Dining out can get pricey in Bondi. And whether you’re a struggling student or wealthy banker (or really any other wealthy profession), sometimes you just don’t want to spend too much on a meal. To help you save your bucks while still keeping your taste buds happy and your stomachs full, we’ve put together a list of eight of the best cheap eateries in the area. With all your leftover cash, you may even have enough for a splurge at Tuchuzy.
Laurie’s Vegetarian
Starting off our list in South Bondi, this inexpensive Bondi Road spot is a vegetarian’s delight. Plus-one non-veggies are also welcome and can relish the fact that they are eating healthy. Ready-made hot dishes include lasagna, chickpea curry, Mexican beans, and roast veggies, while the cold options include cous cous salad, persian rice, green salad and cajun tofu. The restaurant offers a few high tables for dining-in otherwise take-away is available as well.
(Credit: news.com.au)
There aren’t too many Canadian restaurants around Sydney (in fact – I’m not even sure there are any?). This one is quite a destination spot on Bondi Road. Especially on Wing Wednesday when the infamous hot wings are half-off. The crowd goes wild. The restaurant, which count a $18 meal as its most expensive offering, also offers burgers, tacos, nachos and sausages. The venue is narrow with a bar at the front and diner-style seating lining the back.
Le Paris-Go Café
Moving to the main hub of Bondi – the busy Hall Street – Paris Café spills out its tables onto the outside pavement. In summer the large windows are left wide open, lending the restaurant a beach-y and relaxed vibe Bondi is known for. Compared to some of the more well-known and pricier spots on the street, this cafe offers bargain prices for large Aussie meal staples. Keep in mind, the cafe is only open until 6pm each day so if you’re looking for a dinner destination, you may need to wander to our next spot…
The Whole Enchilada
Speaking of portion-size, The Whole Enchilada’s meals will also leave you wishing you’d split the dish with a friend. They’re big. And spicy too. But this is likely one of the best places in Sydney to get the real deal Mexican food, without the usual Aussie spin.
Bangkok Bites is the perfect spot to start out a night in Bondi. Why? Because it’s BYO and because, like the other two spots mentioned, the portion-size is BIG. This means you’ll be sufficiently lubricated but also sufficiently filled. Nobody likes an empty-stomach-caused-hangover. The restaurant aims to bring the essence of Bangkok street food to Sydney with fresh and flavourful dishes and outdoor sidewalk dining.
(Credit: mykikicake.com)
Next to Harris Farms, off Hall Street, sits this authentic Italian place. It’s all-white tables and chairs, and rustic walls complete with a Catholic cross hanging, make the place so chic it hurts. The models – er, waiters – all seem to have just stepped off the plane from Italy with heavy accents and chiseled jaw-lines. The pizza is thin and doughy and melts in your mouth. The cutlery comes in this cool papier-mâché-style bag. You’d expect to be paying the big bucks for this kind of quality food and ambience, but – surprise – you’re not.
Continuing on our Bondi feasting trail, we head up to the North Bondi bus depot area. A little less touristy, this area offers sweeping views of Bondi. While there are a few fancier spots around, Olie’s Grilled Chicken has a relaxed vibe with prices to match. Olie’s is small and mainly a take-away spot, but does offer a few tables if you’d like to dine in.
Also in North Bondi, but closer to the beach, is newly-opened Bondi Rescue HQ. The cafe offers healthy and cheap sandwiches, brekkie options, fresh juices, and salads. While you’re waiting, you can even snap an Insta-worthy photo with the resident parrot, Pari.
Happy eating! And to your wallet – you’re welcome.
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