Where to Grab The Best Cheap Eats in Melbourne CBD?

Let’s be honest. Melbourne knows food.

You can’t take two steps through the city without catching the aroma of something sizzling in a laneway or spotting a queue of locals outside. But while Melbourne is a culinary playground, it doesn’t always come cheap.

That said, here’s the truth no one tells you: “cheap eats” doesn’t mean plastic chairs and soggy chips. You don’t have to sacrifice quality or atmosphere to eat well without spending a fortune. In fact, you can have a genuinely memorable dining experience for under $50 a head. And if you’re hunting for the best value-for-money spot in the CBD, Taxi Kitchen is the name you want to remember.

Why Is Melbourne CBD a Hotspot for Cheap Eats?

The city’s heartbeat lives in its food.

From the cobbled laneways of Flinders Lane to the bustling corners near Federation Square, Melbourne CBD is packed with a variety of eats. From Japanese noodle bars to late-night kebab joints. This part of town hums with multicultural flavour, and its dining scene reflects that beautifully.

The best part? Some of the city’s most creative kitchens operate right in the CBD and not all of them come with a fine dining price tag. For food lovers who want cheap eats in Melbourne without the greasy spoon vibe, the challenge becomes finding a place that nails the trifecta.

What Makes Taxi Kitchen the Underrated Spot of Affordable Dining?

Now here’s the plot twist.

Taxi Kitchen, sitting pretty on the first floor of Transport Hotel in Federation Square, isn’t your typical “cheap eats” pick. With its sleek interiors and 270-degree views of the Yarra River, it might look out of budget. But here’s the kicker! It’s surprisingly affordable, and the food? Unforgettable.

Let’s break it down.

What’s the Deal with Their Set Menus?

For starters, Taxi Kitchen’s seasonal menus offer genuine bang for your buck.

They’ve got a “Feed Me” lunch special sitting at $55 per person, and you’re not just getting one sad little plate. You’ll tuck into three plates from bites & noodles and one large shared dish, each artfully crafted and surprisingly generous. For something with a touch of class, that’s a steal.

These prix-fixe menus rotate with the seasons, so you’re always tasting the freshest Victorian produce. You might hit spring and find plates blooming with citrus and herbs, while winter leans into bold, warming flavours. Either way, it’s designed to be shared, savoured, and remembered.

Are the Portions Actually Worth the Price?

We’ve all been there. Those tiny plates with names you can’t pronounce, dressed up like artwork but leaving you hungry enough to order Maccas on the way home.

Not at Transport Taxi Kitchen.

Here, the portions are legit. The dishes arrive at your table hearty, shareable, and satisfying. You’ll leave full, not just impressed.

One reviewer named Hayley Marsh even said, “Group of 7 ladies on a girls weekend. Food was sensational, service brilliant. Very reasonable pricing for exceptional quality food. We will be back, Thankyou!.”

What’s the Flavour Profile Like?

Taxi Kitchen doesn’t do boring.

It’s a proud blend of modern Australian cuisine with Asian-fusion flair. That means local ingredients served in bold, exciting ways. Think kangaroo with spice rubs, silky noodles with a punch of umami, and house-made sauces that make you want to scrape the plate.

And because it’s always seasonal, there’s often something new to try. Whether you’re a fan of crispy-skinned duck or addicted to anything with chilli oil, you’ll find something to talk about here. And don’t worry, it’s still accessible. No food snobbery, just good food made with care.

Is It Just Dinner or All-Day Worthy?

Here’s where Taxi Kitchen really pulls ahead.

This isn’t one of those places that only shines for dinner. Come in for lunch on a Thursday and you’ll get the same attentive service and flavourful dishes as you would at 7pm on a Saturday.

Got theatre tickets or post-work drinks planned? Taxi Kitchen’s ideal as a pre-theatre dinner spot or a cheeky long lunch. Some locals even treat it as their go-to before gigs at the Arts Centre or a film at ACMI. The day-to-night versatility is part of the charm; it always fits the moment.

How Do You Book a Table at Taxi Kitchen?

If this place sounds like your kind of vibe, don’t wait.

You can book directly here, which is the best way to snag those window-side spots. We do take walk-ins, but be warned, peak times fill fast, especially on Friday nights and sunny afternoons when that view becomes prime real estate.

Specials and menus can change weekly, too, so there’s a little FOMO if you delay.