Guidebook for Melbourne
Food Scene
$$ Worth it. Stylish, friendly restaurant with a bar downstairs. Try Chef’s recommendations for variety. Their appetisers and desserts are outstanding and definitely end with a cocktail.
36 locals recommend
Nieuw Amsterdam
106-112 Hardware Street$$ Worth it. Stylish, friendly restaurant with a bar downstairs. Try Chef’s recommendations for variety. Their appetisers and desserts are outstanding and definitely end with a cocktail.
$$ Worth it. Serves rich and innovative breakfasts, and becomes a comfort food haven with its hearty lunches. I recommend visiting early or outside lunch hours to avoid queues.
413 locals recommend
The Hardware Société Melbourne
10 Katherine Pl$$ Worth it. Serves rich and innovative breakfasts, and becomes a comfort food haven with its hearty lunches. I recommend visiting early or outside lunch hours to avoid queues.
$ Cheap and cheerful. The perfect snack or takeaway lunch while you soak up the sunshine on the lawn in front of the State Library. Try the braised pork bell, roast pork belly, and Fried silky tofu.
66 locals recommend
Wonderbao
$ Cheap and cheerful. The perfect snack or takeaway lunch while you soak up the sunshine on the lawn in front of the State Library. Try the braised pork bell, roast pork belly, and Fried silky tofu.
$$ Worth it. A decent value set lunch that treats your taste buds to a variety of modern Asian cuisines. The pork belly won't let you down.
42 locals recommend
Red Spice Road
141 Queen St$$ Worth it. A decent value set lunch that treats your taste buds to a variety of modern Asian cuisines. The pork belly won't let you down.
$-$$ Worth it. Once you have one you will want to try the rest. Don't pass up the brownie and passionfruit chocolate gâteau. I know I can't!
10 locals recommend
Le Petit Gateau
458 Little Collins St$-$$ Worth it. Once you have one you will want to try the rest. Don't pass up the brownie and passionfruit chocolate gâteau. I know I can't!
$ Cheap and cheerful. Known as 'Chairs' (look up and you'll know), it's where you will get a decent cuppa with a smile.
277 locals recommend
Brother Baba Budan
359 Little Bourke St$ Cheap and cheerful. Known as 'Chairs' (look up and you'll know), it's where you will get a decent cuppa with a smile.
$ Cheap and cheerful. Transport yourself to Tokyo by breathing in the fragrant stream of your Tonkatsu ramen. Don't forget to add an egg and a garlic bomb to complete that umami flavour.
17 locals recommend
Nashi Sandwich & Coffee Bar
6-8 Dorcas St$ Cheap and cheerful. Transport yourself to Tokyo by breathing in the fragrant stream of your Tonkatsu ramen. Don't forget to add an egg and a garlic bomb to complete that umami flavour.
$ Cheap and cheerful. Here is where you can get your noodles hard, the broth strong, and spices that will literally blow you away! And try the gyoza: small, but the best outside Japan.
65 locals recommend
Hakata Gensuke Tonkotsu Ramen
168 Russell St$ Cheap and cheerful. Here is where you can get your noodles hard, the broth strong, and spices that will literally blow you away! And try the gyoza: small, but the best outside Japan.
$-$$ Worth it. Fish taco in one hand and a cocktail in the other. Perfect!
187 locals recommend
Fonda Mexican
144 Chapel St$-$$ Worth it. Fish taco in one hand and a cocktail in the other. Perfect!
$$$ Bloody amazing. This seasonal degustation menu with Omakase drink service to match is a surprise for your taste buds every time.
6 locals recommend
Kappo
1 Flinders Lane$$$ Bloody amazing. This seasonal degustation menu with Omakase drink service to match is a surprise for your taste buds every time.
$$$ Bloody amazing. It's an experience you must have in Melbourne for lovers of Japanese food. Complement the seasonal degustation menu with the saké matching, and you won't be sorry.
32 locals recommend
Minamishima
4 Lord St$$$ Bloody amazing. It's an experience you must have in Melbourne for lovers of Japanese food. Complement the seasonal degustation menu with the saké matching, and you won't be sorry.
$$$ Bloody amazing. An experimental and fun tasting selection crafted by a chef fresh from The Fat Duck, El Bulli, and Arzak. A first class taste bud roller coaster.
