Forget plant tickets and packing woes! Melbourne’s food scenes take you on a global adventure without leaving the city limits. Melbourne, the food capital of Australia, is about more than just iconic meat pies and Tim Tams (though those are delicious, too!). It is filled with bustling markets, renowned restaurants, and vibrant flavours.
So buckle up, foodies. Let’s celebrate cultural diversity all within a day’s delicious exploration. Your taste buds will thank you!
Multicultural Neighbourhoods of Melbourne
The city’s dynamic street food culture reflects the pulse of Melbourne’s diverse communities.
Chinatown | A Dumpling Paradise
Melbourne’s Chinatown is a sensory explosion. Here are a few places to satisfy your cravings:
Shanghai Street
Head on the Shanghai street for delicate xiao long bao (soup dumplings) that burst with flavour.
Little Italy (Carlton) | A Haven of Pasta Perfection
This part of Lygon Street is crammed with Italian restaurants, boutiques and bars, and ice-cream shops.
DOC Gastronomia Italiana
Wander through the cobbled streets of Carlton and find DOC Gastronomia Italiana for authentic pasta dishes.
Pellergrini’s Espresso Bar
Here, you can try the creamy tiramisu, which is one of its kind in flavour.
Brunswick | For Middle Easter Magic
It has a good reputation for great coffee, Sydney Road’s Middle Eastern cuisine, brunch, art galleries, and live music venues.
Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD)
Melbourne’s CBD isn’t just about skyscrapers and corporate hustle; it is filled with vibrant flavours and the best global cuisines. Here are its top eateries:
Reine & La Rue | A French Affair
This charming French Bistro transports you to Paris heaven with its cosy ambiance and attentive service – a must-book spot for Francophiles.
Address: 380 Collins Street
Specialities: Escargot, Coq au vin, and delicate Tarte Tatin
Society | Flavours with Elegance
This elegant dining destination serves a modern Australian menu in a sophisticated atmosphere. Remember to pair your meal with local wine here.
Address: 80 Collins Street
Specialities: Roasted Barramundi with Native Herbs and Kangaroo fillet
Stalactites | Greek Delights Underground
For decades, this subterranean Greek restaurant has served Melbourne with its authentic cavernous setting.
Address: 177–183 Lonsdale Street
Specialities: Souvlaki, Moussaka, and Baklava
Butcher’s Diner | Burger Bliss
This classic American diner takes burgers to the next level.
Address: 10 Bourke Street
Specialities: Juicy beef patties loaded with cheese, pickles, crispy shoestring fries, and secret sauce
Pellergrini’s | A Melbourne Icon
This legendary Italian eatery gives a no-frills vibe with a bustling atmosphere, making it an exceptional Melbourne experience.
Address: 66 Bourke Street
Specialities: Slide into a red vinyl booth and order a classic spaghetti bolognese or lasagna
Aru | Japanese Elegance
With a minimalist decor and a serene dining experience, this place offers refined Japanese cuisine.
Address: 268 Little Collins Street
Specialities: Sashimi Platter, Tempura, and Matcha-Infused Desserts
Embla | Wine and Woodfire
This wine bar and bistro focuses on natural wines encouraging conviviality through communal tables overlooking the vineyards.
Address: 122 Russell Street
Specialities: Wood-roasted spatchcock accompanied by Brussels sprouts and salted mandarins
Hutong Dumpling Bar | Dim Sum Delight
This place is a haven for dumpling enthusiasts.
Address: 14–16 Market Lane
Specialities: Xiao long bao (soup dumplings), Peking duck pancakes
Quick Tip: Start your day with a Melbourne CBD breakfast at the Hardware Société on Katherine Place. Their avocado toast and poached eggs are Instagram-worthy.
The Coffee Culture
Do you know that Melbourne’s coffee culture is legendary, and they take it very seriously? Well, yes, and leaving it behind means missing out on something incredible. And it’s a fact that you will miss the coffee here dearly because, let’s face it, nothing can beat or replace “THE MELBOURNE COFFEE.” Order a flat white or a double ristretto with steamed milk. Also, ask baristas for recommendations based on your taste preferences.
