Affordable Food and Drink Experiences Near Brisbane
Keen to explore Australia’s best foodie secrets in a campervan? Well, Brisbane, with its enticing blend of world-class eateries and casual, budget-friendly activities, is a haven for every palate, pocket and passion. To help you craft your road trip itinerary planner, we have created the ultimate foodie’s guide to whisk you through the streets and alleys of this vibrant city, showcasing the crème de la crème of affordable, cheap eats in Brisbane. Whether you're a die-hard food lover or simply someone on a mission to taste the essence of Brisbane, get ready to dive deep into this flavorful city.
What food is Brisbane known for?
Ah, Brisbane! A melting pot of flavours where the tropical meets the traditional – the perfect excuse to rent a van to travel and explore the best affordable restaurants in Brisbane. While this city is known for its fresh seafood, especially the Moreton Bay bug (lobster), it also has an undeniable love affair with its beef. The latter is often dished up in steaks and barbecues that could make any meat lover swoon.
For those with a sweet tooth, the iconic Lamington cake, adorned in chocolate and coconut, is a must-try. Controversially claimed to originate from Queensland, this treat is a piece of Aussie pride. And let's not forget the city's buzzing cafe culture. Brisbane's avo toast, often paired with a freshly brewed cuppa, is nothing short of breakfast royalty. Surprisingly, though, many visitors overlook the city's vibrant street food scene, as there is also an eclectic mix of world cuisines from Thai to Turkish, ensuring there's always something new to savour when it comes to sit-down restaurants in Brisbane, as well as the more laid back cheap eats in Brisbane.
Tips for saving money on food and drinks in Brisbane
While eating out is bound to be a highlight when you rent a van to travel Australia, there are a few ways to ensure this isn’t a drain on your wallet. Here are our top tips for saving money on food and drinks in Brisbane for your upcoming campervan holiday:
Check out local markets and take advantage of food courts
BYO restaurants are your best friend for enjoying cheap drinks with your cheap eats in Brisbane
When in doubt, split meals with friends so you can sample more of the menu
What’s the best way to explore Brisbane?
What's better than basking in the sun, driving along scenic, ocean-lined roads, and stopping wherever your heart desires? This is the essence of a true Brisbane van travel experience. With a camper hire, you have the freedom to explore Brisbane's every nook and cranny at your own pace and curate your very own road trip itinerary planner.
Why campervan travel, you ask? Well, it's simple. With a campervan, you get the flexibility to craft your own road trip Australia story. Hungry in the middle of the night? Park near the Eat Street Northshore Markets and grab a bite. Stumbled upon a designated freedom camping spot? Stay the night! Even if you get the itch to turn this Brisbane adventure into an incredible Australia road trip from Brisbane to Cairns in the north or towards Melbourne in the south – the choice is all yours. The mode of van travel transcends the boundaries of traditional tourism.
Looking for some Australia road trip inspiration for your Brisbane road trip itinerary planner? Here are a few Queensland itinerary ideas to get you started in exploring Brisbane and beyond:
10 of the most affordable food and drink experiences near Brisbane
A campervan Brisbane journey promises not just scenic wonders but also plenty of opportunities for exploring mouth-watering restaurants and cheap eats in Brisbane. From bustling markets built from upcycled containers to cozy bars that champion local brews, Brisbane offers an array of pocket-friendly eateries to check out. Here are the top 10 things to do in Brisbane, Australia, for budget-friendly foodie adventures.
1. Eat Street Northshore Markets
A luminous labyrinth of flavours and fun, theEat Street Northshore Markets is our first stop on the top 10 things to do in Brisbane for food lovers. This Brisbane attraction is a global foodie adventure foodie maze comprising over 180 recycled shipping containers – whisking you through six of the world's seven continents, all in a single evening. Whether it's the wafting aromas of sizzling Asian street food or the rhythm of African drums, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, these containers transform into a carnival. From 4-10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 4-9 pm on Sundays, expect nothing less than spectacular local live entertainment and delectable dishes It is no wonder why this was one of our top picks for the best things to do in Brisbane Australia. Eat Street is designed so you can feast without fretting over the bill, making it a great choice for those travelling on a budget. Best of all, this is a perfect addition to any of the best road trips in Queensland in a campervan, with its prime location just a short 15-minute drive from the Brisbane CBD.
