15 perfect restaurants in Melbourne, Australia
Welcome to Melbourne, where the competition for the title of the best restaurant is as fierce as the battle between kangaroos and emus over who gets to be on the Australian coat of arms. If you're craving a gastronomic adventure, look no further as we unveil the top 15 culinary destinations guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds from Tram Stop Sushi to Rooftop Rendezvous. From hidden laneways brimming with dumpling delights to hipster havens serving up avo and beetroot everything, Melbourne has the dining scene vibrant enough to impress even the most discerning foodie. So loosen your belt, put on your stretchy pants, and prepare for a food safari like no other!
Save destination1. Cumulus Inc.
45 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Melbourne, Cumulus Inc. emerges like a gastronomic mirage, tantalizingly whispering in the ears of food enthusiasts. This culinary haven flaunts its enchanting minimalistic charm, inviting all to indulge in a seductive affair with plates that make the taste buds tango. As the cradle of noshing nirvana, Cumulus Inc. promises an unforgettable sensory expedition that will leave you pondering whether to take the next flight to Melbourne simply for a chance to relish their heavenly creations.
Learn more2. Movida
1 Hosier Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Welcome to Movida, the bustling culinary hideout in Melbourne where food takes the center stage and taste buds embark on a flavorful rollercoaster ride. Uniting Spanish delicacies with a sprinkle of Aussie charm, Movida tantalizes your senses with a fusion that will have you questioning your geographical location. Prepare to embark on an adventure where paella dances the tango with kangaroo chorizo, and your hunger is serenaded by the sweetest choruses of tapas symphonies.
Learn more3. Attica
74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea VIC 3185, Australia
Welcome to Attica, Melbourne's culinary oasis where your taste buds will embark on a gastronomic adventure like no other. Nestled in the vibrant suburb of Ripponlea, this unassuming restaurant serves up an extraordinary experience that will leave foodies weak at the knees and chefs questioning their own culinary skills. Be prepared to surrender to the charm of chef Ben Shewry's ingenious creations, where unexpected flavors will play tango on your palate, ensuring that your taste buds remember this journey for years to come.
Learn more4. Chin Chin
125 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Welcome to Chin Chin, the foodie paradise of Melbourne! This bustling eatery, tucked away in the vibrant Flinders Lane, is known for its mouthwatering Asian fusion cuisine that will leave you drooling for more. As you walk in, you'll be greeted by the lively atmosphere, upbeat music, and the enthusiastic staff who seem to have an endless supply of energy (probably from the secret ingredient in their famous fried chicken!). Once you've finally managed to secure a table, prepare yourself for a gastronomic journey like no other. The menu at Chin Chin is a delightful mix of traditional Thai flavors and innovative culinary twists. Whether you're a fan of fiery curries, heavenly steamed buns, or irresistibly fragrant rice, they've got it all, and they've got it with a side of cheeky humor. Brace yourself for the culinary experience of a lifetime, but don't forget to bring a healthy appetite and a sense of adventure because at Chin Chin, ordinary just won't cut it!
Learn more5. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Level 3, Crown Towers, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
Welcome to Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in Melbourne, where culinary magic is sprinkled liberally, and taste sensations are created with a hint of wonder and a dash of quirkiness. As you walk through the restaurant's doors, prepare to be transported on a gastronomic journey unlike any other. Let your taste buds marvel at the playful riddles on the menu, where dishes are as enigmatic and surprising as a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat.
Learn more6. Circa The Prince
2 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
Welcome to Circa The Prince, the quirky and eclectic hotel nestled in the heart of Melbourne! With a design that looks like it's been accidentally hit by a psychedelic paintball, this place is an explosion of colors and shapes that will surely make your eyes go, "What the kaleidoscope?!" Its unconventional yet stylish vibe blends seamlessly with the city's hipster culture, making it the perfect spot to take a selfie with your flat white before it became mainstream. Prepare for a mind-bending experience as you step into your room at Circa The Prince. Dubbed the "art installation meets bed chamber," each room is a whimsical mishmash of modern art and interior design gone wild. Don't be surprised if you find yourself sleeping under a neon sign that says "Dream Big," or if it takes you a while to figure out if that abstract painting on the wall is by Picasso or just a toddler with a fingerpainting fetish. Make sure to check out the hotel's rooftop bar, where the Melbourne skyline meets a kaleidoscope of cocktails. Sipping on a rainbow-colored drink while sitting on a patchwork lounge, you'll feel like you've teleported into a fabulous disco on Mars. Just be careful not to stumble into the wrong neon-lit corner when you hit the dance floor, or you might end up participating in an impromptu interpretive dance battle against a group of avant-garde artists.
