The best food under $50 in Melbourne's eastern suburbs
Got $50 and an appetite? Lucky you. Life's about to get real good. Melbourne's eastern suburbs are home to some of the best restaurants in the city. To help you with the analysis paralysis, we've compiled some of our favourite spots to spend a pineapple.
David Allegretti
December 17, 2024
If you're after the energy and electricity of a Taiwanese night market but aren't into hopping on a 10-hour flight, Kitchen Republik is the place for you. Located at Box Hill Central's food court, this family-run eatery has a menu that's vast as it is delicious. A $50 note here will see you eat like a king.
Box Hill and high quality Chinese cuisine go together like xiaolongbao and vinegar — and Shanxi Lee's Kitchen is one of the best. As you can guess from the name, this restaurant specialises in Shanxi cuisine from northern China. Don't you dare leave without trying the lamb hot pot.
Back in 2014–2015 there was a show on Nine called Duncan's Thai Kitchen, starring Aussie chef Duncan Robertson as he explored Thailand's culinary landscape. Well, these days he runs Holy Basil Thai, along with his wife and co-chef, Julia, who grew up in northeast Thailand. You can taste the passion the pair have for Thai cuisine in each dish. And the best part? Every main on the menu is well under $50.
The name says it all — this place is serious about showcasing the best of Yarra Valley's local produce. Their menu changes with the seasons, but you'll always find something spectacular under $50. Once a week, they stay open for evening sessions, so pop in on a Friday night, grab a fine meal and a drink for under $50, and enjoy a nice night out without leaving Lilydale.
The art of Sichuan hot pot is alive and well at David's. Here, the signature broth is made from a pork bone base that has been simmered for 12 hours and blended with 20 Sichuan spices and Chinese herbs. Take your $50 here and treat yourself to the joys of real Chinese hot pot, done right.
This place specialises in sea urchin, which is considered a pest in Australian waters. The way Roe Australia Restaurant sees it, the best way to combat Australia's sea urchin overpopulation issue is by eating them. A lot of the menu will be beyond the scope of your $50, but this made the list for its 'Winter Helio Wagyu' ramen ($49.90) and its 'Scallop Helio' ramen ($39.90). The star of both is the 48-hour slow-cooked sea urchin broth. Sure, this is some seriously fancy ramen, but hey, you deserve it. Plus, if you don't stop the sea urchins, who will? They'll outnumber Australia's human population soon…
