Melbourne, a vibrant city known for its rich cultural diversity and dynamic culinary scene, offers an array of dining and drinking experiences that cater to every palate. From hipster coffee shops and bustling markets to hidden cafes and high-end restaurants, Melbourne’s food and drink landscape is a reflection of its cosmopolitan population. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast seeking the perfect brew, a food lover exploring various international cuisines, or a wine connoisseur looking for the finest local vintages, Melbourne has something to delight everyone.
Join us as we take you on a gastronomic journey through some of the best places to eat and drink in this culinary capital.
Coffee Culture
Coffee isn’t just a drink in Melbourne; it’s a lifestyle. Residents take their coffee very seriously, often debating about which place serves the best brew with the same intensity as discussions about world issues. At South Melbourne Market, a hotspot for hipsters, Clement Coffee stands out. Order a Long Black, the Australian version of an Americano, or a Flat White, a latte made from their single-origin coffee, and indulge in some people-watching. Not far from Clement, St.ALi is an edgy café filled with stylish individuals working on their laptops, fueled by St.Ali’s expertly crafted coffee. The menu features coffees sourced from Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, and a single-origin Kenyan coffee with elegant floral notes, blueberries, pineapple, juicy lime, and hints of honey. After a trip to the bustling South Melbourne Market, head to Padre Café forDaddy’s Girl, a strong espresso shot and one of their most popular orders. Though the café is small, with limited seating outside, it’s perfect if you want to be amidst the market buzz.
Farm to Table
Farmer’s Daughters celebrates the seasonal bounty of Gippsland with menus that highlight regional ingredients, wines, and spirits. Dishes are crafted in an open campfire kitchen, cooked over charcoal and wood to enhance rustic flavors. The venue includes a ground-floor deli and a greenhouse-inspired rooftop bar, adorned with native plants and herbs featured in the cocktails and dishes.
Also Read: 72 Hours in Melbourne, Australia | Travel and Food Guide
Melbourne’s Cosmopolitan Food Scene
Melbourne’s diverse population is reflected in its food scene, which includes everything from tiny dim sum restaurants and trendy food trucks to traditional restaurants and chic new kitchens. Main dishes at mid-range restaurants typically cost around AU$15-AU$20, while sides are about AU$6-10. While food in Melbourne is not cheap, portions are usually generous, making sharing a viable option.
For Italian
Lygon Street in Carlton, Melbourne’s Italian neighborhood, is perfect for indulging in hearty pasta or pizza. Brunetti’s, a local institution, was the first to serve Italian coffee in Melbourne and now has several locations across the city. It offers a variety of pizza, pasta, salads, pastries, and coffee. Locals often stop by for a quick bite or to take away treats when visiting friends for dinner. The sheer variety makes Brunetti’s a great spot for large families.
For Mediterranean
Located in the historic Cavendish House, Gimlet exudes classic European charm with its high ceilings, dark wood floors, plush booths, and Art Deco details. This stylish cocktail bar and restaurant offers a Mediterranean-style menu featuring fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and wood-fired meats. Enjoy inventive cocktails at the bar, and for a special treat, indulge in their luxurious caviar service.
For Greek
For a taste of Greek cuisine, head to Stalactites on Lonsdale Street, an area filled with fabulous Greek restaurants. Stalactites is a favorite among locals for its souvlaki rolls, pita and hummus platters, and feta prepared in various ways.
For Chinese
Melbourne is renowned for its Asian cuisine, often considered among the best outside Singapore. At Sichuan House on Corrs Lane, the cumin-spiced crisp fried pork with red chillies is a must-try. This no-frills restaurant is tucked away in a side street off China Town.
For Pan Asian
Supernormal, easily recognized by its neon-red cherries and frequent queues, is a casual, contemporary restaurant known for its pan-Asian cuisine inspired by Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Hong Kong. The menu features favorites like dumplings, Korean BBQ pork, bao, spicy pickled vegetables, ramen, and creative desserts such as peanut-butter parfait.
For Thai
Chin Chin, a vibrant South East Asian diner, is one of Melbourne’s favorite spots for dynamic, Thai-influenced dishes. The lively atmosphere, with upbeat music and contemporary art, complements the menu designed for sharing. Enjoy zesty salads, spicy curries, punchy stir-fries, smoky barbecued meats, and plenty of vegetarian options.