2. The Scratch Bar
Tucked away in Brisbane's charming Milton, The Scratch Bar is a sanctuary for beer fanatics and anyone in search of a laid-back evening after a long day of exploring Australia and the best things to do in Brisbane. With 9 rotating taps, this quirky bar takes pride in its ever-changing selection of brews. Today’s tap list? The only thing we can know for sure is that it will be full of independent beers from Australia and across the globe, ensuring your pint is always a pleasant surprise. But The Scratch Bar isn’t just about beers. Their selection of hot wines, handpicked cocktails, and the famed grouse cheeseboards ensure there’s something for the whole campervan crew. And if you’re craving something more substantial, you're in luck. The bar welcomes patrons to bring takeaway from any nearby restaurant – most local takeaways will even be delivered to the bar, creating a unique dining experience tailored just for you while you explore even more of the best cheap eats in Brisbane.
3. The Boundary
Steeped in history and brimming with character, The Boundary is an iconic watering hole that's been quenching Brisbane's thirst since 1864. This isn't just a bar; it's a cherished relic when it comes to restaurants in Brisbane. Step inside, and you're instantly teleported to a bygone era (albeit with all the modern trimmings.) Whether you're yearning for panoramic city views from its rooftop space or seeking solace in the cozy backyard, The Boundary caters to every mood. Nestled in the heart of West End, there isn't dedicated parking, but you should find plenty of street parking options nearby. And if not, it's easily accessible from all of Brisbane via transport options, making it a perfect pit stop when exploring cheap eats in Brisbane.
4. West End Markets
Brisbane's West End Markets are a bustling mosaic of cultures, flavours, and crafts – the perfect place to take your campervan hire in Brisbane for a morning foodie adventure. Every Saturday morning, from 6 am to 2 pm, the West End transforms into a lively bazaar, a symphony of colours, aromas, and sounds. At the West End Market, the city comes alive in its truest form. Navigating through the stalls, you'll encounter an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables at unbeatable prices. And while you're bagging those bargains, don't forget to indulge in the myriad of food stalls. Whether it's a piping hot dumpling or fresh juice, there's a goodie for every foodie. The market also showcases an eclectic mix of handcrafted gifts, clothing, and more, all set against the backdrop of soulful live music. Just a short 10-minute journey over the bridge from Brisbane's city centre. You can opt for the $5 paid parking at the South Leagues Club, but this can fill up fast, so for free parking, you may want to consider parking a little further away and walking in. So, for those seeking the best road trips in Queensland, and the best stops while exploring Australia, West End Market is a must-visit.
5. Hai Hai Ramen
Dive into a delicious realm where the broth is rich, the noodles are slurp-tastic, and the flavours are absolutely sensational atHai Hai Ramen. At this Brisbane hotspot, ramen is treated with the reverence it truly deserves. With a bustling, energetic ambience reminiscent of Tokyo’s iconic ramen bars, every slurp at Hai Hai Ramen transports you straight to the heart of Japan. And here's something that'll get every budget traveller's heart racing: every Monday and Tuesday, between 5 pm to 6 pm, the place comes alive with its irresistible $10 ramen bowl deal. Yes, you read that right! Authentic, mouth-watering ramen that doesn't break the bank. If you're cruising around the best affordable restaurants in Brisbane in your campervan, heading to Hai Hai Ramen is an easy 10-minute drive from the CBD. And there's ample street parking around. Given the sheer quality of the food and the unbeatable prices, especially during their deal hours, it's a perfect pit stop for those looking for cheap eats in Brisbane.
