Whether you are a seasoned Melbourne traveler or just looking for an excuse to visit, Melbourne has an abundance of restaurants to satisfy your appetite. From fine dining to smoke-focused cafes, you can explore Melbourne’s food culture and find something to satisfy your tastebuds. With every passing year, Melbourne pulls ahead of its competition and remains one of the world’s most food-forward cities.
Some of the best restaurants in Melbourne are inspired by local ingredients. In addition to classic French and Japanese establishments, Melbourne’s food culture also reflects the city’s historic waves of immigration. You can find native ingredients on many Melbourne menus, as well as on Indonesian and Malaysian menus. Some restaurants also serve native condiments and herbs.
The Flower Drum, a 50-year-old Cantonese fine dining institution in Chinatown, is known for its service and elegance. Most dishes are prepared tableside. You can enjoy a wide variety of dishes, including dumplings, noodles, seafood by the kilo and Peking duck. The waiters are trained to deliver the best formal service in the world.
Attica is one of Melbourne’s best restaurants and is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best. Chef Shannon Bennett has been at the helm for more than 20 years and has earned numerous awards, including 19/20 in The Age Good Food Guide. The menu is designed to showcase Melbourne’s neighborhoods and myths. The wine list is unique and focuses on the origin of each bottle. The restaurant is also known for its adventurous cocktails and drinks.
Hector’s Deli predates the pandemic sandwich trend by focusing on improving classics. This deli serves a golden schnitzel sandwich with pickle mayo. You can also try the traditional rum baba and stracciatella.
Vue de Monde is one of Melbourne’s most iconic rooftop restaurants and has been a staple of the Melbourne dining scene for years. The menu has evolved over the years to encompass the classical fine dining experiences of the past, but has also kept a sense of curiosity for the present. With a design inspired by Elenberg Fraser, the restaurant’s corrugated iron walls and kangaroo fur chairs reflect the sands of the Southern Hemisphere.
One of the most popular Melbourne coffeehouses is Sun Shoppe and Cafe. It has live music, a wide array of menus and is open all day. The coffee is made from custom-roasted beans and blends. You can also indulge in a smoothie or all-day breakfast. Sun Shoppe and Cafe also offers free wifi. The coffee is served in blended frappes.
You can also sample a wide variety of native dishes at Longsong, a 118-year-old warehouse that houses a modern take on traditional pan-asian cuisine. The menu includes meats on skewers and pan-asian dishes. This restaurant also features a woodfire grill. The ambience and service are impeccable.
For a more relaxed dining experience, try Matilda 159 Domain, an artisan smoke-focused restaurant operated by chef Scott Pickett. The kitchen is fuelled by live flames, making it a true labor of love.