumatran capital which is heavily influenced by Malay and Chinese flavours.
It’s one of those unassuming eateries which serves great hearty food. I love the fried hard-boiled egg with sambal as well as the fried chicken with fried galangal and sambal. I can also punish the homemade fishballs with clear soup.
If you want a full meal for yourself, the Mie Pangsit with roast pork is delicious and tastes like what you’d get on the street back in Medan.
The plate of rice with fried chicken starts from $12, while some of the side dishes start from as little as $3.
My mum was born in Medan and is extremely picky with her choice of Indonesian food. Medan Ciak in Sussex St in the CBD has her approval so it’s worth a visit.
The Waratah
We all love a daily meal deal and one of my favourite places near the Sydney Travel Guide office is Darlinghurst’s The Waratah which has a different offer every night. This unique gastro pub incorporates beautiful Australian ingredients into pub staples.
Wednesdays at The Waratah is where you’ll find delicious fish and chips for $25 – crispy, flaky white fish with a chunky tartare sauce. On Thursday, the joint has $28 steak and chips while on Friday, they do $3 oysters.
Yes, I have eaten three dozen and their three buck shuck on Friday.
And on Sundays, dive into the $38 Sunday roast where the chef’s meat of choice will be served up with greens, carrots, hasselback spuds, a yorkie and gravy.
Lunch Luxe for Less
Aalia Wine Room
This new bar is a great lunchtime spot for a power lunch. Located next door to the two-hatted modern Middle Eastern restaurant, Aalia, its little sister, Aaalia Wine Room in Martin PLace has a fabulous meal deal.
I love this place because it’s a great place to people watch and see the hustle and bustle of the Sydney CBD go by.
You can grab some steak frites served with the cafe de Cairo butter for just $39. Or if you’re lunching with a friend or colleague, you can get the set menu, also priced at $39 per person which includes Aaalia’s famous pita, creamy labneh with pomegranate molasses or eggplant mes ‘a’ aha as well as the steak.
My favourite is the chips with their moorish ras el hanout.
If you’re feeling a wee bit naughty and want a lunch time tipple to go with your credit crunch lunch, you can get a glass of vin blanc or rouge, beer or mocktail for just $12.
The Grill at The International
The delicious chophouse on an evening can get exxy but the team have made dining at The Grill International more accessible with its fabulous $69 Quick Fire set menu.
Designed to be eaten within an hour, it’s perfect for a quick lunch meeting, a pre-theatre dinner or a shopping break stop.
Why I love this menu is that there is no faffing about and it’s just indulgent enough to give you a taste of what this acclaimed steakhouse is all about.
To start, dive into the sourdough with cultured butter and then you’re served a series of snacks (I love snacks). You’re given duck liver parfait, port jelly with toasted brioche and a fried prawn sandwich.
You’re then given a choice of skirt steak or a buttery John Dory with cucumber, vermouth and tarragon.
Plus, all the mains are served with dressed leaves and fries.
Best thing is – you can have the menu at any time of the day.
White Horse
The famous White Horse in Surry Hills was once my watering hole back in the early 2010s before heading to Kings Cross. But this beloved pub has had a sleek revamp that elevates its food and beverage offerings.
For dinner, there is an $88 per person shared menu but this is one of the few places in Sydney where you can get a divine set menu during lunch for $55.
The menu has subtle Asian influences to give Australian classics a unique twist.
Regardless of lunch or dinner, I also opt for the lobster stuffed pappardelle with miso broth which is part of the $55 lunch menu. Also included is sourdough with fermented honey butter, stracciatella with confit tomatoes and a divine chicken leg with gochujang jus, salsa verde and cucumber.
The X.O. fried rice with house made sriracha finishes off the main part of the dish.
What’s fabulous, and because I also have a bit of a sweet tooth, is the moorish Adelaide Hills brie ice cream which is a little bit sweet, a little bit salty and even more sinful.
Joji
The sleek and refined Joji in George St has a great lunch menu which is priced from just $65 per person.
It’s an express lunch menu that curates some of the best selections from Joji’s Japanese inspired menu.
I’ve always been a big fan of this Modern Japanese restaurant especially for their robata skewers. The lunch menu is subject to change depending on seasonality and availability but some of the things you might find on the menu include deep fried oysters, octopus karaage, wagyu skewers as well as a fresh chirashi-don.
If I also need some serious down time after work, there is a Joji Hour between Tuesday to Thursday, 4 to 6pm where I can get a $39 meal of the Joji burger and fries, washed down with a martini.
Cho Cho San
This Potts Point institution’s popular bottomless brunch is one of my favourite meal deals. Following the successful buns and bubbles campaign, the $99 bottomless brunch gives you and the gang a huge amount of food as well as great food.