Hence, whenever you plan and book a flight from India to Australia for your next trip, consider the following places strictly to satisfy your coffee cravings:
- Seven Seeds Coffee Roasters
- Wide Open Road
- Industry Beans
- ST ALi
- Brother Baba Budan
- Aunty Peg’s
- Market Lane Coffee
- Acoffee
Must-Try Dishes in Melbourne
| Dish | Where to Try/ Place |
| Crispy eggplant with red spiced vinegar | Lee Ho Fook |
| Laksa paired with refreshing lychee soda | Laksa King in Flemington |
| Lasagna di Carne | 1800 Lasagne |
| Peking Duck | Flower Drum |
| Croissant | Lune |
| Greek Souvlaki (lamb or falafel version) | Jimmy Grants |
| Whole roast lamb shoulder | Cumulus |
| Cheeseburger | Butcher’s Diner |
| Italian Gelato (pistachio and blood orange flavours are divine) | Pidapipó Gelateria |
| Fish of the day | Bacash |
| Fish Dumplings | ShanDong Mama |
| Tajarin with rabbit ragu | Alta Trattoria |
| God Fire Ramen | Hakata Gensuke |
Hidden Food Gems | Where Locals Feast
Want to go beyond cliches? Here’s the list:
Queen Victoria Market | Foodie Wonderland
Wake up early to explore this bustling hub of food and culture. Explore the fresh produce section – from juicy peaches to exotic dragon fruit. Take advantage of the cheese stalls to sample creamy bries and tangy blues. Head to the famous Borek Shop for a quick bite – their spinach and feta boreks are flaky parcels of heaven.
Degraves Street | Laneway Magic
This is a narrow laneway adorned with graffiti-covered walls and cafes. Grab a seat at Degraves Espresso Bar – their aromatic coffee will kickstart your day.
Some More Iconic and Traditional Dishes of Melbourne
Here’s what you can try for local cuisines and touch:
- Lamb Roast
- Chicken Parmigiana
- Meat Pie
- Banh Mi
- A Burger with “the lot”
- Gozleme
- Hot Jam Doughnut
- Barramundi
- Vegemite on Toast
- Pippies in XO
Food Tours and Experiences | Curated Adventures
Ah! This is something exceptional and a must-try when in Melbourne.
Multi-Cultural Foodie Tour
Join the guided tour that takes you beyond the obvious. Here are some more hidden gems:
Footscray
Visit here for the love of Vietnamese pho, Cambodian noodles, and Ethiopian injera.
Richmond
Try Sample Sri Lankan hoppers, Afghan kebabs, and Persian sweets here.
Fitzroy
Discover vegan delights, craft beer, and Ethiopian coffee ceremonies here.
Yarra Valley Wine Tour
Escape the city for a day and breathe in the crisp Yarra Valley air. Visit boutique wineries and sip on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz while overlooking rolling vineyards. Also, you can pair local cheese and olives with your wine for added flavour.
Budget-Friendly Adventures
Don’t worry about money. Here are some budget-friendly options to explore in Melbourne:
Food Trucks
Melbourne’s food trucks are a movable feast. Follow them on social media to track their daily locations. Here are some favourites:
Beatbox Kitchen
Their juicy beef burgers with secret sauce are legendary.
Dos Diablos
Their tacos and elote (grilled corn) are a must-try for Mexican street food lovers.
Night Noodle Markets
During Good Food Month, the Night Noodle Markets transform Birrarung Marr into an Asian wonderland. It’s a feast under the stars, from Japanese takoyaki to Thai green, so make sure to try some delicious dishes here.
Desserts to Try in Melbourne
Done with the appetisers and main course, here’s a rough list of desserts to try:
- Pavlova
- Gelato Messina Fitzroy
- Pidapipo Gelateria
- Chemnitz
- Thai Desserts
- Cheesecake
- Cobblers and Crumbles
Catching the Famous Food Souvenirs of Melbourne
The game is not over yet. Dear foodies, here are some more tasty delights of Melbourne calling you. So without further ado, book your next flight from India to Australia and get ready to taste the following relishes:
- Tim Tams: These chocolate-coated biscuits are an Aussie icon. Try the dark chocolate or salted caramel flavours – they’re dangerously addictive.
- Vegemite: Love or hate it; Vegemite is Australian in a jar. Spread it thinly on toast and embrace the umami goodness.
- Macadamia Nuts: These buttery nuts are native to Australia. Just grab a bag for snacking or baking.
- Local Honey: Sweet memories bottles up. Drizzle it over your morning porridge or use it in marinades.
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