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Hungry for adventure? Pack your appetites because Melbourne is serving up a food scene that’s as varied and vibrant as the city itself. Brace yourself for a mouthwatering culinary journey that’s about to begin!
Melbourne: An Epicurean’s Paradise
Hailed as Australia’s culinary capital, Melbourne is a gastronomic playground that will satiate the most discerning palates. The Melbourne, Australia, food scene, teeming with bustling markets, innovative restaurants, and idyllic wineries, is a testament to the city’s passion for good food and wine.
In fact, Melbourne hosts over 3,500 restaurants that serve up different ethnic cuisines, a testament to its multicultural culinary landscape. This Melbourne, Australia, food guide is your ticket to exploring this gastronomic wonderland.
So, buckle up, but loosen your belt a bit, as we get ready to experience a flavor-packed journey that will take you from the fresh produce-laden stalls of the Queen Victoria Market to the verdant vineyards of the Yarra Valley.
Where To Eat: Award-Winning Restaurants and Food Markets in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, Australia’s food scene is vibrant, diverse, and brimming with talent. From award-winning chefs helming restaurants that serve innovative dishes to bustling markets filled with fresh produce and unique street food, this city knows how to sate your culinary curiosity.
Here are some must-visit spots:
ATTICA
Clinching the Restaurant of the Year title in 2017, Attica delivers an extraordinary dining experience. Headed by acclaimed Chef Ben Shewry, the restaurant showcases modern Australian cuisine using hyper-local and seasonal ingredients such as bunya nuts, murnong or marron rather than foie gras, caviar or lobster– making each dish a journey through the country’s rich culinary landscape.
GIMLET AT CAVENDISH HOUSE
Named one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Gimlet tantalizes palates with its blend of Australian and Asian cuisines. Known for their inventive dishes, every meal at Gimlet is a testament to the creativity and culinary excellence inherent in Melbourne, Australia, food. Savor their selection featuring oysters, caviar & hearty wood-fired mains, plus a rich collection of cocktails & wine.
MINAMISHIMA
Holder of three hats from The Age Good Food Guide Awards, Minamishima is the epitome of top-notch Japanese dining in Melbourne. The restaurant, helmed by Chef Koichi Minamishima, impresses with its authentic sushi offerings, each piece prepared with precision using the freshest ingredients.
IGNI
A two-hat recipient of the 2023 Good Food Guide Awards, Igni is a beacon of modern Australian cuisine. Chef Aaron Turner uses the elemental force of fire to create bold, unforgettable flavors, elevating wood-fired cooking to a new level of gastronomic delight in their usual set-course surprise menu.
QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET
Visiting Melbourne isn’t complete without a stop at the iconic Queen Victoria Market. As the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s a cornucopia of fresh produce, artisanal products, and delectable Melbourne, Australia, food stalls. Here, you’ll find everything from fragrant spices and gourmet cheeses to freshly baked bread and local wines.
SOUTH MELBOURNE MARKET
Over a century old, South Melbourne Market offers an authentic market experience. Bursting with fresh seafood, exotic fruits, artisanal cheeses, and delicious pastries, it’s a food lover’s paradise. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some fresh oysters at the seafood stall or a famous dim sim– a local favorite!
Where To Drink: Yarra Valley’s Best Wineries and Cellar Doors
Melbourne, Australia’s reputation as a foodie haven is stamped with its wine-rich sibling, the Yarra Valley. An idyllic wine region just an hour’s drive from the city, it is filled with esteemed wineries and cellar doors ready to pour you a glass of their finest.
HUBERT ESTATE
This family-owned winery has been in the business since the 1980s, producing distinct Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, among other varieties. Hubert Estate takes pride in its Melbourne, Australia, food and wine experience by using organic and biodynamic farming practices that add a unique depth to its wines.
PIMPERNEL VINEYARDS
Nestled in the heart of the valley, Pimpernel Vineyards excels in crafting cool-climate wines. Their special cellar-door tastings provide an intimate experience where you’ll have a chance to sample award-winning wines in a rustic, charming setting.
