20+ Best Cheap Eats in St Kilda (+ Happy Hours & Deals)

Max Gibson • March 31, 2025

St Kilda is a vibrant Melbourne suburb known for its luxury dining scene and beautiful beaches. The location is ideal for backpackers or travellers looking for affordable, delicious dishes. From cosy cafes to bustling pubs, this seaside suburb offers a variety of budget-friendly options to satisfy diverse dining cravings. Here is a look at some cheap eats St Kilda:

Best Cafes and Cheap Breakfast Spots In St Kilda

Whether you’re after a quick coffee or a leisurely brunch, St Kilda has plenty of cheap breakfast spots that deliver on flavour without draining your wallet. Here are some top picks:

St Kilda Grocery Bar


Located at the heart of St Kilda, St Kilda Grocery Bars offers a cosy ambiance, hearty breakfast options, and quality Atomica coffee. These make it a favourite among locals and visitors alike here at St Kilda.

Harper’s Kitchen


Harper’s Kitchen offers a diverse breakfast menu that caters to traditional and contemporary tastes. Its wheelchair-accessible entrance makes it ideal for backpackers with special needs.

Cafe Bruce


Cafe Bruce is situated next to St Kilda Library and Town Hall, appealing to travellers who want to explore the area's history from a central location. It also offers fresh snacks and Genovese coffee with excellent service.


Hugs N Mugs Cafe


The café offers a warm atmosphere and a great selection of breakfast items and specialty coffees. It is a suitable spot to start your day.

Ground Yourself Cafe


The café focuses on mindful eating, offering healthy choices that heal the body and prevent illness. It is ideal if you are conscious about your diet and overall well-being. Not just that, this café is also a great spaces for working in St Kilda.


Euro Bites CAFE


Euro Bites Cafe serves various European-inspired breakfast and brunch options. It is ideal for those who want a taste of Europe in a cosy settings.

Must-Visit Cheap Spots for Lunch in St Kilda

Craving a satisfying lunch that won’t cost a fortune? St Kilda has plenty of cheap lunch spots offering everything from Asian, to Mediterranean to American-styled:

Bullseye Banh mi


Bullseye Banh Mi specialises in authentic Vietnamese sandwiches based on the bullseye concept. Its casual family setting makes it one of the cheap places to eat in St Kilda.

Republica St Kilda Beach


Located on the beachfront, Republica offers a relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu. It is perfect if you want a leisurely lunch as you interact with locals and other travellers.

Gold Burger


Gold Burgers offers simple but authentic burgers, wraps, baguettes, drinks, and more. It is an ideal spot to taste original American burgers.

Kaduri

  • Address: 19 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea VIC 3185, Australia
  • Opening hours: Monday: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Tuesday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday: 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, Sunday: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
  • Budget: Under $20
  • Cuisine:  Middle Eastern


Kaduri offers traditional homestyle recipes passed down through five generations. It is famous for its original vegan falafel, chicken shawarma, and crispy schnitzel, providing an inviting atmosphere for a genuine taste of the Middle East.

Tommy Tucker’s



Tommy Tucker's offers authentic fish sourced from Australian and New Zealand waters. It is a cool place to enjoy fresh, healthy fish and chips from skilled staff.

Jode’s Mediterranean Eatery


The eatery stands out with its meticulously crafted dishes that ensure freshness and flavour. Its warm and welcoming atmosphere and exceptional services make it a favoured spot for locals and backpackers.

Best Cafes and Cheap Breakfast Spots In St Kilda

Craving a satisfying lunch that won’t cost a fortune? St Kilda has plenty of cheap lunch spots offering everything from Asian, to Mediterranean to American-styled:

Kake Da Dhaba

Kake Da Dhaba


A cosy Indian restaurant known for its tasty dishes like Malai Kofta, Cheese Naan, and Lamb Biryani. Its friendly space makes it an ideal spot for people from all walks of life. 


Pesto’s Ristorante Italiano

Pesto’s Ristorante Italiano


The restaurant delivers modern and authentic Italian dishes in a warm and inviting ambience. It is praised for its attentive service and trademarked Beef Ragu Bolognese, Prawn and Pesto Linguine, and Calamari.


