Cheap Eats in Airlie Beach
If you are travelling to the Whitsunday Islands, one of the best places to stay during your visit is “the heart of the reef” Airlie Beach. A travellers paradise, Airlie Beach has great nightlife, lots of fun and free activities, including a giant lagoon pool, and endless tour options for exploring the Whitsundays.
But where can you eat that won’t break the bank?
From pub food to Asian or even Brazilian cuisine, Airlie Beach has something to satisfy all food cravings and the best part is, many places cater for the budget traveller so there is plenty of options for cheap and yummy food. Try one of our top choices for cheap meals in Airlie Beach below... your wallet and tastebuds will thank you for it!
Sandbar Restaurant & Bar
Stay ahead of the curve and try out the hottest new restaurant in Airlie Beach: Sandbar! Nestled into the corner of Airlie Esplanade, just up the stairs, you'll find the Mediterranean-inspired bar and restaurant, boasting some of the most glorious golden-hour seaside views in town. Specialising in delectable international dishes, locally-sourced seafood, and spectacular cocktails, Sandbar caters to a wide range of customers, offering something for every budget. Looking for something a little cheaper? Why not try out the patatas bravas, the beef burger, or the calamari? Or, bring some friends along and split a tasting platter to get some great value for money. Pop down for Sandbar's happy hour, and you'll soon find yourself sipping on some scrumptious cocktails - just $14 a pop!
Cafe One 3
Who says healthy food can’t be both delicious and friendly on your wallet? A short stroll from the main street you will find Cafe One 3, a small cafe bringing farm-to-table in a shady outdoor setting and racking up rave reviews on TripAdvisor. While specialising in vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free masterpieces, there are also options for those that like a bit of bacon on the side and every dish is full of colour and flavour. Allergies and dietary restrictions? No problem! This is one cafe that will go out of its way to customise a dish to suit your needs. Cafe One 3 stocks local crafts, plenty of reading material and not to mention excellent coffee and service with a smile - what’s not to love!
Beagles Pizza
Everyone loves a good pizza and Beagles Pizza has the tastiest budget-friendly options in the heart of Airlie Beach. With delicious flavour combos and fresh ingredients, you can’t go wrong with a large pizza, garlic bread and a 1.25L soft drink for $22 and if you’ve had a big day and just want a lazy night in your hotel, delivery is cheap as chips!
Mika Live BBQ & Bar
Regular live music, 1kg of wings, daily lunch and dinner specials, value for money beer or cocktail jugs and the ultimate dinner - Mika’s all you can eat Brazilian Barbeque Experience (Friday & Saturday nights only) - welcome to Mika Live BBQ & Bar! Mika’s is open daily for lunch and dinner and is a great option for those on a budget.
The Kiosk Cafe
Location, location! The Kiosk Cafe sits on the edge of Coral Sea Marina overlooking the aquamarine water and a variety of marine vessels from jetskis to multi-million dollar yachts. Another friend to those with dietary requirements, The Kiosk Cafe offers all-day brekky, lunch and dinner 7 days a week with good coffee and genuine hospitality. With most meals under $20, you’ll be one of many customers returning daily for a tasty treat.
Wisdom Cafe
Don’t be put off by the simple exterior, Wisdom Cafe does great food with no fuss and a low price tag. Featuring a range of fresh and flavoursome sandwiches and wraps, flatbread pizzas and a good breakfast selection, most items will set you back a measly $8-12!
Beaches Bar and Grill
Perfect if you're on a budget, Beaches Bar and Grill on Shute Harbour Road has all your favourites from steak to ‘kick arse’ burgers, fish and chips, curries, parmas and more for only $17 with a drink (beer, wine, cider or soft drink)! Open midday to midnight 7 days a week, there are also games, dancing and live music and a generous happy hour to enjoy.
Whitsunday Seafood Bar
For fresh fish and crispy chips, you can’t go past Whitsunday Seafood Bar. This little takeaway provides great service and will grill, crumb or batter your order to your liking. For a quick and tasty meal that’s as cheap as, well... chips, visit Whitsunday Seafood Bar across the road from the main beach in town.
Boaty’s
The first place you see as you enter the Airlie Beach main strip, Boaty’s (The Boat House) is a local favourite for good simple food at a great price. Choose any meal for $12 or add a drink (beer, house spirit, wine or soft drink) to make it a $16 combo! The large deck out the front overlooks the water and there is often live music by a local band. Boaty’s is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view with friends.
Joa Sushi
Did someone say sushi rolls? Winner! For fresh and flavoursome Japanese cuisine and sushi in Airlie Beach, you can’t go past Sushi Joa. Offering great value for money, Sushi Hi features an array of delicious, varied roll options with something for everyone's tastebuds! With plenty of vegetarian, gluten-free, seafood and meat options, you can't go past Sushi Joa for a quick snack or lunch. With rolls ranging between $3 and $4, it's a perfect grab-and-go option. And a local's tip: head on down to the foreshore to enjoy your healthy lunch with a view of our bright blue oceans!
