10 Top Cheap Eats in Port Elizabeth

Fast, efficient and budget-friendly, Panarottis Express is all about hot, gooey pizza that always hits the spot. Its location at the Boardwalk and close to the beach means you can pick up a pizza and hit the sand with it. Add more toppings or a soda of your choice from the versatile menu that allows patrons to mix and match according to their taste preferences. Halal meals are also available.

Although not the cheapest option on this list, RocoMamas is nevertheless well known for offering both excellent value for money and lip-smacking food. Their burgers come highly recommended and patrons can choose from the menu or build a tower with their own choice of toppings. Those looking for a meatier meal will not go wrong with a rack of sticky, moreish ribs, accompanied by a side order of perfectly cooked fries. Vegetarians are also suitably catered for.

Once a cozy little hideaway in Central, Angelo’s now has two outlets: one on the beachfront in Summerstrand and the other in Walmer. The food is well priced and tasty and ranges from light lunch choices such as tramezzini and sandwiches to more substantial meals. Service is unhurried, so don’t expect a speedy meal, but the good value for money makes up for a slightly longer wait. You can also enjoy free Wi-Fi and a good cup of coffee.

Something Good is one of the coolest and most laid-back eating spots in Port Elizabeth, and offers views of the ocean and a hint of American diner atmosphere. It’s a great spot to visit at any time of the day, with an emphasis on quality and taste without all the fancy frills. The extensive menu ranges from waffles and ice cream to burgers and steaks, all well priced and served in generous portions. Although it’s usually busy, patrons are never rushed, and can take their time soaking up the festive atmosphere and enjoying the good food.

It’s easy to make merry at the Barn and Barrel, where live music and tasty food go hand in hand. The old English pub layout means low lighting and cozy booths, but the atmosphere is far from dim, as the eatery and pub constantly echo with a jovial vibe. Live music features on most Sundays and regular specials ensure that big appetites are catered for on a low budget. Bring along a few friends and join in the fun at this chilled and informal pub-and-grub.

Whether it is a scrumptious Sunday lunch you’re looking for, or a great special, Pappa G’s will meet your need with a huge variety of pizzas and other dishes to make your wallet smile. This informal and relaxed eatery feeds the soul as well as the stomach and patrons are almost guaranteed to leave happier and more contented. Pappa G’s offers friendly and efficient service and good food at good prices, so linger a while and enjoy the friendly hospitality.

A good place for an affordable meal, The Zone provides all the basics and ticks the boxes when it comes to comfort and food. This is a good spot for families, as kids are well catered for and have their own entertainment area to tear around in, while parents can relax and have a chat. While not extensive, the menu does cover all the popular choices, and the service is speedy and efficient. Look out for the regularly changing specials.

Ideally located in the Port Elizabeth harbor, This Is Eat serves up a super plate of fish and chips and other menu offerings such as seafood combos, burgers, wraps, and curries, all at highly affordable prices. While the restaurant furnishings are nothing grand, the great seaside location with seagulls screeching overhead makes for a relaxed, beachy setting, with the salty smell of the harbor providing the perfect accompaniment to any seafood meal. Meals are served in disposable containers that double up as takeaways.

Sometimes, nothing else will do but a good Chinese takeaway, and in Port Elizabeth one of the best places to get this is at Ling Long. The bright, airy, and functional eatery offers some casual seating and provides old-time favourites such as Singapore rice noodles, Shanghai steak, and chow mein. Other enticing options include Thai calamari and delicately steamed dumplings, while sushi lovers have a fabulous array of options. Fresh, affordable, and always tasty, you can’t go wrong at Ling Long.

There is no better place in Port Elizabeth to grab a quick and filling bite on the run than at Cassie’s Pies. What began almost three decades ago as a leap of faith for two brothers has, over the years, turned into one of the most popular and well-loved pie outlets in the city. Today the takeaway outlet sells not only freshly baked pies but also burgers, sandwiches, and breakfasts. No one can say they have experienced Port Elizabeth without trying a Cassie’s Pie. As a bonus, they are also one of the cheapest bites you’ll find in the city.