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There aren’t many guarantees in life, but this is one of them – there is no shortage of great places to eat in Melbourne, and you could have enough options for all tastes and budgets to last a lifetime. Melbourne is a food lover’s paradise and just one of the many reasons why I love this city.
One of the great things about Melbourne is the many neighborhoods that have their own cultural focus. From the vibrant markets offering fresh produce to the craft cocktails served at rooftop bars in the bustling CBD to the relaxed and intimate dining experiences in downtown Melbourne, there is something for every mood.
If you’re new to the city and not sure how to narrow down the options, then below are some of the best places to eat in Melbourne from our personal experience!
- Melbourne at a glance 🔍
- The Best Places To Eat In Melbourne
- 1. Tiamo – Lygon Street, Carlton
- 2. Brunetti – Lygon Street, Carlton
- 3. Metro Burgers – Degraves Street
- 4. Creatures of Habit Bar & Bandroom (Formerly Little Creatures Pub) – Fitzroy
- 5. Vegie Bar, Fitzroy
- 6. Queen Victoria Night Markets
- 7. Chinatown – Little Bourke St, CBD
- 8. Loving Hut – Victoria Street, Richmond
- 9. Dim Sims at South Melbourne Market
- 10. Riverland Bar & Cafe – Yarra River
- 11. Transport Hotel – Federation Square
- 12. High Tea at the Langham Hotel
- 13. The Boiling Crab, Melbourne CBD
- 14. St Kilda Beach and Acland Street Cake Shops
- 15. South Bank
- 16. Picnic in a Park
- 17. North East China Family House – CBD
- Locals Suggestions for Places to Eat in Melbourne
- Map Of These Places to Eat in Melbourne
- Popular Food Tours of Melbourne
- More Melbourne Travel Tips
Melbourne at a glance 🔍
- Accommodation options: Melbourne has many budget-friendly hostels and boutique hotels for under $50 USD per night, as well as luxurious hotels for $200+ USD per night.
- Getting around: Melbourne is easy to get around on the tram and the metro network.
- Unmissable sights: Our favorite places in Melbourne are the Royal Botanic Gardens, the National Gallery of Victoria, and Federation Square.
- Money saving tip: You can save money on attractions in Melbourne by getting yourself a Melbourne Pass. This can give you discounts of up to 75% on Melbourne’s top attractions and experiences.
Looking to reserve an apartment in Melbourne? Click here to browse.
The Best Places To Eat In Melbourne
We’re not big fans of fine dining, and look for value for money and family friendly locations above anything else, but we’ve tried to include a dining experience for every taste.
Below are places to dine in Melbourne that we enjoyed, plus further down below are some HOT TIPS from our readers.
1. Tiamo – Lygon Street, Carlton
- Hours: 12.00 – 9.00pm daily
- Address: 303 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Price range: $20-$40 per meal
Lygon Street is that famous Italian area of Melbourne, and home to many popular restaurants and cafes.
With so many choices it can be hard to narrow down a selection. Luckily our local friend with an Italian background new the place for us – Tiamo.
Synonymous with traditional Italian cuisine, Tiamo has a focus on pizza, but I enjoyed another Italian specialty, spaghetti marinara, and Caz said her risotto was to die for.
Going there with a group, why not order a few pizzas, some pastas and risotto and share everything.
The bustling vibe is great, feels very homely and genuinely Italian. And for it being a touristy part of the city was impressed with their reasonable prices.
2. Brunetti – Lygon Street, Carlton
- Hours: 6.00am – 10.00pm week days, 6.00am – 11.30pm weekends
- Address: 380 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Price range: $20-$40 per meal
Speaking of Lygon street, Brunetti is a Melbourne institution.
A place to indulge in an Italian style coffee from the bar or get a quick breakfast of pancakes, eggs and other healthy options.
It’s said they serve 20,000 coffees per week, and has been serving cakes, pastries, biscuits and gelati since 1985.
