Melbourne Restaurants

Food, glorious food - and Melbourne dishes up plates of it. You’re about to find out why some of the world's most talented chefs now call Melbourne home, wooed by an abundance of fresh, local produce and a city of restaurant lovers. Here's a guide to the hottest restaurants, cafes and wineries in and around Melbourne, with a focus on what makes Aussie fare so fabulous.

Pure South, Southgate

If Tasmania isn't on your itinerary, you can at least enjoy the southern state’s fine produce at a Melbourne restaurant that only serves ingredients from the "Apple Isle", like Black Angus beef, White Diamond Brie and 60-70 of Tasmania’s best wines. A lavish setting with open glass facing the Yarra River.

Pellegrini's Espresso Bar, Bourke St

This skinny bar is the place in Melbourne for fast and authentic Italian coffee (which the owners still blend themselves) and great pasta like Nonna used to make. What began in 1954 as one of the first European cafes of its kind has turned into a city institution - the perfect meeting point for a shot of caffeine.

Vegie Bar, Brunswick Street

Vegie worshippers will love the big serves offered at this noisy warehouse eatery along the popular Brunswick Street food strip. Famous for its lentil burgers, and an interesting range of vegan desserts, you’ll be surrounded by bohemian Melburnians bemoaning corporate greed and the death of live music.

Vue De Monde, Little Collins Street

Touted as one of the best fine dining restaurants in Melbourne, this relative newcomer by celebrity chef Shannon Bennett serves up a sassy interpretation of French classics in a glamorous setting. You’ll have to book well in advance so get in early before you touch base in Melbourne, for a big night of indulgence at one of the fanciest food havens in town.

Il Bacaro, Little Collins Street

Seductive food, sexy waiters and sophisticated wine - only head to Il Bacaro if you’re in the mood to be wooed. The regional Italian food here is adventurous and flavoursome, like the signature Calamari St Andrea, shallow fried calamari with rocket and balsamic dressing and the walnut liqueur panna cotta, proving that tiramisu is so yesterday.

Silks, Crown Casino

Like walking into a Chinese mansion, the opulent décor at Silks is as ravishing as the Cantonese cuisine. Enjoy one of the city’s best Peking Ducks, served expertly by attentive waiters. A Mongolian silk tent is ideal if you’re travelling in a group and fancy a decadent night out in Melbourne, including a flutter at the casino. An impressive 30-page wine list - sorted by region and wine type - lets you sample some of the country’s most superb drops.

Colonial Tramcar Restaurant

Melbourne is famous for its trams - especially the historic ones that rattle their way across town. It’s a nice rhythm to dine too, as you take in sights like Flinders Street Station, The Princess Theatre and Southbank. On the menu is grilled kangaroo fillet, a selection of Australian cheese and a white chocolate and passionfruit parfait. Choose from a luncheon or dinner voyage, departing from Tramstop #125 Normanby Road, near the corner of Clarendon Street, South Melbourne.

Mecca Bah, Docklands

With its stunning waterfront views, you can watch the sun set behind the Bolte Bridge – while you nibble on Middle-Eastern morsels like boat-shaped pizzas and spicy lamb & pine nut boureks. Decked out like an Arabian tent, this is a venue to savour the adventurous flavours that make Moroccan cooking so exotic.

Soul Mama, St Kilda Sea Baths

Cool vegetarian - with a spectacular view of the St Kilda foreshore. Soul Mama is a hot and hip favourite on the beach, serving up a different menu of vegie delights every day. Choose your serving size according to how peckish you’re feeling and get in early around lunch and dinner rush as you can't book. For those on a budget, Soul Mama is cheap, which leaves spare change for the renovated sea baths downstairs.

De Bortoli Winery & Restaurant, Yarra Valley

Fine northern Italian cuisine, surrounded by 400 acres of lush vineyards, is a meal to remember. Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne in the picturesque Yarra Valley is where you’ll find The De Bortoli Winery and Restaurant. Wine critics continue to be impressed by the brand’s wines, from the Windy Peak range to the prestigious Melba, so take the opportunity to taste some while you’re on De Bortoli soil.