The City:
Cheap eats

Breakfast bargains

Are you a breakfast-on-the-go kind of person? The Bagel Boys on George Street and O Bagel on Elizabeth Street are both popular picks for quick, filling breakfast bagels. Just around the corner, you can find Strauss Café for a café‑style breakfast without the premium price tag. Expect simple options and good coffee. And if you’re looking for something sweet and hearty, The Pancake Manor offers pancakes with a wide range of toppings and flavours.

Asian Eats

The City is filled with delicious Asian eateries, ready to exchange your lunch money for a delicious bite. Our recommendations? We’ve got plenty! Take advantage of $1 dumplings on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Steamed on Turbot Street, or Hakataya Ramen and Kinn-Imm for Japanese and Thai favourites.  For something fast and affordable, sushi spots like Sushi Edo and Sushi Hub make it easy to grab a bite on the go, with individual pricing per plate or roll. Make your way to Elizabeth Arcade to indulge in a wide variety of Asian eats all that offer great options for an affordable meal or drink.

Salad and sandwiches

If you’re chasing something that will leave you feeling filled yet healthy, there are salads galore in The City. Check out Vege Rama in Post Office Square or Fat Noodle at Queens Wharf for fresh, flavour packed salad options that won't weigh you or your wallet down. Prefer something handheld? Marchetti Café located in Tattersall’s Arcade is perfect for quick satisfying bites without stretching the budget. You’ll also find meat free burger deals at Grill’d Wintergarden, while Ant Bowl keep things interesting with rotating specials and budget‑friendly bowls, toasties and sides available throughout the week.

Big meals, small prices

Looking for something a little more substantial? These pub‑style favourites offer good‑value meals at approachable prices, with weekday lunch deals at Irish Murphy’s on George Street and pub‑style bites at Mr Edward’s Alehouse & Kitchen on Edward Street. If bold flavours are more your thing, Phat Boy in Brisbane Quarter is a strong pick for affordable Thai food. For vegetarian diners, Govinda’s Pure Vegetarian on George Street is known for its great value. 

Lover of chicken wings? Fly into Nene Chicken in Uptown for all things chicken or round up your mates at Hellcat Maggie’s for its much‑loved Wing’n It Wednesdays, available with any drink purchase. Scugnizzi on Adelaide Street offers value with a pizza, chips and soft drink or a pasta and soft drink specials, while Fishbowl on Eagle Street and Adelaide Street regularly run seasonal specials for a fresh, filling lunch.

Sweet treats

The City is jam-filled with spots to get your sweet fix. Start your day the right way and snag the Nodo doughnuts where a delicious gluten-free doughnuts are healthy for your stomach and wallet or spread your doughnut-loving bites throughout the day and pick up six gluten-free doughnuts from G-Free Donuts every Wednesday at Brisbane City Markets. There’s more than just cheap doughnuts in The City, grab a flaky sweet treat from Coffee Anthology or take home a selection of macarons priced individually each from Le Bon Choix. Go on, you’ve earnt it!