You’ll also find excellent crepes, chocolates and savoury dishes.
We had breakfast with a friend and couldn’t believe how big and popular this place is. And the pastries are like art work.
3. Metro Burgers – Degraves Street
- Hours: 11.30am – 8.00pm Tuesday – Sunday, Closed Monday
- Address: 12 Degraves Street, Melbourne
- Price range: $20-$40 per meal
If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, then you can’t go wrong with a tasty burger place.
One of the best burgers in Melbourne is made at Metro Burger, which makes fresh, succulent burgers with a variety of flavors and toppings.
They whip up Australian favs, including kangaroo, emu and crocodile burgers, and has a classic industrial style decor with only a few tables – so get there early to grab a seat.
4. Creatures of Habit Bar & Bandroom (Formerly Little Creatures Pub) – Fitzroy
- Hours: 4.00pm – 12.00am Wednesday, 4.00pm – 1.00am Thursday – Sunday, Closed Monday and Tuesday
- Address: 319 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
- Price range: $1-$20 per meal
I’m a big fan of the Creatures of Habit Bar & Bandroom craft beer, and was excited when we got yet another tip from a local Melbourne friend to hit up this pub for lunch.
Fitzroy is a great neighbourhood to explore on foot, and we timed our visit so that we could recharge with a bite to eat (and a drink) at this pub / Melbourne Dining Hall.
The interior is open plan and inviting, kid friendly, and the quality of their beer was matched with yummy food making for a great pub lunch experience.
5. Vegie Bar, Fitzroy
- Hours: 11.30am – 9.00pm Monday – Thursday, 11.30am – 9.30pm Friday, 11.00am – 9.30pm Saturday, 11.00am – 9.00pm Sunday
- Address: 380 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
- Price range: $20-$40 per meal
If you find yourself in Fitzroy, and you should because it’s a cool neighbourhood to explore, grab a bite to eat at Vegie Bar.
We’ve been there twice now and it satisfies our health conscious mind, and our taste buds. We also love how it has indoor and outdoor seating. Grab a seat on the patio on a nice, sunny day!
Be prepared to wait a little in line though, as they we’re lined up out the door on both our visits. The sandwiches and wraps are very popular!
6. Queen Victoria Night Markets
- Hours: 6.00am – 3.00pm Tuesday – Thursday – Sunday, Closed Monday and Wednesday
- Address: Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000,
- Price range: $20-$40 per meal
The Queen Victoria Markets are not just a place to go shopping, the Wednesday Night Market serves up a global street food extravaganza with offerings from all over the world.
It was like any night food market you’d find in Asia, buzzing with atmosphere and cheap (for Melbourne) street food.
The kids tucked into a crepe, Caz had a goat curry and I demolished a kangaroo burger.
The night market runs every Wednesday from November – March.
7. Chinatown – Little Bourke St, CBD
- Hours: 24 hours
- Address: Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Price range: $20-$40 per meal
If there’s a Chinatown in town, we’re there! Rarely are we disappointed, and our bank balance is always happy.
One place in Melbourne we kept going back to was the popular Camy Shanghai Dumpling and Noodle Restaurant.
It’s not for the posh and fancy, it’s a genuine Chinese experience with below par service, but their pork dumplings were a highlight and cheap too!
8. Loving Hut – Victoria Street, Richmond
- Hours: 5.00pm – 9.00pm Monday, Wednesday – Friday, 12.00pm – 9.00pm Saturday and Sunday, Closed Tuesday
- Address: 10/242 Victoria St, Richmond VIC 3121
- Price range: $20-$40 per meal
Just walk up and down Victoria street in Richmond and you’ll have oodles of cheap Vietnamese restaurants and cafes on offer, as well as Malaysian and Chinese.
Not knowing which one to try, a local tip we got was the vegetarian-friendly Loving Hut, which turned out to be a good recommendation with not only cheap and tasty food, but that family friendly service.
