Affordable food and drink experiences in Melbourne
Known for its cultural diversity and its love affair with food, Melbourne is a must-do for anyone planning a budget-friendly Australian road trip itinerary. To help, we have put together this budget-conscious culinary road map of Melbourne – guiding you through some of the top affordable restaurants in Melbourne, as well as food and drink experiences that you shouldn't miss. So whether you are looking for the best things to do in Melbourne or are a foodie excited to navigate Melbourne's culinary scene from the comfort of your own campervan – buckle up and let’s dive in.
Image: Visit Victoria
What’s the best way to explore Melbourne
Melbourne is a city best savoured slowly, and there's no better way to do that than in a campervan. Travelling in a van allows you to create your own journey – following the wisdom of others for the best things to do in Victoria, all while dipping and dabbling into attractions and local gems as you please – with everything you need in tow. Hiring a campervan not only provides the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace but extends the possibilities of where you can explore beyond the city limits. With options for everyone from solo adventurers to family road trips, Mighty Campers is a great place to start looking for your perfect motorhome hire in Melbourne.
Top tip: While Melbourne has plenty to explore, we recommend extending your trip to explore the beautiful landscapes that lie beyond Melbourne’s CBD. There are plenty of popular Victoria driving routes giving you ample opportunity to explore the unique and diverse culinary scenes that dot Victoria and beyond’s highways and byways.
The best affordable food and drink experiences in Melbourne
Exploring the culinary side of a city can often be costly, but luckily Melbourne offers plenty of affordable food and drink experiences. From tantalizing noodles and mouth-watering gyros to delightful Indian street food, we've picked out some stellar, wallet-friendly restaurants in Melbourne that promise a feast for your taste buds without famine in the bank.
Master Lanzhou Noodle Bar
As soon as you step foot in the Master Lanzhou Noodle Bar, you’ll be transported to the bustling streets of Lanzhou, China. This immersive and authentic Chinese noodle bar is renowned for its hand-pulled, Lanzhou-style beef noodles, delivering a soul-satisfying taste of Northwestern China. There are a few different options on the menu but the Signature Homemade beef soup is the go-to bowl. You can grab a bowl of this comforting handmade noodle soup for just under $20. Best of all, Master Lanzhou has a few different locations in and around Melbourne, making an easily accessible wherever you are headed and one of the best things to do in Melbourne in your camper.
Butcher’s Diner
The Butcher’s Diner, located in Melbourne's CBD, is a 24-hour diner to fuel the soul. With an ethos of 'local, ethical and sustainable', this diner provides hearty meals with a large focus on delicious meats and burgers. Their burgers are legendary, and their cheeseburger is frequently cited as one of the best in the CBD while coming in at only $19. If you are feeling adventurous, it's worth exploring the rest of the menu, which includes delights such as Korean BBQ ribs and unique specialities like the duck heart skewer.
Taita’s House
Taita's House is a haven for lovers of traditional Lebanese cuisine. Here you will find a wide array of dishes, from succulent kebabs to flavorful tabbouleh, which offers an authentic taste of Lebanon. The portions are generous, and the prices are very budget-friendly, with options starting at only $10, making it a popular choice for visitors and locals alike. Do try their mouth-watering lamb shawarma when you visit. Located only 20 minutes from the heart of Melbourne there will be plenty of parking for your campervan while you explore the menu of this top-rated restaurant in Melbourne.
Image: Visit Victoria
Mr Ramen San
Tucked in the bustling Chinatown, Mr Ramen San is a slice of Japan that should be on every Melbourne road trip itinerary. Serving a variety of authentic, flavourful ramen dishes, the restaurant is known for its meticulous preparation and its rich, delicious broths. The charsu ramen is a crowd favourite featuring a hearty broth, perfectly cooked noodles, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, egg and tender slices of charsu (braised pork belly). All for only $16, both you and your wallet will leave full. Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CDB, you can easily find parking close by in your campervan.
Hector’s Deli
Located in the suburb of Richmond, Hector’s Deli isn't your average sandwich shop. Their inventive menu, curated with quality and locally sourced ingredients, elevates the humble sandwich into a gourmet experience. Be sure to try their famous chicken schnitzel sandwich, featuring crispy, golden schnitzel tucked between slices of fluffy bread. The modern, minimalist decor adds to the charm of the place, making it an ideal stopover for a quick yet hearty meal on your campervan road trip.
