Melbourne has so much to get excited about, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to its vibrant foodie scene. The city is wonderfully multi-cultural and has a cool, European feel, with that inimitable Aussie twist, a mix that’s reflected in the incredible range of must-try food in the Melbourne CBD, where some of the country’s very best restaurants are to be found. Locals and visitors heading out for dinner are spoilt for choice, with Asian, Italian and Middle East cuisine some of the foodie faves here. Check out just some of the options for when you’re in town.
Jump to:
- MOST POPULAR RESTAURANTS & BAKERIES IN MELBOURNE'S CBD
- TRADITIONAL FOOD IN MELBOURNE & WHERE TO TRY IT
- VISITOR INFORMATION
- SUMMARY
- FAQs
Melbourne CBD's must-try bakeries and restaurants
Melbourne has something to tickle every tastebud, whether you’re looking for a mouth-watering snack on the go while taking in the sights, or ready to sit down and savour the delights on offer at some of the country’s finest eateries. The food in Melbourne is simply on another level.
A great place to start is Portuguese and Spanish-inspired Marmelo, an elegant take on the rustic charms of these European culinary powerhouses. The custom-built charcoal grill and wood oven take centre stage in the beautiful, vibrant dining room. A feast for all the senses in a relaxed, sunny space where old-country tradition meets contemporary Melbourne.
For a celebration of Australia, both its food and the spirit of the country, head to Attica,
one of the country’s most acclaimed fine-dining venues. The restaurant is renowned for its imaginative and meticulous use of Australian ingredients and is the place to go if you want to enjoy incredible food as part of a wider cultural experience, blending storytelling, sustainability and impeccable craftsmanship.
Farmer’s Daughters is a farm-to-table experience, showcasing the very best of local produce on 3 different levels: a casual Deli, a restaurant serving seasonal lunches and a stunning rooftop bar. This is a must try food place in Melbourne CBD that prides itself on provenance, sustainability and amazing food.
Just a short walk from Oaks on Collins and located on Flinders Lane, you’ll find one of the best restaurants in the city. The just renowned pan-Asian restaurant Supernormal is the place to go if you’re looking for amazing Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisine, in a sleek and stylish locale. Locals and visitors rave about its iconic lobster rolls, dumplings, and peanut-butter parfait.
For those who simply adore a croissant, Lune Croissanterie, a stylish, minimalist venue on Collins Street may just be a dream come true. This cult pastry destination was founded by a former aerospace engineer who has applied the same precision and technique to the creation of the perfect, laminated French delicacy. If you’re staying at Oaks Melbourne on Market Hotel, make sure to stop by and get there early to beat the queues!
And for more beautiful bakes that go beyond the not-so-humble croissant, Publique Bakery, with central venues at both Preston and Victoria Markets, craft authentic French pastries, artisan breads and serve coffee to die for, using recipes passed down through the generations. The almond and matcha croissants are in a league of their own.
With delightful, centrally located venues on Niagara Lane and Exhibition Street, Tori’s sells cakes, baked goods and all manner of delicious drinks as well as teas and coffees.The perfect sweet escape in the heart of the city! PS: Oaks on Williams Suites is just a few minutes away from Publique Bakery and Tori’s CBD locations, so if you’re craving something sweet why not try both?
Traditional Melbourne Delights. Where to try local staples.
If you ask what the most popular food in Melbourne is, don’t be surprised if you hear locals waxing lyrical about the joys of the excellent pub grub here. The classic Melbourne pub meals are the perfect comfort food, with everything from traditional Sunday roasts, chicken pies, fish and chips, chicken parmigiana and succulent steaks, through to good old Vegemite on toast. They also do mean desserts, with crowd pleasers like sticky toffee pudding and crumbles always a hit. That’s why local pubs have earned a special place in our ultimate foodie guide to must try food in Melbourne CBD.
