Splashing out on a set menu is usually the stuff of special occasions. But these days, you’ll find seaside wine bars, primo pizzerias and more plating up exceptional multi-course meals that won’t break the bank.
Date night, hump day and everything in between, these places nail that sweet spot between big flavour and incredible value. And they manage to do it for around $75 or less.
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Bella Brutta can do no wrong in the pizza department – we love it all. The best way to get across the lot, from the pepperoni to the cult clam number, is to spring for the set menu. Pace yourself though – the team will ply you with bread, plates of anchovies and fresh ricotta, and a cavalcade of snacks before the first pizza even hits the table. Unbeatable value for $65.
The team behind Maybe Sammy have moved into a heritage Paddington pub and created a Mexican-inspired bar up there with this year’s best openings. Case and point: a $65 feast of tacos, charcoal-fired prawns, fancy guacamole and more. Settle in with some Margarita jugs and say “hola” to the weekend.
At Pinky-Ji, “unauthentic Indian” chef Jessi Singh brings all the fun and flavour of his Melbourne diner Daughter in Law to the Sydney CBD. And for $69, the chef’s selection is a steal, involving thali (a platter of curries, rice, and naan), tandoori chicken, Singh’s signature “balls of happiness” and more.
There are neighbourhood wine bars, and then there’s budget-friendly Bart Jr. On Wednesdays, you might get focaccia with fermented chilli butter, followed by snacks and a main dish such as braised lamb shoulder – plus sides and dessert – for just $45. Even if you splash out on a cocktail, hump day still lands under $100.
For casual, Mediterranean-style feasting by the beach, head to this breezy all-day spot at Bondi’s north end for the win. You can get a $75 spread that might include oysters, creamy burrata, prosciutto with melon, plus mains and a dessert. The Margarita game here is strong – don’t leave without one.
Pasta nights at this vegetarian cafe get you serious bang for buck. Every Friday and Saturday, the team opens the roller doors for seasonal snacks, salads, a plate of pasta (such as hand-made ravioli or tagliatelle) and a dessert for $70. It’s BYO with a $10 corkage fee – and there’s a good bottle shop at the Henson Hotel next door.
The “Full Greek” menu at this contemporary taverna kicks off with warm pita, taramasalata and saganaki before going all out with oven-baked lamb shoulder, sides and dessert. This one’s $75, with a vegan alternative for $60. Plus, you can do a round of ouzo for the table for $5 a head. For that price, why wouldn’t you?
Home of the tinned cocktail, Continental Deli and its spread hit the spot every time. Drop $75 at the handsome bar and you’ll receive gildas, charcuterie, anchovies and main dishes including a pasta and protein. When the weather’s good, ask for the seats outside on Australia Street – they’re our favourites.
It’s a wonder how Dimitri’s does it. Come with a crew of four or more and you’ll get house-baked sourdough, olives, mixed antipasti and one pizza per person – all for just $50 a head. Make one of those pizzas the Bee Sting, a spicy-sweet number featuring tomato, sopressa salami, mozzarella, parmesan and a lick of hot honey.
This petite Mexican joint off the corso punches above its weight with a hefty $60 feast. Start with snacks like ceviche and guacamole, before diving into an all-star taco line-up including cauliflower, carnitas and a cheeseburger inspired number. Finish with a sweet chimichanga for the win.
The izakaya set at Cho Cho San is more stylish than what you’d find down a Tokyo laneway. But for $65, it’s right on the money. Expect miso-marinated eggplant skewers, spicy sesame noodles, a tonkatsu pork cutlet with sides, and a riff on sticky date pudding with miso caramel and silken tofu.
The “classic” set menu at this fun CBD Mexican joint runs the gamut, and includes tacos, tostadas, roast chook and churros to finish. Plus, you’ll have a tome of tequilas at your disposal – not to mention a list of house Margaritas served every which way. Get it for $69 a head.
This fun-loving Korean eatery and karaoke bar has two rules: no requests and no Daryl Braithwaite. Those who abide can enjoy a $75 feast influenced by owner Sammy J’s home province, Jeollannam-do, in South Korea. Expect banchan, bulgogi and much more.
Inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Matteo’s classic feasting menu starts with an antipasti spread, before moving on to spicy vodka rigatoni, pizza, Milanese veal cotoletta and chocolate bomboloni for dessert. This one will set you back $75.
A date-night winner. Parties of two can opt for the $65 spread, which might include pork and peanut san choy bow, duck and watermelon salad, and a Penang-style Wagyu beef curry. The CBD skyline views from Finger Wharf don’t get much more romantic.
Groups of four can spring for a $65 southern-Cali-inspired feast at this colourful cantina. The spread includes kingfish ceviche, crispy fried chicken wings and a DIY taco platter (chicken tinga and pork carnitas). Plus, you can add churros with warm dulce de leche for $3 per person.
As well as cracking views of the sloshing surf, The Collaroy offers a $75 share menu full of hits. Go for fried bread with parmesan, creamy burrata, swordfish carpaccio, pasta, whole market fish and more. You even get a drink on arrival; available for groups for four or more.
For all the lavishness of this high-flying cocktail bar and diner from the team behind Eau De Vie, its set menu won’t hurt your hip pocket. Come for four courses including lobster tacos, mushroom and pea arancini, cheesecake with blueberry, and more for $65. Cocktails are a big “yes” given who’s behind the place.
Whether you’re barefoot or in heels, this handsome diner inside the refurbished Bondi Pavilion has a couple of set menu options to cover all bases. The more affordable of the two will set you back $69, featuring four courses including yellowfin tuna crudo, and roasted lamb neck with charred baby capsicum and fries.
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