Trams travel along Victoria Street from the city, or jump on the train to the North Richmond station.
9. Dim Sims at South Melbourne Market
- Hours: 8.00am – 4.00pm Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 8.00am – 5.00pm Friday, Closed Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
- Address: 91 Cecil St & Coventry Street, Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
- Price range: $20-$40 per meal
I was told the Dim Sims at the South Melbourne Market were famous, and judging by the lunchtime crowd they were worth a try.
They were not wrong, so good in fact I went back for seconds.
Well priced and quick service added to the positive experience. Open Wed, Fri, Sat and Sunday. For transport options click here.
10. Riverland Bar & Cafe – Yarra River
- Hours: 12.00pm – 9.00pm Monday – Tuesday, 12.00pm – 10.00pm Wednesday, 12.00pm – 11.00pm Thursday, 11.00am – 11.00pm Friday and Saturday, 11.00am – 10.00pm Sunday
- Address: Federation Wharf Vaults 1-9, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Price range: $40-$60 per meal
On a sunny day in the city a great place for lunch, and a beer, is the Riverland Bar & Cafe on the banks of the Yarra River.
With prime position overlooking the river, the Princess Bridge and the many rowers doing their thing, it felt like we were back in London in the summer.
They have a kids menu and room for kids to move with its open beer garden configuration. And located right above Riverland Bar is the happening Federation Square.
11. Transport Hotel – Federation Square
- Hours: 12.00pm – 10.00pm Monday – Thursday, 12.00pm – 12.00am Friday, 11.30am – 12.00am Saturday, 11.30am – 10.00pm Sunday
- Address: Transport Hotel, Ground Level Federation Square, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Price range: $20-$40 per meal
Speaking of Federation Square, another of our pub favourites is the Transport Hotel.
With a beer garden that overlooks Fed Square and the live music stage – this place quickly became a fave of ours with the Sunday carafes of white sangria and jugs of cider.
Not to mention the pints of James Boags and the yummy nachos!
12. High Tea at the Langham Hotel
- Hours: 10:00am – 12:00pm, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, 4:00pm – 6:00pm daily
- Address: 1 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
- Price range: $20-$40 per person
This was actually more of a treat for our kids, as the High Tea theme at the time of our visit to the Langham Hotel was based around the newly released Disney movie FROZEN.
But I must say, I’m a fan of all things cakes and old English favourites – as well as tea and coffee – and thoroughly enjoyed this as a family treat.
The Langham Hotel is known for its signature high tea with three different offers.
13. The Boiling Crab, Melbourne CBD
- Hours: 12.00pm – 9.30pm daily
- Address: Cajun-spiced crawfish, oysters, shrimp & other shellfish.
- Price range: $20-$40 per meal
For the lover of CHEAP seafood that’s also delicious, head to The Boiling Crab in Melbourne CBD.
Of course, the specialty is crab, but you can also find oysters, shrimp and fried fish baskets.
Pro tip: Don’t wear anything too fancy, as these are meals designed to make a mess!
14. St Kilda Beach and Acland Street Cake Shops
Who knew Melbourne could offer a spectacular sunset?
St Kilda is its most famous beach and one of our favourite experiences was simply grabbing a takeaway pizza from St Kilda Pizza House, a bottle of wine, and sitting on the beach watching the sun go down.
A cheap and family friendly dinning experience you can’t beat!
Acland Street is the place to go in St Kilda for cafes and restaurants, but also for the famous cake shops.
I dare you to walk past without the temptation of indulging!!
15. South Bank
Southbank is a pretty location along the Yarra River with great views back over the city, and what seems like endless dining and bar options.
We walked this location many times as we were staying at the nearby Mantra Apartments, but never actually ate here.
But a local tip we got was to try the Blue Train cafe for a cheap eat with views of the city.
16. Picnic in a Park
Looking for a cheap eat in Melbourne?
Why not grab some fresh produce of fresh cheeses, fruits and other fresh ingredients from Queen Victoria Markets and head to either Fitzroy Gardens or Carlton Gardens for a picnic?
