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Melbourne’s Must Try Bites: From Street Food to Fine Dining

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
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
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
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
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
Must-Try Dishes in Melbourne
DishWhere to Try/ Place
Crispy eggplant with red spiced vinegarLee Ho Fook
Laksa paired with refreshing lychee sodaLaksa King in Flemington
Lasagna di Carne1800 Lasagne
Peking DuckFlower Drum
CroissantLune
Greek Souvlaki (lamb or falafel version)Jimmy Grants
Whole roast lamb shoulderCumulus
Cheeseburger Butcher’s Diner
Italian Gelato (pistachio and blood orange flavours are divine)Pidapipó Gelateria
Fish of the dayBacash
Fish DumplingsShanDong Mama
Tajarin with rabbit raguAlta Trattoria
God Fire RamenHakata Gensuke

Hidden Food Gems | Where Locals Feast

Want to go beyond cliches? Here’s the list:

Queen Victoria Market | Foodie Wonderland

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
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
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
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.
Booking and Travelling Made Easy with Our Travel Partners
Booking and Travelling Made Easy with Our Travel Partners

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