Feeling the squeeze? Apart from post-holiday blues and festive season burn-out, this year the entire world feels the additional weight of tough financial times.

In the light of this (and because January is always known to be a particularly long month…) we revisit our favourite cheap eats from Eat Out Peoples Choice 2008, and suggest a few new ones.

PEOPLEs CHOICE

Bardellis
Fabulous pizza and pastas live happily alongside specials like Bardellis famous lamb shank.

Carlyles
Capetonians travel far and wide to frequent this friendly neighbourhood eatery.

Dros
South Africas favourite cellar-style, family restaurant with an extensive menu for every pocket and palate.

Chef Pons
A perennial stalwart for locals wanting an oriental fix…

Fat Cactus Café
Cast diets aside and dig into spicy Mexican fare with relish. Now also in Gardens.

Mugg and Bean
Great-value sandwiches, affordable coffee and generous portions – what more do you want?

Panchos Mexican restaurant
Many a Capetonians only Amigo – enjoy margaritas by the bucketful.

Posticino
A Sea Point institution serving large, well-cooked portions of Italian classics.

Royale Eatery
A funky hangout where burgers are big, flavoursome and fair-priced.

Spiga DOro
A Durban institution – this venue is fun, vibey and full of life at any time.

More cheap eats…

JOBURG

– Kung Fu Kitchen
– Rodizio
– Sakhumzi

PRETORIA

– Hillside Tavern
– Tings an Times Pita Bar

CAPE TOWN

– Tonis on Kloof
– Wembley
– 1890 House Sushi and Grill

DURBAN

– Delux Burger Bar
– Ginas
– The Mad Italian

– MORE cheap eats, as suggested by the Eat Out web community.
– Send us your favourite cheap eats!