Known as the food-forward capital of Australia, Melbourne offers a unique and innovative dining scene. From Japanese and French to Vietnamese and native Australian ingredients, the city’s culinary culture combines different cultural influences from across the globe. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch or dinner, you’re sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds. With a range of cafes offering full table service, it’s no wonder that Melbourne is a foodie’s haven.
There are plenty of cool city laneways to wander. The Queen Victoria Market is a de facto grocery store for thousands of locals. The market features over 600 stalls, and the street food vendors take to the streets every Wednesday evening. You can also spend a day exploring ethnic food in Box Hill.
A few popular restaurants and bars are found on the top floors of many of Melbourne’s iconic buildings. The 55th floor of the Rialto building is home to Vue de monde, a world-famous rooftop restaurant. This restaurant pays homage to classical fine dining while exploring native Australian ingredients. The restaurant also features a lightbox installation by Mucho.
Attica, a highly acclaimed restaurant, consistently appears on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Its menu is inspired by local myths, using the freshest ingredients and unusual herbs. It also offers an adventurous drinks list. You can also enjoy the degustation menu, which ranges from four to nine courses. The restaurant is spearheaded by the same chef, Diego Huerta Chabert. He has ten years of experience working in three Michelin star kitchens in Europe.
You’ll find an eclectic mix of arts and music at Chin Chin, which reflects Melbourne’s diverse cultural scene. The restaurant is housed in a Victorian townhouse that was once a burlesque venue. Its interior features eclectic wall art and white tiles. The restaurant also has an open kitchen, which adds an enticing vibe.
The restaurant is owned by a dynamic duo, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu and also work at Lucas Group restaurants. They’re also the owners of Falco, a pastry shop in Richmond, and Capitano, an Italian-American restaurant in New York City. They’ve also opened a wine bar called Bar Liberty, which features local Australian wines, sour beers and bourbons. They also offer food, including labne, garlic shoots and pork collar steak. The wine bar is also open all day.
The popular wine bar is run by a team of hospitality superstars. They’re also well-known for their wine bar menu, which leans European and features an extensive selection of wine, stracciatella and duck and pork croquettes. They also offer $5 drink specials during happy hour. They’re located in the same building as Spring Street Grocer, which features a mind-blowing cheese selection.
You can also find the popular wine bar at 1800 Lasagne, a new brick-and-mortar location. 1800 Lasagne began as a delivery service for the city’s elite, and is now a restaurant with a lively bar and comfortable dining room. You’ll find plenty of drink options here, including an extensive wine list, as well as checkered tablecloths, candlelight and plenty of music.