15 Best Affordable Restaurants in Sydney for Delicious Cheap Eats (CBD & Beyond)

Sydney is known for its world-class dining scene, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy amazing food. From authentic street food and bustling hawker-style eateries to classic Italian, Thai, and Lebanese delights, the city is packed with flavourful, budget-friendly dining options.

If you’re searching for the best affordable restaurants in Sydney, best cheap restaurants in Sydney, or best cheap restaurants in Sydney CBD, here are 15 incredible places that serve delicious food at reasonable prices—without compromising on quality.

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1. Mamak

A Sydney institution for Malaysian food, Mamak is known for its buzzing atmosphere, open kitchen, and famous hand-stretched roti. Walking past, you’ll see chefs flipping and stretching paper-thin dough before frying it to crisp, golden perfection. The décor is simple and functional, with rows of tables designed for quick yet satisfying meals, but the real focus is on the incredible food that brings Malaysia’s vibrant street food culture to life.

Their signature dish, Roti Canai, is crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and served with a duo of rich, spiced curries and a dollop of fiery sambal. The satay skewers are another must-try, charred over an open flame and coated in a thick, nutty peanut sauce. For a heartier meal, their Nasi Lemak—fragrant coconut rice with fried anchovies, sambal, peanuts, and egg—is one of the best renditions in Sydney.

📍 Location: 15 Goulburn Street, Haymarket, NSW 2000
💰 Budget: $15 – $20 per person
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
📌 Booking: Walk-ins only; expect queues during peak hours
⭐ Review: “The best Malaysian food outside of Malaysia! The roti was crispy perfection, and the satay sauce was next level.” – Sarah L.
🌍 Website: https://www.mamak.com.au
📞 Phone: +61 2 9211 1668

2. Chat Thai

If you're looking for authentic Thai food that won’t break the bank, Chat Thai is the place to go. This lively and casual eatery is a favourite for late-night dining, with its bustling open kitchen, vibrant yellow walls, and the rich aroma of stir-fried garlic and chillies wafting through the air.

The Pad See Ew, featuring silky, stir-fried flat noodles with tender beef, egg, and smoky soy sauce, is a crowd-pleaser, while the Som Tum (green papaya salad) delivers a spicy, tangy, and refreshing hit. Their grilled pork neck with tamarind dipping sauce is a flavour bomb—juicy, smoky, and irresistibly moreish. Don’t leave without trying their sticky rice with mango, a sweet, coconut-infused treat that perfectly balances the heat of the main dishes.

📍 Location: 20 Campbell Street, Haymarket, NSW 2000
💰 Budget: $20 per person
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
📌 Booking: Walk-ins welcome; reservations recommended for large groups
⭐ Review: “Authentic Thai flavours with a kick! The papaya salad was refreshingly spicy, and the grilled pork was outstanding.” – Michael T.
🌍 Website: https://www.chatthai.com.au
📞 Phone: +61 2 9211 1808

3. Friggitoria

Bringing the flavours of Naples to Sydney, Friggitoria is a no-frills, hole-in-the-wall eatery serving up affordable, indulgent Italian street food. The décor is minimal and unpretentious, with an emphasis on quick service and comforting, homestyle dishes.

Their Arancini—golden-fried rice balls stuffed with gooey mozzarella, peas, and ragu—are pure bliss, while their Gnocchi Sorrentina, baked in a bubbling tomato sauce with melted cheese, is the definition of comfort food. If you’re after something crispy, try their Frittura Mista, a mix of lightly battered calamari, prawns, and vegetables, fried to perfection and served with lemon wedges.

📍 Location: Shop 1, 12 Bayswater Road, Potts Point, NSW 2011
💰 Budget: $15 – $20 per person
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📌 Booking: No reservations; takeaway available
⭐ Review: “Simple, authentic, and incredibly tasty. The arancini were crispy on the outside and perfectly creamy inside.” – Emma R.
🌍 Website: https://www.friggitoria.com.au
📞 Phone: +61 2 9357 4580

4. El Jannah

El Jannah is Sydney’s ultimate destination for Lebanese charcoal chicken, famous for its tender, flame-grilled chicken served with mountains of creamy garlic sauce. The vibe is casual and fast-paced, with long communal tables and a constant stream of customers picking up their takeaway orders.

The charcoal chicken is marinated in Middle Eastern spices and grilled over hot coals, ensuring crispy, golden skin and juicy, flavour-packed meat. Served with pillowy Lebanese bread, pickles, and their legendary garlic sauce, it’s one of the best budget meals in Sydney. For a heartier feast, add a side of their smoky baba ganoush and crispy falafel.

