The 7 Best Cheap Eats in Sydney

Sydney is one of the most famous cities in the world. Sitting on Australia’s south-eastern coast, it is the country’s most populous city, and the capital of the state of New South Wales. Characterised by its coastal living, and known for excellent weather, and world-famous landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, it is on almost every traveller’s bucket list. However, Sydney is also known for being an expensive city to live, work and eat in. In this article, we will talk you through the 7 best cheap eats in Sydney so you can get your foodie fix without breaking the bank!

Save cash and eat good: The best cheap eats in Sydney

1. Eat at ROB’s

For burger lovers, a visit to Eat at ROB’s (which stands for Rozelle’s Original Burgers) is simply a must. Found in Rozelle, a suburb of inner west Sydney, ROB’s initially started out as a mobile food truck, but as their popularity grew, they expanded into a restaurant, offering a sit-in and a take-out service. Most importantly, ROB’s stuck to their roots – that good food comes first, and price comes second. You can grab a juicy double cheeseburger for just AU$12.50, although if you’re extra hungry, treat yourself to a combo meal, which includes a burger, fries and a drink for just AU$20. They also offer chicken burgers and breakfast offerings.

Address: 621 Darling Street, Rozelle, NSW 2039

Opening Hours: 11:00–20:00 Tuesday–Thursday, 11:00–21:00 Friday–Saturday, 11:00–15:00 Sunday

2. Spice Alley

Just a short walk from Sydney Central Train Station can be found Spice Alley, a tribute to pan-Asian cuisine in the heart of Sydney. Whether you’re craving fiery Thai noodles or some succulent dim sum, Spice Alley has you covered. With plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to choose from, the options are limitless. Expect to pick up most dishes for around the AU$12 mark, regardless of the cuisine you’re choosing – be it Singaporean, Malaysian, Thai, Chinese, Cantonese, or Japanese – or if you want to sample more than one! This is a must-visit for any Asian food lovers – where you can even bring your own booze, saving on the price of drinks, too!

Address: Kensington Street, Chippendale, NSW 2008

Opening Hours: 11:00–21:30 Sunday–Wednesday, 11:00–22:00 Thursday–Saturday

3. Toastie Smith

Egg toast is a classic Aussie comfort food. Think bread, marinated in beaten egg, and fried in butter until it’s golden and crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Now, imagine that filled with your favourite meats, cheeses, or indeed anything that you like – and that’s exactly what you can expect to find at Toastie Smith. Get yourself a simple garlic toast for a little pick-me-up for AU$4.95, which goes together even better with some of their freshly cooked chips (also AU$4.95). If you really want to push the boat out, you can try their Wagyu Beef Don, which is a bargain at AU$13.50.

Address: The Exchange, T05/1 Little Pier St, Haymarket, NSW 2000

Opening Hours: 08:00–20:00 Sunday–Thursday, 08:00–21:30 Friday–Saturday

4. Torori Warabi Mochi

For those with a sweet tooth, you simply must visit Torori Warabi Mochi in Sydney, which is found in Market City, Haymarket, just a five-minute walk from Central Station. Not only is this an ideal location, but it’s super cheap – with mochi dessert options in a multitude of flavours as well as matcha drinks all on offer, with almost all under AU$10. Another advantage is that all of their mochi desserts are vegan-friendly, while all of their matcha drinks are suitable for vegetarians (they can be made vegan-friendly if you ask for your drink without whipped cream). Pick up some gooey, sticky, delicious – and cheap – mochi right in the heart of Sydney.

Address: Floor 2/13, Market City Shopping Centre, Haymarket, NSW 2000

Opening Hours: 10:00–20:00 Sunday–Wednesday, 10:00–21:00 Thursday–Saturday

5. Vândal Sydney

Advertised as a tribute to the Latino food trucks of Los Angeles, Vândal Sydney offers some of the best plant-based food in New South Wales, at unbeatable prices. Their philosophy is that they’re not trying to be authentic Mexican (hence their name – ‘vandalising’ authentic Mexican food), but rather a vegan twist on the Mexican-Californian foodie scene. Think ‘duck’ carnitas (AU$8), ceviche tostadas (AU$14) and more, most of which are also gluten-free. Finish off your meal with a passionfruit and yuzu pannacotta served with seasonal berries (AU$15), and it’d be rude not to sample their extensive cocktail menu (or mocktail menu if you don’t want any alcohol), where you can sip on a piña colada or a margarita for less than AU$20.

Address: 59 Enmore Road, Newtown, NSW 2042

Opening Hours: 17:00–22:00 Tuesday–Friday, 12:00–22:00 Saturday–Sunday

6. Sal’s Authentic New York Pizza

When a place claims that it’s “Australia’s only 100% authentic New York pizza” place, you simply have to pay it a visit. And with that tagline comes the inevitable thought that their prices are going to be through the roof. Fortunately, with Sal’s, this isn’t the case. Found in the heart of Sydney, pizza lovers flock to Sal’s all day every day to get their NYC-style pizza fix. You can pick up a slice for as little as AU$7, and even their most expensive slice comes in at AU$9. They pride themselves on using imported base ingredients from New York for that extra authentic taste – so you know it’s going to be some of the best pizza you can get Down Under.

Address: Shop 2/57 York Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Opening Hours: 11:00–21:00 Monday–Tuesday, 11:00–22:00 Wednesday, 11:00–23:30 Thursday, 11:00–01:00 Friday, 12:00–00:00 Saturday, 12:00–21:00 Sunday.

7. Emma’s Snack Bar

For those wanting something a bit healthier, then head over to one of Sydney’s finest Lebanese eateries: Emma’s Snack Bar. Open from 17:00 until late, Emma’s serves up authentic, healthy Lebanese food at bargain prices. Expect the likes of falafels, garlic prawns, hummus, kibbe (lamb mince and pine nut wraps), fried cauliflower and plenty more, the majority of which is all under AU$20. Indulge in some Middle Eastern favourites while enjoying the benefits of healthy eating in central Sydney – meaning that you can go out for a healthy meal without overspending. What’s not to love about that?

Address: 59 Liberty Street, Enmore, NSW 2042

Opening Hours: 17:00–22:00 Tuesday–Saturday