The 38 Must-Try Restaurants in Melbourne

This family-run Lebanese bakery in Brunswick has thrived for over 30 years. Beloved by both students and locals, it’s a true landmark in the area—simple yet exceptional. Prices begin at just 2 Australian dollars for freshly baked za’atar pizza topped with thyme, oregano, sumac, sesame seeds, and olive oil, going up to 18 Australian dollars for generous platters of chicken tawouk and falafel. In between, you'll find a hearty pie stuffed with chunks of haloumi, fresh tabbouleh, and ful medames. Don’t forget to grab a bag of warm flatbreads to take home with you.

The name says it all; this spot offers the best falafel in town, vibrant green and hearty on the inside, with a perfectly crispy exterior. Friends Shuki Rosenboim and Louisa Allan expanded their business from market stalls to a permanent location, gaining a loyal following. The charming Brunswick storefront is almost always bustling with young customers craving crispy salads, creamy hummus, sabich filled with eggplant, and of course, falafel. If you enjoy a kick, don’t hesitate to request extra zhug, their house-made sauce brimming with cilantro and green chile.

After honing his skills as a pastry chef at Napa Valley’s three-Michelin-starred Restaurant at Meadowood, Boris Portnoy relocated to Australia for a fresh start. His community-oriented bakery, All Are Welcome, occupies a transformed Christian Science Reading Room in the trendy Northcote neighborhood. The viennoiseries here exceed traditional croissants; look for bostock topped with fruit, rich chocolate babka, and an elevated version of khachapuri. In winter, be sure to try a slice of medovnik, an impressive 10-layer Slavic honey-and-buttercream cake. Portnoy also chefs next door at Gray and Gray, a dynamic Georgian wine bar he co-owns with winemaker Mitch Sokolin.

Chef-owner Kirsty Chiaplias dedicates herself to crafting her heartfelt, Turkish-inspired breakfast and lunch dishes from scratch. Babajan transitioned to a takeout-only model at the start of the pandemic, but the quality remains exceptional; the boreks, pides, simits, and wholesome salads are perfect for enjoying in the sun at nearby Edinburgh Gardens. Classic dishes like menemen (a baked egg dish with spiced tomato sauce) and pistachio dukkah occasionally make a special appearance on the menu. There's also a second location in the Central Business District (CBD).

Initially launched as an in-home dining experience, Helly Raichura’s tribute to regional Indian cuisines has evolved into a fully operational restaurant. The chef highlights the rich diversity of Indian food, featuring a degustation menu that focuses on one specific region at a time. Despite the transformation into a restaurant, Enter Via Laundry retains its air of intrigue and warmth: guests receive the Carlton North address only upon booking and share a large communal table in the center of the dining area. 

You'll spot plenty of industry professionals at Gerald’s Bar, where even Heston Blumenthal has been known to spin records. For 15 years, owners Gerald Diffey and Mario Di Ienno have infused the bar with their cheerful energy, creating an atmosphere filled with laughter and good vibes. The drink menu is extensive and intriguing, complemented by a straightforward bistro menu to satisfy your hunger.

Want to feel like a local? Join the early morning queue for the finest croissants outside of Paris. Siblings Kate and Cam Reid take three days to craft their exquisite layers of pastry and butter. For a unique experience, consider booking a stool at the Lune Lab, where you can watch the action unfold and enjoy a three-course pastry tasting. While there are two additional locations in the CBD and Armadale, the flagship store in Fitzroy is a must-visit.

Napier Quarter is the sort of place that might make you think about relocating to the vibrant Fitzroy area. This cozy neighborhood gem shifts from an espresso bar in the morning to a wine bar by afternoon. To complement its European and Australian wine selection, chef Eileen Horsnell crafts creative dishes using thoughtfully chosen local ingredients like pine mushrooms and Great Ocean Road duck. The rye toast topped with Spanish anchovies, boiled egg, mayo, and salsa verde has garnered a devoted following.

Melbourne's café scene owes much to spots like Cibi. Nearly 15 years after its inception, this Japanese café tucked away on a backstreet in Collingwood is thriving more than ever. The breakfast set is a favorite, featuring grilled salmon, tamagoyaki, rice, potato salad, miso soup, natto, and pickles. With its eclectic furniture and lush greenery, Cibi embodies the essence of a community hub. The sunlit venue also includes a Japanese grocery area and a design shop, where you can find items like yuzu miso and stone sake cups. 

