The Best Cheap Eats in Melbourne CBD for Students: UniLodge Melbourne City

Living at UniLodge Melbourne City means you’re right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD — one of the best places to find cheap eats Melbourne CBD and explore the city’s famous food culture.

Being on a student budget doesn’t mean missing out on Melbourne’s foodie culture. Just because you’re watching your spending doesn’t mean your only options are two-minute noodles or tuna and rice. Melbourne is packed with affordable food spots that won’t just spare your wallet — they’ll add variety, flavour and enjoyment to your weekly routine, even during busy study periods.

Being located close to Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central means residents at UniLodge Melbourne City are surrounded by some of the best budget food Melbourne CBD, with many student-friendly restaurants within walking distance.

From comforting ramen and dumplings to fresh sushi and market snacks, here’s our guide to the best cheap eats within walking distance of UniLodge Melbourne City — all popular with students and easy to fit into your day between classes.

1. Ta-ke Don – $10 Japanese Rice Bowls

• Cuisine: Japanese rice bowls & donburi
• Approx. price: From ~$10
• Address: 4/265 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Distance from UniLodge Melbourne City: Approx. 9-minute walk (600m)

Why students love it:
Ta-ke Don is known for big, comforting Japanese donburi bowls at very student-friendly prices. Think crispy chicken katsu, karaage, rich curry and tofu bowls, usually around or just above the $10 mark. Portions are generous, with plenty of rice and toppings to keep you full through long classes or afternoon study sessions. It regularly appears on cheap-lunch round-ups and is open daily from 11am–11pm, making it just as popular for late dinners as it is for quick lunches.

Directions: Google Maps – UniLodge Melbourne City to Ta-ke Don

2. Om Vegetarian – All-You-Can-Eat Indian for Under $10

• Cuisine: Indian vegetarian (thaali)
• Approx. price: Around $9.90 all-you-can-eat
• Address: Shop 4, 227 Collins St (Wales Arcade), Melbourne VIC 3000
• Distance from UniLodge Melbourne City: Approx. 15-minute walk (1.2km)

Why students love it:
Om Vegetarian is a long-standing favourite for cheap vegetarian food in Melbourne CBD. Their signature all-you-can-eat thaali includes three rotating curries, rice and naan — with refills — for around $9.90, which is incredible value when you’re stretching your food budget. The setup is simple and canteen-style, but the food is hearty, warming and filling, with vegan options available as well.

Directions: Google Maps – UniLodge Melbourne City to Om Vegetarian

3. Crossways – Iconic Veg Meals Under $10

• Cuisine: Indian / vegetarian & vegan
• Approx. price: Around $9–10
• Address: Level 1, 123–147 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Distance from UniLodge Melbourne City: Approx. 15-minute walk (1.1km)

Why students love it:
Run by the Hare Krishna community, Crossways is an institution for cheap vegetarian food in Melbourne. You’ll get a plate loaded with curry, rice, dessert and a drink — and you can go back for seconds — usually for under $10. It’s basic, wholesome, no-frills food that regularly features in “top cheap eats under $10” lists and is perfect when you want something filling without spending much.

Directions: Google Maps – UniLodge Melbourne City to Crossways

4. Sushi Hub – Fresh & Affordable Sushi Near Melbourne Central

• Cuisine: Sushi & Japanese takeaway
• Approx. price: Rolls from $3–4
• Address: Melbourne Central, La Trobe & Swanston St
• Distance from UniLodge Melbourne City: Approx. 6-minute walk (400m)

Why students love it:
Sushi Hub is a go-to for quick, affordable sushi in Melbourne CBD. Grab a couple of rolls, nigiri or a snack box and you’ll usually stay well under $15. It’s ideal for lighter lunches, a pre-gym snack, or something easy to take back to UniLodge Melbourne City between classes.

Directions: Google Maps – UniLodge Melbourne City to Sushi Hub (Melbourne Central)

5. Wow Crepes – $8 Chinese Jianbing

• Cuisine: Chinese street-food crepes
• Approx. price: $8–10
• Address: Kmart Centre, 222 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Distance from UniLodge Melbourne City: Approx. 15-minute walk (1.1km)

Why students love it:
Wow Crepes specialises in Chinese jianbing — a crispy, savoury street-food crepe layered with egg, pickles, sauces and your choice of fillings. It’s crunchy, flavour-packed and surprisingly filling, which is why it often appears in “best lunches under $10” lists. A great option when you want something quick and different from the usual sandwiches or burgers.