Learn more7. Ezard
187 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Welcome to Melbourne, mate! Now, let me introduce you to Ezard, a stylish culinary haven nestled in this lively city. A delightful concoction of modern Australian cuisine with subtle Asian influences awaits you, and dining here is like falling into a food coma in the most heavenly way imaginable. The abundance of mouthwatering flavors, combined with their impeccable service and chic ambiance, will make you forgive your expanding waistline - because, hey, you only live once, right?
Learn more8. Vue de Monde
55 Rialto Towers, 525 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Nestled high above Melbourne's concrete jungle, Vue de Monde awaits adventurers who seek a dining experience that will leave them both intrigued and possibly questioning the laws of gravity. This culinary hotspot effortlessly blends the art of gastronomy with panoramic city views, offering a feast for the palate and the eyeballs. Prepare to embark on a whimsical journey filled with gastronomic wizardry, where chefs masterfully execute culinary acrobatics that will make your taste buds break out in spontaneous applause.
Learn more9. Tipo 00
361 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Welcome to Tipo 00, where the art of pasta-making is taken so seriously, even nonnas would question their own skill! This charming Melbourne spot is a pasta lover's paradise, so prepare for taste buds to do a happy dance. With dishes that could turn carb haters into pasta enthusiasts, Tipo 00 will have you exclaiming "bon appétit-oh!"
Learn more10. Lune Croissanterie
Shop 16/161 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Welcome to Lune Croissanterie in Melbourne, where pastry perfection is taken so seriously, you might find a croissant knight guarding their buttery sanctum. Step into this croissant kingdom and prepare to have your taste buds transformed by flaky creations that could bring tears of joy to even the most stoic, gluten-intolerant traveler. With a celestial selection of flavors and a dedication to the art of croissant-making that would make Leonardo da Vinci envious, Lune is the mecca for carb connoisseurs who aren't afraid to embark on a buttery pilgrimage.
Learn more11. Gerard's Bar and Charcuterie
386 Rathdowne St, Carlton North VIC 3054, Australia
Welcome to Gerard's Bar and Charcuterie, the place where Melbourne's love for great food and witty banter merges into one delightful experience. This hidden gem is nestled in the heart of the city, like a secret chamber for the culinary connoisseurs who possess the knack for finding the most eccentric establishments. Prepare to be charmed by the rustic ambiance, where the mismatched furniture and quirky wall hangings will make you question whether you stumbled into an antique shop or a bar with a fantastically weird sense of humor.
Learn more12. The Press Club
525 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Welcome to The Press Club in Melbourne, where food is as cleverly crafted as a politician's excuse for missing a press conference. Nestled in the heart of the city, this culinary shrine boasts a high-ceilinged, elegant ambiance, reminding patrons that they can dine like royalty even if their bank accounts resemble a medieval peasant's pocket. From the amuse-bouche to the celebratory dessert, every dish here is like a well-rehearsed speech, leaving your taste buds cheering for an encore.
Learn more13. Supernormal
180 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tucked away in the vibrant streets of Melbourne lies Supernormal, a culinary gem that's anything but ordinary. This contemporary Asian restaurant effortlessly fuses delicious food with an atmosphere that is cooler than your refrigerator on its coldest setting. Prepare to be enchanted by their menu, which boasts creative bites like the delicately tender lobster rolls that are tastier than a celebrity scandal.
Learn more14. Cutler & Co.
55/57 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Welcome to Cutler & Co., the culinary haven nestled in the heart of Melbourne! As you saunter into this elegant establishment, prepare to be greeted by an ambience so hipster-chic that your beard will instantly look bushier. The food here isn't just delicious; it's so exquisite that even your taste buds will wonder if they've accidentally stumbled into a five-star resort.
Learn more15. Flower Drum
17 Market Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Welcome to Flower Drum, a Melbourne oasis where culinary dreams sprout and bloom! Nestled in the heart of the city, this iconic Chinese eatery is like a secret garden, flourishing with delicious delicacies. With its elegant ambiance and impeccable service, Flower Drum offers an unforgettable dining experience that makes you realize life is too short to eat mediocre food.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Melbourne, Australia by plane is to fly into Melbourne Airport (MEL) from your nearest major airport. Many airlines offer flights to Melbourne, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar.
Car
To drive to Melbourne, you can take the Hume Highway from Sydney or the Eastern Freeway from Adelaide. The journey can take anywhere from 8-10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
Train
Unfortunately, there is no direct train that runs to Melbourne from any other country or state. However, you can take a train from Sydney or Adelaide to Melbourne, which is a scenic route that takes approximately 12-14 hours.
Boat
Unfortunately, there are no direct boat services that run to Melbourne from any other country or state. However, you can take a cruise from Sydney or Tasmania to Melbourne, which is a relaxing way to see the coast and take in the scenery along the way.
Bus
A cost-effective way to get to Melbourne is by bus. Greyhound Australia offers bus services from major cities such as Sydney, Adelaide, and Canberra to Melbourne. The bus stops at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne.