Auckland's Best Cheap Eats - Dinner Edition

As a uni student I know the struggle of trying to find a dinner destination which can satisfy those dinner time cravings and also stay within your tight budget. So thankfully I have done all the hard work (haha) for you and have managed to compile a list of my six favourite cheap and delicious eats in central Auckland. In terms of the definition of cheap I've tried to stick to places where you can get a filling dinner for under $20, however this is obviously dependent on how much you order!

Chinoiserie (Mt Albert)

I'm not going to lie, I've been here probably about 10-15 times over the past 3 years and I still have absolutely no idea how to pronounce this groovy eatery's name, nevertheless it is one of my favourites and a must-visit when in Mt Albert. Chinoiserie is a bar and eatery which serves up Taiwanese street food and some of the best Pork Bao buns in Auckland! The menu isn't massive but it is packed with tasty sides and a variety of Bao buns which are sure to appeal to even the fussiest eater. In terms of pricing, sides vary from $5 to $16 and bao's vary from $8 for pork belly to $10 for wagyu beef. You also can't go past their warm mulled wine on a chilly winters night!


Burger Burger (Newmarket, Ponsonby, and Takapuna)

Another favourite among myself and my friend group is Burger Burger. With three locations around Auckland and both takeaway and dine-in options this restaurant is bound to be a winner! As the name would suggest, Burgers are the primary item on the menu however, Burger Burger has a delicious selection of sides (including two of my favourites the charred broccoli ($12) and the potato skins ($9)). Burger prices range from $12 for a classic burger to $20 for a jazzy burger. I can never go past the beef with cheese or the lamb burger (both $14) however if you feel like splashing out the McFly ($18) is also a super tasty treat.


UMU Pizza (Kingsland)

If you are after a top quality wood fired pizza look no further than UMU in Kingsland. This is a fairly new find for me but I am SO impressed with their delicious pizzas and cool atmosphere. Pizza's range in price from $12 to around $25 and are the perfect size for sharing. Happy hour is also on every day between 5pm - 6pm, where #2 pizzas are $10 and you can get a glass of wine or a beer for $8. UMU also does online orders and takeaways for those nights when you don't really feel like leaving the house.  Ps. Hawkes Bay people in Auckland, this is the perfect solution for any of your Pipi withdrawals.

















Kiss Kiss (Balmoral/Mt Eden)


Another one of my favourite Asian fusion style eateries has got to be Kiss Kiss just off Dominion Road. The menu is comprised of steamed buns ($9 each), sharing items (ranging from $7 to $24) and noodles & rice dishes which are all around $17.50. My personal favourites from the menu include the chicken steamed bun, the Thai style french fries, and my number one recommendation, the Phad Thai. The portion size of the Phad Thai is honestly huge, like genuinely would be enough for dinner and then lunch the next day! That dish is seriously great value for money.


Federal Delicatessen (Federal Street, CBD)

Known for their bottomless filter coffee, delicious poutine and incredible pies and cheesecake.  Fed Deli, the brainchild of NZ food legend Al Brown, is bound to be a winner in most people's books with their extensive menu including a variety of both sweet and savoury dishes. My personal favourite item on the menu has got to be either the NY Cheesecake or the Banoffee Pie which are priced at $12 a slice, or $20 for three slices which can be mixed and matched. Poutine is priced at $9 for a small or $12 for a large which is the perfect size for sharing and will definitely fill you up! 


Coco's Cantina (K' Road, CBD)

Another CBD favourite of mine has got to be Coco's Cantina, which is mid way down Karangahape Road. On a whole, Coco's probably can't be considered a cheap restaurant, however, if you time it right and come in between 5 and 6 pm you can get the Happy Hour Pasta Pomodoro for only $13. The pasta is served with parmesan, oregano, chilli and pangrattato Shakers so you can mix up the pasta to your personal liking. You can also grab a prosecco, glass of wine, or sawmill pilsner for only $7 during happy hour too. This turns out to be a serious bargain for dinner, and is the perfect way to finish your day at work or uni!








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