Directions: Google Maps – UniLodge Melbourne City to Wow Crepes

6. ShanDong MaMa Mini – Dumplings in a Laneway

• Cuisine: Chinese dumplings & small plates
• Approx. price: Many dishes under $15
• Address: 5 Centre Place, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Distance from UniLodge Melbourne City: Approx. 17-minute walk (1.2km)

Why students love it:
Tucked into one of Melbourne’s classic laneways, ShanDong MaMa Mini is a smaller offshoot of the well-known dumpling restaurant. It serves handmade mackerel dumplings, pork dumplings, buns and noodles at very reasonable prices and is frequently highlighted in CBD dumpling guides.

Directions: Google Maps – UniLodge Melbourne City to ShanDong MaMa Mini

7. Soi 38 – Thai Boat Noodles on a Budget

• Cuisine: Thai street-food / boat noodles
• Approx. price: From around $12
• Address: 38 Royal Ln, Melbourne CBD
• Distance from UniLodge Melbourne City: Approx. 16-minute walk (1.1km)

Why students love it:
Soi 38 is regularly named in “best cheap eats in Melbourne” lists thanks to its rich Thai boat noodles and street-food-style menu. Expect bold flavours, aromatic broths and classic Thai dishes at prices that suit student budgets.

Directions: Google Maps – UniLodge Melbourne City to Soi 38

8. Dodee Paidang – Thai Noodles & $12 Lunch Dishes

• Cuisine: Thai street-food, noodles & rice dishes
• Approx. price: From $12
• Address: Basement, 353 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Distance from UniLodge Melbourne City: Approx. 14-minute walk (1km)

Why students love it:
Dodee Paidang is a favourite for cheap Thai food in Melbourne CBD, especially for its lunchtime noodle bowls and rice dishes. The flavours are bold and spicy, portions are satisfying, and the pricing makes it a reliable option when you want something hot and flavour-packed without overspending.

Directions: Google Maps – UniLodge Melbourne City to Dodee Paidang

9. Sal’s Authentic New York Pizza – Giant Slices Under $15

• Cuisine: New York-style pizza
• Approx. price: Slice combos under $15
• Address: 289 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Distance from UniLodge Melbourne City: Approx. 17-minute walk (1.2km)

Why students love it:
Sal’s Authentic New York Pizza is known for massive New York-style slices that regularly feature in cheap-lunch round-ups. One combo gives you two huge slices for under $15 — perfect for a filling, carb-heavy meal on a long study day.

Directions: Google Maps – UniLodge Melbourne City to Sal’s Authentic New York Pizza

10. Borek Bakehouse – Queen Victoria Market

• Cuisine: Turkish-style boreks & pastries
• Approx. price: From $4.50
• Address: Queen Victoria Market, Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Distance from UniLodge Melbourne City: Approx. 2-minute walk (130m)

Why students love it:
Borek Bakehouse is legendary for warm, flaky boreks filled with cheese and spinach, spicy lamb and other savoury fillings. Priced from around $4.50, it’s one of the most filling and affordable options in the market — ideal for a quick snack or budget lunch.

Directions: Google Maps – UniLodge Melbourne City to Borek Bakehouse

UniLodge Melbourne City Residential Advisor Recommendations

To give you an insider perspective, we asked UniLodge Melbourne City Staff to share their favourite cheap eats around the CBD:

• Staff recommendation – Nyshaa: “I love Korean BBQ, but Yeonga stands out for its homemade side dishes. It feels comforting and is great value for money.”
• Staff recommendation – Jayden: “Mensho Tokyo has one of the creamiest ramen broths I’ve tried. I definitely recommend the Signature Toripaitan Ramen.”

More Tips for Saving Money on Food in Melbourne

• Use the Melbourne Free Tram Zone: UniLodge Melbourne City is located within Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone, meaning you can travel around the CBD — including to many of these food spots — without paying for transport.
• Shop at Queen Victoria Market: Fresh produce, baked goods and cheap meals — especially close to closing time.
• Look for Student Discounts: Many CBD restaurants near RMIT and Melbourne Central offer student deals.
• Opt for Lunch Specials: Most venues offer lower prices before 3pm.
• Choose Generous Portions: Perfect for sharing or saving leftovers for later.

Live at UniLodge Melbourne City & Eat Well on a Budget

With so many affordable food options within walking distance, living at UniLodge Melbourne City makes it easy to enjoy Melbourne’s food scene without overspending.

Whether you’re craving noodles, sushi, dumplings or a quick snack between classes, great food is always just a short walk away.

Tried one of these spots? Tag @unilodgemelbournecity and share your favourite cheap eats Melbourne CBD.

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