Marvelous Melbourne
Taking a culinary journey in the heart of Melbourne is an absolute delight. The bustling city encourages the fusion of Asian influences, adorned rooftop lounges, and charismatic basement bars. Every twist and turn brings a new foodie adventure with creative enthusiasm running wild. Here, diverse global tastes meet superior culinary standards. When considering a visit to experience this epicurean spectacle, one may wonder about accommodations close to the city's vibrant food scene. A strategically placed lodging option like the Dandenong Motel, ensures that you are never too far from an unforgettable dining experience. For a comprehensive list of options all across the city and even Australia-wide, portals like tophotels.com provide a helpful catalog of choices to suit every need and preference, allowing you to wine, dine, and recline with supreme ease in Melbourne.
Perhaps the street art adorned lanes could take you to the lavish speakeasy-like ambiance of Eau De Vie bar where cocktails perform a dramatic dance with liquid nitrogen. You might find yourself at Tonka’s which exudes modern Indian flair, adjacent to Pastuso’s lively Peruvian spirit, or maybe Chin Chin, where bold South-East Asian flavors meet an Australian touch can be your next gastronomic haven. You may also come across venues serving specialist gins with a touch of whimsy like Madame Brussels’ in its Alice In Wonderland-inspired setting. A unique beverage experience can be found at the Whitehart Bar situated in creatively repurposed shipping containers. There's also Movida, famed for its influential tapas, already expanding its reach with a new location soon opening in Geelong.
This culturally diverse city is known for creating gastronomic experiences that leave a lasting impression on both locals and tourists alike. The authenticity of Melbourne's dining scene truly embodies the vibrant food and wine culture of Australia.
In various parts of Melbourne, high-end cocktail establishments are seriously raising the bar through the invention of extraordinary and unique beverages. Byrdi, for instance, has a distinctive focus on utilizing indigenous ingredients in their offerings. Simultaneously, the snug and intimate 12-seat speakeasy named Above Board maintains a concise selection of drinks, each perfected to the core by the owner, Hayden Lambert.
Federation Square is also a hotspot for diverse culinary delights. The casual and cosy Big Esso Mabu Mabu, overseen by the talented Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero (Mabu Mabu), presents small portion dishes packed with enormous tastes, embodying the richness of modern Indigenous culture. For those seeking locally sourced, seasonal dishes served with a modern twist, Victoria is a must-visit. This place skillfully combines contemporary flair with traditional regional cuisine to offer an unforgettable dining experience.
Nestled within Melbourne's vibrant boundaries, Little Collins Street has blossomed into a hip hotspot for the city's food enthusiasts. This humming gastronomic centre converges around an array of avant-garde restaurants that titillate the senses with their culinary magic. One such gem is Gimlet. Housed within the impressive confines of the historic Cavendish House, gimlet mirrors the charismatic allure of 1920s Chicago. It wows the patrons with its rich menu of wood-fired meat dishes, exotic caviar service, and global wine offerings that elegantly suit the epicurean tastes.
In the same vicinity is Farmer’s Daughters, the brainchild of celebrated Peruvian chef, Alejandro Savaria. True to its name, this three-tiered culinary temple proudly showcases the gustatory delights of eastern Victoria's Gippsland region. It is a beautiful collaboration with local farmers and fishermen from Gippsland, representing an edible testament to the region's rich agrarian heritage. The significance of local cuisine is highlighted in Melbourne, adding to its popularity as the undisputed food and wine capital of Australia.
Delightful food experiences in Melbourne, Victoria go well beyond its vibrant city centre. Over in Southbank, the river's other side is a unique locale known as St ALi. Often praised by the locals, St ALi offers expertly handcrafted flat whites and inventive brunch dishes that will surely awaken your taste buds.
Moving further down south, St Kilda takes centerstage with its intriguing seafood scene at LOTI. Here Chef Elijah Hollandand pays his respects to Australia's bountiful coasts by employing traditional preservation techniques like fermentation and curing to enhance the natural flavours of his dishes.
Over in the diverse neighbourhood of Spotswood within the inner west, a culinary playground known as Grazeland captures the spirit of gastronomic exploration. Over 50 food and drink stalls offer international delights from savoury Polish dumplings to the spicy allure of Sri Lankan street food. And while you savour these global offerings, live music performances on two stages keep your spirits high.