Mister Jennings
142 Bridge Rd$$$ Bloody amazing. An experimental and fun tasting selection crafted by a chef fresh from The Fat Duck, El Bulli, and Arzak. A first class taste bud roller coaster.
$$ Worth it. Hide out in this cosy, romantically lit basement space for a homely Italian meal. If beef cheeks are on the menu, order it!
30 locals recommend
Il Solito Posto
113 Collins St$$ Worth it. Hide out in this cosy, romantically lit basement space for a homely Italian meal. If beef cheeks are on the menu, order it!
$$$ Bloody amazing. This is the restaurant that introduced Melbourne to degustation dining. Sitting in the sky, your modern French cuisine comes with a scrumptious serve of Melbourne.
270 locals recommend
Vue de monde
525 Collins St$$$ Bloody amazing. This is the restaurant that introduced Melbourne to degustation dining. Sitting in the sky, your modern French cuisine comes with a scrumptious serve of Melbourne.
$$ Worth it. The affordable Vue de monde offers a lunchbox that comes in four parts: starter, salad, savoury, and dessert. The lunchbox menu changes at the beginning of each month.
Café Vue
430 Little Collins Street$$ Worth it. The affordable Vue de monde offers a lunchbox that comes in four parts: starter, salad, savoury, and dessert. The lunchbox menu changes at the beginning of each month.
$ Cheap and cheerful. Their rich and delicious laksas are the quickest way to get an authentic taste of Malaysia.
125 locals recommend
Laksa King Flemington
6-12 Pin Oak Cres$ Cheap and cheerful. Their rich and delicious laksas are the quickest way to get an authentic taste of Malaysia.
$$$ Bloody amazing. A treat for your taste buds: go all in and try their banquet. If you're short on time, their peanut butter parfait with salted caramel and soft chocolate will cure any woes.
109 locals recommend
Supernormal
180 Flinders Ln$$$ Bloody amazing. A treat for your taste buds: go all in and try their banquet. If you're short on time, their peanut butter parfait with salted caramel and soft chocolate will cure any woes.
$ Cheap and cheerful. Situated in Port Phillip Arcade, this family run restaurant serves basic lunches that will make you recall Japan with every bite. Try their salmon and tuna don.
Sushi Ten
178 Rathdowne St$ Cheap and cheerful. Situated in Port Phillip Arcade, this family run restaurant serves basic lunches that will make you recall Japan with every bite. Try their salmon and tuna don.
$ Cheap and cheerful. Here is where you'll find delicious dumplings. Get your taste buds started with the Dill-icious pork dumplings.
28 locals recommend
ShanDong MaMa
200 Bourke St$ Cheap and cheerful. Here is where you'll find delicious dumplings. Get your taste buds started with the Dill-icious pork dumplings.
Migo's Industrie
289 Flinders Ln$ Cheap and cheeful. This nook serves generous portions of homely Italian pastas.
Lee Ho Fook
11-15 Duckboard Pl$$ Worth it. Chinese without MSG. 'Nuff said.
$$ Worth it. Offers the most generous grazing menu of meat, meat and more meat.
33 locals recommend
Meatmaiden
195 Little Collins St$$ Worth it. Offers the most generous grazing menu of meat, meat and more meat.
$$ Worth it. Two words: Bacon sour. It's a whiskey sour with a twist: bacon infused bourbon and a honey glazed bacon on top. Heavenly!
20 locals recommend
Meatmother
167 Swan Street$$ Worth it. Two words: Bacon sour. It's a whiskey sour with a twist: bacon infused bourbon and a honey glazed bacon on top. Heavenly!
Burma Lane
118 Little Collins St$$ Worth it. Delicious little Burmese dishes and desserts. Don't skip desert.
$$ Worth it. Scrumptious Betel Leaf dishes, and a kick-arse selection of cocktails.
25 locals recommend
Botherambo
Botherambo Street$$ Worth it. Scrumptious Betel Leaf dishes, and a kick-arse selection of cocktails.
$$ Worth it. Tucked in a laneway is where you will find this Armenian restaurant that serves outstanding fish related dishes.
7 locals recommend
Sezar Restaurant
6 Melbourne Pl$$ Worth it. Tucked in a laneway is where you will find this Armenian restaurant that serves outstanding fish related dishes.
$$ Worth it. Descend to the entrance and open the heavy, velvety curtain for a dose of Shinjuku. Try the karaage and watch the chefs weave their magic.