6. Brewski Bar
Welcome to Brewski Bar, where gastronomy meets creativity, all served with a side of fun. This isn't your typical bar; it's a culinary playground where the food is as delightful as the drinks, making it a no-brainer addition to any Brisbane road trip itinerary planner. With a menu that boasts over 20 different plant-based items as well as your traditional omnivore goodies, it's a haven for vegetarians and anyone looking to try something fresh and different. Dive into their legendary Poutine Brewski, lose yourself in the indulgence of the Mac & Cheese burger, or savour the classic tastes of the Brewski Reuben. Located right in the heart of the city, Brewski Bar is a breeze to get to while exploring the inner city of Brisbane. Plus, with its diverse, pocket-friendly menu, Brewski Bar ensures that a gourmet experience doesn't always come with a hefty price tag. So, when curating your best things to do in BrisbaneAustralia road trip, Brewski Bar definitely deserves a spot.
7. Felons Brewing Co
Overlooking the stunning Brisbane River, Felons Brewing Co. is a wholesome food and drink experience with a picture-perfect view of Brisbane’s stunning skyline. Best of all, the food menu at Felons is just as intoxicating as its drinks. From scrumptious wood-fired pizzas that melt in the mouth to the freshest of seafood, juicy burgers, and those elevated pub classics we all know and love. Each dish beautifully captures the essence of the freshest and finest Brisbane has to offer – making a great stop on an Australia road trip or exploring the best affordable restaurants in Brisbane. After an adventurous day on your road trip around Australia, a pit stop at Felons is an easy-going place to rest and recoup with cult classic pub fare. So when you rent a van to travel in Brisbane, make sure Felons is on your list of cheap eats in Brisbane.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
8. Little Greek Taverna
Just behind South Bank in Brisbane, Little Greek Taverna gives all Australia road trippers access to authentic Hellenic cuisine. This spot beautifully captures the essence of Greece with its cozy ambience and a menu that’ll transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Imagine the scents of grilled meats, fresh olives, and tzatziki wafting enticingly to the street outside. The best offering at the Little Greek Taverna is their signature pitas, priced at just $10 for takeaway. With plenty of street parking spaces close by, you won't face any hitches on your campervan Brisbane journey to explore this gem. So, as you plan one of the best road trips Queensland, make a pit stop (or shall we say a pit-a stop) at Little Greek Taverna, where affordability meets authenticity.
9. Tippler's Tap
If you’re open to adding some creativity to your Australia road trip, then check out Tippler's Tap. The first thing you'll notice is that here, beers take centre stage. These are not your run-of-the-mill ales and lagers. Instead, every pint is designed to push the boundaries of what one might expect from a beer. The staff at Tippler's Tap take immense pride in curating a collection that is diverse and constantly changing, featuring beers, ciders, wines, cocktails, and more. Even if you've never dabbled in craft beers before, this place is sure to convert you. Their ethos is about providing quality without the airs and graces, making it an unpretentious and inviting space for all. If that wasn't enough, their food is nothing short of mouthwatering. Every item on the menu promises to tantalise, leaving you craving more. With everything reasonably priced, Tipper’s Tap is easily at home on the list of best affordable restaurants in Brisbane.
10. Brisbane Markets
For any traveller looking to truly explore Australia and delve into its rich tapestry of cultures and communities, the bustling Brisbane market scene is the place to start. These markets offer an authentic slice of the city's soul, providing everything from local produce to artisanal crafts and gourmet treats. Start your market journey with theMilton Markets, a vibrant space brimming with local traders and fresh produce. Next, theBrisbane City Markets offer an urban shopping experience like no other, perfectly fusing the traditional with the contemporary. And, for those seeking an intimate farmers' market vibe, Jan Powers Farmers Markets is a delightful pit stop. With plenty more options dotted throughout and around Brisbane, making your way through the list of markets is a fun and tasty treasure hunt to add to your cheap eats Brisbane road trip itinerary.
Explore Brisbane's food scene with Mighty Campers
From Hai Hai Ramen's flavoursome bowls to the vibrant Milton Markets, there are our top 10 things to do in Brisbane, Australia, for food lovers looking to make the most of their road trip budget. Ready to dive into the best restaurants and cheap eats in Brisbane at your own pace? Book your Mighty camper online today, then all that’s left to do is pick up your camper from our Mighty Brisbane branch and savour the city's best bites!
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland