Melbourne food experiences you must try
OUR CITY is known for its foodie culture, but are you really a local if you haven’t eaten at these places? Here are the food experiences you must try while in Melbourne. SEE THE LIST
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MELBOURNE is known for its foodie culture, but are you really a local if you haven’t eaten at these places?
Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, dumplings or laksa — this city is a melting pot of different cuisines.
Next time you’re in town, or if you’re looking for a place for your next lunch, check out these places.
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1. EAT SPAGHETTI AT PELLEGRINI’S
You haven’t eaten spaghetti until you’ve dined at Pellegrini’s, in Bourke St. The casual dining restaurant prides itself on classic Italian dishes, such as bolognese and lasagne. You know what they say about fixing things that aren’t broken.
2. TRY SOUTH MELBOURNE MARKET DIM SIMS
They have a cult following — and for good reason. The famous South Melbourne Market dim sims are made on site daily and always attract large queues. Once you’ve had your fix, explore the rest of what the market has to offer. Try baked goods at Agathe Patisserie, chow down seafood at Claypots Evening Star, Chinese at Bambu Asian Eating House and coffee at Clement or Padre.
3. EAT A $10 BOWL OF LAKSA IN FLEMINGTON
Akin to eating a bowl of pho in Richmond is devouring a piping hot laksa at Laksa King in Flemington. This place is packed on weekends, so make sure you score a seat early. Those left waiting may want to try equally delicious laksa at Chef Lagenda Malaysian Kitchen in Flemington, Pho Hung Vuong Saigon and Roti Road in Footscray and Yim Yam in Yarraville. laksaking.com.au
4. SPLURGE ON A NIGHT OUT AT ATTICA OR BRAE
Ben Shewry’s Attica, of Ripponlea, is perched at 20th spot on this year’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Dan Hunter’s Brae in Birregurra came in at 44 last year. This year Brae made the long list, in 58th spot. Try the iced oyster dusted with sea lettuce powder at Brae, while the whipped emu egg is the go-to dish at Attica.
5. GRAB A PHO ON VICTORIA ST, RICHMOND
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for the best bowl of pho in town. Try the popular I Love Pho. Or Ha Long Bay is also an affordable option for the Vietnamese dish.
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6. TEA AND A SIX-POINT TOASTIE OR CAKE AT HOPETOUN TEA ROOMS
You’ll spot the unmissable queue before you even set foot into Melbourne’s Block Arcade. If there’s a queue, you know there’s good reason. Impressive-looking cakes line the windows of the petit shop.
7. ENJOY THE THEATRE OF DECIDING WHERE TO EAT ON LYGON ST AT DINNER TIME
Locals know which end of Carlton’s famous Italian-hearted Lygon St strip they prefer — despite the lure of extra garlic bread and wine. Tried and tested stayers and newer places include Brunetti, Heartattack and Vine, D. O. C and Tiamo, with historic King & Godfree still under renovation. Do try gelato from Pidapipo.
8. EAT AND DRINK YOUR WAY AROUND MELBOURNE WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR SEAT
Melbourne’s famous Colonial Tramcar Restaurant is still a crowd-pleaser, three decades after the burgundy trams started rolling across the city. The restaurant serves a seasonal menu, with Australian wines and bar included in the price, meaning you can wine and dine your way across Melbourne and surrounds without leaving your seat.
9. JOIN THE QUEUE FOR LUNE CROISSANTS IN FITZROY
The hype is real. Lune Croissanterie is Melbourne’s specialist bakery dedicated to making melt-in-your-mouth, flaky, buttery treats. Kate Reid’s crossanterie is so popular, you’ll have to queue for it. If you’re lucky, book a stool at The Lune Lab, where you can enjoy three-courses of pastries and coffee.
10. TAKE A FOODIE TOUR OF DANDENONG MARKET
Dandenong has come a long way from its working class roots. The southeastern suburb, about a 40-minute drive from the CBD, has flourished into a multicultural foodie haven. Make sure you try the free Dandenong Market Food Discovery Tours. Get in quick as the tours regularly book out.
dandenongmarket.com.au/about/food-tours
11. EAT A BOREK OR HOT JAM DOUGHNUT FROM THE QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET
Flaky, Mediterranean savoury boreks are a winner, especially if eaten fresh from the Deli Hall. Or join the queue for a delicious piping hot jam doughnut. Rug up for the winter night market, which runs on Wednesdays until August 29. The summer night market season begins on November 21 and will run on Wednesdays until March 20, excluding Boxing Day.
qvm.com.au/shops-stalls/borek-shop
12. WALK DOWN AN UNASSUMING LANEWAY TO FIND A HIDDEN CAFE AND ORDER A “MAGIC”
Believe the hype or not, but Melbourne has its own type of coffee that is a mystery to Sydneysiders. Don’t believe us? Walk down a CBD laneway, find a cafe and ask for a magic. For those not clued into the club, it’s a ¾ flat white, full-strength minus the bitterness. Try St Ali or Seven Seeds for an authentic Melbourne experience.
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