230 locals recommend
Izakaya Den
118 Russell St$$ Worth it. Descend to the entrance and open the heavy, velvety curtain for a dose of Shinjuku. Try the karaage and watch the chefs weave their magic.
$$ Worth it. Try the smoked bonito, baby turnip and sourdough miso, and finish with black angus intercostals with watercress and green chilli.
24 locals recommend
The Town Mouse
$$ Worth it. Try the smoked bonito, baby turnip and sourdough miso, and finish with black angus intercostals with watercress and green chilli.
$-$$ Worth it. Their authentic crispy thin pizzas will transport your taste buds away to Italy.
118 locals recommend
DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar
295 Drummond St$-$$ Worth it. Their authentic crispy thin pizzas will transport your taste buds away to Italy.
$-$$ Worth it. Bring a gang and wear your stretchy pants because Abla's diverse menu is designed for happy feasting.
17 locals recommend
Abla's
109 Elgin St$-$$ Worth it. Bring a gang and wear your stretchy pants because Abla's diverse menu is designed for happy feasting.
$ Cheap and cheerful. It's impossible to go past their crispy chips with feta, oregano and garlic oil. The perfect snack for anytime. Also available at the Emporium in the city.
77 locals recommend
Jimmy Grants Fitzroy
113 St David St$ Cheap and cheerful. It's impossible to go past their crispy chips with feta, oregano and garlic oil. The perfect snack for anytime. Also available at the Emporium in the city.
$$ Worth it. Gingerboy will complete your night with their petit four – a selection of all their desserts in miniature form.
37 locals recommend
Gingerboy
27-29 Crossley St$$ Worth it. Gingerboy will complete your night with their petit four – a selection of all their desserts in miniature form.
$$ Worth it. Salads are usually for rabbits but try Cumulus' salads and your taste buds will be bouncing with joy just like a rabbit!
200 locals recommend
Cumulus Inc.
45 Flinders Ln$$ Worth it. Salads are usually for rabbits but try Cumulus' salads and your taste buds will be bouncing with joy just like a rabbit!
$-$$ Worth it. Need some comfort? Try their lasagna. It'll taste like mum's but better!
6 locals recommend
The Cellar Bar
80 Bourke Street$-$$ Worth it. Need some comfort? Try their lasagna. It'll taste like mum's but better!
$$ Worth it. Sit back, relax, and let nonna feed you. If ribs are on the menu, get two serves!
8 locals recommend
Ombra
76 Bourke St$$ Worth it. Sit back, relax, and let nonna feed you. If ribs are on the menu, get two serves!
$$ Worth it. MoVida never lets you down. Try the croqueta and tartar, and end the evening with flan con pestinos.
203 locals recommend
MoVida
1 Hosier Ln$$ Worth it. MoVida never lets you down. Try the croqueta and tartar, and end the evening with flan con pestinos.
$-$$ worth it. A relaxing place for lunch if you're after some clean and homely Japanese food. The staff are sweet and friendly, and they also have a shop full of beautifully crafted objects.
22 locals recommend
Mina·no·ie
33 Peel Street$-$$ worth it. A relaxing place for lunch if you're after some clean and homely Japanese food. The staff are sweet and friendly, and they also have a shop full of beautifully crafted objects.
$$$ Bloody amazing. This bluestone and wood enclosed atmospheric and stylish room lies French inspired dishes and the most innovative wine list I have witness. It will delight and surprise.
57 locals recommend
Hell of the North
135 Greeves St$$$ Bloody amazing. This bluestone and wood enclosed atmospheric and stylish room lies French inspired dishes and the most innovative wine list I have witness. It will delight and surprise.
$-$$ Worth it. Cibi & Mina-no-ie offers the similar menu of fresh Japanese food. Peruse their gift shop of delicate glassware and well-crafted homeware, and you'll leave with more than a full belly.
59 locals recommend
CIBI
33-39 Keele St$-$$ Worth it. Cibi & Mina-no-ie offers the similar menu of fresh Japanese food. Peruse their gift shop of delicate glassware and well-crafted homeware, and you'll leave with more than a full belly.
