This ambitious diner explores Mexican cuisine in a way few Sydney spots do. Saddle up with this $65 menu, which includes tostadas, totopos and more. Plus, your choice of main and shot of mezcal on arrival.

Bella Brutta can do no wrong in the pizza department – we love it all. The best way to get across the lot, from the pepperoni to the cult clam number, is to spring for the set menu. Pace yourself though – the team will ply you with bread, plates of anchovies and fresh ricotta, and a cavalcade of snacks before the first pizza even hits the table. Unbeatable value for $60.

At Pinky-Ji, “unauthentic Indian” chef Jessi Singh brings all the fun and flavour of his Melbourne diner Daughter in Law to the Sydney CBD. And for $69, the chef’s selection is a steal, involving thali (a platter of curries, rice, and naan), tandoori chicken, Singh’s signature “balls of happiness” and more.

For casual Mediterranean-style dining by the beach, head to this breezy all-day spot at Bondi’s north end for the win. You can get a $75 spread that might include tuna tartare, burrata, fried chicken and more. The Margarita game here is strong – don’t leave without one.

Pasta nights at this vegetarian cafe get you serious bang for buck. Every Friday and Saturday, the team opens the roller doors for seasonal snacks, salads, a plate of pasta (such as hand-made ravioli or tagliatelle) and a dessert for $70. It’s BYO with a $10 corkage fee – and there’s a good bottle shop at the Henson Hotel next door.

The “Full Greek” menu at this modern taverna kicks off with warm pita, taramasalata and saganaki before going all out with oven-baked lamb shoulder, sides and dessert.

It’s a wonder how Dimitri’s does it. Come with a crew of four or more and you’ll get house-baked sourdough, olives, mixed antipasti and pizza – all for just $50 a head. Make one of those pizzas the Bee Sting, a spicy-sweet number featuring tomato, sopressa salami, mozzarella, parmesan and a lick of hot honey.

The Abercrombie’s ground-floor wine bar is where you can shop for fun wines or hole up for the night with this $50 menu for two. Taramasalata, shave-to-order charcuterie and pasta await.

The team behind Maybe Sammy have moved into a heritage Paddington pub and created a Mexican-inspired bar up there with this year’s best openings. Case and point: a $65 feast of tacos, charcoal-fired prawns, fancy guacamole and more. Settle in with some Margarita jugs and say “hola” to the weekend.

The izakaya set at Cho Cho San is more stylish than what you’d find down a Tokyo laneway. But for $65, it’s right on the money. Expect miso-marinated eggplant skewers, spicy sesame noodles, a tonkatsu pork cutlet with sides, and a riff on sticky date pudding with miso caramel and silken tofu.

This fun-loving Korean eatery and karaoke bar has two rules: no requests and no Daryl Braithwaite. Those who abide can enjoy a $75 feast influenced by owner Sammy J’s home province, Jeollannam-do, in South Korea. Expect banchan, bulgogi and much more.

Inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Matteo’s Classico menu starts with antipasti, before moving on to spicy vodka rigatoni, a chef’s selection of pizza, a main and bomboloni for dessert. This one will set you back $75.

A date-night winner. Parties of two can opt for the $65 spread, which might include pork and peanut san choy bow, duck and watermelon salad, and a Penang-style Wagyu beef curry. The CBD skyline views from Finger Wharf don’t get much more romantic.

Groups of four can spring for a $65 southern-Cali-inspired feast at this colourful cantina. The spread includes kingfish ceviche, crispy fried chicken wings and a DIY taco platter (chicken tinga and pork carnitas). Plus, you can add churros with warm dulce de leche for $3 per person.

This high-flying cocktail bar and diner from the team behind Eau De Vie does a killer set menu for $70. Come for a globe-trotting spread including falafel, Sichuan prawns, galbi-glazed brisket and more. Cocktails are a big "yes" given who’s behind the place.

This casual Ukrainian diner provides hospitality training and support to Ukrainian refugees who’ve found a home in Sydney. The vegan set menu for $75 is stacked with nine home-style dishes (like dumplings stuffed with mushroom and sorrel), and your cash is going to a great cause.

The northern beaches’ taverna-style wine bar has the Mediterranean vibes covered with this $65 banquet. You could be in for grilled flatbreads with Spanish-style sausage, fried zucchini flowers and a choice of steak or fish for the main course.

Though it’s not a set menu per se, this one’s too good to leave off. Bart Jr’s Tuesday night family meal includes pasta and a glass of vino for $35. The idea here is to throw on a cocktail or a bunch of sides – you’ll still probably land under $75.