Cheap Eats in Clayton Under $20 — 2026
Every suburb in Melbourne has its own version of budget dining. In Clayton, the cheap eats lean towards authentic ethnic food — the kind of places where the menu is half in another language and the portions are enormous.
Under $15
This is where Clayton really delivers. Vietnamese pho or banh mi for $10 to $12. Indian curries with rice for $13. Chinese dumplings — 20 for under $15. These are not fast-food joints: they are family-run restaurants that have been here for years and keep prices low through sheer volume. The quality is often better than places charging double.
Under $20
At this price point, Clayton opens up properly. Pub parmas with chips and salad for $18. Thai and Chinese restaurant mains with rice for $16 to $19. Pizza from the local woodfired place for $15 to $18. A bowl of ramen for $17. You are not compromising at this level — these are proper restaurant meals that happen to be priced sensibly.
Lunch vs Dinner
Lunch is almost always cheaper. Many restaurants in Clayton run lunch specials — same kitchen, smaller portions or set menus, 20 to 30 percent cheaper than dinner. Weekday lunch between 11:30am and 1pm is the sweet spot. Some places do a $12 to $15 lunch set that would cost $25 after 5pm.
Saving More
- BYO wine: Several restaurants in Clayton are BYO — saves $30 to $50 on a dinner for two.
- Takeaway vs dine-in: Same food, often $2 to $3 cheaper without the table service.
- Loyalty apps: A few local cafes and restaurants use apps that give every 8th or 10th meal free.
- Market days: If Clayton has a local market, the food stalls are consistently good value — $8 to $14 for a meal.
More guides: Best Restaurants in Clayton | Cost of Living | Weekend Guide