Or, how about take the family for a picnic in the Botanic Gardens or sit on the banks of the Yarra and watch the world go by.
17. North East China Family House – CBD
- Hours: 11.30am – 3.00pm, 5.00pm – 9.30pm Monday – Wednesday and Saturday, 11.30am – 3.00pm and 5.00pm- 10.00pm Thursday and Friday, Closed Sunday
- Address: 302 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Price range: $20-$40 per meal
Not all that appealing from the outside, and don’t come here for the service – they actually forgot to bring out one of our meals – but in terms of flavour and quantity the food here is delicious and cheap.
The dumplings are their specialty, and the noodles were a hit with Kalyra. Casual and kid friendly, North East China Family House is located at Flinders Lane in the city.
Locals Suggestions for Places to Eat in Melbourne
Below are some hot tips from our readers – you can’t beat local advice:
Steve Davidson says:
- Lucky Coq (Chapel Street, Prahran) offer very cheap pizzas, and I am a huge fan.
- For stylish, I’d recommend Eureka 89 and Vue De Monde mainly because I love a good view from high above the city. For stylish yet casual, I’d recommend anywhere on Little Collins Street from Swanston Street, up to Spring Street.
- Terra Rosa is a personal favourite of mine along this strip.
Kim Bibby says:
- Sake Restaurant and Bar, which is located in Southbank under the arts centre & alongside the Yarra River, is a great place serving modern and classic Japanese cuisine. It has a lovely atmosphere and I find the food/service superior to the famous Nobu at a much more reasonable price.
- Chiba in Moonee Ponds is also fantastic for Japanese cuisine, atmosphere & service. We often start with a drink at the Valley Cellar Door across the road. Actually, the Valley Cellar Door is awesome as well….great selection of wines to buy AND you can BYO food or take away!
- I enjoy Gingerboy, it has a nice modern atmosphere and excellent hawker style Asian Food.
- Red Spice Road whips up some amazing flavours, presentation and atmosphere. The Lamb Shank main is to die for.
- Meat & Wine Co is a good place to go for a good steak.
- Donovans at St Kilda for a more intimate dining room experience. I enjoy eating there on a winters afternoon for lunch with a bottle of red….love the atmosphere & views.
- There is a little French restaurant, Bistrot d’Orsay, on Collins Street that I go to every year with a friend before the St Pauls Carols with the Melbourne Philharmonic & Choir. We start with a glass of champagne (French of course) with the AMAZING pate for appetizers. We have the Duck for mains washed down with a beautiful red. Same routine every year. It’s expensive, but it is awesome!
- Pure South in South Bank has a large menu that features only Tasmanian Produce. We had THE best steak we have ever had here.
Map Of These Places to Eat in Melbourne
Popular Food Tours of Melbourne
Want a deeper insight into the food and culture of Melbourne. Why not try some of these Melbourne food tours?
More Melbourne Travel Tips
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- 6 Beaches in Melbourne to Visit Once You’re Done with the City
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What about you? Do you have any tips on places to eat in Melbourne?
Brunetti’s is so amazing! I loved that day, meeting 4 people who inspire me. The girls are going to grow up just like you, kind, caring, helpful and free. Bless, I feel honoured to be a part of your journey. Joseph. x
Thanks for introducing us to Brunetti’s. And likewise, a pleasure meeting you Joseph. Next coffee on us 🙂
That’s a great blogpost. After reading all this great places to eat, have a coffee etc. we defenitely need to go back to Melbourne sooner or later. 🙂 Thanks for sharing these great tips.
Thanks Reni – I want to go back too. Love the restaurant / cafe scene in Melbs!
When I traveled to Melbourne, this is one aspect that I failed to explore. Although I am a foodie, I couldn’t manage to taste anything beyond the confectioneries. I hope to try at least some of these places that you mentioned when I visit Melbourne next.