Moving on to the hip and happening Brunswick, a place that pulsates with art, culture, and revolutionary culinary endeavours. A stroll down the multicultural Sydney Road will lead you to Tino. Here, Head Chef Sergio Tourn masterfully fuses bold Latin American culinary traditions with modern Australian cooking techniques to create an unprecedented dining experience.
A notable fusion of working class spirit and bohemian influences, Fitzroy exudes a vibrancy and eclectic charm that is hard to resist. This neighborhood invites you to enjoy its bustling live music venues, innovative vegetarian eateries, and the unique Charcoal Kitchen, renowned for celebrating indigenous ingredients. For those inclined towards more elegant splendors, The Everleigh serves up meticulously crafted cocktails against a backdrop of golden-age glamour at its magnificent marble bar.
Stepping out to the city's rooftop bar scene, Naked For Satan has created an ambiance that’s matched only by the stunning vistas of Melbourne. Yet, the competition from within thriving metropolis is stiff. The Rooftop at QT is a crowd favourite, while the Loop Roof distinguishes itself with its stellar cocktail menu. Not to be overlooked, HER, another city centre hideaway, offers an unparalleled rooftop experience ensuring every visitor's gaze is as high in the sky as their spirits.
Exploring Beyond
Considerable credit for Melbourne's status as a global gastronomic powerhouse can be attributed to its surrounding regions in Victoria. This impressive landscape boasts five principal wine-producing areas, holding the record for the densest assembly of wine-tasting facilities in all of Australia. Wineries range from celebrated international powerhouses like Brown Brothers, De Bortoli, and Domaine Chandon, to more intimate boutique offerings. Among these boutique venues, you'll find the captivating Red Hill Estate located in the Mornington Peninsula and Yering Station housed in the Yarra Valley. Both offer visitors more than just exquisite wines, featuring stunning panoramic vistas, top-notch dining establishments, and gourmet produce shops.
In Melbourne's Victoria, wine enthusiasts are warmly received in a testament to the well-established culture surrounding wine tourism. Visitors are often treated to complimentary tastings at the cellar door, where proficient personnel willingly delineate specifics about wine varietals, production methodologies, and the factors contributing to terroir.
Should wine not satisfy your palate, there's a unique opportunity to uncover a newfound fondness for cider. You can confidently do so in Gippsland by touring the family-operated apple and pear orchards of Gurneys Cider, providing an intimate experience of cider production. Alternatively, broaden your horizons by participating in a masterclass and tasting event at Four Pillars, a distinguished gin distillery located in the picturesque Yarra Valley.
The Four Pillars gin distillery, nestled in the heart of Victoria's Yarra Valley approximately sixty minutes away from Melbourne, lures connoisseurs with its enticing blends. Image credit: Visit Victoria.
In Victoria, the abundance of foodie paths connecting gourmet cheese purveyors, bountiful farms, olive oil specialists, and artisanal chocolate and ice cream makers, contribute to the elevated culinary standards experienced at local cafés and dining establishments. By the way, did you know that Melbourne is often described as Australia's food capital because of the diverse cuisine on offer, embodying the city's multicultural population?
But the gastronomic adventure isn't only about indulging in excellent meals or partaking in wine tasting sessions. For instance, in the picturesque Yarra Valley, you have the opportunity to combine tasting tours with an exhilarating hot-air balloon ride over the lush vineyards. By the serene Bellarine Peninsula, find out the reason behind Portarlington being dubbed the Mussel Capital of Victoria on an insightfulboat tour to the region's mussel farms, complemented by a live cooking tutorial and a tasting session. High up in Victoria's striking mountainous region, the Bright Adventure Company offers impromptu, locally-sourced picnic ventures on a makeshift ledge engineered on a 900ft high cliff overlooking the valley. Victoria's wine is famous worldwide and recognized for its superb flavor, thanks to the unique climate conditions, similar to the world's best wine-producing regions.
Exquisite Food Destinations
If you're looking for a high-end culinary exploration, take the elevator to the 55th floor of the Rialto Tower in Melbourne. Here, you'll discover Vue de Monde, Shannon Bennett's brainchild that's a marvel in the art of gastronomy. A theatrical experience and innovative renditions of native Australian ingredients will provide a dining memory that lasts.
