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There’s something about Melbourne that reminds me of Mumbai. Maybe it’s the warmth—not just in the weather, but in the people and the atmosphere—or the energetic pulse that runs through the city. A place where sport, art, and culture collide, Melbourne is also one of the world’s great food capitals, shaped by a rich tapestry of global communities. From third-wave coffee shops to buzzing Peruvian kitchens and late-night gelaterias, the city’s food scene is as diverse as it is delicious. If you are a bona fide foodie planning a trip Down Under, this guide has you covered, not just on where to eat and drink, but also on the best places to stay while you savour it all.
Where To Stay
HYDE Melbourne Place
Located on the posh Russell Street, this recently opened hotel is perfect for business travellers and young explorers. With spacious rooms and suites, HYDE Melbourne Place is the kind of stay where you can wind down after a long day or get ready for a fun night. Bonus: The city views are stunning.
Crown Metropol
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Staying at Crown Metropol, a hub of entertainment, shopping, and dining, means you are steps away from some of the city’s best eateries and bars in Southbank. And if you’re in town during the Australian Open, don’t be surprised if you spot a tennis star or two in the lobby.
Where To Eat
Gimlet
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Chef Andrew McConnell brings classic European charm to the heart of Melbourne with Gimlet, a cocktail bar and dining room set in a landmark 1920s building on Russell Street. Start light with the Heirloom Tomatoes with pesto rosso, Baked Scallops with hollandaise, or Cured Rainbow Trout with cucumber and dill. For mains, the standout Gippsland Strip Steak comes with an addictive green sauce, while the Dry-Aged Muscovy Duck is another great pick. Don’t skip their namesake Gimlet cocktail; it lives up to the hype. Finish with the indulgent Chocolate Torte with rum caramel and cultured cream.
Pastuso
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Tucked into graffiti-covered, art-filled AC/DC Lane, this Peruvian spot is as cool as its address. Pastuso is best known for its ceviches and pisco-based cocktails. I thoroughly enjoyed the Ceviche Peruano (ruby red snapper) and the Pisco Punch made with pineapple syrup, lime, and coriander. Other must-tries include the Anticucho De Carne—char-grilled ají panca marinated skewers of Sher Wagyu rump with smoked potato purée and huacatay dressing—from the street food section, and the Salmon A Lo Nikkei (Ora King salmon with dark miso butter sauce, fermented yuzu and green chilli, ají amarillo, daikon, and enoki mushrooms) from the mains.
Ging Thai
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If Crown Metropol is where you’re staying, you can easily walk to this modern Thai restaurant. Chef On Saengyojanr blends Australian ingredients with Southeast Asian flavours to reinvent the dishes she grew up with in her family of chefs. Dig into dishes like Kingfish Ceviche, Duck Fried Rice, Prawn Lemongrass, Pad Kra Pao, and Tom Yum Goong, among others. Wash it all down with craft beer, wine or some refreshing, in-house cocktails.
Embla
Australia is known for its wines, and if you’re a wine lover, Embla is the place to be. Tucked away on Russell Street, Embla is a cosy wine bar known for its moody interiors, wood-fired cooking, and standout natural wine list. Opened by chef Dave Verheul and Christian McCabe, the menu focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with dishes like soured cucumbers and hand-rolled fregola.
Lune
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You can’t leave the city without dropping by the most popular croissant eatery, Lune. I stood in line for close to 40 minutes just to get a bite of those freshly baked, flaky and buttery croissants, and it was totally worth it.
Piccolina
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Visiting in the summer? Then you must grab a gelato from Piccolina on Degraves Street, a hub for food lovers. Choose from an array of flavours like passionfruit, salted caramel, mint and more.
Code Black
The coffee scene is another thriving part of the city’s culinary culture. An iced coffee from Code Black quickly became my go-to companion on most of the walking tours in Melbourne’s sweltering heat.
Brunetti
From handmade pastries to delectable pasta and pizza, Brunetti brings Italy to the city. But it’s really THE spot for all your confectionery cravings. The aroma of fresh bakes will lure you in. I only had the chance to grab a tiramisu tart at the outlet at the airport, and boy was it decadent!
Flora
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If you’re missing home, the Indian restaurant Flora serves desi chaat in a setting with paintings featuring popular Bollywood actors and Indian cricketers. From paani puri to chole bhature and dosa-sambhar, Flora offers a slice of Mumbai in Melbourne.
Beyond Melbourne
Go beyond the city to discover regional Victoria, and you’ll come across a lot more.
Wineries
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With more than 800 wineries and 600 cellar doors across five outstanding wine regions, Victoria has the perfect grape style to suit every palate.
Chandon, Yarra Valley
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An hour away from Melbourne is one of Victoria’s best wine regions. Yarra Valley is home to 80+ wineries. I visited Chandon, one of the six estates in the world. From wine-tasting tours to lounging at the Chandon bar against the backdrop of its vineyards, there’s a lot to experience here. I chose to sample some sparkling wines with a two-course meal made with ingredients picked from Chandon’s backyard.
Red Olive at Green Hill, Mornington Peninsula
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In the Mornington Peninsula, I visited this charming, family-run winery where owner Greg O’Donoghue gave me a tour of his vineyard and native ingredient farm. I tasted a flight of wines paired with a garden-fresh plate and slow-cooked lamb. The standout? A 2021 Pinot Noir I just had to take home.
Phillip Island
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If you love wildlife, Phillip Island is a must-visit. Spot koalas up close at the Koala Conservation Reserve, then head to the Little Penguin Parade to watch these adorable seabirds waddle home from the ocean each evening.
Where To Stay
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The Waves Apartments in Cowes offers beachside views of Western Port Bay and is just steps from one of the island’s safest beaches.
Where To Eat
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Start your day at Waterboy Café with their smoked salmon potato rösti or smashed peas with chorizo, paired with an iced latte. For a hearty lunch or dinner, head to Beach HQ for dishes like fish and chips or marinara paella. The menu highlights local Phillip Island and Gippsland produce, with options for all diets—plus homemade desserts worth saving room for.
The Great Ocean Road (GOR)
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One of Victoria’s most scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road offers breathtaking views of blue waters and rugged cliffs.
Where To Stay
The Great Ocean Road Resort in Anglesea offers the ideal prelude before the adventure begins. It’s a cosy base for solo travellers and families alike.
Where To Eat
Dine at The Coast, the resort’s in-house restaurant, for comfort food like stuffed chicken and crispy skin salmon. I also sampled a smoky local Timboon rum that paired beautifully with the meat dishes.
Don’t Miss
Stop by the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery to watch European chocolatiers in action and explore a showroom packed with treats.
Apollo Bay Hotel
At the end of GOR is Apollo Bay. End your drive with a meal at this nautical-inspired bistro overlooking the foreshore. I enjoyed half-shell scallops, pan-fried red snapper, and a local Furphy Lager. Just 2.5 hours from Melbourne and 2 hours from the Twelve Apostles, the hotel also offers a comfortable overnight stay.
From world-class coffee and croissants to cool wine bars and coastal escapes, Melbourne and regional Victoria in Australia serve up unforgettable experiences—one delicious bite (and sip) at a time.
Photograph Courtesy: Visit Victoria