Being a foodie Renuka you must experience the cafe / restaurant scene next time – one meal at a time 🙂
Wow. Everything I read about Melbourne makes it sound like a city I’d absolutely love! I can’t wait to visit…the Vegie Bar and high tea look especially appealing!
You would love Melbourne Sam, no doubt. I have actually never heard a bad word about it (besides the weather of course)
Wow! Melbourne is worth visiting at least for gastronomic orgasms. I think I’m gonna go get my second breakfast now…
Haha, nicely put Illia 🙂
There are so many great cuisines in Melbourne to but for some reason it is the amazing Italian places that make me hungry to return.
Yep, I’m a big fan of Italian too. Need to try more places on Lygon! Who makes the best lasagne, my favourite???
The first reason why I am residing in Melbourne is Food. Really, This place is awesome for food lovers as you will get ample things to eat and fresh up your mind. Thanks for the post. Keep uploading.
That’s a good first reason Sofia. And there are many more that make Melbourne very liveable!!
I second the Hutong recommendation, amazing. I also love Fonda for Mexican (in the city and Richmond), and Chiangmai in Lygon St for Thai. There’s also a place in the city in The Causeway called Riva Cafe that does an amazing spicy chicken burger!
Thanks for adding those tips Erin!
What a great post! I only know the organic café of CERES and can recommend it too. It’s a nice spot to hang around for a bit. Check out the bike repair place there. You can repair an old bike and buy it really cheap. Thus a really good place for all Working Holiday Visa owner who want to stay longer in Melbourne. I hopefully will come back to Melbourne one day and try all these restaurants you mentioned 😉 A bar you should also visit is Cookies in the centre of the city. You have an amazing view of the centre. I will soon publish a post about my favorites bars in Melbourne, so there will be more info there then 🙂 Enjoy your Easter Weekend!!
Thanks for the extra tips Stef. Will have to check out Cookies.
There has got to be a reason Melbourne is sooo well known for it’s food (it’s even be known about on the West Coast for as long as I can remember). It looks like you have found all the reason why.
It’s worth visiting for Sally. That and many other reasons!
Great read Craig, we were looking for a place to have brunch with friends when in Melbourne for a few day early next month. You have sold us on Brunetti’s but I’m going to try my hardest this time not venture to Acland St and be tempted by all the cake shops…
Brunetti’s is awesome. Be careful 🙂
Curious to try the Pumpkin Tofu Pie.
Nice post 😉
The Wednesday night market seems to be a place i will love !
Lord of the Fries isn’t vegetarian. I only know this because they have the best chicken nuggets I’ve ever had.
Another great restaurant is San Paolo Solarino. They have the BEST caesar salad. Their other salads are pretty good. Different from the normal stuff you get everywhere else.
If any of you want help, just send me a reply. I can help with the CBD.
There are so many great cuisines in Melbourne, it’s a realy nice city ! I was only 7 days in melbourne but i will come back one day 😉
I think when I leave Melbourne for 15 months the thing I’ll miss the most about it is the food! It’s seriously the best when it comes to eating absolutely anything.
There are a stack of local cafes out Hawthorn way- just a 10 mins train ride out of the city. My favourites are Axil Coffee Roasters, Crabapple and Liar Liar (all reviewed on my blog). The best burgers in Melbourne are definitely at Beer and Burger Lounge in Richmond and the best dumplings are Hutong Dumpling Bar and New Shanghai!
No wonder I spend so much money on food!
I absolutely love this blog, so many helpful tips and recommendations for exploring Melbourne without breaking the bank. I’m planning to go there at the end of the year, so doing research and preparations whilst reading this blog will make my exploring in Melbourne more pleasant and fun. Thank you for doing it and making it so compact .
I find myself unable to leave your blog! I can’t stop reading it! I must say you have a very unique voice in writing, which I personally appreciate. Which best place in Melbourne you love to visit? Let me know what you think. Thanks again Craig.