Do you ever find yourself typing ‘cheap eats places near me’ into Google? Have no shame – anyone who’s been on a tight student budget has been there! Thankfully, if you’re studying in Adelaide, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy delicious food around the city. Here are our picks of the 10 best cheap places to eat in Adelaide.
Mamak Corner
For a taste of Malaysia right in the heart of Adelaide, Mamak Corner is your go-to spot. This restaurant brings the vibrant flavours of Malaysian street food to the city, specialising in dishes like nasi lemak and roti canai. Best of all, you can enjoy a filling meal here for under $17.
Bakery on O’Connell
Open around the clock, the Bakery on O’Connell serves up a comforting array of freshly baked goods and hearty meals that won’t strain your wallet. From flaky croissants and savoury pies to sweet treats and loaded sandwiches, this bakery is a haven for students any time they need a bite. Its 24-hour availability makes it a reliable stop for early risers, late-night studiers, and everyone in between, ensuring you’re never left hungry.
City Indian Cuisine
At City Indian Cuisine, dive into the full spectrum of India’s diverse, halal-certified flavours. Enjoy everything from spicy samosas to aromatic biryanis and rich, creamy curries. With options for both vegetarians and meat lovers, the menu offers quality meals priced under $15 (vegetable curries are as low as $6!), making it a budget-friendly choice for students. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, you can experience authentic Indian cuisine right in the heart of the city.
Sushi Planet
One of the best cheap places to eat in Adelaide, Sushi Planet on West Terrace is a contemporary Japanese restaurant that sets the standard for sushi and yakitori. With a great range of small individual rolls and value packs, you can enjoy a variety of different options and fill up easily for under $20. Sushi Planet also offers a 10% discount if you order online and pick up: that’s even more bang for your buck!
Sit Lo
Sit Lo should definitely be on your list of the best cheap and healthy eats in Adelaide. There are three Sit Lo locations in the city and all of them offer the same mouthwatering menu options. At Sit Lo, you can enjoy fresh handmade bao, rice paper rolls, banh mi and pho, all for under $16 per item. Sit Lo also offers plenty of other tasty treats like popcorn tofu, chicken satay skewers, wings, and of course the iconic Vietnamese iced coffee.
UR Caffe
Another great cheap eats location north of the city is UR Caffe. UR Caffe offers scrumptious breakfast and brunch style food – and of course, great coffee to go with it. Almost everything on the menu at UR Caffe is under $20, including classic brunch favourites like eggs on toast, corn fritters and omelettes. UR Caffe also offers delicious salads, burgers and open sandwiches, made using fresh and local ingredients.
NOLA
Inspired by the Cajun and Creole cuisine of New Orleans, NOLA offers an exciting range of small plates for under $20. Grab a single tasty snack or sample a whole range of different flavours without breaking the bank. As well as small plates, NOLA is famous for both their po’ boys (a classic New Orleans sandwich) and their fried chicken, which is also available in a convenient half-serve.
Laksa House
Laksa House on Hutt Street is one of the best cheap eats places in Adelaide CBD and is the place to go if you want high-quality Asian food at amazingly affordable prices. Many of the meals on the menu at Laksa House are around $20, and they have a huge range of options on the menu, including dumplings, fried rice and noodle dishes, steamed rice dishes and of course, a huge selection of laksa soup options including chicken dumpling and king prawn.
Cumberland Arms Hotel (The Cumby)
The Cumberland Arms Hotel (affectionately known as The Cumby) serves all the pub classics, like schnitzels, burgers, and fish and chips everyday of the week. If you scope out their daily specials guide, you can score one of these pub staples for $15 when you buy a drink to go with it. The Cumby is a friendly pub with a great atmosphere – the kind of place where you can stay for a quick meal or a great night out.
Lucia’s Pizza & Spaghetti Bar
Lucia’s Pizza & Spaghetti Bar (Lucia’s) is an Adelaide institution, first opening over sixty years ago in 1957. Serving simple and flavour-packed Italian food, Lucia’s has you covered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Almost the entire menu is $20 or less, making it a must-visit spot for cheap eats in Adelaide. Located in the buzzing Adelaide Central Market, Lucia’s is full of warmth and character, just like their famous gnocchi.
Read more:
- The Ultimate Adelaide Bucket List: 9 Things to do in Adelaide
- The Benefits of Studying (and Working) in Adelaide
Photo courtesy of AEDA.
Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) is a City of Adelaide (CoA) subsidiary designed to accelerate economic growth in the Adelaide CBD and North Adelaide. The driving force behind the CoA’s recovery and reinvigoration, you can learn more about AEDA here.