Hella Good
The name 'Hella Good' says it all. This fast-food joint is home to some of Melbourne's best Greek souvlaki. Unassuming in its presentation, Hella Good is all about authentic, hearty flavours. Each succulent Souvlaki wrap is a pocketful of perfection, with juicy meat, fresh vegetables, and tangy tzatziki wrapped in a warm, fluffy pita (for just $15!). Conveniently located in the CBD, as well as two other convenient locations, it's an easy and delicious pit stop on your Melbourne adventure.
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar
Stepping into Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar is like stepping back in time. This Melbourne institution has been serving up home-style Italian food since 1954. Here, you can bask in the original 1950s decor while you enjoy classic pasta dishes, comforting and hearty, just like Nonna used to make. But what sets Pellegrini’s apart is its espresso. The story goes that the first espresso machine to travel from Italy to Melbourne came here, straight to Pellegrini’s. So be sure to finish off your meal with their robust, dark brew, which has become something of a legend in the city. Nestled in Melbourne's bustling city centre, it's the perfect place to come and grab a slice of Italy without travelling far from your camper.
Delhi Streets
Delhi Streets brings the vibrant flavours of Indian street food to the spray-painted lanes of Melbourne with its cheerful interiors (complete with Bollywood posters galore). The menu here is a carnival of colours and tastes, that represent the Indian philosophy of ‘Chai pani’ (let's go out and eat), where instead of sitting down at a restaurant, families go out to the markets and create a meal made up of a variety of different items from savoury snacks and filling rotis to sweet gulam jamun. Here you can try dishes like pani puri (crispy hollow balls filled with tangy potatoes, chickpeas and yoghurts) and thali (traditional curries served with rice and pappadums). If you can't decide what to eat, get the ‘feed me tiffin service’ and let the chefs bring out their favourites for you and your party to share.
Miznon
Located in the bustling Hardware Lane, Miznon is a Mediterranean street food joint that has won over Melbourne's food enthusiasts. The vibrant, open kitchen takes inspiration from the city and serves it up on a pita. They aspire to take the energies, the grove, the longings, the limitations, the beauty and the food and express it all in one pita. With pitas stuffed with everything from tender lamb to ratatouille, using the freshest of ingredients, many agree that this goal has gracefully been achieved. Even their “out of the pita” whole roasted cauliflower is a revelation and an absolute must-try. The lively ambience, coupled with the aroma of delicious food at great prices, makes Miznon an essential part of your campervan culinary journey in Melbourne.
Image: Visit Victoria
ShanDong MaMa
Tucked away in a mid-city arcade, ShanDong MaMa is a family-run dumpling joint that specialises in recipes from the Shandong province of China. The menu offers a range of creative dumplings, hand-made using locally sourced ingredients. The 'Mackerel Dumplings' are a standout, featuring mackerel mixed with coriander and ginger, encased in a thin, delicate dumpling skin. For anyone with an inkling towards dumplings, this is easily one of the top 10 things to do in Melbourne and a must-visit during your Melbourne campervan adventure.
Where to stay in Melbourne
Now that you have your Melbourne menu sorted, it's time for the next order of business: finding a place to park your campervan. Finding a great place to rest is essential for any road trip, especially while exploring a city so jam-packed with attractions and food experiences. To help, we have outlined a few top-rated places to park up in Melbourne in a campervan below:
BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park
BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park is only nine kilometres from Melbourne CBD and close to public transport – making it a great base for your Melbourne culinary adventure. This holiday park offers comfortable and modern amenities, including:
Gym
Camp kitchen
Laundry
Amenities block
Cost: Powered sites are available from $65 a night.
Discovery Parks Melbourne
Discovery Parks Melbourne is another quick drive from the city centre and offers lovely large shaded sites to suit any campervan. It's the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring the attractions and restaurants of Melbourne. Best of all, it is home to plenty of great facilities, including:
Heated indoor pool
Games room
Laundry
Camp kitchen
Cost: Powered sites are available from $60 a night.
Ready to explore Melbourne with Mighty?
Melbourne is a city that will win your heart through your stomach, with a huge selection of restaurants to cater to every taste and budget. Ready to explore Melbourne for yourself? Rent a travel van today and start planning your Australia road trip.
Looking for more ideas to add to your Australia road trip? Whether you are in search of ideas for things to do in Victoria, the best road trips in Victoria, or are looking for more tips on campsites and campgrounds in the region? Be sure to check out the Mighty blog for more campervan inspiration and resources. Until then, safe travels, and happy eating!
Image: Visit Victoria