Subscribe
Budget Bites: Best Cheap Eats in Sydney CBD for Lunch Under $20
A list packed with flavour, value and crowd-favourite gems worthy of your lunch break.
When that midday hunger hits and you’re craving something delicious that won’t wreck your weekly budget, we’ve got you. From vibey pizza-by-the-slice joints to flaky, bougie pies and $10 pasta deals that taste way more expensive than they are — these are the spots dishing up the best cheap lunch in Sydney right now.
Just because you’re back in the office, doesn’t mean you need to choose between a saggy servo sandwich and yesterday’s leftovers for lunch. Sydney’s CBD is chock-full of affordable and delicious lunch options to keep both your belly and your wallet happy.
Bar Mammoni
An Italian pasta lunch for a tenner? Yes, really. Bar Mammoni is slinging house-made pasta dishes for just $10 every weekday from 11am to 2pm, and it’s every bit as good as it sounds. Think silky ribbons of pappardelle, rich sauces, and generous portions served up fast — and in serious style. It’s a lunchtime win for the office crowd and pasta fiends alike.
$10 pasta every weekday, 11am-2pm
Shop 2 Loftus Lane, Sydney
Marrickville Pork Roll
Nope, you don’t have to go all the way to Marrickville for a banh mi that’s crunchy, succulent and bursting with flavour. Marrickville Pork Roll has branched out, and you can now get your hands on Sydney’s favourite pork roll right in the heart of the CBD.
16 Steam Mill Lane, Haymarket
Spicy Joint, Haymarket
Spicy Joint at Haymarket is bursting with affordable, authentic Sichuan cuisine. Its menu includes classics like Hot Pot and cold noodles, with plenty of veggie options as well. There’s even dessert for those who need a sugar rush to get through the afternoon slump.
Level 4/25-29 Dixon Street, Haymarket
Enjoying This Edit of Cheap Lunch in the CBD? You May Also Like…
12 Free Things To Do in Sydney When You’re on a Budget
North Sandwiches
Sandwich options abound at the four North Sandwiches locations scattered throughout Sydney’s CBD. Classics include chicken schnitzel, grilled chicken, pulled pork slaw, and grilled haloumi, to name a few. Choose from a wide range of bread options and add extras to make your sandwich just perfect.
Barangaroo, Kent Street, Bridge Street, The Rocks
Spice Alley
If you want to be spoilt for choice when it comes to cheap lunch options, head to Spice Alley on Kensington Street. You’ll find Singaporean, Thai, Malaysian, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine in this street-vendor-style market.
18-20 Kensington Street, Chippendale
Lode Pies
Lode has officially redefined what a humble pie can be. With their glistening, golden layers and savoury fillings that feel more fine dining than fast food, these laminated beauties are a go-to for a quick, delicious CBD bite. The bolognese pie is a fan favourite, but honestly? You can’t go wrong. Perfect for when you want something a little extra, without the splurge.
Shop Cqt.05b 33 Pitt Street, Sydney
Oti
Proof that you don’t need to sit down to eat something seriously good, Oti is serving up Roman-style pizza by the slice, and it’s every bit as craveable as it sounds. Located in the heart of the CBD, this no-fuss, all-flavour spot delivers slices with perfectly crisp bases, punchy toppings, and the kind of price tag that’ll have you coming back on the regular (we’re talking no slice over $14). Truffle mushroom, pepperoni, vodka sauce — there’s no wrong choice here.
Shop/5 Palings La, Sydney
Fish Bowl
With locations all across the CBD, Fish Bowl has firmly established itself as the go-to lunch option for the health-conscious. Not only are the bowls delicious, they’re fully customisable, so you can pick your base, protein, and extra additions however you like.
Barangaroo, Chifley Square, Kent Street, George Street, World Square, Pitt Street Mall, Barrack Place, The Galeries, The Darling Exchange, Wintergarden, The Quay Quarter,
If you loved this edit of the best lunch deals in Sydney and would like to browse more bargain bites, check out our edits of cheap eats in Sydney and best fine dining deals.
Subscribe
