8 of Brisbane's best cheap eats

By Jac Taylor

The capital city of Queensland – known as Australia's Sunshine State – delivers al fresco dining, warm evenings and a sophisticated range of eateries. Even better news is that cheaper options, from hawker-style street food to clever takes on fast-food favourites, can keep your dining budget down while still offering some of Brisbane's best flavours.

Where: West End

The family-run El Torito brings the vibrancy of Mexican culture to the heart of Brisbane’s West End. The intimate space exudes character, with theatrical walls and colourful dishes to match, while the menu embodies authentic Mexican cuisine down to the core. Expect a warming atmosphere, great service and traditional Mexican food at a more than fair price.

Red Hook

Where: City centre

Brisbane has a vibrant laneway culture, and the ongoing star is Red Hook. In line with the city's love affair with American-style bar food and beers, homesick visitors from the USA will love finding affordable Brooklyn cheeseburgers, Budweisers and New York City hot dogs, but Australian multiculturalism shines through with duck tacos and a tandoori chicken burger.

Fat Noodle

Where: City centre

Can you eat celebrity chef food on a reasonable budget? In Brisbane, you can. At the beautifully appointed Treasury Casino, you'll find a selection of excellent eateries, including Fat Noodle, where Vietnamese-Australian chef Luke Nguyen offers his renowned 20-hour Fat Pho Noodles. Enjoy your meal in the Treasury's grand dining room, under an extravagant hanging garden of more than 3,000 chopsticks.  

Eat Street Markets

Where: Hamilton

A wonderful mix of market stalls, street food eateries and a festive atmosphere, the Eat Street Markets (open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings) are fun, eclectic and affordable. The small entry fee will buy you live entertainment and food from around the world, including Mexican quesadillas, Spanish paella, German sausages, Asian dumplings and fresh local seafood.

Sushi Kotobuki

Where: East Brisbane

It really is possible to have fresh, authentic Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices, as the many local fans of this cosy, bustling little eatery will attest. At Sushi Kotobuki, choose from a range of donburi (rice bowls) and noodles, in addition to small plates of sushi and sashimi. 

Melt Brothers

Where: City centre

Inspired by the delicious comfort food on offer in New York's alleyways, the founders of Melt Brothers have just one goal – to deliver simple, fresh flavours of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with a modern twist. The menu features a variety of fillings, fresh artisan breads, cheesy/carb-loaded sides (the loaded gems will cure any hangover) as well as vegan and gluten-free options.  

Little Greek Taverna

Where: West End

While most Greek restaurants in Australia focus on the seafood made famous by the country's islands, Little Greek Taverna takes you on a culinary journey to Macedonia. In the north of the country, this border region's cuisine is traditionally spicier and heartier. With delicious food that's good value for money and BYO, you'll feel right at home at this family-owned and run restaurant.

Food trucks

Where: City-wide

Some of Brisbane's most fashionable eateries don't even have a fixed address. The city's food trucks are where you'll find up-to-the-minute culinary trends delivered to happy crowds of locals. Choose from the vegan-friendly burgers under the rainbow lights of BrisVegans, hearty Bavarian fare from Kraut 'N About or classic schnitzels from Pirate's Plate. Check out Brisbane's Food Trucks website to find your fare.