Melbourne Cheap Eats for Every Night of the Week

in partnership with

Saving money is hard. It's especially hard when you live in Melbourne, and there are mouth-watering options for breakfast, lunch and dinner on every corner of every street. Good food comes at a price, and that often thwarts any effort you've made to save your pennies. We did some research and found that it doesn't have to be that hard.

In collaboration with Bank of Melbourne, we've come up with three handy guides that will help you save some money while living in the world's most liveable (but expensive) city, Melbourne. Here's the first – your guide to getting a cheap, decent meal every night of the week.

The Aviary Hotel

MONDAY

The first day of saving is always the easiest – so don't start your week by blowing $25 on dinner. On Mondays you can pay no more than $12 for a burger, a pizza or a hot dog at these budget friendly pubs, bars and restaurants.

The Aviary Hotel – $12 burger and a pot
Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks – $8 philly cheesesteak
The Mill House – 2 for 1 pizza
The Collection Bar – $11 hamburger
The Cornish Arms – $11 hotdogs

Beach Burrito

TUESDAY

Just because taco Tuesdays are famous, it doesn't mean its your only option for a cheap dinner. Because you live in Melbourne, you can have fried chicken, a parma or a cheeseburger as well. Choose wisely.

The Reverence Hotel – $3 tacos, $3 Mexican beer
The Mill House – $10 fried chicken bucket
Beach Burrito – $3 tacos
The Royston Hotel – $17 parmas and trivia
The Burger Project – $9.90 American cheeseburger

Howler

WEDNESDAY

Celebrate the end of hump day by spending no more than $15 on dinner. Head to Howler or The Retreat and grab a burger and a pot for $15. Normally we would suggest skipping the drink and saving the cash – tonight you don't have to.

The B.EAST – $10 wings, $10 fried chicken
The Retreat Hotel – $14 burger and a pot
The Precinct Hotel – $1 dumplings
Mr. Scruffs – $5 burgers, $5 nachos
Howler – $12 burger and beer

Veggie Pack at Wonderbao

THURSDAY

It's almost the weekend, that's enough of a celebration to indulge in a good piece of steak. Take advantage of steak night and save yourself some extra money for the weekend.

The Terminus Hotel – $14 steak, $14 parmas
The Penny Black – $12 burgers
The Swan Hotel – $12 steak, $12 pie
Wonderbao – $9.50 veggie pack

Yum Cha at Oriental Teahouse

FRIDAY

It's Friday – time to celebrate. Indulge (cheaply) in an Asian banquet from Oriental Teahouse or China Bar. How often does 'all can you eat' only set you back $30?

Oriental Teahouse – $30 all you can eat yum cha
Fitzroy Beer Garden – $10 lunches (12pm–3pm)
The Penny Black – $4 pizza
Bimbo Deluxe – $4 pizza
China Bar – $29 buffet

The Cornish Arms

SATURDAY

Saturday is the perfect night to grab a $4 pizza from Lucky Coq before heading out for a drink. If you end up having a big night, you'll probably end up buying late-night food on your way home. May as well save a little money while you can.

Goz City – $10 herbed chicken gozleme
Malaysian Laksa House – $9.80 combination laksa
The Cornish Arms – $13 burgers (12pm–3pm)
Lucky Coq – $4 pizza
Acland St Cantina – $8 late-night hotdogs

The Cornish Arms

SUNDAY

If you've followed this guide you'll more than likely have a few extra pennies in your wallet at the end of the week. Don't be tempted to blow it on an expensive meal – get a good Sunday roast at The Penny Black for $12 instead.

The Collection Bar – $1 buffalo wings
The Cornish Arms – $13 parma
Changz Canteen – $1 fried chicken ribs
Fitzroy Beer Garden – $10 parma, steak or burger
The Penny Black – $12 Sunday roast

Bank of Melbourne has collaborated with the National Gallery of Victoria to bring ancient art to life via interactive water projections. Watch the Wishing Well experience here.