Love on a Budget: The 10 Best Cheap Date Restaurants in Adelaide
Adelaide has plenty of spots to enjoy cuisines like French, Italian, and Asian, perfect for a romantic meal. But finding somewhere delicious and affordable can be tricky.
I’ve struggled to treat my partner without overspending, but I’ve discovered some great places that balance romance, flavour, and price.
If you’re planning a date and want to keep it budget-friendly, these cheapest date restaurants in Adelaide are worth checking out. You’ll enjoy a memorable meal without breaking the bank.
Amalfi Pizzeria Ristorante
Media From: amalfiadelaide
Address: 29 Frome St
Phone: +61 882 231 948
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday – 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.amalfipizzeria.com.au/
Price Range: $$
Amalfi Pizzeria Ristorante is a slice of Italy right in the heart of Adelaide. This place has been around for years, serving delicious wood-fired pizzas and creamy pasta. Plus, its rustic decor and warm lighting are perfect for intimate conversations, especially when on a date.
I brought my wife here once and ordered their Margherita pizza for $26.50. It had a delightful balance of tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant oregano.
Tip: Indulge in a bottle of Nino Franco Prosecco for $50. It has a crisp and refreshing taste, suitable after finishing a whole Margherita pizza.
Parwana Afghan Kitchen
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Address: 124B Henley Beach Rd
Phone: +61 884 439 001
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday to Saturday – 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Sunday – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: http://www.parwana.com.au/
Price Range: $
Take your date to Parwana Afghan Kitchen to taste Afghan cuisine. It’s a great spot that won’t break the bank. You can try dishes like mantu, ashak, and narenj palaw, all made with care.
I used to come here often with an ex-girlfriend. The cosy decor, inspired by Afghan culture, always felt welcoming. For around $30, we’d share a mixed platter of kebabs, dumplings, and fresh bread. Everything was full of flavour and freshly prepared!
Tip: It’s also a great place for families, as this restaurant offers a communal-style dining experience.
Sunny’s Pizza
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Address: 17 Solomon St
Phone: +61 455 522 356
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Website: https://www.sunnys.pizza/
Price Range: $
If you and your partner enjoy something creative, check out Sunny’s Pizza. They serve traditional pizzas with a twist and keep it budget-friendly.
My wife and I often come here for a laid-back date night. The lively atmosphere, with local artwork on the walls, adds to the charm.
We always order the eggplant parmigiana for $26. It’s hearty and delicious, with tender eggplant, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella.
Tip: Take advantage of their daily pizza specials and get discounts of up to 30%!
Hey Jupiter
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Address: 11 Ebenezer Pl
Phone: +61 416 050 721
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Thursday to Sunday – 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: http://heyjupiter.com.au/
Price Range: $$
Hey Jupiter is a great spot for a French-inspired date that won’t stretch your budget. They serve meals all day, with most dishes priced around $30. The quaint setting, including outdoor seating, makes it ideal for a relaxed and intimate evening.
Last Valentine’s, I took my wife here for a quiet dinner. We enjoyed the fresh breeze in their alfresco area while sharing a plate of freshly shucked oysters. The oysters were clean, briny, and the perfect start to our meal.
Tip: Ask for their biodynamic wine options. They have a selection of hard-to-find wines from biodynamic producers like Maison Overnoy, Domaine Gramenon, and more.
Junipers on the Marina
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Address: 11/12 Holdfast Promenade
Phone: +61 870 786 400
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Friday – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday – 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.junipersonthemarina.com.au/
Price Range: $$
Take your date to Junipers on the Marina for stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. You can sit indoors, surrounded by modern decor, or enjoy the marina’s charm from its outdoor seating.
Known for gin and tapas, the restaurant feels upscale but still offers dishes for around $30. Candlelit tables add a romantic touch, making it a great spot for an affordable yet special night out.
Back in my bachelor days, I had a first date here and shared their charcuterie board. It came with a fantastic mix of cured meats and artisanal cheeses. We finished with a chocolate fondant and vanilla ice cream—a perfect ending to a memorable evening.
Tip: Book a table for 5 p.m. to enjoy the sunset as your backdrop.