The banquet menu includes favourites like an assorted sushi and sashimi platter, eggplant miso sticks, chicken gyoza as well as wagyu kushiyaki.
You can also get flowing bubbles, wine, beer and cocktails and for an extra $21 per person, unlimited cocktails like my favourite, the mango wasabi.
Best thing is, after a few drinks, you can have a boogie with the DJs that play all day long.
Dishes for under $10
Chon Siam
If you’re seeking a punch of flavour as deep as any in a Thai night market back alley, look no further. This unassuming spot in Haymarket serves absolutely delicious Thai boat noodles with a rich broth spiced with cinnamon and star anise, with a tantalising splash of pig’s blood lending depth and complexity.
With fish balls, tender pork, and a medley of vegetables, this soup is a hearty, comforting choice—ideal for a light but satisfying lunch for just $6.50.
Doyles on the Wharf
The legendary Doyle’s on the Wharf might be synonymous with upscale seafood dining, but their takeaway counter at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel delivers a more casual but equally delightful experience.
For just $7.70, you can enjoy their classic fish and chips, perfect for a beachside picnic. While the atmosphere might be more laid-back than their restaurant, the quality remains exemplary. With the pristine Watsons Bay as your backdrop, every bite of these crispy, golden morsels feels like a luxurious treat. If the view of the harbor doesn’t impress you, the value definitely will.
Charmhor
In tasty Haymarket, Charmhor is a beacon of affordable yet authentic Thai cuisine. Their spicy dry black noodles—Zaap Hang Kaihor—come with your choice of meat, ground peanuts, dried shrimp, and veggies, all drenched in a spicy sauce that could make even a seasoned spice lover sweat.
For the same price, their Kai Cheek Mara—shredded chicken soup with thin noodles, bitter melon, and Chinese broccoli—offers a contrasting yet equally compelling option. At $9.90, both dishes echo simplicity and quality.
Derrel’s
Derrel’s, a hybrid takeaway joint and casual eatery, is slinging tasty comfort food with a modern twist. Their chip “putty”, drenched in creamy butter chicken gravy, is a delightful ode to both British and Indian cuisines.
At $10, it’s an affordable, inventive blend of flavours that pays homage to Derrel King’s Anglo-Indian heritage. Whether you’re craving a late-night bite or a novel spin on a classic, this is the place to be. And it’s BYO, so feel free to bring your favourite beverage to accompany this carb-laden delight.
Mother Chu’s
For those who appreciate Taiwanese street food, Mother Chu’s offers a menu that’s both diverse and wallet-friendly. A Taiwanese beef pie at $9.30, egg pancake rolls at $7.50, or steamed buns filled with chicken or pork for just $5 each will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Mother Chu’s is not just a place to eat—it’s a testament to the beauty of quick, delicious, and affordable street food. With efficient service and consistently excellent fare, this spot has earned its place among Sydney’s budget-friendly dining gems.
Miss Ary
Miss Ary’s Kimbab, often mistaken for sushi but distinctly different, offers a fresh and vibrant take on Korean cuisine. Each roll, packed with seasoned rice, fish cake, radish pickle, egg, and vegetables, is a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
At $9.50 for ten pieces, this dish is not just filling but also a beautiful representation of Korean culinary craftsmanship. Dip it in the accompanying mustard soy sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
Charlie Chan’s
When it comes to classic Thai fare, Charlie Chan’s offers a substantial bowl of dry noodles that are as satisfying as they are affordable. For $9.90, you can enjoy either a sweet soy sauce version or a spicy Tom Yum noodle soup.
With options for chicken, beef, or pork balls, and open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight, Charlie Chan’s ensures that your late-night noodle cravings are well taken care of.
Rosa Cienfuegos’ Tamaleria & Mexican Deli
This tiny shopfront in Dulwich Hill is serving up some of Sydney’s best traditional tamales. Rosa Cienfuegos’ warm, savoury and sweet tamales feature well-seasoned meat and vegetables baked in a starchy dough, encased in corn husk.
Nine dollars will get you a choice of chicken with green sauce, chicken with mole or a poblano pepper with cheese in red sauce tamale, and while it may not make an entire meal it will definitely tide you over.
Emperor’s
Finally, let’s not forget Emperor’s, home of beloved Sydney staple cream puffs. Priced at $4 for seven, these freshly baked puffs are a steal.
Despite an outrage around their incremental price hikes — reflecting Sydney’s ever-increasing cost of living — these pastries remain a symbol of affordable indulgence. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh and hot—so keep an eye out for the temperature warning posted at the entrance.
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