Head to The Duke, Melbourne’s oldest licensed pub, in the centre of the CBD, opposite the Forum, for a warm welcome and some great food. Catering for those hankering after classic pub grub and a relaxed pint or two, the pub also has a dining room, for a more elevated experience, plus they serve great cocktails and even boast a new rooftop bar, so there’s something for everyone.
With its relaxed vibe and wood panelled interior, the Napier Hotel on Napier Street is packed with character and serves some of the nicest meals in Melbourne. Expect hearty Aussie pub staples with a modern twist, like chicken parmigiana that’s also available with smoked kangaroo, plus veggie and vegan options. The pub also boasts an excellent range of local craft beers and wines. The perfect spot if you want to eat well and soak up some of the local atmosphere. It’s an authentic Melbourne institution.
Visitor Information
Melbourne is a relaxed and welcoming city, so visitors can rest assured that when out to eat, there’s not much standing on ceremony. But here are a few little tips to make sure the experience is as smooth as possible!
1. If you want to beat the crowds, the best time to eat out is in the early evening, (6–7:30pm) or after 8pm if you want something a little livelier. Making a reservation is always a good idea, as many of the nice restaurants in Melbourne tend to fill up quickly, especially at weekends.
2. Online booking systems are routinely used, and some establishments may ask for a small deposit to secure a reservation.
3. When it comes to dress codes, smart-casual is usually the norm, though fine-dining restaurants may expect a bit more polish! Most venues are happy to accept card payments, including contactless and mobile wallets; bear in mind that some are fully cashless.
4. Tipping isn’t obligatory in Melbourne but rounding up or adding 5–10% for excellent service never goes amiss!
And if you’re looking for accommodation in Melbourne, don’t forget to explore all our Oaks options. Choose the hotel that best fits your needs while you get ready to try our curated foodie list while you explore the city.
In Summary
With so much to choose from, when it comes to must try food in Melbourne CBD, what’s not to love? From exquisite bakery goodies to some of the country's best restaurants and beloved traditional pubs, the city is a veritable cornucopia of great places to eat and drink.
FAQs
What’s Melbourne’s best restaurant?
You couldn’t really put your finger on ‘the best’ in Melbourne, as there really is something for every occasion. However, for a fine-dining special occasion, The Vue de Monde, situated on the top floor of the Rialto Towers, is renowned for its breathtaking views across Melbourne and Port Philip Bay, and its reinterpretation of exquisite haute cuisine. For a night to remember.
What’s the most famous street in Melbourne for food restaurants?
Although there are great eateries all over the city, it would probably have to be Lygon Street in Carlton. Known as Melbourne’s Little Italy, this is the place to go for a pizza fix and is historically the area’s most celebrated restaurant strip.
For a more modern take, Flinders Street in the CBD has become the city’s latest culinary destination, with a number of acclaimed restaurants wowing diners.
Is there any traditional food to try in Melbourne?
Most certainly! Many of the traditional faves are straight from the pubs here, and include hearty options such as the chicken parmigiana, or ‘Parma’ as it’s lovingly known to locals, perfectly cooked fish and chunky chips, mouthwatering pies and all manner of burgers. For pudding, a Pavlova, a traditional meringue-based dessert, or Lamington, a sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut are the order of the day.
Are Melbourne’s fine-dining restaurants kid friendly?
Melbourne is a kid-friendly, relaxed place, and many pubs and eateries are keen to welcome families with kids, often offering kids menus. However, for the finer-dining experiences, it’s always best to phone ahead and check on the restaurant’s individual policy, as there may be restrictions around issues such as highchairs and times when the little ones are welcome or not!
Do I need to book in advance for popular restaurants?
In short, yes! Especially at weekends, when it can be tricky to get a table. Larger groups would also always be encouraged to book ahead to avoid disappointment. Most restaurants in Melbourne have on-line booking facilities and may charge a small deposit. If you don’t have anything booked, don’t panic! But it’s probably best to head out a little earlier and be flexible with seating arrangements. ‘Must try food in Melbourne CBD’ is a never-ending list so there’s always going to be a place for you to taste.