📍 Location: 4-8 South Street, Granville, NSW 2142
💰 Budget: $15 – $20 per person
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
📌 Booking: No reservations; takeaway available
⭐ Review: “The best charcoal chicken in Sydney! The garlic sauce is addictive, and the portions are generous.” – Ahmed K.
🌍 Website: https://www.eljannah.com.au
📞 Phone: +61 2 9637 0977

5. Spice Alley

Hidden away in the vibrant backstreets of Chippendale, Spice Alley is a bustling laneway lined with small hawker-style eateries, bringing the best of Asian street food to Sydney. The moment you step in, you're greeted by the intoxicating aroma of sizzling woks, grilled satay skewers, and fragrant herbs and spices. The lantern-lit alleyways, communal outdoor seating, and authentic food stalls transport you straight to the streets of Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan.

With so many options, it’s hard to choose just one dish, but some standouts include the Char Kway Teow, a smoky, stir-fried noodle dish packed with prawns, lap cheong (Chinese sausage), and crunchy bean sprouts, and the Hainanese Chicken Rice, featuring tender poached chicken served with aromatic rice, ginger, and a house-made chilli sauce. If you're craving something bold, the spicy Sichuan-style dumplings in chilli oil are a flavour explosion that will leave your taste buds tingling.

📍 Location: Kensington Street, Chippendale, NSW 2008
💰 Budget: $15 – $20 per person
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
📌 Booking: No reservations; communal seating
⭐ Review: "A foodie paradise! The variety is incredible, and the atmosphere makes you feel like you're in the heart of an Asian night market." – Jason M.
🌍 Website: https://www.spicealley.com.au

6. Ryo’s Noodles

Ryo’s Noodles is Sydney’s worst-kept secret for authentic Japanese ramen, but despite its cult following, this tiny, hole-in-the-wall eatery in Crows Nest remains humble and unassuming. The bright yellow-painted exterior might not look like much, but inside, you’ll find some of the best ramen in the city. The walls are covered in Japanese posters and handwritten menu specials, giving the space a lively, casual izakaya feel.

Their signature Tonkotsu Ramen is rich, creamy, and deeply umami, with slow-simmered pork broth, perfectly chewy noodles, and melt-in-the-mouth slices of chashu pork. The Spicy Miso Ramen, made with a house-blended miso paste and a fiery chilli oil drizzle, is another fan-favourite. If you prefer a lighter option, their Shoyu Ramen (soy-based broth) is fragrant, slightly sweet, and incredibly comforting. The side dishes here are just as good—don’t miss the crispy chicken karaage and their famous gyoza, pan-fried to golden perfection.

📍 Location: 125 Falcon Street, Crows Nest, NSW 2065
💰 Budget: $15 – $20 per person
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📌 Booking: No reservations; expect to queue during peak hours
⭐ Review: "Hands down the best ramen in Sydney! The broth is thick, creamy, and full of depth. Worth the wait every time!" – Tom H.
🌍 Website: https://www.ryosnoodles.com.au

7. Jimmy’s Falafel

Located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Jimmy’s Falafel is a modern Middle Eastern eatery that brings together bold, fresh flavours with a casual and fun atmosphere. Inside, the restaurant blends old-school charm with a contemporary edge, featuring Moroccan-tiled floors, plush banquettes, and an open kitchen where chefs fire up fresh pitas and grill meats over an open flame.

The falafel here is the star of the show, made fresh daily using a traditional blend of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, herby centre. Order the Falafel Plate, which comes with fluffy pita bread, hummus, smoky baba ganoush, and a refreshing chopped salad. For something heartier, the Lamb Shawarma Wrap is packed with juicy, slow-roasted lamb, pickled red cabbage, and tahini dressing.

📍 Location: 330 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
💰 Budget: $15 – $20 per person
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
📌 Booking: Walk-ins welcome
⭐ Review: "Crispy, golden falafel and some of the best pita in town! The lamb shawarma was next-level good." – Olivia D.
🌍 Website: https://merivale.com/venues/jimmys-falafel

8. Do Dee Paidang

If you love Thai street food with serious heat, Do Dee Paidang is the place to be. This low-key, casual eatery in Sydney’s Haymarket is known for its super-spicy noodles and comforting Thai classics, served in huge bowls at unbelievably affordable prices. The décor is fun and eclectic, with Thai pop music playing in the background and a menu that proudly displays its “spiciness levels”—from mild to fire-breathing inferno.

The Boat Noodles here are legendary, featuring a deep, rich pork broth infused with fragrant spices, tender beef slices, and thin rice noodles. If you’re feeling brave, order the Level 7 Super Spicy Noodles, which come drenched in a fiery chilli oil that will test even the most hardcore spice lovers. If spice isn’t your thing, their Pad Thai with giant river prawns is perfectly balanced, slightly sweet, and packed with umami goodness.