Cumbia Bar & Kitchen
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Address: GR Central Market, 43 Grote St
Phone: +61 882 216 879
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Friday to Saturday – 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: http://www.cumbia.com.au/
Price Range: $$
Take your date on a culinary adventure at Cumbia Bar & Kitchen. This Latin American-inspired spot offers vibrant decor, live music, and a menu blending traditional Latin flavours with modern Australian twists.
I took my wife here for a date night. I had their roasted free-range pork ribs for $30, while she ordered the paella for $18.
The pork was tender, and the homemade BBQ sauce added just the right balance of sweetness and tang. Her paella, on the other hand, was packed with saffron rice, chorizo, chicken, and fresh seafood—full of traditional Spanish flavours.
Tip: Try the pisco sour cocktail. With pisco, lime, syrup, and a frothy egg white top, it’s a refreshing mix of tart and sweet to complement your meal.
Market & Meander
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Address: 23-29 Market St
Phone: +61 884 722 400
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Website: https://adelaide.hotelindigo.com/marketandmeander/
Price Range: $$
For affordable Italian-inspired cuisine, check out Market & Meander. This modern spot serves pasta, meat, and seafood dishes made with local ingredients and cooked in traditional Italian style.
The stylish decor creates a cosy, intimate setting, perfect for good food and conversation.
My wife and I came here when she wanted to explore Italian cuisine, and it didn’t disappoint. I loved the butternut lasagna! It had layers of roasted butternut squash, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta, all for just $24.
Tip: Consider pairing your butternut lasagna with a glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Its bright acidity and citrus notes complement the lasagna’s creamy and sweet flavours.
Bistro Francais
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Address: 144A King William Rd
Phone: +61 870 019 210
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Website: http://bistrofrancais.com.au/
Price Range: $$
Bistro Français is a cosy French restaurant perfect for those wanting a romantic dinner on a budget. Its classic decor creates a relaxed and intimate setting. The menu features favourites like duck confit, onion soup, and more, all priced under $40.
My partner and I tried the duck confit here, and it didn’t disappoint. The meat was delicious and tender, and the skin was crisp. It came with lentils and seasonal veggies, including roasted carrots and green beans.
Tip: Bring your own wine to save on drinks. Just note there’s a $20 corkage fee for a 750 ml bottle.
Longplay Bistro
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Address: 131 Pirie St
Phone: +61 881 510 967
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday to Sunday – 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: https://www.nearmint.com.au/longplay-bistro
Price Range: $$
Longplay Bistro is a modern dining spot that’s creative and budget-friendly. The menu changes with the seasons, so you get dishes at their best. They mix traditional bistro classics with fresh, modern twists, making it a great choice for comfort food.
The open kitchen adds a special touch, perfect for a romantic night out. You can watch the chefs at work while enjoying good conversation and great food.
I took my partner here for our fifth wedding anniversary, and we tried the rigatoncini with vodka sauce, which cost $36. It was a memorable meal. A velvety tomato sauce with a touch of spice encased the perfectly cooked pasta, garnished with shredded cheese and fresh herbs.
Tip: Opt for their chocolate mousse as your dessert. Its rich, velvety texture and deep chocolate flavour pair well with Longplay Bistro’s dishes.
Godi La Vita
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Address: 162B King William Rd
Phone: +61 883 777 844
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Wednesday to Thursday – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday to Saturday – 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Sunday – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Website: http://godilavita.com.au/
Price Range: $$
For an intimate yet lively atmosphere that will not cost you a fortune, consider taking your date to Godi La Vita. This Italian spot has a warm and stylish interior, with polished wood and modern decor.
The menu features Italian favourites like fettuccine marinara, pappardelle al ragù, and pan-seared scallops. They also offer a dessert platter with tortino, homemade vanilla gelato, and fresh fruit, perfect for a romantic night out.
Back when I was dating my now-wife, I wanted to impress her without overspending. I brought her here, and we shared the signature cheese wheel pasta for $37. The creamy sauce, made with 18-month-aged Parmesan, gave the fettuccine a deep, nutty flavour that we both loved.
Tip: For something special, try the banquet menu. It’s a selection of shareable dishes like arancini, calamari fritti, and chargrilled eggplant. It’s ideal for couples looking to enjoy a meal together.
