Chef’s guide: Where to eat and drink in South Melbourne

Delicious pasta, fresh seafood and a special occasion degustation diner— here’s where to eat and drink in South Melbourne.

O'Connell's Hotel head chef Tony Moss shares his favourite places to eat and drink in South Melbourne.

Unbelievably good pasta, fresh seafood and somewhere to book for a special occasion— here’s O’Connell’s Hotel’s head chef Tony Moss’ favourite places to eat and drink in South Melbourne.

KIRKPATRICK’S MEAT

This is my go-to butcher when I am cooking at home. I’ve had them bone and roll a few lamb shoulders that I slow cooked then whacked on the BBQ and people still talk about them.

South Melbourne Market

Emerald Deli owner Maria Totos in the cheese room at her specialty delicatessen. Picture: Chris Eastman

EMERALD DELI

It’s such a pleasure to pop in and see Maria and pick up some fine produce from the cheese room. The selection is amazing, and the quality is second to none. I think the best part is the preselection tasting, where she has an in-depth knowledge of all of the producers and how each of the cheeses are made.

South Melbourne Market

CHEF’S HAT

I know after I hit the market for produce, I stop by to top up my ever-expanding knife kit and plate collection. Everything you need for your culinary adventures lay over the two heavenly levels.

131 Cecil St

The seafood is always fresh at Claypots Evening Star. Picture: Valeriu Campan

CLAYPOTS EVENING STAR

Anyone who knows me well knows that I can get a little obsessive when it comes to oysters. This place ticks so many boxes for me as a quick seafood fix. Fresh, fast and well cooked. I will often throw back a few dozen oysters, some anchovies and a perfectly grilled flounder and be as content as can be.

116 Cecil St

Did someone say pasta? The veal and rabbit agnolotti at Park St Pasta and Wine is a standout, seasonal dish. Picture: Roberto Pettinau

PARK STREET PASTA AND WINE

This is a go-to for a superbly well-cooked comfort meal. Heavily produce driven with well thought out flavours and stunningly executed fresh pasta. What more is there to like?

268 Park St

Save Lume for a special occasion. Picture: Andrew Tauber

LUME

This is where you go for that really special occasion and hit up the degustation menu. Chef Elijah Holland is serving native Australian produce in a modern form. You have to check out some of the house made charcuterie, which is preservative free and often has very interesting combinations like Albacore tuna, Victorian scallops and smoked chilli.

226 Coventry St

FYI: O’Connell’s is one of Melbourne’s original gastropubs and serves lunch and dinner daily at 407 Coventry St, South Melbourne. oconnells.com.au