Looking for some delicious CBD eats that won’t break the bank? Here are 12 great lunch spots that will keep your hunger satisfied – while supporting local business owners too.
We’re all feeling the cost-of-living crunch. And while it’s great to BYO lunch to work, sometimes you just want to treat yourself too.
We’ve pulled together a list of great CBD bites that won’t break the bank – and will also help support our small business owners.
When you choose to ‘Buy SA. For SA.’ for lunch, you’re not just fuelling yourself, but also our state’s economy. Every dollar spent here stays here, supporting local jobs, producers and the small operators doing it tough.
So here’s a list of 12 great SA businesses where you can get lunch in the CBD for under $12.
1. Maison Clement
Enjoy the flavours of Europe for lunch at this award-winning French-inspired eatery on the ground floor of boutique hotel The Chancellor on Currie. Chef and patissier Clement Labaere proves that French food does not need to be posh – or expensive – with a lunch menu that offers multiple baguette options for just $11 (from the classic ham and cheese to tuna mayonnaise, and prosciutto and pickles), or a selection of three salads for $12 each. Bon appetit!
2. Sunmi’s Sushi
Sunmi – a former Olympic volleyball player – has been part of the Adelaide Central Market for more than 25 years. Her popular stall is a go-to for incredible Korean food. We highly recommend the bibimbap (rice topped with seasoned veg, fried egg and your choice of beef, chicken or more veg) for just $12, or the green pancakes (topped with Sunmi’s special sauce) for just $2.50 each.
3. Foodland Rundle Mall
This Foodland is not just a regular supermarket. It’s a cool supermarket. Inside, you’ll find a huge deli counter full of delicious lunchtime eats, from sushi to salads. Our top pick at this family-owned SA favourite is the paninis – packed with fresh fillings for just $9.95. Toasted or fresh, this budget-friendly offering often sells out, so don’t leave your lunch break too late!
4. Seed & Stone
Fast food – but make it healthy. That’s the philosophy behind Pirie Street’s Seed & Stone Salad Bar. What started as a cafe in the Central Market has evolved into a popular pastel-coloured vegan-friendly eatery further east. Grab a half-wrap for $8, small salad for $11 or toasties for $9.50. And in winter, keep an eye out for their popular soups. Whatever you choose, it’s a win for your wallet and your wellbeing.
5. City Indian Cuisine
The aromas emanating from this popular Hindley Street Indian eatery help explain the long line snaking out the door. The prices – well, they’re a bonus. Get three veggie curries on rice for just $7.20 – with enough change from $12 for a $3.20 naan bread to mop up that delicious sauce. More of a meat eater? You can pick up three meat curries on rice from $8.20 or a chicken tikka roll for $11.20.
6. Sit Lo
Banh Mis are a great grab-and-go lunch option – tasty, filling and easy on the hip pocket. Some of our favourites are from Sit Lo, where the fresh Vietnamese rolls come packed with pickled carrot, cucumber, coriander and your choice of filling for $11-12 (even though it’s not very traditional, we’re big fans of the panko crumbed fried chicken with chilli mayo). The bao – $7 each and made with Sit Lo’s signature house-made steamed buns – are also a winner. You’ll find them on Bank Street, Waymouth Street and at UniSA’s City West campus.
7. Hello Sarnie
The brainchild of two Brits who now call Adelaide home, Hello Sarnie brings the UK’s grab-and-go sandwich culture to South Australia. You can pick up all eight of their sarnies (or sangas as we like to call them!) for under $12. Our fave is the vego Ploughman’s Sarnie with cheddar, pickle, tomato, mixed lettuce, seasoning and egg-free mayo for $11.50. They’ve got four locations across the CBD – from Gawler Place to SAHMRI – so it’s likely there’s one near you.
8. Kintaro Sushi
We’re lucky to have plenty of amazing sushi spots across the CBD, but Adelaide’s own Kintaro chain is one of the most popular. Pop into their stores on Leigh Street, Gouger Street or Rundle Place for a selection of fresh nigiri, sushi, sashimi, gyoza and gunkan from $3.50 to $6 – it’s the perfect spot to build your own budget-friendly lunch.
9. Two-Bit Villains
Set in Adelaide Arcade’s historic second-floor Grand Ballroom, this popular diner focuses on plant-based Americana cuisine. Pick up one of the TBV classics – a fries burger for $10 or an onion rings burger for $11. If you’ve got some spare change, don’t miss their handcrafted sodas made with real fruit and spices. Cheers!
10. Mamakboy
Malaysian-born South Aussie Daniel Chu’s street food eatery Mamakboy focuses on fresh ingredients inspired by his childhood. Located in the Myer Centre Food Court, don’t miss the traditional flaky roti (a Malaysian fave at any time of day) with either vegetarian, chicken or beef curry ($9.90-$11.90) – it’s perfect budget-friendly lunchtime nosh.
11. Australia’s Pizza House
This Hindley Street institution is a popular go-to for a late night snack, but did you know it’s also open for lunch? Fourteen of its 9 inch pizzas are available for under $12 including Margarita, Hawaiian and the ever-popular House Special of cheese, onion, pepperoni and fresh capsicum. There’s also an outlet on West Terrace.
12. Mamachau
A vibrant eatery on the corner of King William and Pirie streets, Mamachau excels at budget-friendly Asian bites. Try a lemongrass beef or coconut poached chicken salad for just $12, a two-piece set of rice paper rolls for $6, or sample one of six kinds of bao for $4.50 each (we’re fans of the master-stock pork belly and ‘OG’ Korean fried chicken options).
Why it’s important to support local for lunch
Shopping local isn’t just great for your tastebuds – it’s great for SA.
Let’s be real, South Aussies know food. With world-class produce and cuisine from across the globe, there’s no better place to score a delicious lunch for less.
Every time you buy lunch from a South Australian business, you support jobs, small businesses, local producers and the community. It’s why Brand SA champions the Buy SA. For SA. campaign.
So fill your lunch break with SA’s best. Your tastebuds (and your state) will thank you.
Want more ways to shop SA? Check out Buy SA. For SA.to find more local goodies.
