From no-frills noodle joints to hole-in-the-wall sandwich spots, Surry Hills offers plenty of casual dining for budget-conscious foodies. Whether you’re a local looking for a new go-to lunch spot or a visitor eager to experience the area without breaking the bank, read on for our picks of the tastiest thriftiest grub Surry Hills has to offer.
Read: Lune Croissanterie Announces Darlinghurst and Martin Place Openings
Malibu
Tucked away on Foster Street, Malibu is a charming little sandwich shop making big waves in the local food scene especially for budget-conscious foodies. Despite its modest size, this cosy eatery serves up hearty sandwiches loaded with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Their ‘big’ sandwich options pile layers of market-fresh produce and premium meats between slices of flaky, freshly baked bread. Favourites like the schnitzel feature juicy pounded meat cutlets with crisp baby cos lettuce on fluffy white bread. The roasted veggie sandwiches burst with hummus and seasonal produce sourced straight from nearby farmers.
In addition to their famous sandwiches, Malibu also offers homemade soups and sides that customers rave about. Their smooth and creamy potato salad, tangy celeriac coleslaw, and irresistibly herbed mayo have diners asking for take-home jars.
Malibu is open from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 6:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Spice I Am
No tour of Surry Hills’ acclaimed Thai food scene is complete without a visit to Spice I Am. Helmed by chef Sujet Saenkham, regarded as one of Sydney’s most gifted Thai culinary talents, this vibrant restaurant serves up an extensive menu with over 80 items to choose from.
Saenkham and his team of skilled chefs prepare each dish from scratch, by hand, to extract maximum freshness and flavor.Signature creations like the fabulous Massaman Curry Duck and classic Thai Eggplant Stir Fry with pungent garlic and shrimp paste are longtime customer favourites.
With Saenkham overseeing all the kitchens, diners can be assured of the utmost quality and authenticity in every bite. Meticulously trained, his chefs handcraft complex spice pastes and sauces that perfectly balance the five taste senses in Thai cuisine – sour, sweet, salty, bitter and spicy.
They are open for both dine-in and takeaways Wednesday to Sunday, starting at 11:30 a.m.
Pizza Frita 180
Pizza Fritta 180 transports diners to the streets of Naples in Italy with their authentic pizza fritta just like owner Luigi Esposito’s nonna used to make. This restaurant specialises in the three most iconic Neapolitan pizza styles: Margherita, Marinara, and light-as-air Pizza Fritta.
Esposito recalls his early days selling these piping hot fried pizzas with his nonna on the bustling avenues of Naples. With Pizza Fritta 180, Esposito has bottled the magic of classic Neapolitan street food that he used to enjoy with his grandmother.
Their handcrafted oven was specially made in Italy using bricks from Pompeii and lava stone sourced from Mount Vesuvius itself. This imparts a deliciously smoky, charred flavour that’s quintessentially Italian.
They serve their pizzas daily, with takeaway and delivery options besides dine-in.
Gogyo
Tucked away in Surry Hills, Gogyo brings Tokyo-style ramen house vibes to Sydney. This lively Japanese eatery, founded by ramen legend Shigemi Kawahara of IPPUDO fame, specialises in lip-smackingly good broths and noodles.
Gogyo’s tonkotsu ramen is a perennial favourite, the rich and creamy pork bone broth packing serious umami flavour. Each ingredient stands out beautifully yet blends harmoniously with the springy noodles. Other hits include crispy karaage chicken and Japanese-style spring rolls, perfect pairings for the cocktails on their buzzing bar menu.
According to Kawahara’s ramen philosophy, Gogyo offers “drinks to start, tasty small plates, and ramen to finish.” With its rocking ambience and meticulously crafted noodle dishes, it’s easy to taste the passion and expertise behind Gogyo’s intensely flavoured ramen creations.
Gogyo serves their iconic Japanese dishes starting at 11:30 a.m. daily.
Read: Takam Opens Restaurant, Brings Filo Favourites to Darlinghurst
Wherever your affordable food adventures may take you in Surry Hills, you are sure to walk away satisfied. Surry Hills proves budget-conscious foodies that they don’t have to spend big to eat well.
Published 3-August-2023