📍 Location: 37 Ultimo Road, Haymarket, NSW 2000
💰 Budget: $10 – $15 per person
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
📌 Booking: No reservations; expect a queue
⭐ Review: "Best Thai boat noodles in Sydney! The broth is deep and complex, and the spice levels are no joke!" – Alex K.
🌍 Website: Book a Table

9. Out of the Blue

For Sydney’s most legendary fish and chips, Out of the Blue is the place to go. Tucked away in the laid-back beachside suburb of Clovelly, this tiny takeaway spot has been serving up fresh, no-frills seafood for over 20 years. There are no tables inside, just a simple counter where you place your order before taking your meal to the beach or a nearby park. The place is always buzzing with locals, and the line out the door is proof that this family-run institution is worth the wait.

Their classic fish and chips feature thick-cut chips cooked until golden brown and flaky, beer-battered fish that’s crispy outside and tender inside. But the real showstopper is their Famous Chicken Burger—a juicy grilled chicken fillet topped with fresh avocado, crispy lettuce, tomato, and a tangy garlic mayo sauce, all served on a soft, toasted bun. It’s been called one of the best chicken burgers in Sydney, and after one bite, you’ll understand why.

📍 Location: 2/272 Clovelly Road, Clovelly, NSW 2031
💰 Budget: $10 – $15 per person
🕒 Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM | Closed Monday
📌 Booking: No reservations; takeaway only
⭐ Review: "The best fish and chips in Sydney! The chicken burger is life-changing." – Jacob M.
🌍 Website: No website
📞 Phone: +61 2 9665 5783

10. Marrickville Pork Roll

If you’re looking for the best banh mi in Sydney, Marrickville Pork Roll is an absolute must-visit. Located in a tiny, unassuming hole-in-the-wall shop, this place is famous for its fresh, made-to-order Vietnamese pork rolls, packed with bold flavours and the perfect balance of crunchy, savoury, and tangy goodness.

The Crispy Pork Banh Mi is the standout, featuring perfectly roasted pork belly with crackling, pâté, pickled vegetables, fresh coriander, and a punchy chilli sauce, all stuffed inside a crispy yet fluffy baguette. The Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi is another favourite, offering a delicate smokiness and zesty herbiness in every bite. Despite its small size, this shop churns out hundreds of sandwiches a day, and for under $10, it’s one of the best-value meals in Sydney.

📍 Location: 236A Illawarra Road, Marrickville, NSW 2204
💰 Budget: Under $10 per person
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📌 Booking: Walk-ins only
⭐ Review: "Crispy, flavour-packed banh mi at unbeatable prices. A Sydney icon!" – Lily N.
🌍 Website: No website
📞 Phone: +61 2 9560 1862

11. Fatima’s Lebanese

A true Sydney institution, Fatima’s Lebanese in Surry Hills has been serving up delicious Middle Eastern food since 1969. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with mosaic-tiled floors, simple wooden tables, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re grabbing a quick takeaway meal or sitting down for a late-night feast, Fatima’s delivers big flavours at small prices.

The Falafel Plate is a must-try, featuring crispy golden falafel balls, creamy hummus, smoky baba ganoush, fresh tabbouleh, and warm, pillowy Lebanese bread. Their Shawarma Wraps are equally legendary, packed with juicy spiced lamb or chicken, garlic sauce, and crunchy pickled turnips. Everything here is made fresh daily, and portions are generous, making it one of the best-value meals in Sydney.

📍 Location: 294 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
💰 Budget: $15 – $20 per person
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
📌 Booking: Walk-ins welcome
⭐ Review: "The falafel is insanely crispy, and the shawarma wraps are packed with flavour. Best Lebanese food in Sydney!" – Omar A.
🌍 Website: No website
📞 Phone: +61 2 9319 6004

12. XOPP by Golden Century

For affordable yet top-quality Chinese cuisine, XOPP by Golden Century in Darling Square offers incredible seafood and Cantonese classics in a modern, stylish setting. The restaurant pays homage to Sydney’s legendary Golden Century, famous for its late-night feasts and signature XO pipis dish. The interior is sleek and contemporary, with dim lighting, plush seating, and an open-plan dining space that adds a touch of sophistication.

The XO Pipis with crispy vermicelli noodles is a must-try, featuring sweet, juicy pipis stir-fried in a spicy XO sauce, served on a bed of crunchy fried noodles that soak up the umami-rich flavours. Another favourite is the Salt & Pepper Squid, which is golden-crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfectly seasoned with a kick of Sichuan pepper. Pair it with a plate of wok-fried greens and a side of steamed jasmine rice, and you have a top-tier meal without the hefty price tag.