Led by a stellar team from renowned places like Marion, Cutler & Co., and Coda, this sought-after wine bar features a cozy dining area with banquettes on the upper level and a vibrant bar below. The menu has a European flair, showcasing dishes such as duck and pork croquettes, potato focaccia served with chive oil, stracciatella, and pickled mushrooms, alongside a classic rum baba. The ever-changing wine list caters to enthusiasts of both traditional and quirky natural wines. For a perfect date night, the beloved arthouse Cinema Nova is conveniently located just around the corner.

Melbourne has a deep appreciation for wine bars, but the mischievous owners of Bar Liberty (also the brains behind the fantastic bakery Falco and the Italian-American restaurant Capitano) prefer to label their venue as an “alcohol bar,” highlighting their diverse offerings beyond wine. Don’t miss the locally crafted aperitif Okar (a superior alternative to Aperol), a selection of sour beers, and an impressive range of bourbons and ryes. The food is equally noteworthy, drawing locals back for standout dishes like pickled cucumbers paired with smoked eel dip and tender lamb backstrap seasoned with saltbush.

Navigate through the kitchen to discover the inviting dining area of The Old Raffles Place, adorned with fairy lights and vintage photographs of old Singapore. The restaurant is a labor of love from the husband-and-wife duo Carol and Alan Han, who initially crossed paths while working at a hotel in Singapore. After extensive careers in hospitality across Asia and Australia, they launched this establishment as their retirement venture. Two decades later, in their 70s and 80s, they’re still thriving and enjoying every moment. The char kway teow, featuring rice and Hokkien noodles in sweet soy sauce with shrimp, Chinese sausage, and squid, and the Hokkien mee, a blend of Hokkien noodles, rice vermicelli, shrimp, squid, and pork belly in a savory broth, are both exceptional. However, the standout dish may just be the char koay kak, or “carrot cake,” made from radish and rice cakes stir-fried with sweet soy sauce, egg, garlic, bean sprouts, and chile.

When the community-focused Hope St Radio relocated to the Collingwood Yards art precinct in 2021, it also introduced a wine bar adorned with vibrant hand-painted murals and lively DJs spinning tunes throughout the night. Chef Ellie Bouhadana offers a menu that's straightforward yet delectable, featuring handmade pasta, seasonal ingredients, and airy focaccia. Natural wines take center stage, best enjoyed in the lush courtyard.

Proud Mary Coffee, known for its popular brunch venue Proud Mary Cafe (with locations in Portland, Oregon, and Austin), operates this cozy tasting room in a Collingwood warehouse dedicated entirely to coffee. Enjoy a flight of single-origin espressos or savor the exceptionally smooth cold brew on tap. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, featuring weekly community cupping events. Just a heads up: no cream is available, as the baristas are quick to inform you that no milk is stored on-site. Don’t forget to grab some freshly roasted beans before you leave.

Chef-owner Shannon Martinez has been making delicious plant-based dishes long before the likes of Impossible or Beyond were popular. Her stylish restaurant and deli stand side by side, creating a vibrant vegan hub in Collingwood. The Mediterranean-inspired menu at Smith & Daughters pays homage to Martinez’s Spanish roots, featuring delights like mushroom arancini, “morcilla” in cherry jus, and “crema Catalana.” The adjoining deli offers mock-meatball subs and cinnamon doughnuts, rounding out the experience.

At Manzé, the team believes that wine bars can venture beyond traditional European fare, showcasing vibrant Mauritian cuisine instead. Chef Nagesh Seethiah highlights bold Indo-Mauritian flavors while incorporating French, Chinese, and Creole influences from the African island. Expect dishes like pumpkin confit in mustard oil, scallops with green mango pickle, and persimmon tarte Tatin. The set menu emphasizes organic and ethically sourced ingredients, complemented by a natural wine selection that shares the same values. This cozy North Melbourne spot proves that great things often come in small packages.

There's a reason the Queen Victoria Market features on every Melbourne travel guide. As the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, it boasts over 600 stalls and small businesses, serving as the primary grocery hub for many locals. You can also enjoy a fantastic meal: start with a borek or bratwurst from the deli, followed by chocolates from Koko Black, a hot jam doughnut from the American Doughnut Kitchen, and a flat white from Market Lane Coffee. On Wednesday evenings, the market comes alive with street food vendors.

Siglo Bar is the ultimate destination for enjoying stunning views of Melbourne’s skyline from late afternoon into the evening. With a diverse drink menu to satisfy all preferences and a concise snack selection to complement your beverages, it’s a must-visit. Also housed in the same building is Spring Street Grocer, where you can indulge in gelato by the scoop and discover an incredible cheese selection in the basement cellar.