Inkerman Hotel

Inkerman Hotel


Inkerman Hotel has some of the best pub meals and various drink specials. Its daily happy hours make it a popular spot for affordable dining and socialising.


Cool Pubs and Restaurants with Happy Hour Food and Drink Deals

If you’re after the best bars in St Kilda for a relaxed night out with cheap eats and happy hour deals, you’re in the right place. Here are some names that you can consider:

The Windsor Alehouse



Located just 7-minute drive from St Kilda, The Windsor Alehouse offers happy hours from 4 PM to 7 PM, offering discounted drinks to wind down after a busy day. If you’re staying at Pint on Punt, which is right above the Alehouse, you’ll enjoy an exclusive 25% off food and drinks – making it an unbeatable spot for a fun night out without stretching your budget.


Harvey’s Sports Bar & Grill

  • Address: 169 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
  • Opening hours
  • Mon - Tue: 3 PM - 10 PM
  • Wed: 12 PM - 10 PM
  • Thur: 12 PM - 11 PM
  • Fri: 12 PM - 1 AM 
  • Sat 12 PM - 2:30 AM
  • Sun 12 PM - 1 AM
  • Budget: Under $50
  • Cuisine:  Australian-styled


If you’re going on a hunt for the best dishes to try and exciting things to do in St Kilda, don’t miss out this bar. Their happy hour runs daily from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, with a late-night happy hour from 9 PM to 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Plus, if you're staying at Ritz Backpackers, you’ll enjoy an exclusive 10% off food and drinks – a great perk for budget-conscious backpackers.


Hotel Barkly



Hotel Barkly offers three weekly special hours, including daily Eight Dollar Beer Jugs (4–5 pm) and Wings Wednesday for $1 (12–9 pm). On Thursday, you get a Steak Night St Kilda at $20 (12–9 pm).

Rufio


Visit Rucio restaurant for a $25 Parma Night (5–9 pm) featuring provolone cheese, cabbage slaw, crumbled chicken, and prosciutto. On Thursday, you get a $25 Steak Night (5–9 pm).

Bells Hotel


The hotel’s weekly happy hours run weekly from 3 pm to 6 pm. Here, you will enjoy eight-dollar beers, ciders, elemental spirits, wine, and sparkling. You also get a spritz at only $12.



Vegan & vegetarian cheap eats in St Kilda

St Kilda isn’t just about beachside pubs and trendy bars – it’s also home to some fantastic vegan and vegetarian cheap eats:

Greenzilla


Greenzilla is a family-run cafe offering vegan pizzas, burgers, wraps, loaded nachos, fries, and desserts. Its commitment to plant-based cuisines and diverse menu makes it a must-visit spot for those seeking tasty vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Cha Chas Food Truck

  • Address: Roving location
  • Opening hours: Varies
  • Budget: Under $15
  • Cuisine:  Vegan Mexican
  • Must-try dishes: Top Dogs and Nachos


The truck specialises in 100% vegan Mexican street food with a modern twist in plant-based ingredients. The team's commitment to not cooking any meat ensures a fully vegan environment, appealing to nature-conscious diners looking for cheap places to eat in St Kilda.


Abbey Road Cafe


Abbey Road Cafe advocates healthy eating and drinking with its fresh, homestyle food. The music-themed atmosphere and diverse menu provide a unique ambience for dinners where people can socialise and share ideas.

Where To Stay at St Kilda?

When exploring cheap eats in St Kilda, finding the right place to stay is just as important. Luckily, Pint on Punt Backpackers has you covered. Conveniently located at 42 Punt Road, this St Kilda backpackers hostel offers easy access to nearby eateries, vibrant bars, and iconic beaches.


You can choose from mixed dorms, female dorms, or a private room hostel in Melbourne, depending on your preferences and budget. All accommodations come with essential amenities like free Wi-Fi, breakfast, secure access, and nearby social facilities. Book your room today and enjoy an unforgettable stay in the heart of St Kilda!

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