Melbourne is basically a dream for anyone who flies across oceans just to eat and drink. No joke, this city absolutely takes food seriously — the laneways are packed with hidden gems, the coffee game is wild, and you’re as likely to stumble into a stellar dumpling place as into a top pizza spot.
Every neighborhood has its own flavor (literally), and even locals haven’t scratched the surface of what’s good around town. If you’re up for trying the classics and new-school hits, you’ll have a blast hopping around Melbourne’s laid-back, buzzing food scene.
What to Eat in Melbourne
Meat Pie
You haven’t ‘done’ Australia without digging into a classic meat pie. Melbourne’s bakeries do it best — hot, flaky pastry packed with beef and gravy. Grab one at market stalls or classic bakeries for that old-school treat.
Magic Coffee
This one’s pure Melbourne. It’s somewhere between a flat white and a cortado, strong but balanced. Just ask for a ‘magic’ at any good local cafe and you’ll feel like a local instantly.
Lune Croissants
People queue for these croissants, and honestly, it’s worth it. Crisp outside, buttery inside. Go early at Lune or you’ll miss out.
Pho
Melbourne’s Vietnamese community makes some of the best pho you’ll sip outside of Vietnam. Get it in Richmond or the CBD for a soul-warming bowl packed with flavor.
Banh Mi
The city’s take on this Vietnamese sandwich is fresh, crunchy, and perfectly spiced. Loads of spots, especially in the CBD, do awesome versions — try them all.
Foodie Neighbourhoods in Melbourne
Carlton
This is where old-school Italian meets the new Melbourne. Lygon Street’s packed with pasta joints and buzzing wine bars. The vibe is cozy, chilled, and perfect for people-watching over an espresso.
Richmond
If you like Vietnamese food, Richmond’s Victoria Street is the spot. It’s loud, lively, and full of killer pho shops plus some cool old pubs if you need a break from noodles.
Fitzroy
Fitzroy’s always up to something new. It’s all about indie eats, natural wine, quirky bars, and vintage shopping in between. Good for breakfast, late dinner, or just getting lost in laneways covered in art.
CBD
Stacked with everything from bistros and ramen to coffee shops and late-night dumplings. Set aside at least a day to wander the alleys — there’s something on every block.
Brunswick
Loads of Middle Eastern eats, plus bakeries doling out cheap and killer pastries. It’s super relaxed, a little gritty, and stuffed with great food from every corner of the world.
Budget Restaurants in Melbourne
A1 Bakery
Iconic Lebanese joint on Sydney Road. Think super-fresh bread, cheesy pizzas, and crispy little pastries for just a few bucks.
You’ll always find a mix of locals and students. Get the spinach and cheese pie and a strong Lebanese coffee and you’re set.
Shujinko
This 24-hour ramen spot is a lifesaver after dark. Cozy up with a steamy bowl that’s way better than the price suggests (and the portions are massive).
Try the black garlic tonkotsu if you’re feeling bold. Always a line at lunch for good reason.
Delhi Streets
One of the top picks for Indian street eats. The thali and chaat are packed with flavor, and the space is casual but full of energy.
Perfect spot for a quick lunch or sharing a bunch of dishes with friends.
Mekong
This pho institution has been slinging big bowls on Swanston Street forever. Office workers, students, and families all crowd in — and for good reason.
The beef pho is classic, and it lands on your table before you’ve even finished sitting down.
Lucky Coq
If you like cheap pizzas with wild toppings and a funky bar vibe, this is your spot. The pizzas are $5 all day (sometimes less during happy hour).
Good music and plenty of locals hanging out late into the night.
Mid-Range Restaurants in Melbourne
Etta
Modern Australian, seasonal, and really relaxed. Great produce, interesting flavors and a solid wine list—lots of menu items change pretty often, so you’ll never get bored here.
The staff are friendly and happy to nerd out about what’s on the menu.
Doju Melbourne
Korean-Australian flavors, lots of creative takes, and a mood that’s warm but totally contemporary. Their house-specialty kimchi dishes and soju cocktails are both low-key addictive.
Go with a group and order a bit of everything to share.
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar
Melbourne’s OG Italian cafe. It’s been around since the ‘50s serving up classic pasta, coffee, and nostalgia. It’s cozy, busy, and just straight-up feels like Melbourne.
Order the lasagne or a coffee at the bar for a classic experience only found here.
Bistra
One of the new guard in Carlton, Bistra delivers inventive bistro food, local wines, and a super friendly vibe. They focus on seasonal Aussie ingredients with clever twists on the classics.
It’s always buzzing at dinner, especially weekends.
ASKAL
A modern Filipino place in the CBD. Killer adobo, punchy cocktails, rooftop bar for sunset hangs.
Take friends who like trying something new — the dishes are made for sharing, and the energy is always up.
Luxury Restaurants in Melbourne
Reine & La Rue
Fine French cuisine in a stunning heritage setting in the CBD. It’s all about big flavors and fancy cocktails, but somehow still relaxed. Perfect for date night or treating yourself.
