The 15 Best Affordable Restaurants in Sydney CBD

A casual setting at 1 Barrack St makes Cash Only Diner an option for a meal before a show. The menu includes gluten-free choices and can be tailored for dietary requirements, while beer and cocktails give diners something to pair with their food or enjoy over a longer evening.

Chilli chicken and chicken laksa are two dishes to look for at Wong Kee Fast Food on Pitt St. This casual Asian restaurant offers sizeable portions at budget-friendly prices, making it a useful choice for a filling meal when keeping the cost of lunch or dinner down matters.

Thin-crust pizza and pasta anchor the Italian offering at Next Door Restaurant & Bar on York Ln, with prawns and Nutella calzone also on the menu. The unpretentious setting suits a meal with cocktails from the bar, whether pizza is the main draw or you want to finish with something sweet.

Udon, hot broth and a choice of sides give Mappen a clear appeal for anyone after a quick Japanese meal on George St. The casual restaurant serves lunch, dinner and dessert, with budget-friendly food and generous portions making it an option for a substantial bite during the day or evening.

Greek dishes span starters, mains and desserts at Medusa Greek Taverna on Market St, with small plates and vegetarian options among the choices. The relaxed setting lends itself to meals with friends or family, while cocktails offer a way to start the evening before moving on to the food.

Fresh salads and mains are the food focus at Kitchen by Mike CBD on Bent St, with vegetarian options also available. Its casual, cosy atmosphere suits a sit-down meal, and cocktails give you a reason to linger when you have more time than a quick lunch break allows.

Large, thin-crust Roman-style pizzas with generous toppings are the draw at Made in Italy Sydney CBD on York Ln. Vegetarian choices sit alongside the pizza offering, and the casual lunch and dinner format suits an easy meal, with happy-hour drinks available for those who want a drink with their food.

Set inside a bustling Thai grocery store in Haymarket, Boon Cafe & Restaurant brings modern twists to traditional Thai dishes. The crab and prawn cake burger is one example of that approach, giving diners a specific choice to consider if they want Thai flavours in a casual cafe setting.

Table-smashed guacamole, a watermelon side and margaritas give Mejico Restaurant on Pitt St some specific draws for a Mexican meal. A tasting menu provides another way to approach the food, while the mix of casual and upmarket atmosphere suits an evening out with drinks alongside the dishes.

Chinese takeaway and soup are the main pointers for choosing Famous Lunch on Margaret St, where affordable prices and generous portions suit a filling midday meal. There is also space to dine in, with a casual atmosphere for those who want to sit down over lunch before heading on.

Traditional and modern Thai flavours shape the menu at Long Chim Sydney, at the corner of Pitt St and Angel Pl. Vegan options and cocktails are available, while the lively atmosphere and mix of casual and upmarket dining make it a place to consider for a meal with friends or family.

Pad Thai noodles, Pad Kemao chilli basil and curries feature at Prik Thai Restaurant on Liverpool St. The casual, street-food feel suits an informal meal, and the availability of small plates and late-night food gives it a role for those after a bite later in the evening.

Middle Eastern food and a vegetarian platter are among the reasons to consider Jimmy’s Falafel on George St. The casual, cosy setting suits groups who want to eat and spend time together, making it an option for a shared outing where a relaxed atmosphere is part of the appeal.