Sydney’s buzzing CBD district boasts some incredible places for cheap eats and budget-friendly meals. The best part is that many of these places rival what you would find at some of the top fancy fine dining joints, yet they won’t burn a hole in your pocket. You don’t necessarily have to splurge to enjoy a great night out with some yummy food. From family-friendly feasts to lively brunch spots, chef’s set menus and date night spots, enjoy a well-deserved meal out at the best affordable restaurants in Sydney CBD.
There’s a Vietnamese microbar serving banh mi and cocktails in a small space with big dreams Alternatively, find some of the best burgers in town, with great deals during the week, and live music nightly. Try Japanese barbecue – cooked in front of you right at the table. Or head out for some al fresco dining and enjoy great pub grub in a spectacular beer garden.
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For the best affordable restaurants in Sydney CBD – read on for a guide
For one of the best budget-friendly set menus in Sydney– enjoy great deals at Tajima Yakiniku
Yakiniku is the art of Japanese barbecue – grilled cuts of meat barbecued right at the table and served with a complementary sauce. At Tajima Yakiniku you can sample all sorts of cuts of meat, grilled to perfection and served with mouthwatering sauces and sides. And better still, from Mondays to Wednesdays you can enjoy the Tajima wagyu feast menu for a discounted price, whether at lunch or dinner. Tuck into the deluxe wagyu platter, salmon ceviche, lettuce wraps, namuru and steamed rice for two for just $159. Or try the sashimi platter with salmon, tuna and kingfish, followed by Miyazaki sirloin, with unparalleled texture and taste. Wash it all down with a refreshing Japanese beer or glass of warm sake for a traditional Oriental experience. And with your meal cooked right at your table, this is a night out you’ll remember.
For great pub grub and daily deals – book your seat at Customs House Bar
Customs House Bar has been serving the people of Sydney drinks and food for more than 160 years. Newly renovated as a modern gastropub, you can now grab that post-work bite in the sun-drenched beer garden, or hole up in the cosy and intimate dining area for a quiet night. The craft beer menu rotates regularly, with over twenty to choose from on any given night, ranging from boutique to international. And from 3 pm until 6 pm on weekdays, you can grab a free crispy chicken when you order four cans of the Let There Be Light limited edition craft beer. The small bites menu is perfect for sharing at the communal tables in the beer garden. Put together a party platter and choose three dishes, including mozzarella sticks, buffalo wings and salt and pepper squid. If you can handle the heat, try the peri peri chicken pizza with caramelised onion, or perhaps a pulled pork burger with chipotle mayo and apple slaw.
For some of the best burgers in Sydney with live music – head to Mary’s Underground
A short yet tasty menu, energetic music and plenty of booze – this is Mary’s Underground. A neighbourhood staple and cultural icon, this music venue, bar and restaurant combined has an open-door, open-all-hours policy that welcomes people from all walks of life. Setting the scene, changing the game and creating the culture, the staff and customers at Mary’s Underground are disciples of the lost art of a truly great night out on the town. Iconic, irreverent and bold, with some of the best burgers in town. Whether you’re lining your stomach for a big night out or chasing away the hangover demons with carbs, you can’t go wrong with a Mary’s burger – grass-fed beef with cheese, salad and signature sauce, so juicy it will be running down your arms, and you won’t care a bit. Then head downstairs for the latest live music act and a night you’ll never forget.
For one of the best affordable restaurants in Sydney CBD for special occasions – book at Mode Kitchen & Bar
Effortlessly bridging the gap between casual bistro and fine dining, Mode Kitchen & Bar is one of the best affordable restaurants in Sydney’s CBD. A modern Australian menu with international influences – just uncomplicated great cooking. Friendly and welcoming, yet with that little extra polish that turns a night out into a great night out. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or simply for a post-work aperitivo. Try the wood-roasted zucchini flowers to start, served with buffalo ricotta, white truffle and peas. For the main, dig into rigatoni with juicy king prawns in a garlic and chilli sauce. And be sure to leave room for dessert – the lychee pavlova with raspberry sorbet and rosewater is worth the wait. Or try a set menu with complementary wine pairings carefully chosen by expert sommeliers.
For top-notch organic ingredients in Japanese dishes – book a table at O’Uchi
The motto at O’Uchi is “Shinsen”, which translates as “fresh”. The focus is on sourcing the very best fresh, seasonal and organic ingredients for everything on the menu, from the 100% organic Aussie beef right down to the condiments. And with no additives, gluten-free and other special diets can easily be catered for. The chefs are meticulous about what goes into the dishes, from organic miso to free-range chicken and everything in between. Traditional Japanese with a modern Australian twist. Bustling and vibrant at lunch, the venue transforms into a peaceful hideaway from the hustle of modern life in the evening, with Japanese artwork on the walls and signature sake cocktails on the menu. Try the Hojicya smoked duck, thinly sliced and served with scallions and matcha tea salt or the omakase sashimi platter to start, followed by the beef tataki ramen with organic stock.
For Spanish tapas served al fresco – book a seat at Balcon by Tapavino
Tapas is the most renowned culinary contribution from Spain to the rest of the world – designed for sharing with loved ones, letting you sample lots of different flavours in one meal. At Balcon by Tapavino you can indulge yourself in a true Spanish experience, in one of the city’s most attractive bespoke outdoor dining areas. Choose from over 500 Spanish wines while you peruse the menu. A great venue for parties, events and corporate functions, Balcon offers a variety of banquet menus at affordable prices, with 20% off certain menus on Mondays. If you have places to go after your restaurant visit, then you might want to check the set speed menu for $70 per person. Start with classic marinated olives and truffled Manchego and add kingfish crudo with potato and anchovy crème. Move on to jamon serrano fritto or croqueta del dia with pear aioli, then Basque-style Angus flank steak with mojo verde, and a side of crispy Brussel sprouts with chorizo.
