Eats & Drinks in Melbourne
In perfect harmony with its art and fashion, Melbourne has some of the best restaurants in Australia. There are almost too many to choose! To help you, I have noted some of my favourites below. These spots have been tried and tested by me as well as many others with whom I have shared my list. There is something for everyone in Melbs, from super casual to fancy schmancy. Enjoy!
Fancy Pants on a Special Occasion Restaurants
- Rockpool. Classic steakhouse with seafood and amazing wine. It's very popular in Australia (there is one in Sydney and another in Perth.) It was just rated #22 on a Top 100 Aussie restaurants list. you just can't go wrong.
- Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. This is an outpost of London resto called Dinner. He’s amazing and extremely talented. This will be a culinary adventure and is pricey, so go for a special occasion.
- Cutler & Co. The brother of Cumulus Inc. (below) but more expensive and fancier. The chef, Andrew McConnell, has several restaurants and is essentially considered an Australian treasure. This spot is a classic higher-tier Aussie restaurant in an old metal factory.
Cool and Not (Too) Over the Top Restaurants
- Cumulus Inc. One of my absolute fave spots on the famous Flinders Lane. Great Aussie food - the chef is Andrew McConnell - and a welcoming atmosphere. It's open all day - great for brekkie, lunch, coffee, cocktails or dinner.
- Nora. I'd describe this as imaginative Thai. They take classic flavors but present them with a twist. It's a tiny spot; book in advance.
- Cumulus Up. Wine bar with food located upstairs in the Cumulus Inc. bulding. YUM. I was there by myself and the staff could not have been nicer.
- Mamasita. Hip. Mexican. Really good but popular. Prepare to queue and enjoy their delicious margaritas. The sweet corn ice cream is delicious, too.
- MoVida. Hip. Spanish tapas.
- Gingerboy. One of my absolute favorites. I have eaten there 5+ times. I still dream about the duck leg curry and the son-in-law eggs (see photo below) are a must try. Trust me.
- Belle’s Hot Chicken. Melbs is into fried chicken and this place is awesome.
- Heart Attack & Vine. Small plates Italian. Menu is constantly changing.
- Ricky & Pinky. Hong Kong-style Chinese in a really cool building. Great vibe with an open kitchen and lively atmosphere. The grilled baby corn is yummy.
- Ibla Cucina Italiona. I hear the everything but especially the pizza is good (but admittedly have not been).
- Mamma Vittoria. Italian. Friend recently ate there on a biz trip and it hit the spot. Casual vibe.
- ChinChin. So so so so good. Popular. You may have to wait but worth it. Go downstairs to GoGo Bar for cocktails.
- Spice Temple. Amazing Asian. The Kung Pao Chicken apparently has extra spice that can make you feel a bit lightheaded (i.e., high). The Hot & Numbing Duck is unreal, too. It always wins awards and accolades. The food is phenomenal. And their drink menu is so clever as it's built around the 12 zodiac signs. There is one in Sydney too.
- Claypots. Seafood bar in St. Kilda (at the beach). This has been around forever.
- Saigon Sally. Head to Hanoi Hannah for classic, well-prepared Vietnamese.
- Belleville. A foodie friend recently went on a culinary tour of Melbs, stopped here and loved it. She recommends the rotisserie chicken (the house special).
Great Stops for Cocktails. There is no shortage of pubs in Melbourne, but if you're looking for fun cocktails and/or great views, try these.
- The Bar at Dinner. If you like history and inventive cocktails, this is the place to go. Each cocktail is inspired by British history, with one dating back to the 17th century. So fun!
- Imperial Hotel. Everyone has to have a drink on the rooftop at least once. Great view of the city!
- Black Pearl. I haven't been but a trusted friend says it is good and chill. It's tucked into Fitzroy and has been around for over a decade, but don't let that fool you. They love to try new things!
- LuiBar. It's 55 levels up at the top of the Rialto. The beautiful views are complimented by the luxe, chic feel of the bar.