For Vietnamese
At Banoi, try the set lunch featuring half a banh mi sandwich and a cup of fragrant pho. Their vermicelli bowls, rice paper rolls, and savory pancakes are also excellent. Finish your meal with Vietnamese coffee, served with condensed milk.
Must Read: What To Eat In Australia : 17 Most Popular Local Dishes
Vegan Friendly and Healthy Eateries
Red Sparrow, an all-vegan pizzeria, defies the stereotype of subpar vegan pizza by crafting its own mock meats and cheeses, such as pepperoni and coconut oil-tapioca cheese. Their wood-fired margherita features creamy vegan fior di latte on a tangy San Marzano tomato base, with a thin, lightly charred, perfectly chewy crust.
Green Man’s Arms, situated on the iconic corner of Elgin and Lygon Street, now serves a 100% vegan menu. The venue has revamped pub classics like burgers and steaks into plant-based versions. Open from late afternoon until late, it’s a great spot to enjoy local drinks alongside dishes like king oyster ‘calamari’.
With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Shakahari is a beloved establishment in Carlton. Its menu blends culinary influences from Japan, China, and Thailand. Catering to diverse dietary preferences, each dish specifies whether it is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, or free of garlic and onions. The restaurant offers a rotating menu that highlights local, seasonal ingredients, ensuring nutritious and satisfying meals.
Bowls Baby offers nourishing dishes made entirely from whole foods, with a menu that is gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and full of fresh ingredients. Start your day with a blended breakfast bowl, featuring dairy-free smoothies topped with fruits and nuts and a variety of alternative milks. For lunch, enjoy a loaded bowl with options like BBQ jackfruit, falafel, or spicy tofu, complemented by a range of healthy add-ons.
Seedling offers Paleo-inspired, 100% gluten-free goodies that are both delicious and nourishing. They feature plant-based options like smashed avocado with vegan feta, coconut acai bowls, and fresh fruit smoothies. They also provide gluten-free and vegan sweet treats for takeaway.
Food Trucks
Melbourne’s food trucks have evolved from serving quick snacks to offering diverse cuisines, including African dishes, jaffles (Australian toasties), wood-fired pizzas, Brazilian grills, and single-estate cappuccinos. The city’s mobile kitchens are now a gourmet experience in their own right.
Wine and Dine
Within a couple of hours from Melbourne, you’ll find vineyard restaurants ideal for a fancy meal. Rae’s Restaurant in the Yarra Valley offers spectacular views and serves wine from the Balgownie Estate. Their beer-battered snapper and vine-smoked chargrilled boneless rib-eye are highly recommended. Polperro combines a winery with an intimate bistro serving meals paired with their in-house wine. Try their duck cassoulet and their smoked yogurt. Eleonore’s Restaurant at Chateau Yering, about an hour from Melbourne, offers formal dining with two- and three-course set meals. Pair a Yarra Valley Chardonnay with wild mushroom tortellini or miso-braised eggplant, and finish with hazelnut cheesecake for dessert.
For nearly two decades, Shannon Bennett’s Vue De Monde has been a top choice for fine dining in Melbourne. Upon exiting the elevator, you’re welcomed into a climate-controlled wine room with about 2,000 bottles, primarily from Victoria. The ever-changing Chef’s Tasting Menu showcases unique Australian ingredients in creative and theatrical presentations.
Masterchef Wars
Melbourne boasts two of its fanciest restaurants: The Press Club by George Calombaris and Grossi Florentino Grill by Guy Grossi. The Press Club offers Greek-influenced, modern dishes with a focus on textures and presentation, while Grossi Florentino provides generous portions of hearty Italian fare. Both restaurants offer unique dining experiences, each spectacular in its own way.
World Renowned
Led by acclaimed chef Ben Shewry, Attica is renowned as one of the world’s top dining destinations, regularly appearing on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. This fine dining venue offers an adventurous yet relaxed experience, showcasing native Australian ingredients. The multi-course tasting menu features rare items like finger limes, bunya nuts, marron, and murnong (yam daisy), each dish reflecting the local region’s stories and landscapes. The drink list is equally impressive, with innovative cocktails and a selection of wines from Australia and beyond.
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