The City:
Cheap dinner dates 

Casual date night

Whether it’s a first date or a long-standing weekly date night, keep it casual and let the food do the talking with these relaxed restaurants.

Betty’s Burgers, Albert Street

Betty’s Burgers is a classic burger shack serving up American-style burgers, fries and thick shakes. The burgers average $18 and you can’t go wrong with a side of beer-battered onion rings or two. You’re also sorted for dessert with a selection of delicious thick shakes and ice creams.

Embassy Bar & Kitchen, Elizabeth Street

If you’re looking for solid gastropub with craft beer in The City, take your date to Embassy Hotel where nothing on the bar menu is over $35. Go halves with a selection of sharing dishes that are all under $25, including Embassy’s chicken wings, beer battered onion rings and jackfruit nachos and take in the fun interior.

Grill’d, Wintergarden

For a casual go-to date spot, you can’t go past the Australian-owned healthy burger joint, Grill’d. The large burger range is affordable and will leave you with spare change for a side of the famous chips and dipping sauces. Who doesn’t love a big burger?

Hakataya Ramen, Queen Street Mall & Uptown

Japanese ramen is traditionally a quick and casual meal and Hakataya Ramen fits the bill perfectly with stores in Queen Street Mall and Uptown. Drop in before a movie or during your late-night shopping date for a bowl of flavourful ramen made with 48-hour simmered broths, or keep it simple with gyozas and musubi.

Hellcat Maggie, Corner of Rich Lane and Wharf Street

HellCat Maggie is a hidden gem, tucked away in the heart of Brisbane City. At night, Hellcat Maggie turns into a cheeky playground where couples can indulge in quirky drinks and bar snacks with live music setting the atmosphere. Share popcorn chicken, fish tacos and mozzarella sticks or grab a hearty burger for under $20 and choose from the crispy selection of fries to share.

Phat Elephant, Post Office Square

With vegan and gluten-free menus, Phat Elephant is a Thai food favourite that will cater to all your dining companion’s needs for $25 or less. Fill up on big flavours, filling dishes and binge-worthy cocktails, located just off Post Office Square.

Santa Monica, Ann Street

Enter a beach-vibe oasis at Santa Monica in the centre of The City. This laid-back dining spot serves up relaxed American-style fare. Think gourmet burgers, salads, pizzas, pub favourites, loaded fries all best enjoyed with craft beers and cocktails.

Roti Place, Adelaide Street

For a flavour packed date, be sure to check out Roti Place on Adelaide Street. This lively Malaysian eatery is known for its flaky roti, rich curries and generous serves, perfect for sharing, dipping and ordering one more dish than planned.

Adventurous date night

Want to get a little adventurous and impress your date? We’re talking spicy foods, international foods, and foods with a twist that you can find all throughout The City for a cheap date night out!

Funny Funny, Burnett Lane

Korean food can be fun, interactive and is usually easy on the wallet, making Funny Funny in Burnett Lane a great date pick. It’s open late and is perfect for adventurous couples ready to team up and cook a hot pot or DIY barbecue at the table. Don’t feel like cooking yourself? Order rice dishes, savoury pancakes and other classic Korean favourites, ready to dig into and share with your date.

Harajuku Gyoza, Albert Lane

The raindrop cake, the generously sized crispy chicken karaage, the dessert bao buns – Harajuku Gyoza isn’t one to shy away from an Instagram trend or novelty dish. Drop into this casual Japanese diner for bowls of Japanese curry and plates of gyoza. Two can easily feast for under $50.

Kinn-Imm, Adelaide Street

Kinn-Imm translates to “eat full” so you know this is the place to fill up and indulge in all your favourite Thai dishes. Take a seat inside this cleverly designed vintage-style Asian restaurant on Adelaide Street. Try some of the more fragrant soups, wok dishes, curries, stir-fries and salads with most of the menu around $25.

Irish Murphy’s, George Street

If you’re chasing the best craic in town, Irish Murphy’s stakes its claim. This classic Irish pub has been going strong since 1999 and is the go-to for some foot-stomping fun and a classic Irish pub meal. You can't go past the selection of pies for under $30 and Southern Fried Chicken and Waffle for $28.

Shabuhouse, Mary Street

For a more interactive date, Shabuhouse turns dinner into a hands-on experience. This Japanese all you can eat hotpot spot invites couples to choose their broth and cook a colourful spread of meats and vegetables right at the table. Bonus points for the sushi selection you can snack on while your pot warms up.

Romantic date night

Love is in the air and in The City! You don’t have to spend a lot to impress here in Brisbane with impressive restaurants trading on every street and laneway.

Comuna Cantina, Creek Street

Kick off the night with a cheeky cocktail and South American street food at Comuna Cantina. Tuck into starters, tacos, quesadillas, burritos, salads and nachos, everything best paired with a jug of sangria or a Corona, of course.

Fat Noodle, The Star Casino

Celebrity chef Luke Nguyen’s Fat Noodle sets the scene for the ultimate date night inside the luxe Queen’s Wharf. Serving signature Vietnamese dishes along with Chinese and Thai food. Famous for its fast and friendly service and stylish interior, most smaller plates cost no more than $25. If you have a little more to splurge, you can’t go past Luke’s signature dishes for under $35.

Taro’s Ramen, Queen Street

After top national food journalists named it the best ramen in Australia, Taro’s Ramen is certainly a venue designed to impress your date. The pork broth tonkotsu has a special place in our hearts but knowing how seriously Taro takes his ramen, the vegan is excellent too. With all dishes under $25 (unless you add a few extras). For all our gluten free friends, there are options for you too! 

Vapiano, Albert Lane

Drool-worthy pizza and pasta for under $30 might sound too good to be true but Vapiano in Albert Lane makes it happen. The sweet Italian-style desserts also visit us in our dreams. We are particularly fond of the lunch combos that are only $15 Monday to Friday.

Mr Wabi, Burnett Lane

For a dinner date that's equal parts affordable and romantic, meet Mr Wabi. With most dishes in the $30 range, Mr Wabi focuses on quality produce and service to encourage people to come together for good times. Make your booking to find out why it’s one of the best Asian fusion restaurants in Brisbane.

Pancake Manor, Charlotte Street

It’s all in the name – pancakes are this Brisbane institution's specialty. Pancake Manor has been flipping batter since 1979 and we can confirm it has perfected its pancake craft in the years since. Traditional-style pancakes are less than $14 a serve while fancier options will only cost you a few dollars more. Prefer savoury? Those plates are a littler pricier but still sit under that $25 sweet spot.

Malt Traders, Heritage Lanes

There is an abundance of takeaway restaurants in The City, from authentic Italian from Scugnizzi and Mercatus Deli or flavourful Indian cuisine from VegeRama and Govindas not to mention the range of poke bowls and sushi available. If this is what takes your fancy, package it up and make your way to Malt Traders tucked away in Heritage Lanes. Purchase a boutique wine or beer and make yourself comfortable in this hidden gem with your takeaway of choice.