The best cheap dinner deals in Melbourne

Tightening the purse strings doesn't mean you need to cook dinner every night. Head to one of these tasty spots for dinner without blowing the weekly food budget.

Her Bar

Tuesday night plans are sorted. Her Bar on Lonsdale Street serves up steak frites from 5pm until late for just $25. Think O’Connor beef sirloin, your choice of béarnaise or pepper sauce, crisp fries, and a refreshing cos salad. Tucked inside the heritage-listed Pacific House, it’s the perfect spot for a swish midweek treat. Book ahead to secure your table, walk-ins are limited.

Brunetti Classico

This iconic Italian restaurant on Lygon Street is putting on a deliziosa pasta special. The $29 dinner deal is available 5pm to 8pm Monday to Thursday. Choose from fresh spaghetti or casarecce, then load it up with your favourite house-made sauce. Plus a glass of wine, of course! Our top tip? Head in on a Monday and follow your dinner with a cheap movie at Cinema Nova.

Captain Melville

Inside the bluestone walls of this historic pub, you'll find one of Melbourne's cheapest steak nights. Head to Captain Melville on Wednesday nights for a $22 feast. You'll get a rump steak, perfectly cooked to your liking, with a side of chips and salad. Pair your feed with a happy hour bev. From 4pm to 6pm schooners, wines and spirits are just $7.

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar

Yes, you can still score a feed for a tenner in Melbourne! The Last Chance puts on a $10 family dinner every Tuesday night. It's usually a schnitzel with rotating sauce and sides, and it's always a hearty feed. Don't fill up too soon, there's pudding for dessert too! The bar also has a $12 steak night on Wednesdays and more ultra cheap specials throughout the week.

Magic Mountain Saloon

Why cook on a Monday? Head to Magic Mountain Saloon for grill night, where $25 gets you a charcoal-grilled steak, soy and tamarind sauce, rainbow slaw, and smashed potatoes. The neon-lit venue and bold Thai flavours make it the perfect start to your week. DJ tunes on the mezzanine don’t hurt, either.

BBQA Buffet Melbourne

Feast without limits at BBQA Buffet. This Chinese-style BBQ spot offers an all-you-can-eat experience every night from 5pm to 10pm. Indulge in a full spread without the rush for $49.99 (90 minutes) or $58.80 with unlimited time. Whether you're craving classic Chinese dishes or grilled favourites, there’s no better way to end the day.