Cost of Living Set Menus Under $50 in Brisbane

Happy Boy combines Chinese food with carefully selected Australian wines to create a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. The menu is vast, with options for every dietary requirement, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Those looking for an affordable set menu must try $50pp Chef’s Banquet, a generous array of fan-favourite dishes including entrees, mains and fried rice. For those bringing little ones along, kids who are 10 or under can also enjoy the banquet at half price. And trust us, no one leaves Happy Boy feeling hungry. 

Common Vice has become a favourite among New Farm locals, and it’s easy to see why. The atmosphere is relaxed, perfect for a catch-up with mates, and the menu is a bold mash-up of Korean, European and Australian flavours. Every Wednesday, you can score a $45 set menu featuring rotating entrees, mains and desserts. For an additional $30, they’ll pour you 3 glasses of wine carefully chosen to level up your meal – because who can resist a midweek vino?

Picture it: a rustic yet chic setting, sleek marble top bar, woodfire pizza oven flickering away in the back and… a full Italian feast for only $46 per person? Yeah, you read that right. Located just south-east of the Brisbane CBD, Factory 51 is a dining hotspot for a reason. The whole menu is deliciozo, but the feast is definitely a highlight, stacked with dishes like truffle and honey butter focaccia, beef ragu gnocchi, and a classic margherita pizza. The set menu is only available for groups of 9 or more, so it’s perfect if you’re planning a birthday dinner or family celebration. 

On the hunt for a plant-based set menu? Say hola to El Planta. Nestled just behind South Bank Parklands, El Planta serves up a fully vegan Mexican menu, including a​ $45pp banquete (or $50 if you can’t say no to dessert). Whoever takes your order will choose exactly what your set includes, and the whole menu changes monthly, so you’ll never have the same meal twice. Expect dishes like fried cauliflower tostadas, mushroom skewers, chickpea chorizo tacos, mousse de chocolate with sweet coffee matcha… drooling yet?

For a tutti-Italiano date night that will transport you straight to Rome or Venice, let us introduce you to La Dolce Vita Ristorante. The menu is luxe yet authentic, with a passion for Italian food and coffee that you can’t deny. On Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays, La Dolce Vita Ristorante offers a $44pp two-course meal, with a light starter like calamari fritti or burrata con caponata, followed by a mouth-watering main like fettuccine funghi, spaghetti carbonara and pollo pizza. Although the set menu doesn’t include dessert, you’ll have a hard time turning down the tiramisu, pannacotta, or affogato con frangelico.

Known for its coastal Mexican and Californian cuisine, Mexicali Bar Y Taqueria brings all the beachy vibes, vibrant flavours and colourful cocktails you could with for. There are two set menus to choose from, including The Mexicali Banquet, priced at just $44 per person and featuring dishes like corn chips with guacamole, chicken drumettes, and your choice of Taco Clásico. For another $5 per person, you can round it all off with a plate of churros. The banquet can also be made vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or dairy-free, ideal for those groups where everyone has their own dietary quirks. 

Full transparency, Duckfat’s set menu is $59 per person, so technically not under $50, but it’s just too good not to include. French butter and baguette, fresh goat cheese wrapped in cured salmon, onion tatin, confit duck, crème brûlée… worth the extra $9, wouldn’t you say? Putting a modern spin on classic French dining, this trendy restaurant is proof that date-night decadence doesn’t have to break the bank.