Cheap Eats in Brisbane: Best Budget Feeds for Uni Students

Brisbane is a vibrant city with a growing food culture, but dining out can quickly add up — especially for university students living on a tight budget. If you’re hunting for the best budget restaurants in Brisbane, you’re in the right place! From affordable Asian cuisine to hearty Indian curries and classic burgers, this guide to cheap eats in Brisbane will help you satisfy your cravings without spending big.​

1. Hai Hai Ramen (Paddington)

• Best for: Affordable ramen

• Price: From $10

• Nearest Scape: Scape Merivale​

Hai Hai Ramen offers soul-warming bowls of ramen, with a special $10 ramen hour every Monday and Tuesday from 5–6pm.​

2. AJ Vietnamese Noodle House (Brisbane CBD)

• Best for: Budget-friendly Vietnamese dishes

• Price: From $6.50

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

A hidden gem in the CBD, AJ Vietnamese Noodle House serves up delicious pho and spring rolls at student-friendly prices.​Secret Brisbane

3. El Camino Cantina (South Bank)

• Best for: Cheap tacos on Tuesdays

• Price: $2 per taco (with drink purchase)

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

Enjoy $2 tacos every Tuesday at El Camino Cantina, making it a popular spot for students seeking affordable Mexican fare.​Secret Brisbane

4. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers (Paddington)

• Best for: Affordable Italian gnocchi

• Price: From $13

• Nearest Scape: Scape Merivale​

Specializing in hand-made gnocchi, this eatery offers a variety of sauces to choose from, all at budget-friendly prices.​

5. Wrapture (South Brisbane)

• Best for: Cheap Middle Eastern wraps

• Price: From $10

• Nearest Scape: Scape Tribune

Known for its falafel and lamb wraps, Wrapture offers hearty meals that are both delicious and affordable.​Time Out Worldwide

6. Melt Brothers (Brisbane CBD)

• Best for: Budget-friendly gourmet toasties

• Price: From $9.50

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

Melt Brothers serves up a variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.​

7. Super Combo (Fortitude Valley)

• Best for: Affordable burgers and fries

• Price: From $12

• Nearest Scape: Scape Merivale​

Inspired by video game culture, Super Combo offers a range of burgers with unique names and flavors, all at student-friendly prices.​

8. The Yiros Shop (Multiple Locations)

• Best for: Cheap Greek yiros

• Price: From $11

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank​

Offering authentic Greek yiros with various fillings, The Yiros Shop is a go-to for students craving Mediterranean flavors.​

9. PappaRich (Brisbane CBD)

• Best for: Budget Malaysian cuisine

• Price: From $12

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

PappaRich serves a variety of Malaysian dishes, including nasi lemak and curry laksa, offering a taste of Southeast Asia on a budget.​

10. MisoHapi Sushi (Brisbane CBD)

• Best for: Affordable sushi and Japanese meals

• Price: From $8

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank​

MisoHapi Sushi offers a range of sushi rolls and Japanese dishes, perfect for a quick and inexpensive meal.​

11. Little Greek Taverna (West End)

• Best for: Cheap Greek meals

• Price: From $10

• Nearest Scape: Scape Merivale​

A cosy spot offering traditional Greek dishes, Little Greek Taverna is known for its generous portions and affordable prices.​

12. Govinda’s (Brisbane CBD)

• Best for: Budget-friendly vegetarian meals

• Price: From $10

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

Govinda’s offers wholesome, all-you-can-eat vegetarian plates including curry, rice, dahl, and dessert for just $12. A favourite among students seeking cheap vegetarian eats in Brisbane.

13. It’s Mirchi Healthy Indian (Paddington)

• Best for: Healthy, cheap Indian curries

• Price: From $12.90

• Nearest Scape: Scape Merivale

With a health-conscious spin on traditional Indian dishes, It’s Mirchi delivers flavour-packed, budget-friendly meals with vegan and gluten-free options—ideal for health-focused students.

14. Red Lotus Vietnamese (Fortitude Valley)

• Best for: Affordable pho and Vietnamese street food

• Price: From $11

• Nearest Scape: Scape Tribune

Red Lotus is known for its fresh and fragrant pho, vermicelli bowls, and spring rolls—all at very reasonable prices. A great pick for cheap eats in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley.

15. Pane e Vino (Brisbane CBD)

• Best for: Cheap Italian pasta

• Price: From $13

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

This long-standing Italian favourite offers hearty pasta dishes and focaccias perfect for lunch on a student budget. Great for a quick mid-week comfort meal.

16. Brisbane German Club (Woolloongabba)

• Best for: Hearty European-style meals

• Price: Mains from $15

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

Students with a big appetite will love the schnitzels and sausage platters at Brisbane’s German Club, which offers student discounts and generous portions at decent prices.

17. Guzman y Gomez (Multiple Locations)

• Best for: Budget Mexican burritos and bowls

• Price: From $9.90

• Nearest Scape: Scape Tribune

Guzman y Gomez is a crowd-favourite for fast, affordable Mexican food. Their mini burrito and bowl options are great for a quick lunch between lectures.

18. Fat Dumpling (Bowen Hills & CBD)

• Best for: Cheap Chinese dumplings

• Price: From $8

• Nearest Scape: Scape Merivale

Craving handmade dumplings that won’t break the bank? Fat Dumpling serves up plates of steamed or fried delights at very student-friendly prices.

19. The Bagel Boys (CBD & Milton)

• Best for: Affordable bagels and sandwiches

• Price: From $8.50

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

Start your study day with a loaded New York–style bagel from The Bagel Boys. Their budget-friendly breakfast and lunch options are both satisfying and speedy.

20. Nodo (Newstead & South Bank)

• Best for: Gluten-free treats and brunch

• Price: From $10

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

Nodo’s doughnuts and brunch dishes are 100% gluten-free and full of flavour. While slightly more upscale, their student-friendly portions and wellness focus make it a must-try.

Final Thoughts: Where to Find the Best Cheap Eats in Brisbane

From bustling food precincts to hole-in-the-wall hidden gems, Brisbane is packed with cheap eats for students on a budget. Whether you’re hunting for affordable ramen, vegan meals, or a burrito under $10, this list proves you can eat well without spending a fortune.

Most of these spots are walking distance from Scape Brisbane student housing, making them convenient for weeknight dinners or mid-lecture snack runs. Bookmark this guide and start exploring Brisbane’s best cheap eats today!