Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria and the culinary capital of Australia. The gold rush of the 1850s and the waves of immigration throughout the 1900s brought settlers from across Asia and Europe, who all contributed their local cuisines to the Melbourne melting pot.
The result is an eclectic, delectable fusion of dishes from around the world. Between modern twists on the classics and traditional, authentic staples, the city has a little something for everybody. This guide explores the best restaurants in Melbourne, celebrating both the renowned and the unsung local food heroes.
The icons
This selection highlights the venues everybody in Melbourne knows and loves, and would happily recommend to any traveller. They’re the reason the city features so prominently on lists of perfect dining destinations.
Gimlet, Russel Street
Local chef and esteemed author Andrew McConnell owns a few joints throughout Melbourne, each glorious in its own right. Gimlet edges out the competition for a few reasons, the first being the stunning architecture of Cavendish House, and the second is that its European menu and decor represent everything wonderful about the city.
It has an undeniably Melbourne charm that it pairs with the chic woodwork and glamorous chandeliers of French fine dining, all of which is window dressing for some truly spectacular food.
Attica, Glen Eira Road
With deep respect for the original owners of their land and the ingredients native to their shores, Attica offers one of the most distinctive fine-dining experiences in the country. Their seasonal menu changes often, with a fresh rotation of ethically sourced crops and cattle highlighting the very best of local produce.
The dining experience at Attica is much more humble than their “fine dining” reputation would have you believe. They’re more about food, culture, and contemplation, not caring so much about living up to ideas of fanciness and prestige. You don’t need to dress up; just keep an open mind and prepare yourself for a meal unlike anything you’ve eaten before.
The Flower Drum, Market Lane
Founded in 1975 by Gilbert Lau, who still serves as executive head chef, The Flower Drum has firmly established itself as Melbourne’s premier Cantonese eatery. It has won countless awards and been ranked among the 50 best restaurants in the world by Restaurant Magazine for several years in a row, but no medals or plaques can properly convey just how incredible the food at the Flower Drum is.
Dumplings, soups, fresh seafood and an entire roast pig, all the hallmarks of Cantonese cuisine, are represented here with traditional technique and modern flair. True to the dining culture Lau draws from, The Flower Drum is best treated as a banquet, so gather a big group of friends and order a little bit of everything.
The local legends
Fame and glamour are nice, but if you’re looking for somewhere off the beaten path that Melbourne foodies swear by, these are the places for you.
Greasy Zoe’s, Hurstbridge
Though the name conjures up images of fry-ups and burgers so big you need construction equipment to demolish them, Greasy Zoe’s is a purposely subversive hyperlocal restaurant. They serve just over 30 people a week and have no set menu; instead, owner and chef Zoe Birch creates her courses fresh each day based on the produce she receives from farmers in Nilumbik.
Every bite served is as seasonal and sustainable as it gets, making for a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience. Birch’s deep care for her community and the land she lives on comes through in the ambience of her restaurant and the food she serves.
Soi 38, Royal Lane
Unassuming from the outside, authentic and explosive on the inside, Soi 38 is a Bangkok-style street food restaurant that packs a serious punch. Their menu pairs local produce with imported goods to bring genuine Thai flavours to Melbourne’s mouths, serving nose-to-tail cuts of pork, beef, and chicken, fiery salads, and fresh seafood.
They offer a diverse range of dishes, so even if deep-fried intestines or trotter are a little too adventurous for you, there’s sure to be some broth or stir-fry on the menu that will have you singing, and googling nearby ice-cream parlours when you’re done.
Focacceria Pugliese, Cecil Street
Halfway between a cafe and a restaurant, Focacceria Pugliese is a morning pick-me-up, and lunchbreak treat South Melbourne locals can’t get enough of. They bake their own fresh focaccia every single day, which they turn into paninis, pizzas, sandwiches, really anything you can hold in your hands and eat on the go.
They aim for simplicity, letting their dough, olive oil, and cured meats do the talking. There’s no pretence and no messing around, it’s just honest-to-goodness, incredible food.
Diversity at its finest
You could easily spend an entire week in Melbourne dedicated solely to eating your way through the city, and you wouldn’t even come close to sampling everything it has to offer. Between the world-renowned fine-dining experiences and local, family-run kitchens that span a wide range of cuisines, it’s no surprise Melbourne has garnered such a staggering reputation among foodies.
Browse Melbourne’s best restaurants, plan your itinerary, and get ready to celebrate culture, history, local produce, and tremendous flavours. If you fancy giving any of Melbourne’s diverse cuisines a go yourself, check out this educational guide to global cooking.