For passionate lovers of local meats, step into Matilda's, right across the Royal Botanic Gardens. The establishment's approach to meat preparation, under the guidance of Scott Pickett, is truly exceptional. The Macedon Ranges duck or the unusual kangaroo tartare only scratch the surface of this eatery's ingenious menu.
Immerse yourself in the magnificence of organic dining at Brae. Located on a cozy hillside farm along the picturesque Great Ocean Road and marking its position as the 58th in the World Best Restaurants list last year, this restaurant grows an array of produce, including seasonal vegetables, olives, and nuts, right on its premises. The unmatched freshness of locally grown, organic produce adds an unbeatable charm to your dining experience.
Delight your taste buds at the Cape at Cape Schank Resort in the Mornington Peninsula. Savour a superb fusion of ambience and culinary art in their leather-adorned dining hall, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a breathtaking view of Fingal Beach. Accompany your world-renowned Sher Wagyu porterhouse steak with the finest wines of Mornington Peninsula.
If you are seeking for an experience that combines unobstructed ocean views, a sprawling sculpture park, and premium wine, the Pt. Leo Estate nestled in the Mornington Peninsula should be on your list. This 50-acre vineyard offers an unforgettable wine tasting experience on its outdoor terrace. Follow up a refreshing glass of wine with a delightful meal served in their exquisite Laura restaurant.
Experience the farm-to-table concept in a stunning locale at the Jack Rabbit Vineyard on Bellarine Peninsula. The vineyard is renowned for its assortment of dishes composed of locally sourced produce. Paired perfectly with rieslings, pinot noirs, and sauvignon blancs cultivated in the surrounding vineyards, each dish is a tribute to the rich farming heritage of the Bellarine.
Experience the outstanding fresh seafood unique to Melbourne in a delightful manner at Jack Rabbit. This is the place where food lovers can truly enjoy the freshest catch of the day.
Nestled near Torquay at the beginning of the Great Ocean Road, the Moonah restaurant offers an exclusive dining experience unlike any other. Limited to just 12 seats, each offering an all-encompassing view over the nearby billabong, Moonah brings flavours to life with a menu based on strictly local ingredients woven into multiple creative dishes designed by the acclaimed chef Tobin Kent. This unique three-hour food journey is an absolute must-try.
Next stop, Tedesca Osteria situated on Mornington Peninsula. While the wood-fired oven and grill takes center stage here, it is their unfaltering farm-to-table ethos that speaks volumes, with local farms and market gardeners providing the fresh produce. Add to this the serene backdrop of an agriturismo-style farm retreat brimming with contemporary art, and your meal at Tedesca Osteria is guaranteed to be memorable.
Kadota is uniquely situated in the picturesque spa town of Daylesford where Japanese culinary influences are celebrated in a compelling harmony. Run by deep-rooted professionals, Risa Kadota and Aaron Schembri, who gained their prowess working in eminent Japanese cookhouses, Kadota brings about a fusion of Japan's culinary tradition and Australia's seasonal artisanal yield. Of paramount importance at Kadota is the philosophy of Omotenashi – encapsulating the integrity in service and honesty in the food they serve.
Omotenashi is distinctly demonstrated by chef Aaron Schembri as he ingeniously integrates Japanese culinary tastes into Daylesford. Photograph: Richard Cornish
Wickens can be found in Dunkeld within the walls of the highly frequented Royal Mail hotel. The restaurant has garnered critical accolades for Robin Wickens' taster menu that showcases indigenous Australian produce sourced from what's arguably the largest operational domestic farm in the country.
Experience Victoria’s diverse adventures
Victoria is a diverse and exciting getaway for adventurers, road trippers and foodies. From its rugged coastlines and hidden beaches to its alpine landscapes and verdant forests, this is a special destination with a huge amount to offer.
We don’t like to brag - but at Flight Centre, we know Down Under like the back of our hand. We’re born and bred there after all and have been crafting holidays to perfection for 40 years. So, whether you’re visiting for the first time, returning for the fifth, or planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, our travel experts will tailor-make your Australia getaway down to the finest detail.
Plus, your holiday planning will be handled by the best in the business, with our signature service, irresistible value, expertise, and peace of mind guaranteed. But don’t just take our word for it; we’ll let our over 30,000 5-star reviews on Trustpilot do the talking.