Chefs’ guide to Melbourne’s best CBD restaurants
Thought you knew the city? Melbourne’s top chefs share their favourite hidden hotspots for you to try. SEE THE LIST.
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We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating and drinking in the CBD.
But have you been to these places? Melbourne’s top chefs share their favourite hidden hotspots for you to try ahead of the festive season.
East Melbourne
Donatello Pietrantuono
Cosi Ristorante co-owner and chef
Roccella
This is a recent addition to Clarendon St overlooking the Fitzroy Gardens. A well-thought out all-day Italian dining venue with great coffee and gelato. My pick is their fresh pasta range and the incredible dough of their pizza – it’s just right. Roccella is top quality and super traditional.
158 Clarendon St
Hemingway’s Wine Room
I love the ambience of this classic, old-school brasserie. The produce is beautiful and the food is always well cooked and presented. Hemingway’s wine list is exceptional. Chilling out over just-shucked oysters and some good champagne at this venue – it’s always a decadent thing to do.
150 Wellington Pde
Geppetto Trattoria
When I’m looking for some comfort food close to my heart and my heritage, Geppetto Trattoria is the choice. Think rustic, well-prepared Italian food served in a warm environment. The room is dressed in white tablecloths and the service is always so friendly. I find it hard to go past the crumbed sardine fillets with aioli or the fegatini di pollo; pan-fried chicken livers with caramelised onion. The braised goat in tomato and rosemary with grilled polenta is always spot on.
78A Wellington Pde
Il Duca
A landmark Italian restaurant and function room that has been a feature of East Melbourne since 1983. It’s a stone’s throw away from the MCG and I love how they have grown and look after their loyal customer base. Il Duca serves real, honest food and has a family friendly atmosphere. I love to take the kids here if we feel like quick bruschetta or fried calamari. It really feels like a home away from home.
132 Wellington Pde
The Tippler and Co
A hip bar and eatery that’s very popular with locals. Like the other places I’ve mentioned, it’s also close to the MCG and sports precinct and is the perfect place to drop in after going to a game to enjoy a few drinks. The Tippler has some interesting craft beers on tap and a smart wine list – and fried chicken bao and glazed pork ribs. The team has created a space built on their passion for hospitality, good food and drink.
58 Wellington Pde
North Melbourne
Neil Rocke
The Big Group executive chef
Bistro de Paris
This is the newest business to open on Errol St and is our own little Entrecote-style, modern French restaurant north of the river. On the menu you’ll find a selection of classic French dishes, including steak with frites and sauce, with the bearnaise being my go-to. The staff give you a warm welcome and are eager to ensure everyone’s experience is top-notch.
63 Errol St
Bread Club
Bread Club has the best sourdough breadsticks, pastries and other treats in Melbourne – suitable for any day of the week. The team combine local and seasonal ingredients (such as sustainable flour), along with classic techniques to bring us lucky Melburnians some incredible pastries and bread. Don’t let the massive queue heading down the pavement deter you from getting your hands on the fougasse; it’s baked fresh on weekends. I can confirm it’s worth the wait. My favourite is the olive fougasse.
558 Queensberry St
Cindy’s Kitchen
Blink, and you’ll miss it. If you’re looking for a no-fuss Chinese takeaway option, Cindy’s Kitchen is the place to go. Cindy and her husband head up the place – she works front of house and he’s on the tools. The kitchen team makes the best dumplings you will ever try and once you eat here, you’ll never get takeaway Chinese anywhere else. I’d also recommend the honey chicken for a burst of sweet and sour flavour.
2/520 Victoria St
Small Batch
This is arguably North Melbourne’s best coffee roastery. The Small Batch warehouse opens its roller door daily, roasting and blending some of the most flavoursome cups of coffee which are also ethically sourced. The team dish up a selection of pastries and sandwiches for when you’re on the go. The fridge also has some great condiments and baked goods including bread, butter and pickles. To top it all off, the staff are brilliant. Highly recommend visiting.
3-9 Little Howard St
Joe Taylor
A lot changed on Errol St during Covid. We have seen a few businesses combine to stay alive. Joe Taylor and Oskar Pizza joined forces to bring diners a cosy night out filled with the best cocktails in town and pizzas to feast on. Seat yourself in the alfresco dining area on the street or in the lush, hidden beer garden out the back. I recommend heading in on a Monday or Tuesday for the ‘wine and dine’ night where you can select from a large pizza and two tap wines or beer for $40. You will not leave disappointed.
7 Errol St
Southbank
John Park
Corner co 1903
This cafe located in a small alley has only been open for three years but is famous for making delicious coffee that every local around well knows already. Having my favourite toasted classico sandwich and a latte makes my morning. It’s the best coffee in Southbank.
235 City Rd
Gradi at Crown
If you want to try real neapolitan pizza this is the best place to go. Owner Johnny Di Francesco took home the top gong at the 2014 Pizza World Championship in Italy and Gradi has won the ‘Best Pizzeria in Oceania’ several times. The must-try Margherita is made out of dough rested for 72 hours and uses Fiori di latte mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes.
Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman St
Soho Restaurant and Bar
This restaurant has a great view of the Yarra River and is famous for making delicious black olive and mozzarella focaccia. Unfortunately, they don’t serve breakfast after the pandemic, but they were originally famous for serving pretty and delicious breakfasts. If you sit on the balcony before sunset, the canopy, which is automatically lifted after sunset, provides a cool sense of openness.
