Best Cheap Eats Under $15 in Richmond Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Nico Post |
| Zero-cost winner | The Red Commons |
| Kid-approved | Finn’s |
| Under the radar | Kai Quarter |
| Wet day saviour | Social |
Richmond doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The cheap eats under 15 scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Otto Standard and Zara’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Richmond sits 3km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips.
1. The Common Works — 250 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The Common Works has been operating in Richmond for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($21) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The mushroom pasta ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
2. Vera’s — 229 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Vera’s has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($17) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 47 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bay Lane is usually fine.
Try this: The crispy chicken ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
3. Long Commons — 241 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Long Commons has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($26) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Edward Avenue is usually fine.
Go for: The mushroom pasta ($25) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
4. Humble Post — 46 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Humble Post has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
5. The Northern Pantry — 144 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: solo diners
The Northern Pantry has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($23) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 38 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Edward Avenue is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
What Nobody Tells You About Richmond
Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips. Victoria Street is Melbourne’s Vietnamese food heartland. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Richmond’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Richmond, you’ll find that this history shapes everything from the food culture to the community events. The locals who’ve been here longest will tell you the suburb has changed dramatically, but the bones are still good.
6. Nico Depot — 369 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Nico Depot has been operating in Richmond for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($14) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bay Lane is usually fine.
Ask for: The sourdough bread ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Richmond roaster — ask which one.
7. The White Quarter — 94 Bay Lane, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: budget eaters
The White Quarter has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($24) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
8. Gus’s — 358 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: families
Gus’s has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Albert Parade is usually fine.
Start with: The mushroom pasta ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bell Street after 6pm.
9. Kai Cellar — 1 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: budget eaters
Kai Cellar has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 51 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Albert Parade is usually fine.
Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
10. Nina Table — 170 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Nina Table has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 38 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Get the: The crispy chicken ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
11. The Blue Quarter — 136 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The Blue Quarter has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 58 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The house-made relish ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
Explore More
- Collingwood Cheap Eats Under 15 — same vibe, different suburb
- Richmond Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Richmond Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Collingwood Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Richmond stacks up
- All Richmond Guides — everything we’ve written about Richmond
FAQ
Is Richmond worth visiting?
Yes. Richmond has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The cheap eats under 15 scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Richmond known for?
Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips.
What can you eat for $10 or less in Richmond?
Nico Post is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Richmond from Melbourne CBD?
Richmond is 3km, 5min train, 8min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Richmond won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.
Last updated: March 2026

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