For those who enjoy a wide variety of cuisines, Melbourne is a culinary heaven. The city is famous for its lively food culture. The city offers a wide range of dining options, from hip cafés and lively food markets to upscale establishments and hidden treasures, so there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re a resident or just passing through, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the average cost of eating out in Melbourne. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the costs of dining out in Melbourne, Australia, so you can get a better idea of what to budget for when visiting this culinary paradise.
How Much Does It Cost To Eat In Melbourne?
The cost of eating out in Melbourne can vary widely depending on the type of dining experience you’re looking for. Here’s a general overview:
Budget Options
- Cafes and Casual Dining: $10-$20 per meal.
- Fast Food: $5-$15 per meal.
- Street Food and Food Trucks: $5-$15 per meal.
Mid-Range Options
- Casual Restaurants: $20-$40 per person.
- Brunch/Lunch Spots: $15-$30 per person.
- Ethnic Cuisine Restaurants: $20-$40 per person.
High-End Options
- Fine Dining: $80-$200+ per person.
- Gourmet Experiences: $100-$300+ per person.
- Tasting Menus and Degustation: $150-$500+ per person.
Additional Costs
- Coffee: $3-$6.
- Alcohol: $7-$15 per glass of wine or beer, $15-$30+ for cocktails.
- Desserts: $5-$15.
These prices are approximate and can vary based on location, restaurant reputation, and dining time (e.g., lunch specials vs. dinner prices).
Cheapest Food In Melbourne
In Melbourne, you can find affordable and delicious food options across the city. Here are some of the cheapest food choices that offer great value:
Food Courts and Markets
- Queen Victoria Market: Offers a variety of budget-friendly options, including fresh produce, sandwiches, and snacks. The market also features affordable ethnic food stalls.
- Emporium Melbourne Food Court: A range of budget-friendly meals, including Asian street food and affordable fast food options.
Fast Food Chains
- McDonald’s, Hungry Jack’s, KFC, and Subway: These chains offer value meals and
- budget-friendly options.
Ethnic Cuisine
- Chinatown: Budget-friendly eateries serving Chinese dishes, including dumplings, noodles, and rice dishes.
- Little Italy (Lygon Street): Affordable Italian options like pizza and pasta.
Cafes and Bakeries
- Bakeries: Places like A1 Bakery and Lune Croissanterie offer affordable pastries and bread.
- Cafes: Many cafes offer reasonably priced breakfast and lunch specials, such as toasties, sandwiches, and coffee.
Takeaway Shops
- Fish and Chips Shops: Affordable meals like fish and chips or burgers can be found at various locations.
- Kebab Shops: Many kebab shops offer filling meals at a low cost.
Budget-Friendly Restaurants
- Rasa Rasa: Offers Malaysian dishes with generous portions at affordable prices.
- Belles Hot Chicken: Known for its affordable and tasty fried chicken meals.
Cheap Eats Apps and Deals
- Dining Apps: Apps like TheFork and EatClub often have deals and discounts at participating restaurants.
Supermarkets
- Coles and Woolworths: Purchase ready-to-eat meals, sandwiches, and snacks for a quick and affordable option.
These options offer a range of affordable meals that cater to different tastes and preferences, making it easy to enjoy great food without breaking the bank.
What Do Australians Eat Regularly?
Australians enjoy a diverse diet influenced by the country’s multicultural population, availability of fresh produce, and a mix of traditional and contemporary food trends. Here’s an overview of what Australians commonly eat:
Breakfast
- Toast with Vegemite or Avocado: A staple for many, often enjoyed with a side of coffee.
- Cereal or Muesli: Often served with milk or yogurt and topped with fresh fruit.
- Smoothie Bowls: Popular among health-conscious individuals, featuring blended fruits and vegetables topped with granola and nuts.
- Eggs: In various forms, such as poached, scrambled, or fried, often paired with toast or as part of a bigger breakfast.
Lunch
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Filled with a variety of ingredients such as ham, cheese, salad, chicken, and avocado.
- Salads: Fresh and diverse, including options like Caesar, Greek, or quinoa salads.
- Pies and Sausage Rolls: A nod to traditional Australian comfort food, often enjoyed with tomato sauce.
- Sushi: Widely available and popular for a quick, healthy meal.
Dinner
- Barbecue (BBQ): Grilled meats such as sausages, steak, and chicken, often accompanied by salads and bread.
- Pasta and Pizza: Reflecting Italian influences, these dishes are common in many households.
- Asian Cuisine: A wide range of dishes from Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisines, including stir-fries, noodles, and curries.
- Roast Dinner: Traditional Sunday roast with meats like lamb or beef, accompanied by roasted vegetables and gravy.
Snacks
- Fresh Fruit: Easily accessible and a healthy option.
- Biscuits and Cookies: Including iconic choices like Tim Tams and Anzac biscuits.
- Nuts and Seeds: Often enjoyed as a healthy snack.
- Chips (Crisps): A popular choice for a quick, savoury snack.
Beverages
- Coffee: A significant part of the daily routine, with Australians enjoying flat whites, lattes, and other espresso-based drinks.
- Tea: Traditional black tea as well as herbal varieties.
- Beer and Wine: Reflecting Australia’s vibrant brewing and wine-making industries, these are common beverages for socializing.
Desserts
- Pavlova: A meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruit.
- Lamingtons: Sponge cake squares coated in chocolate and coconut.
- Ice Cream and Gelato: Popular, especially during the warm months.
This diverse range of foods highlights Australia’s rich culinary landscape, blending traditional and modern influences to create a unique and varied diet.
What Is A Common Australian Breakfast?
A common Australian breakfast typically includes a variety of options, often influenced by both traditional British breakfast items and modern, health-conscious trends. Here are some popular choices:
Traditional Breakfast
- Toast with Vegemite: A quintessentially Australian breakfast staple, often enjoyed with butter.
- Bacon and Eggs: Often served with toast, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and sometimes baked beans.
Modern/Healthy Breakfast
- Avocado Toast: Smashed avocado on toasted sourdough, often topped with feta, poached eggs, or cherry tomatoes.
- Smoothie Bowls: Blended fruits and vegetables topped with granola, fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds.
- Acai Bowls: Similar to smoothie bowls but made with acai berries, often topped with granola, coconut, and fresh fruit.
Café Favorites
- Eggs Benedict: Poached eggs with ham or smoked salmon on an English muffin, topped with hollandaise sauce.
- Pancakes or Waffles: Served with maple syrup, berries, and sometimes bacon or ice cream.
- Big Breakfast: A hearty plate that might include eggs (any style), bacon, sausages, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, hash browns, and toast.
On-the-Go Options
- Muesli or Granola: Served with yogurt and fresh fruit.
- Banana Bread: Often toasted and sometimes served with butter.
- Breakfast Wraps or Sandwiches: Filled with eggs, bacon, avocado, cheese, and sometimes spinach or other veggies.
Coffee is a significant part of breakfast in Australia, with many enjoying a flat white, latte, or cappuccino alongside their meal.
Conclusion
Melbourne’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of diverse flavours and dining experiences, offering something for every budget and taste. From the bustling food markets and casual eateries to high-end dining establishments, the city caters to both the frugal and the indulgent.
For those seeking budget-friendly options, Melbourne provides an array of choices, including affordable food courts, ethnic eateries, fast food chains, and budget-friendly cafes.
By exploring various neighbourhoods and utilizing local resources like dining apps and market stalls, you can enjoy the rich flavours of Melbourne without spending a fortune. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or an elaborate dining experience, Melbourne ensures that there’s always a delicious and cost-effective option available.
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