Getting out and exploring the community involves plenty of sustenance, and cheap food in Nelson is something we can ALL get behind! Nelson has north of 50 restaurants, many of which offer incredible value – but if it’s not $12 or under, you won’t see it on this list.
If you don’t see your favourite affordable option on here, let us know on social media, and be sure to check out our food & drinks category for more culinary inspiration.
Cheap Food in Nelson
To qualify, the following restaurants need to have some sort of seating (no grocery store take-out options), and the item needs to be an entree that’s available all the time. You won’t see any appetizers on this list, nor any timed exclusives (such as happy hour specials).
Here’s our picks, in no particular order…
El Taco
Probably the best lunch or dinner deal going in town, ALL of El Taco’s signature burritos (*except the seafood) are under $12. That means you can pick from Loaded Vegetarian, Chicken, Turkey Chorizo, Shredded Beef, and Carnitas all for $11.65 or less!
They’re huge, delicious, and affordable. We also commend them on their margarita line – all double shot Mexican style cocktails for under $10.
Smash Burger
These single patty smash burgers are a little on the smaller side, but when you can get two for under $10, this is still an easy recommendation for lunch or dinner. If you’re feeling hungry, you can upgrade to a triple patty ($12 total), or get a 6 pack for $26 to share with friends or family.
The Royal
The Royal changed menus last year, and we’re pleased to say the new menu has some affordable upscale lunch and dinner options for under $12.
At under $10, we’d recommend The Royale w/ Cheese: ground chuck, cheddar, charred onion, pickles and house aioli.
For $12, the Fried Chicken Burger comes with lettuce, tomato, cheddar, pickles and mayo, and is available in crispy original, buffalo, Korean BBQ, or spicy Nashville style.
Sides are separate, but nonetheless these are great value!
Thor’s Pizza
A longtime Nelson staple that seems like a better deal every year, Thor’s Pizza offers a tasty assortment of calzones for $6.75 and pizza by the slice for $4.50.
Always in the running for best pizza in the city, and an institution at this point, Thor’s continues to serve its community well in both value and flavour! Come here for either lunch or dinner – pizza is good at any time of day.
While we’re talking pizza, Beauties also has pizza by the slice right on Baker Street for $5.
Vienna Cafe
The Vienna Cafe has a wide assortment of breakfast and lunch items available for under $12.
They serve breakfast all day (until closing, 3pm). Check out their classic American-style breakfast: Huge All Day Breakfast – 2 eggs, toast, 3 sides. They also have breakfast crepes for $7.50.
For lunch options under $12, check out their Roasted Chicken Burger, B.L.T., Vegetarian Sandwich (greens, avocado, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots, beets, and basil mayo). All of these are served with soup or salad.
If you’re not into sandwiches, they have a large organic green salad, as well as savoury lunch crepes that fit the bill, (the Seafood or Athena are 🔥).
Big Dee’s
Build your own wiener at Big Dees for whatever mood you’re in. An all-beef or veggie dog starts at $8.00, with complementary condiments and toppings (pickles, hot peppers, sauces), and premium toppings available such as caramelized onions and sauerkraut available for $1.
Not interested in the custom process? Just get the chili cheese dog for $12 and call it lunch.
Waits on Nelson
If you’re looking for cheap food in Nelson, you’ll be hard pressed to find a restaurant with more to offer than Waits. A classic-style diner that’s now on Nelson Ave, Waits is open for breakfast and lunch, and also serves hard ice cream!
Breakfast: Find pancakes, waffles, French toast, hash brown poutine, and a wide assortment of breakfast sandwiches/wraps between $9-12.
Lunch: Classic sandwiches such as their roast beef, veggie, ham, and chicken sandwiches, as well as their salad sandwiches (egg, chicken, ham, salmon, or tuna) are all under $12.
If you passed by Big Dee’s earlier, they have a large loaded dog for $8.25 (with bacon, onions and cheese), and chilli dogs for $8.49.
A classic diner with classic prices – what more could you want! Their corned beef hash is our #1 order here at $8.49 (or $13.49 with eggs & toast)🥔🐮
Yellow Deli
One of our go-to cheap lunch meals, Yellow Deli’s chili and sourdough combo is a delicious lunchtime staple. It’s $12 for a bowl, or $8.50 for a cup. They also offer a full size garden salad for $11, which may seasonally be made with produce from their own farm.
Dominion Cafe
The Dominion Cafe also has a great selection of breakfast sandwiches (on bread, croissant, or bagel) and lunch sandwiches under $12.
Our pick is the Mountain Climber – pesto, sprouts, roasted red pepper, 2 eggs, and avocado on sourdough for $9!
That’s our list of cheap food in Nelson you can get for under $12. Happy exploring, and bon appetite!