HELEN & JOEY ESTATE
A relative newcomer to the Yarra Valley wine scene, Helen & Joey Estate has quickly made a name for itself. Their expansive deck overlooking the vineyards provides a scenic spot to sample their premium cool-climate wines.
GIANT STEPS
This winery offers more than just delicious wines. With an on-site restaurant serving mouthwatering Melbourne, Australia, food, and a stunning view of the vine-covered hills, a visit to Giant Steps promises a multisensory feast.
TARRAWARRA ESTATE
Combining art, food, wine, and stunning views, TarraWarra is a destination in its own right. The estate’s commitment to sustainability resonates in the complexity of its wines, offering a taste that’s as remarkable as the picturesque scenery surrounding the vineyard.
Where To Unwind: Melbourne, Australia’s Best Suburbs for Food Lovers
Beyond Melbourne, Australia’s vibrant food markets and top-notch restaurants, these neighborhoods are brimming with local flavor and food-centric experiences. Each suburb provides unique accommodations that cater to food-loving travelers.
CARLTON
Known as Melbourne’s “Little Italy,” Carlton is a paradise for lovers of Italian cuisine. Its leafy streets are lined with pasticcerias, gelaterias, and trattorias. To fully immerse in this food haven, consider staying close to Lygon Street, where the aroma of fresh pasta and espresso permeates the air! Check out this serviced apartment for an affordable stay, which only costs $54 per night!
FOOTSCRAY
A melting pot of cultures, Footscray offers an impressive range of international foods. From Vietnamese pho to Ethiopian injera, food explorers will find a world of flavors in this suburb. Accommodations here range from modern apartments to cozy townhouses. Get the best value for your money and check out these vacation rental deals in Footscray.
WINDSOR
Foodies will find their match in Windsor, a suburb renowned for its eclectic food scene. Trendy cafes, rooftop bars, and gourmet burger joints line Chapel Street, promising an exciting culinary adventure. Choose from sleek apartments or charming architectural homes for your stay. But if you desire to level up your vacation, these luxury rentals and villas won’t disappoint!
RICHMOND
For those who fancy Asian cuisines, Richmond is a must-visit. It boasts an impressive array of eateries specializing in Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, and Japanese dishes. The accommodations in Richmond, from stylish lofts to family-friendly homes, reflect the suburb’s multicultural vibe. You can also check out The Motley Hotel, one of the most frequently booked accommodations in the area.
FITZROY
The heart of Melbourne’s bohemian scene, Fitzroy, offers a unique mix of quirky eateries, rooftop bars, and vegan-friendly dining spots. Staying in this artsy suburb means you’re just steps away from some of the most exciting Melbourne, Australia, food experiences. Expect vibrant and stylish vacation rentals in Fitzroy, much like its culinary scene. But if you prefer to stay in a hotel, we highly recommend staying in Adelphi. For one, this art-deco-inspired hotel was voted four times as the best boutique hotel in the city. Aside from that, it’s situated in the heart of Flinders Lane’s shopping and dining precinct.
Savor the Melbourne Experience with RentByOwner
Feasting your way through Melbourne is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. From award-winning restaurants to bustling food markets, a world of flavors is waiting to be discovered. And what better way to unwind after a day of culinary adventures than in a cozy, home-away-from-home in Melbourne, Australia’s food lover’s suburbs?
And planning this gastronomic tour doesn’t have to be stressful! RentByOwner is here to help you find the best places to stay that are relevant to your culinary journey. After all, a well-rested traveler is a happy eater.
So go ahead and start your Melbourne food trip planning today!
TLDR
Indulge in a delicious exploration of Melbourne, Australia’s food scene. Whether enjoying modern Australian cuisine at Attica, experiencing authentic sushi at Minamishima, exploring the bustling Queen Victoria Market, or sipping on fine wine in Yarra Valley wineries, a culinary adventure awaits you.
Unwind in Melbourne’s best suburbs for food lovers with RentByOwner’s wide range of accommodations. Make your food journey in Melbourne a reality. It’s an experience you will want to experience!
Featured image credit: Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash
