Brisbane’s food scene is rich and diverse, and you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy great meals. Whether you’re a local, a uni student, or a visitor exploring the city, there are plenty of tasty options under $20 that deliver quality, flavour and value. From street food to casual takeaways and hearty lunch spots — here’s a guide to affordable places worth trying.
Best Budget-Friendly Spots Around Brisbane City
1. ANT BOWL
4.9•Takeout Restaurant•Closed
A favourite for quick eats and grab-and-go bowls with generous portions. Perfect for a budget lunch or takeaway dinner.
What to try: Daily specials and hearty bowls under $20 — great mix of protein and greens without the pricey tag. citybackpackershq.com
2. Sinjeon K‑Street Food BRISBANE CITY
4.8•Korean restaurant•Closed
Korean street-style bites done right. Affordable, tasty and filling — ideal if you’re craving crispy chicken, rice boxes or k-food classics.
A popular pick for under-$20 Korean lunch options around Anzac Square. Reddit
3. Saigon Alley Cafe
4.7•Vietnamese restaurant•Closed
Vietnamese café that does pho, banh mi and rice plates — all great options when you want fresh and flavourful meals on a budget.
Banh mi and noodle dishes can often come in under $15. Ellas List
4. Scugnizzi
4.7•Italian restaurant•Closed
Italian goodness without the hefty price tag. Think pizza slices, paninis and pasta style snacks that make for a quick wallet-friendly bite.
Highly rated and one of the go-to cheap Italian options in the CBD. Ellas List
5. Horang Chicken Queens Plaza
4.9•Fried chicken takeaway•Closed
Fried chicken done perfectly — whether you’re after wings, strips or a quick lunch box deal.
Great options for fried chicken under $20 — quick, tasty and filling. Visit Brisbane
Other Great Under-$20 Options
Here are a few more wallet-friendly places (check menus for current prices):
- Post Office Square & Uptown Food Court stalls — classics like mac ’n’ cheese toasties, wraps and curry fries for $10–$18. Visit Brisbane
- Street food markets like Eat Street Northshore — delicious Thai, burgers, tacos and desserts for around $8–$12. anandinaustralia.com
- Look for everyday favourites like:
- affordable banh mi (often under $10) and noodle shops in the CBD food courts. Reddit
- ramen bowls (e.g., Hai Hai Ramen often runs $10 specials). scape.com.au
- Vietnamese noodle houses like AJ Vietnamese Noodle House with pho from about $6.50. scape.com.au
- cheap tacos at El Camino Cantina on Taco Tuesdays ($2 each with drink). scape.com.au
Quick Tips for Eating Cheap in Brisbane
Time Your Meal
Many lunch stalls and food courts offer specials after peak hours (e.g., Post Office Square food vendors discount prices around 2–3pm). Reddit
Explore Markets
Brisbane City Markets and street food markets are great for discovering meals and treats that stay under $20 while you explore the city’s vibe. Visit Brisbane
Use Deals Apps
Apps like EatClub often list last-minute deals or discounts on meals — perfect for grabbing cheap eats at lunch or dinner. EatClub
Final Bite
Brisbane proves you don’t need a big budget to enjoy great food — from Korean street bites to Vietnamese pho, Italian snacks, fried chicken and beyond. With a bit of exploring, every foodie on a budget can find something awesome for under $20.