Enjoying a classic plate of spaghetti Bolognese at the counter of Pellegrini’s is a true Melbourne tradition. Established by Italian immigrants after World War II, Pellegrini’s stands as one of the city's pioneering espresso bars and is often credited with launching Australian cafe culture. Since 1954, not much has changed—the food remains consistent, and the narrow space features a checkered floor and red-vinyl stools. There’s no printed menu, so you’ll need to chat with the staff to find out what’s available that day. A good choice would be one of the traditional pasta dishes paired with a refreshing glass of their signature melon granita. Don’t forget to grab an espresso as well.

If you ask Australia's top chefs about their go-to dining spot in Melbourne, many will point to Flower Drum, the renowned Cantonese fine dining venue in Chinatown that has been delighting patrons for nearly 50 years. Ascend from the host stand to the spacious dining area adorned with red carpets and be impressed by the elegantly dressed waitstaff who provide some of the finest formal service you can find globally. The menu features dumplings, noodles, a legendary Peking duck, and fresh seafood sourced from tanks right before cooking. Many dishes include an element of tableside preparation, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Every day, office workers flock to this dumpling shop located in a CBD arcade amidst retail stores and various Mytouries. The Shandong-style fish dumplings crafted by this mother-daughter duo are legendary. Shaped like cylinders and filled with a fluffy mackerel-and-herb mousse, they are pan-fried to achieve a crispy, juicy texture. The vegetable dumplings, featuring zucchini, tofu, black fungus, and noodles, as well as the squid-ink dumplings drizzled with garlic oil, are also must-tries, making the wait in line worth it.

Situated in a CBD parking lot, Soi 38 is one of Melbourne’s most celebrated Thai noodle spots. It’s always bustling, but you’ll find a seat at one of the vibrant tables eventually. Simply grab an order form, fill it out, and take it to the “counter,” which is actually an old cart that the owner once used for selling soup. There are various noodles and soups to choose from, including tom yum, but Soi 38 is particularly renowned for its boat noodles, featuring braised beef, sliced beef, meatballs, water spinach, bean sprouts, and crispy pork crackling. The sweet and aromatic broth can be customized with chili, fish sauce, and sugar. In the evenings, the restaurant expands its menu to include a wider range of Thai street food.

Chic and contemporary, Embla buzzes with guests savoring wine-friendly dishes crafted by chef Dave Verheul, alongside an innovative wine selection. The focal point of the kitchen is a wood oven that remains active throughout the day, as does the bar. This venue is essential for any Melbourne experience.

Named after the fine Italian flour, Tipo 00 serves up legendary pasta creations. The bright dining space fills up fast with the local office crowd, so it’s wise to reserve ahead or visit during off-peak hours. Pasta is a must-try, but don’t overlook the grilled ox tongue starter and chef Andrea Papadakis’s distinctive take on tiramisu.

Filipino cuisine is finally gaining recognition in Melbourne. Nestled in a CBD laneway, Serai serves contemporary interpretations of Filipino classics by chef Ross Magnaye, who creatively blends the vibrant flavors of his upbringing with Australian ingredients. Picture kinilaw featuring kangaroo on roasted marrow bone or hash browns smothered in kare kare peanut sauce. The wine selection is entirely natural, and the colorful cocktails are infused with unique ingredients like calamansi and ube.

Sandwich shops have been popping up across the city since the pandemic began, but Hector’s Deli was ahead of the curve. This deli emphasizes enhancing classic recipes rather than concocting new flavor blends. One standout is the chicken sandwich, featuring crispy golden schnitzel slathered in tarragon butter, crisp lettuce, and pickle mayo, all packed into a soft potato bun. Don’t forget to check the sweets menu for delicious donuts and apple fritters. The original shop is located in a quiet area of Richmond, with additional locations in South Melbourne and Fitzroy.

Request a spot at the bar to see chef Khanh Nguyen and his team prepare your dish over a red gum wood-fired grill. The menu leans towards Southeast Asian flavors while playfully integrating elements from other cuisines. This could mean a delicate pate en croute infused with banh mi flavors, or a duck sausage paired with caramelized onions served on bao that resembles the classic Aussie sausage sanga. Even Nigella Lawson has given her seal of approval, returning for the spanner crab fried rice.

Chef Victor Liong introduces a modern twist to Chinese cuisine, showcasing refined flavors and skillful techniques. The set menu focuses on seafood, featuring everything from loligo squid to toothfish. For a more relaxed dining experience, opt for a la carte at the chef’s counter and be sure to try the cult-favorite crispy eggplant. Located in a trendy hidden laneway, Lee Ho Fook’s charm is undeniable.

