From golden fried chicken to hand-rolled bagels and Malaysian street favourites, Brisbane’s CBD is home to some of the best-value lunches around. Here are eight generous meals under $20 that prove you can eat big without spending big.
1. Lemak
📍 Queens Plaza, Brisbane City
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For those who crave a little spice and comfort, Lemak brings the bold flavours of South-East Asia to Brisbane’s heart. Their signature crispy fried chicken is perfectly seasoned and served with your choice of rice or noodles for a satisfying, value-packed meal.
Our Pick
Coconut Rice Nasi Lemak with 2 pieces of Signature Fried Chicken ($16.90)
2. Hashtag Burgers
📍67 Fish Lane, South Brisbane
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For comfort food with a side of fun, Hashtag Burgers & Waffles serves up some of Brisbane’s best burgers in bold, feel-good style. Known for its funky vibe and massive menu, the spot dishes out everything from juicy beef and crispy chicken burgers to vegetarian options, loaded sides and indulgent desserts. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeaway, Hashtag blends classic burger favourites with modern twists, all finished off perfectly with a thick shake or waffle treat.
Our Pick
Simple Sally ($10 from M-F, 7AM to 5PM)
3. O Bagel
📍 Elizabeth St, Brisbane City
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If you love the simple joy of a perfect sandwich, O Bagel has mastered it. With nearly two million bagels sold since opening, this CBD favourite is all about freshly baked, hand-rolled bagels with a crunchy exterior and soft, chewy centre.
Our Pick
Nerdy Salmon ($14)
4. Sushi Hub
📍 Queen St, Brisbane City
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A quick, fresh and reliable go-to, Sushi Hub serves everything from sashimi and inari to handmade rolls and hearty bento boxes. Their commitment to freshness and consistency makes it a city favourite for lunch on the run.
Our Pick
Tempura Ika Bento ($16.80)
5. Fishbowl
📍 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
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Healthy eating never looked this good. Fishbowl is redefining fast food with bright, nourishing bowls that blend Japanese-inspired flavours with local ingredients. It’s wholesome, fresh and beautifully presented every time.
Our Pick
The O.G. ($15.90)
6. Roti Place
📍 Charlotte St, Brisbane City
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For a taste of authentic Malaysian street food, Roti Place delivers all the favourites. Watch the chefs flip fresh roti in the open kitchen before tucking into fragrant rice and perfectly poached chicken. Comfort food at its best.
Our Pick
Hainanese Chicken Rice ($17.50)
7. Scugnizzi
📍 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
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This slice of Italy in the CBD serves Roman-style pizza al taglio, crispy on the outside, soft and chewy within. Scugnizzi offers a rotating selection of toppings from truffle mushroom to mortadella and pistachio, all baked fresh throughout the day.
Our Pick
Truffle Funghi Meal ($19.90)
8. Mebami
📍 Grey Street
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Vietnamese street food done right. Mebami’s bánh mì are the stuff of legend — crunchy baguettes, vibrant pickled vegetables, homemade pate and crispy pork, all packed with fresh flavour. Simple, quick and irresistibly good.
Crispy Pork Bánh Mì ($17.55)
Whether you are craving noodles, sushi, or a hearty sandwich, Brisbane’s CBD has no shortage of flavour-filled, budget-friendly options. These spots prove you do not need to spend more than $20 to enjoy a generous, satisfying lunch that hits the spot every time.