$ Cheap and cheerful. Crispy thin pizza base that are like Saladas with fresh, mouth-watering toppings. Call-in for takeaway or dine in the buzzing laneway.
12 locals recommend
11 Inch Pizza Melbourne CBD
353 Little Collins St$ Cheap and cheerful. Crispy thin pizza base that are like Saladas with fresh, mouth-watering toppings. Call-in for takeaway or dine in the buzzing laneway.
$$ Worth it. Their fresh homemade pasta are far superior than anything else they offer. If you can fit in dessert, ask for Torta del giorno (dessert/tart of the day).
84 locals recommend
Tipo 00
361 Little Bourke St$$ Worth it. Their fresh homemade pasta are far superior than anything else they offer. If you can fit in dessert, ask for Torta del giorno (dessert/tart of the day).
$ Cheap and cheerful. The perfect hideout place with a coffee and yummy snacks.
12 locals recommend
Traveller Coffee
14 Crossley St$ Cheap and cheerful. The perfect hideout place with a coffee and yummy snacks.
Shopping
Feel like some retail therapy? This is a one-stop destination for top fashion brands with a quality food court on the third level, and Zumbo and other snack stands on other levels.
773 locals recommend
Emporium Melbourne
287 Lonsdale StFeel like some retail therapy? This is a one-stop destination for top fashion brands with a quality food court on the third level, and Zumbo and other snack stands on other levels.
$-$$ Worth it. Need a new outfit and want something unique and locally made? Say hello to the gorgeous ladies, Leah & Jeanette who will help you find a new look that will make heads turn.
Milly Sleeping
157 Elgin St$-$$ Worth it. Need a new outfit and want something unique and locally made? Say hello to the gorgeous ladies, Leah & Jeanette who will help you find a new look that will make heads turn.
A portal to a more bookish dimension where you can flirt with attractive staff and enquire about fun, contemporary poets like Michael Farrell.
8 locals recommend
The Paperback Bookshop
60 Bourke StA portal to a more bookish dimension where you can flirt with attractive staff and enquire about fun, contemporary poets like Michael Farrell.
Arts & Culture
Free. Contemporary art encased in an iconic contemporary building. It features up and coming local and international artists. Go to their annual NEW show (March–May), and see art in a new light.
90 locals recommend
Australian Centre for Contemporary Art
111 Sturt StFree. Contemporary art encased in an iconic contemporary building. It features up and coming local and international artists. Go to their annual NEW show (March–May), and see art in a new light.
Free. This one-room gallery is a succinct way to see a contemporary artist's conception for a show.
8 locals recommend
Anna Schwartz Gallery
185 Flinders LnFree. This one-room gallery is a succinct way to see a contemporary artist's conception for a show.
Soak in the history of the Heidi collection. A stroll in their sculpture garden will complete your outing. Worth the hike for art lovers.
98 locals recommend
Heide Museum of Modern Art
7 Templestowe RdSoak in the history of the Heidi collection. A stroll in their sculpture garden will complete your outing. Worth the hike for art lovers.
An institution of Melbourne music scene, it's a must-visit for all music lovers. Experience the local live music scene or just chill out with a beer at the rooftop bar.
131 locals recommend
Corner Hotel
57 Swan StAn institution of Melbourne music scene, it's a must-visit for all music lovers. Experience the local live music scene or just chill out with a beer at the rooftop bar.
A great spot to see great music or just chill out with a beer or two. Who am I kidding, your afternoon will disappear into the night. Cheers!
155 locals recommend
Northcote Social Club
301 High StA great spot to see great music or just chill out with a beer or two. Who am I kidding, your afternoon will disappear into the night. Cheers!
Traditional and contemporary art from Australia and abroad. Visit The Great Hall with its epic stained glass ceiling. A collection of local art can be viewed at NGV Australia, Fed Square.
1737 locals recommend
National Gallery of Victoria
180 St Kilda RdTraditional and contemporary art from Australia and abroad. Visit The Great Hall with its epic stained glass ceiling. A collection of local art can be viewed at NGV Australia, Fed Square.
Free. See what's trending in our local arts and craft scene. It's also a decent place to pick up a gift of locally made goods for family and friends.
6 locals recommend
Craft Victoria
Watson PlaceFree. See what's trending in our local arts and craft scene. It's also a decent place to pick up a gift of locally made goods for family and friends.
Free. