The nominees in the Affordable Eat category are well-loved restaurants or takeaway joints that offer up great-value meals – including some decent feeds for $25 and under. Our nominees in this category represent a broad diversity of cuisines and locations and are treasured within their neighbourhoods for consistently delivering on quality, value, service and flavour. They're the places our writers want to return to time and time again (and are affordable enough to do so!).
The winner for this and other categories will be announced on May 5. To see nominees for all categories, click here.
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While there are plenty of sandwich joints with cult followings in Melbourne, French Fix delivers their signature baguettes on the reg with minimal fanfare. A true 'IYKYK' gem (and trust us, the people lining up at lunchtime definitely know), it's always satisfying, the team are lovely, and we simply won't ever get enough of it. Our only advice? Get in early to beat the lines and ask for Le Roast-Beef before it le sells out. You’ll thank us later.
When Moon Mart landed in West Melbourne in 2022, its cult fave status was instantly palpable: long queues, limited seating inside and a buzzing corner store energy. The beloved pan-Asian café has since relocated to a slightly more spacious home on South Melbourne’s Clarendon Street, and yes, we can confirm: its sandos, katsu sets and creative drinks still set the gold standard. Moon Mart’s trademark yellow is the perfect shade of happy. It’s bustling inside even on weekdays, and the atmosphere is cosy and energetic.
It wasn't just the local Footscray community that lucked out when Reveka Hurtado gave her popular catering company Papelón a permanent home in the neighbourhood. South American expats and travellers craving a comforting taste of home are duly gratified here, while curious appetites from all corners of Melbourne are invited to explore Latin America’s gastronomic diversity beyond tacos and tequila – and there’s a generous bounty to try. From its signature pabellón (a whopping platter of shredded beef, rice, beans and sweet fried plantains) and proper cornmeal arepas and empanadas to homey stews and meat specials inspired by traditional recipes, this no-frills diner belongs in everyone’s pocketbook of westside favourites.
Konbinis (the convenience stores on virtually every corner in Japan) are just as much a cultural immersion as the country's shrines and cherry blossoms. This Cremorne lunch spot draws on that format, serving elevated interpretations of convenience store classics (onigiri, sandos, fried chicken) alongside a dine-in menu that brings genuine excitement back to the midday break. At Suupaa, the design leans into a sleek, romanticised vision of Tokyo futurism, with digital menu boards scrolling overhead and matcha on tap.
If you follow the line of cool kids down the busy Brunswick East end of Lygon Street, chances are they’ll lead you straight to Times New Roman. The sister venue of Fitzroy North’s Good Times, this joint has quickly built up a cult following of its own. With owners Chelsea Davis and Jarrod Agatanovic (who met at Good Times) at the helm, Times New Roman is serving up affordable Italian that would make Nonna proud. The decor is elevated with dark wood panelling on the walls, a mix of warm sconce lights and draped white curtains that run down the middle of the main dining room. Staff are friendly and more than happy to offer up some advice when prompted (like yes, you absolutely should order the cashew whip cucumbers), and while the food comes out quickly, there’s no feeling of being rushed.
For a take on poultry that’s anything but boring, Yang Thai is a (mostly) takeaway eatery that plays on two tried-and-true formats – the classic Aussie chook shop and the gai yang (charcoal chicken) stalls that line the streets of Bangkok. If you grew up frequenting your local chook shop, the format is familiar: choose a quarter, half or whole bird and add your sides, or opt for a combo. The difference is in the details. Inspired by Bangkok, where chef Narit Kimsat grew up, the chicken is marinated in a black pepper and turmeric sauce, then grilled over charcoal.
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