Eating out in big cities can be a drain on your wallet. After a few meals out, you may find yourself feeling a little strapped for cash. But Sydney has plenty of places where you can enjoy delicious food without breaking the bank.
We’ve handpicked some of our favorite restaurants where the food is both delicious and affordable. Whether you’re craving noodles, meat, or pasta, Sydney’s affordable food scene has something for everyone.
Our list begins with this legendary restaurant—Olympic Meats. Located in Marrickville, this Greek-style barbecue restaurant is renowned as one of Sydney’s busiest eateries. Since its opening, it has been bustling with crowds. It is a casual dining spot, and the option to bring your own beverages is an added bonus.
The reason people flock here is simple—the food is truly delicious! Chef and owner Timothy Cassimatis draws on family traditions and his grandmother’s secret recipes to deliver the warmth of traditional and home-style cooking, which is the heart of its appeal.
Additionally, the prices here are extremely reasonable, making it an excellent value for money dining option. All dishes on the menu are priced under $21 (excluding the large meat platter). This platter, designed for sharing, is perfect for group dining. The platter features handmade pita bread that is soft and warm, along with meat that is perfectly grilled, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They also have a creamy secret sauce called “Big Mac Sauce,” which is unforgettable. This sauce is described as “the drug of sauces,” which is quite intriguing. Add to that the option to bring your own alcohol, and it’s no wonder customers are willing to wait. This might be the only potential downside.
Biang Biang Noodles—this type of noodle originated in Shaanxi Province, China, and its name comes from the “biang biang” sound made when the dough is pounded on the table during the preparation process. When you’re craving a hearty bowl of noodles that’s both delicious and affordable, Biang Biang never disappoints. This restaurant in Hyde Park is your go-to spot for thick, chewy noodles with a unique belt-like width.
What truly stands out is their lamb mince version. It’s infused with cumin aroma and drizzled with generous amounts of chili oil. After finishing your noodles, here’s a tip: take a stroll along Dixon Street and grab some warm egg tarts. Emperor’s Garden has them as a dessert, you know. Crafting an affordable culinary adventure takes just minutes.
When you want to try Italian cuisine, you can visit Bar Italia, a great value restaurant located in the Leichhardt neighborhood. Since 1952, this restaurant has been serving classic Italian dishes, with over 70 years of history.
It’s no surprise that Bar Italia has remained popular over the years. They consistently offer delicious versions of classic Italian dishes, including Amatriciana, Bolognese, Caprese, Marinara, Neapolitan, Parmesan, Pizzaiola, and Puccetta. Plus, the prices are very reasonable.
Consider this: pizza starts at $19—isn’t that great? A hearty plate of pasta is just $22. Plus, you can bring your own beer and wine year-round. It’s a great way to save money when dining out. Despite its popularity, you can usually find a seat. The interior decor is vintage, featuring Roman-style cobblestones and an ice cream counter. The outdoor sidewalk or backyard garden are also great spots for dining. Remember an important tip: be sure to bring cash. Credit cards are not accepted there. However, there is an ATM inside the store, which is very convenient.
For those in need of a quick, fresh, and truly delicious lunch, City Edge is a must-visit spot, trust me. Located in Surry Hills, this is a simple takeaway-only shop. It specializes in making fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Note that there is often a line, but it moves quickly, so it’s worth the wait.
City Edge has so many things to love. First, you can enjoy a very fresh sandwich for just $13. They offer a variety of options to suit everyone, including some great vegetarian choices like their breaded eggplant, which sounds fantastic.
But the classic favorite remains their old-school chicken salad sandwich. Sometimes, classic flavors are simply irreplaceable. Another heartwarming reason is the owner, Tommy, who is likely to remember your name after you visit a few times. For those who don’t want to eat a full sandwich yet, they’ve got you covered. They even offer half-size sandwiches for just $6, which is a great deal. Isn’t that fantastic when you want to save a few dollars or need a lighter meal?
If you happen to pass by 91 Enmore Road in Newtown, be sure to check out Chinese Dumpling Master. People flock to this casual bring-your-own-beverage restaurant for one simple reason: the unbeatable value and delicious dumplings they offer.
In a city with so many great options, this is high praise indeed. You can choose pan-fried dumplings for a crispy texture, or opt for boiled for a softer texture, or even steamed. The dumpling flavors are classic and diverse, such as pork and chive filling, or chicken, onion, and cilantro filling, both of which are delicious. A half-portion meal is only about $8.80, which is extremely reasonable.
Be sure to add extra roasted chili oil for an exceptional flavor. Black vinegar is also available at the table to further enhance the dumpling experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, the menu also offers handmade noodles. You can try the special braised eggplant. Other classic dishes like sweet and sour pork are also available. There’s also salted crispy squid. To be honest, if you’re just here for the dumplings, that’s perfectly fine. We completely understand, because they’re truly delicious—trust me. A little tip: they sometimes offer $5 Qingdao beer. This makes it an excellent spot for a quick drink and a bite to eat. It’s the perfect place to visit before or after a show at the nearby Enmore Theatre.
In Sydney, the Marrickville Pork Roll is one of the most highly regarded versions. It is located near the intersection of Illawarra Road and Marrickville Road. This shop is renowned for making affordable Vietnamese sandwiches. You can customize your roll according to your preferences. Choose your preferred amount of chili. Decide whether to add fillings. And don’t forget the crucial special sauce!
The filling options are truly excellent. There’s the traditional pork cold cut combination, which many people love. The deep pink grilled pork is also very popular. The crispy pork belly is another hot choice. Chicken or meatballs are also available. This shop is extremely popular, so you’ll almost certainly have to wait in line. That’s how it is at the main store when you visit this specific location. But honestly, every wait is worth it. If you can’t make it to Marrickville in person, you can also enjoy it at other locations. The branch at Darling Square also serves it, and there’s also a branch in the wharf area for you to choose from.
Okay, Sydney has so many amazing places. You can eat delicious food without spending too much money, and they are waiting for you to discover them. Why not add these places to your foodie bucket list?
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