Best places to eat, drink in Melbourne’s CBD

Think you’re across Melbourne’s foodie hotspots? Vue de monde chef Hugh Allen shares his favourite places to eat and drink — including this off-the-radar-gem.

Vue de monde executive chef Hugh Allen shares his favourite places to eat and drink in Melbourne.

Think you’re across Melbourne’s foodie hotspots? Vue de monde executive chef Hugh Allen shares his favourite places to eat and drink — including this off-the-radar-gem.

Don’t be deterred by the long Lune queues.

Best place for a coffee and breakfast

Lune

This is a great place to get an incredibly engineered croissant and coffee. I personally go with the classic, but they always have five to six different flavours. The coffee is great, and the staff are lovely. Don’t be too deterred by a line; it usually moves pretty quickly.

16/161 Collins St

Laneway restaurant Miznon is perfect for a snack and beer.

Best counter meal and beer

Miznon

While there’s no specific go-to spot in the city for me, I often head to Miznon for a quick bite and beer. The food is always tasty and quick. I’m a big fan of their “cheaky pita,” which is filled with chickpeas, tahini, fried egg, lots of herbs, and tomato.

59 Hardware Ln

Queen Victoria Market is a one-stop shop for fresh produce. Picture: Diego Fedele.

Where I take the family

Queen Victoria Market

I don’t have kids, but if I were to take family somewhere, my go-to place would be to Queen Vic Market. There are so many options for everyone, and the staff at all the stalls are always full of energy and helpful. You can also get great coffee from Market Lane and some classic hot jam doughnuts to match.

Queen St

Behold, Spring Street Grocer’s cheese room.

Where I stock the pantry, fridge, and freezer

Spring Street Grocer

Spring Street Grocer is my go-to in the CBD for many great staples. The products are ethically produced and sourced from fantastic local and international suppliers, with quality being paramount. They offer a great selection of gelato, groceries, pantry essentials, coffee beans and more. If you go, definitely head downstairs to the cheese room! It’s also a great stop for a pre-picnic pick-up, and then head into the amazing Treasury or Fitzroy Gardens.

Basement/157 Spring St

The Flower Drum’s signature Peking Duck. Picture: Hamish Blair

When I want to be a little fancy

Flower Drum

This Melbourne icon is where you’ll get the same waiter looking after you year after year. The food is superb, made with top-notch local products. It’s a bit of a time capsule and one of Melbourne’s great venues. I’d recommend going with the Chef’s Menu, it has most of the classics. Off menu, I’d go the Neil Perry Noodles.

17 Market Ln

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