Chef and restaurateur Andrew McConnell is behind several cherished spots in the city, including the upscale butcher Meatsmith and the wine bar Marion. His latest creation, Gimlet at Cavendish House, stands out as a true gem. With its striking black marble bar, elegant chandeliers, and plush curved banquettes, it exudes old-world sophistication and luxury. Begin your meal with the signature gimlet cocktail, then indulge in the caviar service or the southern rock lobster wood-roasted in saffron rice. If you visit for lunch, the tableside steak tartare adds a touch of drama to any weekday meal.

Venture through a graffiti-adorned laneway to discover this Spanish Mytoury, where a welcoming crowd gathers at the bar, likely enjoying a glass of sherry alongside exquisite toasts topped with Ortiz anchovies and smoked tomato sorbet. While there are several offshoots of this brand, this original venue remains unmatched in charm and flavor.

Step into this basement treasure tucked away among CBD office towers, where the lavish décor will captivate you. Chef-owner Shane Delia, also a TV personality, draws inspiration from his travels, crafting a modern menu that fuses flavors from Malta, Lebanon, North Africa, Iran, and Turkey. For a more laid-back vibe, consider visiting Maha East in Windsor or Maha Bar in Collingwood.

While the use of native ingredients is gaining traction in Australia, for chef Nornie Bero, it’s a lifelong passion rooted in her upbringing on one of the Torres Strait Islands. The self-described 'island girl' highlights her heritage and culinary style at Big Esso, an all-day Mytoury and bar located in Melbourne’s Federation Square. Indulge in buckets of charred prawns paired with sea succulents, and try the kangaroo bourguignon, a twist on the classic. Don’t miss her signature damper, a delightful springy bread, and be sure to grab some native condiments and herbs like strawberry gum before you go.

If you ask Melburnians where to find the best banh mi, prepare for a spirited debate. Names like Bun Bun, Trang, Nhu Lan, and To’s will come up, all excellent choices. However, Ca Com Bánh Mì Bar stands out from the crowd. Founded during the pandemic by the talented chefs behind acclaimed restaurants Anchovy and Jeow, Ca Com elevates the classic Vietnamese sandwich. Within the crispy baguette, you’ll discover delightful fillings such as herby pork sausage, sardines in tangy tomato sauce, or roasted pumpkin with Manchurian spices. Don’t forget to look out for desserts like pandan chiffon cake and Kopiko canelé.

As Australia’s longest-running food market, Prahran Market is the go-to destination for specialty and gourmet foods, making it the ideal spot to curate a quintessential Melbourne picnic. Start your journey at Maker & Monger, where cheesemonger Anthony Femia operates his renowned “chapel of cheese,” offering an array of local and international cheeses, a maturation room, and a kitchen whipping up cheesy delights with ingredients sourced from fellow market vendors. Complete your picnic basket with a baguette from Q Le Baker, wagyu pastrami from Gary’s Quality Meats, fresh produce from Damian Pike, fluffy chickpea-broad bean falafel from the Falafel Man, and a selection of vibrant Turkish delight from Naheda’s Choice.

No list of Melbourne must-visits is complete without a pub, and St Kilda’s Espy is a top contender with its five levels dedicated to dining, drinking, and live music. Once an opulent hotel, this 140-year-old establishment has undergone a stunning renovation to restore its former charm, featuring tropical wallpaper, plush velvet couches, and ornate chandeliers. The coastal pub boasts 200 beer taps and two kitchens: one serving classic pub fare like parmas and fish and chips, and the other specializing in Cantonese cuisine.

Get ready to be impressed. Ben Shewry and his team focus on every detail, including knives custom-forged by the staff. The tasting menu showcases a distinctive blend of modern Australian cuisine with an emphasis on native ingredients. If you've ever been curious about the flavors of barbecue crocodile ribs or emu liver pâté, this is the place to find out. Attica is a must-visit, especially since Shewry featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table.

While pita-wrapped, french fry-stuffed lamb souvlaki reigns as Australia’s top late-night treat, Oakleigh’s Kalimera Souvlaki Art takes a different route with spit-roasted pork. Owners Thomas Deliopoulos and Sylvia Gabriel fill chargrilled pita with succulent pork, onions, tomatoes, tzatziki, paprika, and of course, fries. Ben Shewry from Attica is a notable supporter.

In the charming town of Cockatoo, about an hour from Melbourne, chef Jung Eun Chae invites guests into her home for a South Korean dining experience centered on fermentation, health, and seasonal ingredients. She crafts everything from scratch—kimchi, persimmon vinegar, and makgeolli—while engaging diners in conversation about her methods and giving them a tour of her garden and collection of ferments. With only six seats available and online reservations being scarce, a commitment is essential to enjoy this intimate experience.