Melbourne's best cheap eats

Sunnyslide Sliced

This pizza parlour at 685 La Trobe St has become a staple on the cheap eats trail. Grab a slice of New York-style hand pulled pizza slice at Sunnyslide Sliced from only $7. The topping offerings are both classic or a little bit fancy. Think classic napoli, black truffle pâté with tartufo cheese and mushroom or pepperoni with hot honey. There's also a $4 garlic version topped with three different types of cheeses, parsley and sesame seeds.

Pizza slices in a cabinet — Sunnyside Sliced

A the counter area of a pizza shop with a yellow menu board — Sunnyside Sliced

I Wrap Cafe

A quick and easy Vietnamese sandwich is just the ticket when you're on the go. Look no further than I Wrap Cafe at 535 Elizabeth Street and grab a $10 banh mi. Each one comes loaded with pâté, mayonnaise, cucumber, shallots, lettuce corriander, fried onion and option fresh chilli. And of course your choice of protein – Vietnamese cold ham, grilled chicken and pork sausage are amongst our faves. Get it in a combo with a bowl of pho for just $17.

Anatolia Gozleme Kitchen

Save this spot next time you’re on the hunt for a cheap lunch. Anatolia Gozleme Kitchen is slinging piping hot boreks for just $8. These cheesy savoury pockets come with fillings like spinach, lamb and potato. Find this Turkish spot along Southern Cross Lane just off Exhibition Street.

A person is behind the counter at a Turkish cafe — Anatolia Gozleme Kitchen

The exterior of a Turkish cafe with a sign saying Anatolia Gozleme Kitchen — Anatolia Gozleme Kitchen

Bonnibel

Bonnibel at 489 Elizabeth Street has a bunch of cheap eats options. The $5 pizza slices are a no-brainer, and they're available every day. Build your own salad bowl including a drink for a tenner. Or grab coffee a toastie loaded with brisket, mushrooms or classic ham and cheese for just $15. There's even a daily happy hour where tap schooners and wines are only $10 from 4pm to 6pm.

Ta-ke Don

On the way to the train or finishing up a study sesh at State Library? Refuel at the grab n' go rice bowl spot Ta-ke Don. $10 gets you a bowl filled with your pick of protein, from chicken katsu to tempura prawns. For an extra kick, ask for it topped with the fiery Thai chilli and basil sauce. And yes, it's 100% halal.

An assortment of Japanese rice bowls in takeaway containers, a side of takoyaki and two cold drinks. — Ta-ke Don

People are ordering food inside a small japanese takeaway shop there is a curtain with the words take don on it — Ta-ke Don

Bali Hai

Say Hai to lunchtime savings! Asian fusion restaurant Bali Hai has a bottomless fried chicken feast for only $29.90. You'll get as many wings, boneless pieces or mini drumsticks plus salad, fries and dipping sauces as you can handle in 60 minutes. Make it a party and add free flowing drinks for an extra $35.

Kajiken

Famous Japanese noodle bar Kajiken has arrived in Melbourne. Try the signature aburasoba (soupless ramen) bowl for $18.80. It's loaded with pork chashu, bamboo shoots, green onion and nori. Or feast on a premium Wagyu version for $20. Then dig into cheap bites like $6.50 edamame, $8 seaweed salad or $4 bowls of miso soup.

People sitting in a Japanese restaurant with rows of lit lanterns for lighting at the back and an illustration of a noodle bowl on the left wall. — Kajiken

Three bowls of Japanese noodle dishes with egg, meat and spring onions on top — Kajiken

Find Thai street food for cheap at Thai Social. This Emporium gem is fitted out with colourful hawker-style decor and slings classics like pad thai and pad see ew. The weekday noodle soup special is a must-try. Grab a steaming bowl of noodles, from dry egg to soupy braised beef for just $13.90.

Brim CC

For a cosy lunch spot near Southern Cross Station, head to Brim CC. This humble Japanese cafe serves up all the favourites. The extensive donburi menu starts at $14.90 per bowl for the tempura veggie don. For a steaming bowl of authentic vege Japanese curry made with housemade organic stock, you'll only pay $10. Other value items include the Tokyo power salad for $15.80 and the agedashi tofu for $6.

Inside a small Japanese diner there is a person seated and another person ordering food at the counter — Brim CC

Two friends are ordering food at the counter of a Thai restaurant — Thai Social

Drums Cafe

Fresh, flavourful Sri Lankan food is just a market trip away. You'll find Drums Cafe in Queen Victoria Market and it's perfect for a fast feed. Grab a loaded street combo for $16.90 with rice, meat, two veggie curries and pappadums to scoop it all up. Select entrées come in under a tenner, so don't forget to add some pan rolls and samosa too.

Panda BBQ

Panda's barbecued skewers are the tastiest one-handed snack in town. Starting at $1.55 for veg options or $3 for meat and fish, try crispy and flavourful sticks of lamb, chicken wings or pork ribs with chilli. The barbecue restaurant at 202 Bourke Street also does plates for two if you can bear to share.

A couple sitting at a table eating asian food — Panda BBQ

All-you-can-eat vegan feasts

Hearty, healthy and kind on the earth. Head to Om Vegetarian where the bestselling meal is the $9.90 all-you-can-eat thali. You get three curries, rice and naan all of which you can refill to your hearts content. Need more choices? Follow the sounds of the Hare Krishnas to Crossways at 147 Swanston Street, where yet another all-you-can-eat vegan feed awaits for $10.