For one of the best set menu deals in the city – visit Ichoume
The Japanese izakaya experience is becoming one of the most popular ways to dine – small plates of perfectly prepared Japanese cuisine served tapas-style. Ichoume is one of the newest stellar gems serving izakaya. Head chef Tomohiko Kimura specialises in utilising the best of French cooking techniques within the scope of Japanese dishes and flavours. On the side, take your pick from a wine list carefully curated by one of only 200 Masters of Wine in the world. Take in your surroundings as you do so – the sleek, lush interior was created by Giant Design for your enjoyment. A four-course dinner is currently just $70 per person, with dishes such as grilled scallops with garlic miso butter, seafood ramen and okonomiyaki on the menu. Or pop in at lunch for an omakase box for just $38 – pork belly, noodles, plum paste, omelet, sashimi and your choice of teriyaki chicken, salmon, wagyu beef or barbecue eel.
For a theatrical dining experience from a celebrity chef – try Glass Brasserie
If you’ve ever wanted to see expert chefs working up close and personal, then a visit to Glass Brasserie is for you. The newly renovated open kitchen and patisserie allows you to watch as your food is prepared and witness each new creation come to life. And if that’s not enough, you also get stunning views over the Queen Victoria Building through the window. The brainchild of celebrity chef Luke Mangan, with his signature style of sourcing the best Australian produce and crafting dishes with an Asian influence. Try the lunchtime special in the Glass wine bar for just $38 per person or opt for the degustation menu for the full experience. The menu is updated seasonally, featuring dishes such as Wollemi duck breast with almond cream and rhubarb, light and fluffy spanner crab omelette with a miso mustard broth, and humpty doo barramundi with choy sum and Peking duck broth.
For great vibes in a Vietnamese-inspired microbar – check out Vinabar
A truly unique experience at one of the most affordable restaurants in Sydney CBD, Vinabar is a micro bar inspired by traditional Vietnamese culture. Hidden behind a steel door disguised as a banh mi street vendor cart, this quirky little gem certainly delivers on its own tagline – small space, big dreams. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 5 pm right through until 2 am, and with signature baby banh mis available right until the end of the night. Sate those late-night cravings while enjoying a one-of-a-kind cocktail – with fortnightly specials, there’s always an excuse to come back. The juicy baby banh mi rolls are the perfect antidote to a boozy night – pulled pork with chili and coriander, served with a shot of traditional Vietnamese coffee. Add a refreshing Dragon’s Breath cocktail – rum, sour mango, passionfruit and dragon fruit – or a cool Hanoi beer from Vietnam.
For one of the best affordable restaurants in Sydney CBD for the whole family – try The Grounds of the City
An urban sanctuary in the heart of Sydney’s central business district, The Grounds of the City is the ideal spot for cosying up with friends. From freshly ground coffee expertly prepared by trained baristas, to lunch, dinner and high tea featuring some of the best cakes and pastries you will ever encounter. The cakes are the star of the show here – treat yourself to blueberry cheesecake with Madagascar vanilla, raspberry macarons or milk chocolate and hazelnut royale. Or try all of them with high tea, alongside a selection of finger sandwiches. The smashed avocado wrap makes the ideal quick lunch, with chilli flakes, feta and fresh mint. Or sample the Thai beef salad, served medium rare with toasted peanuts. All ingredients are ethically sourced, and you can wash them down with a pot of tea served from the trolley.
For one of the best affordable restaurants in Sydney CBD from one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs – visit MOD Dining by Clayton Wells in Sydney CBD
Nestled within the Art Gallery of New South Wales, MOD Dining by Clayton Wells brings you fare that’s just as creative as the artwork on the walls. Clayton Wells has a solid reputation as one of the most exciting chefs in Australia right now with multiple awards to prove it, including Chef of the Year at the Time Out Food Awards. The multicultural menu has international influences yet focuses on using only the best Australian produce. Innovative, colourful and diverse, MOD Dining is an experience you won’t want to miss. Open all day for brunch, lunch, nibbles and small bowls, order as much or as little as you like and soak up the artistic vibes while you eat. Perfect for sharing, try the salt and vinegar puffed pork skins with madras curry salt, the fried prawn fritter sandwich with an herby jalapeno sauce, or the ocean trout with steamed gai lan in a yellow curry sauce.
Eating out doesn’t have to mean spending lots of money. With some of the best affordable restaurants in Sydney CBD right on your doorstep, you can eat out without breaking the bank. From weeknight deals to great value for money any night of the week. With restaurants featuring Vietnamese classics, Australian favourites and international influences, you can always satisfy your cravings while sticking to your budget. Gather your crew and get ready for a great meal out at the best affordable restaurant in Sydney CBD right now.
Book your table at the best affordable restaurants in Sydney CBD on OpenTable.
If you’re looking for something else tasty, read these guides to discover more about the best restaurants in Sydney:
- 12 Sydney restaurants serving exceptional brunches
- The 10 best family restaurants in Sydney for kids and adults alike
- Celebrate your special occasions at these 12 top Sydney restaurants
- 6 unique restaurants and bars reshaping Sydney’s dining scene
- The best 10 Italian restaurants in Sydney to book now
- The 10 best Japanese restaurants Sydney loves right now
- The best restaurants in Sydney for outdoor dining
- The 10 best seafood restaurants in Sydney to book ASAP
- The 7 best French restaurants to try in Sydney
- 10 of the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney to book now