Amaru
Pushing the envelope with modern Australian tasting menus. It’s got that polished, intimate vibe where every plate is a work of art. Book ahead—this place is popular for special-occasion dinners.
Gimlet
Buzzy, elegant, and packed every night of the week. Drop in for cocktails or settle in for oysters and steak. The service is super friendly, not stuffy — feels like a party with chandeliers.
Vue de Monde
The view’s unreal (55th floor) and the food is as fancy as it gets. Expect lots of native ingredients, a super slick wine list, and courses that are more like edible art than dinner.
Attica
Kind of the benchmark for luxury dining in Melbourne. Inventive, playful, and heavily focused on native Aussie produce. It’s a splurge, but memorable as it gets.
Best Coffee Shops in Melbourne
Proud Mary
This Brunswick café is legendary for specialty brews and a killer brunch. Always busy, but they get through the line quickly. Try any of the filter specials for a deep dive into Melbourne’s coffee culture.
Code Black Coffee
Perfect for coffee nerds or anyone after strong, smooth espresso. Their roasting house supplies some of the city’s best cafes. Drop by the Brunswick flagship for bags of fresh beans, great food, and serious people-watching.
St Ali
St Ali blazed the trail for specialty coffee in Melbourne. The South Melbourne warehouse space is industrial-cool, the beans are next level, and the playlist is always good.
Padre Coffee
Small-batch roasted beans, quirky branding, and passionate baristas — what more do you need? Padre spots are peppered all over Melbourne, from South Melbourne Market to Brunswick East.
Market Lane Coffee
One of the original specialty coffee pioneers. Every cup is crafted to highlight the beans, and they’re big on sustainability too. There’s usually a line, but it moves quick.
Markets in Melbourne
Queen Victoria Market
Massive, historic, and jammed with everything from produce and hot jam doughnuts to handmade gifts. This is Melbourne’s iconic market, and it’s packed on weekends.
Docklands Sunday Market
Right on the waterfront, with local foods, crafts, music, and city views. It’s more chilled than the bigger markets, but always has something interesting going on.
South Melbourne Market
One of the oldest markets in the city — seafood, dim sum, bakeries, and specialty produce. Go hungry and try a bit of everything.
Prahran Market
This one’s all about fresh food, gourmet groceries, and specialty treats. You can easily get lost browsing cheese, charcuterie, and sweet stalls for hours.
Kensington Market
Great for local artisan products, street food, and a chilled neighborhood vibe. Perfect spot to try indie bites and support small makers.
Budget Accommodation in Melbourne
Nomads Melbourne
This hostel is right in the heart of the CBD. Clean, sociable, and close to everything — plus, it has a lively bar for meeting fellow travelers. Dorms and private rooms available.
Barkly Backpackers
Located in St Kilda, minutes from the beach and Luna Park. The dorms are tidy and bright, plus there’s a laid-back common room for relaxing after a big day out.
The Village Melbourne
Millennial-style hostel close to Queen Victoria Market. Solid amenities and a fun, welcoming atmosphere for budget travelers on the go.
Melbourne City Backpackers
Great CBD option with free wifi and a friendly vibe. Super close to public transport and all the late-night action in the center of town.
Space Hotel
Midsize budget hotel with a rooftop terrace and clean, comfortable rooms. It’s not a traditional hostel, but prices are reasonable and the location is spot on for sightseeing.
Mid-Range Accommodation in Melbourne
Vibe Hotel Melbourne
Right in the CBD, modern rooms, and a decent price for the location. Friendly staff, gym access, and a bar on site.
Pensione Hotel Melbourne
A cozy choice in the CBD with a relaxed rooftop terrace. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and it’s close to all the tram lines.
Cosmopolitan Hotel Melbourne
Stay in the heart of St Kilda near Acland Street and the beach. Clean, modern, and near loads of bars, restaurants, and fun activities.
Melbourne Metropole Central
Spacious rooms, a pool, and a handy Fitzroy/Collingwood location. Kitchenettes are a nice touch for longer stays, and the area is packed with food options.
Novotel Melbourne on Collins
Centrally located, modern, and has a rooftop pool. Perfect if you’re after something comfortable without breaking the bank.
Luxury Accommodation in Melbourne
QT Melbourne
Ultra-stylish boutique hotel with a killer rooftop bar and large rooms. Right in the CBD for easy access to shopping, food, and nightlife.
The Langham Melbourne
Old-school luxury on the Yarra River. Rooms are plush, service is outstanding, and the riverside location is great for views and walks.
W Melbourne
Bold, colorful, and full of personality. The rooms are super comfy, the bathrooms are huge, and there’s an awesome pool area for cooling off after a day out.
The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne
Pure five-star experience. Stunning design, next-level service, and excellent dining options right on-site. Close to everything in the city.
Next Hotel Melbourne
Sleek, modern, and perfectly located for foodies. You can walk to some of the best restaurants and bars or just chill on the rooftop with a drink in hand.