📍 Location: Level 1/18 Little Pier Street, Haymarket, NSW 2000
💰 Budget: $20 – $25 per person
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
📌 Booking: Recommended, especially for dinner
⭐ Review: "A modern take on a Sydney classic! The XO Pipis were bursting with flavour, and the crispy noodles were perfect." – Kevin W.
🌍 Website: https://goldencentury.com.au/xopp/
📞 Phone: +61 2 9240 3000

13. Malay Chinese Takeaway

Hidden inside a humble, no-frills food court in Sydney’s CBD, Malay Chinese Takeaway is a legendary spot for one of the best laksa bowls in the city. The place has been around for decades, attracting everyone from office workers on their lunch break to hardcore foodies searching for authentic Malaysian flavours. The interior is plain and functional, designed for quick service and high turnover, but the moment you take a bite of their laksa, you’ll understand why this spot has such a loyal following.

Their Chicken Laksa is a standout, featuring a deeply aromatic, coconut-rich broth infused with lemongrass, chilli, and dried shrimp, served with thick rice noodles, tender poached chicken, and crispy fried shallots. If you prefer something even richer, the King Prawn Laksa adds plump, juicy prawns that soak up all the spicy, creamy goodness of the soup. Another favourite is the Char Kway Teow, packed with smoky wok hei, juicy prawns, lap cheong (Chinese sausage), and crisp bean sprouts.

📍 Location: 50-58 Hunter Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
💰 Budget: $15 – $20 per person
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM | Closed weekends
📌 Booking: Walk-ins only; expect a queue at lunchtime
⭐ Review: "The laksa broth is absolutely packed with flavour, rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying!" – James P.
🌍 Website: No website
📞 Phone: +61 2 9231 6788

14. Black Star Pastry

While it’s best known for its world-famous Strawberry Watermelon Cake, Black Star Pastry is also a fantastic spot for affordable, high-quality pastries, sandwiches, and light meals. The vibe here is trendy yet relaxed, with modern minimalist interiors, communal seating, and a buzzing atmosphere. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or grabbing a coffee and pastry to go, it's one of Sydney’s best value-for-money cafés.

The Strawberry Watermelon Cake is a must-try—delicate layers of almond dacquoise, rose-scented cream, juicy watermelon, and fresh strawberries, all topped with crushed pistachios and rose petals. If you prefer something savoury, their Beef Brisket Sandwich, made with slow-cooked beef, caramelised onions, and tangy mustard mayo on a soft sourdough roll, is both hearty and flavour-packed. Pair it with a house-made iced matcha latte or a perfectly brewed flat white for the ultimate café experience.

📍 Location: 500 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 (The Galeries)
💰 Budget: $10 – $15 per person
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📌 Booking: Walk-ins only
⭐ Review: "The Strawberry Watermelon Cake is like nothing else—light, refreshing, and absolutely beautiful." – Olivia T.
🌍 Website: https://www.blackstarpastry.com.au
📞 Phone: +61 2 9557 8656

15. Egyptian Street Food

Bringing a taste of Cairo’s bustling street food culture to Sydney, Egyptian Street Food in Newtown serves up affordable, hearty, and delicious Egyptian classics in a casual, colourful setting. The interior is bright and welcoming, with Middle Eastern tiles, traditional lanterns, and the rich aroma of slow-cooked stews and freshly baked pita filling the air.

Their signature dish is Koshari, a comforting, carb-loaded masterpiece featuring layers of lentils, rice, pasta, crispy fried onions, and a spicy tomato sauce—a staple street food dish in Egypt. Another standout is the Ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel), made with fava beans instead of chickpeas, resulting in a lighter, crunchier bite. The Grilled Lamb Kofta Wrap, packed with juicy, spiced lamb mince, fresh salad, and a garlicky tahini dressing, is perfect for eating on the go.

📍 Location: 73 Enmore Road, Newtown, NSW 2042
💰 Budget: $10 – $15 per person
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
📌 Booking: Walk-ins only
⭐ Review: "Authentic Egyptian food at its best! The koshari is so comforting, and the falafel is incredibly crispy." – Karim A.
🌍 Website: No website
📞 Phone: +61 2 9565 4555

Sydney’s affordable food scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from authentic Malaysian laksa and smoky Thai noodles to Lebanese charcoal chicken, crispy Egyptian falafel, and world-famous cakes. Whether you're craving Asian street food, Italian comfort food, or a flavour-packed Middle Eastern feast, this guide ensures that you can eat well without spending a fortune.

The next time you're searching for the best cheap restaurants in Sydney, the best affordable restaurants in Sydney, or the best cheap eats in Sydney CBD, this list will lead you straight to the tastiest, budget-friendly meals the city has to offer.

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