Cost of Living Set Menus Under $50 in Melbourne

South Yarra’s Omnia pairs polished service with a European-inspired bistro menu from culinary director Stephen Nairn. Lunchtime diners can enjoy a curated two-course or three-course set menu under $50 (starting at $49) every Thursday to Saturday. Expect refined, seasonal dishes served in chic leather-booth surrounds, with a drinks list curated by award-winning bartenders. Sealing a deal with potential business partners? Indulging in a long Friday lunch with your nearest and dearest? Whatever your reason, this is a set menu Melbourne foodies can count on.

Over on Gertrude Street, Rocco’s Bologna turns Wednesday into the highlight of the week with a $45 date night special. This Melbourne set menu favourite includes a bowl of pasta, their cult-favourite meatball sub and a half-litre of vino to share – plus the daily soft-serve for dessert. The vibe is warm and lively, with elevated Italian comfort food served with a side of genuine hospitality. It’s a set menu that all couples (or friends) will want to lock into their calendars. 

Across from leafy Fawkner Park, Bistro Gitan charms with French-Spanish bistro classics from the Reymond family. Weekday lunches have the standout Formule Express set menu – two courses for $49 (or $59 with wine). Expect dishes like horseradish-spiked steak tartare followed by mustard-crusted spatchcock, all served in a warmly lit, neighbourhood-style space. If you’ve been on the hunt for a set menu lunch that is elegant as it is value-packed, Gitan is a go-to. It’s proof that classic Euro comfort can still fit the set menu under $50 brief.

Chocolate Buddha’s Japanese-inspired menu caters to sushi-train grazers and ramen lovers alike. Groups can opt for one of three well-priced sharing menus with a spread of sushi, izakaya-style bites and heartier dishes like donburi and bento. With vegetarian and gluten-free options, it’s an inclusive set menu Melbourne pick for all tastebuds. Views over Fed Square and the communal vibe make it an excellent set menu lunch or dinner choice for under $50.

In the heart of the CBD, Henry and the Fox puts a modern European spin on weekday dining deals. On Mondays, steak frites with French fries and Café de Paris butter is just $25; Wednesdays add a glass of Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet or a feature beer for $36. With Nordic-inspired interiors and a commitment to locally sourced ingredients, it’s a casual lunch or dinner option that will satisfy both your appetite and your budget.

This one is a little cheeky – and you’ll need to turn to the piggy bank for a few extra dollars because the price has gone up slightly from previous years. With lots of set menus to choose from at Criniti’s, the most wallet-friendly starts at $60 a head. It’s perfect for groups, riverside catch-ups or a casual late-night bite. With an open kitchen showcasing flaming grills and dough-tossing action, dining here is as much about the theatre as the flavours.