2/4 Riverside Quay
Conservatory
A pricey buffet that’s worth every penny. The Conservatory has a great selection of food, high-quality furnishings and friendly staff to make you feel great even before your meal. There is so much food, you’ll have a hard time deciding what to eat first. Go for lunch to watch the Yarra River from the window, but make sure you reserve a noon booking because it can take a little longer for food stations to be replenished. If you go at opening, you’ll find plenty of freshly displayed food waiting for you.
Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman St
Pho a Gogo
This is not only Southbank’s best pho restaurant but one of the best in Melbourne. The owner’s secret recipe for making the broth is something special. If you are a big fan of rice noodles, you must try the pho at least once. My choice is always combination beef pho, pork spring roll and prawn rice paper roll.
161 Clarendon St
South Melbourne
Amarjeet Singh
Horn Please owner and head chef
Bellota Wine Bar
Bellota sources most of its wine from neighbouring Prince Wine Store; South Melbourne’s coolest little boutique wine shop. My go to dishes vary, as it’s good to mix and match so you can try a little bit of everything — namely the sardines beccafico, duck pithivier and the risotto in winter. The team at Bellota know how to make the food sing and don’t over-complicate thedishes, which is an important trait in European cuisine. My favourite dish is agrodolce olasagasti red anchovies and baguette toast. I wash it down with an Adelaide Hills pinot noir or anything from the Barossa Valley — I’m a little biased here, asI have a restaurant in
South Australia.
181 Bank St
St. Ali
While sourcing local produce from the South Melbourne Market for my restaurants, I start my day at St Ali. My order is very robotic: an iced latte (regardless of the season) with fruit toast, honeycomb and vanilla labneh; which adds an interesting contrast as labneh is a soft Middle Eastern cheese made from strained yoghurt. Be sure to take something home from St. Ali’s pantry to impress your friends.
12-18 Yarra Pl
The Old Paper Shop Deli
I tried french toast for the first time in Melbourne here. The Old Paper Shop Deli has been around for more than 40 years and they make an amazing version with bacon. I am all about tradition, so pull out the maple syrup and enjoy. Maybe go for a run and a gym workout after.
266-268 Clarendon St
Half Acre
The architecture and interior design of this venue is absolutely breathtaking. Half Acre is based at an Old Mill, offering a variety of seating and spaces including a chimney room, glasshouse and courtyard. The menu is centred around wood-firedfood, bustling with delicacies such as smoked almonds, sunflower and wattle seed dukkah, dry-aged porterhouse steak and roasted cauliflower with a whipped crème fraiche, just to name a few dishes to get you salivating. My go-to is the wood-fired eggplant with fried sebago potatoes. Also don’t miss rotisserie Tuesdays.
112 Munro St
Claypots Evening Star
Nestled inside the South Melbourne Market, this restaurant is big on seafood. Think chilli prawns, grilled calamari, clam spaghetti, stingray, fresh oysters, seafood pasta, grilled octopus, seafood sandwiches, music, fun and dancing. It’s like walking into a music festival nobody has told you about. It’s perfect for pescetarians. Order the Singapore shellfish stirfry or the Mt Martha mussels.
Shop 101, South Melbourne Market, 116 Cecil St
Lamaro’s Hotel
Lamaro’s Hotel feels like you are in an old English tavern from Downton Abbey. The gastropub has so many different spaces including a great atrium, beautiful wine room and the very busy public bar. It’s here you can drink beers or cocktails with former AFL star and co-owner Paul Dimattina. I always order the grilled fish of the day with green peas and cloudy bay clams with beer battered fries. They also cater to vegans and vegetarians with gluten-free options, embracing the modern day pubs.
273-279 Cecil St
CBD
Shin Kato
Ishizuka head chef
Bench Coffee Co
This is one of my favourite coffee places in the CBD. The monochrome-themed interior has only a few seats and a standing coffeebar. They steam a shot of espresso with cold milk to make the most wonderful coffee. My flat white is always exceptional andalways hits the spot. There is also the option of seasonal, single-origin beans for those wanting something a little more special.
321 Little Collins St
Coda
The staff are extremely friendly, warm, informative and welcoming. Being in the industry, I think good quality service iswhat makes an experience great and Coda has always excelled. The creativity of the food is exceptional. Salmon gravlax isone of the starters but is ever so mighty. It has a mineral and umami taste combined with a fresh citrus that is absolutelyincredible. Coda also has a very impressive list of Bourgogne; I had Morey-Saint-Denis which was brilliant.
Basement, 141 Flinders Ln
Tonka
I found out about this fun, modern Indian-fusion restaurant through Kishwar Chowdhury (a MasterChef contestant). I was notdisappointed. The dishes, while still including those traditional rich and authentic flavours, had a contemporary twist which made this a wonderful (and unique) experience. The desserts were spectacular.
20 Duckboard Place
Byrdi
Byrdi is a place that’ll have you wanting to return the moment you leave. It makes a carrot fanta cocktail, which sounds crazy but is anything but. Think a bubbly and fizzy drink with super fresh aromas and powerful flavours, rounded by a sweet carrotcracker garnish over ice. I order this alongside prawn toast that’s perfectly crunchy on the outside and with a special mayosauce. The seasonal cocktails are as creative as they are delicious and you will need some serious self-control to not try them all.
211 La Trobe St
Eau De Vie
The hidden and moody 1920s prohibition American-influenced bar is always my go-to for a catch-up with friends. The atmosphere,staff, service, presentation and beautiful cocktails are always outstanding. Try the whisky and cheese flight featuring five15ml pours alongside five different cheeses – it’s a real treat. The presentation of the other cocktails is also interestingand makes me want to try them all. The classics are exceptional.
1 Malthouse Ln
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