First semester 101: Cheap eats near RMIT Brunswick

Discover affordable food options just a short walk from the RMIT Brunswick campus.

Whether you’re grabbing something between classes, fuelling a long studio day, or looking for a cheap dinner with friends, this guide offers up foodie-worthy options all within easy walking (or tramming) distance to the RMIT Brunswick campus.

AI Bakery

20-minute walk/10-minute tram ride from RMIT
Vegetarian options

An iconic Brunswick spot known for generous, cheap Lebanese pizzas, dips, wraps and more. The savoury pastries are incredible and start from $6.

Green Refectory

4-minute walk from RMIT
Vegetarian options

Green Refectory is a Brunswick institution that offers a huge selection of pies, pastries, salads and other fresh cafe classics. The portions are huge and the variety means you’ll never get bored.

Baba Hawker

5-minute walk from RMIT
Halal, vegan and vegetarian options

A reliable spot for comforting and tasty Malaysian food. Explore the endless selection of stir fries, curries and homemade bread.

Tibas

12-minute walk or 7-minute tram ride from RMIT
Halal and vegetarian options

Authentic Lebanese food prepared fresh on premises. The portion sizes are huge, meaning that you can definitely split a meal with a friend. Our top picks? The cheese and spinach pie and the Lahme Ba’ajin are only $7 and taste incredible.

Juanitos

8-minute walk or 6-minute tram ride from RMIT
Vegan and vegetarian options

An unassuming breakfast and lunch spot slinging gooey toasties, great salads and their famous $10 pastrami roll. It’s a good between-classes-pick-me-up and a top lunch spot.

Cheaper Buy Miles

5-minute walk from RMIT
Grocery items, subject to supply

A discount food store that’s perfect for stocking up on drinks, noodles, snacks, or meal‑prep ingredients without spending much. Great for supplementing your weekly shop.

Maalu Maalu

5-minute walk from RMIT
Vegetarian and vegan options

The legendary Sri Lanken Buffet offers a delicious selection of curries, rice, sambol and more. Head there for a hearty lunch or a filling after-class dinner with friends. There all you can eat buffet special is $25.

Madonna Electric

25-minute walk from RMIT
Vegetarian and vegan options

It’s a bit of a hike but hear us out — Madonna Electric is an eclectic venue that makes you feel like you’re having a meal at Nonna’s house. Although the pricing of their main menu is fairly standard, on Monday nights they offer a bottomless pizza special for $25pp that’s perfect for taking the edge off the start of the week.

Free Food on Campus

Discover delicious, no-cost options to keep you fuelled and focused on campus. Courtesy of RMIT and the RMIT University Student Union (RUSU).

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03 March 2026

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First semester 101: Cheap eats near RMIT Brunswick

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Discover affordable food options just a short walk from the RMIT Brunswick campus.

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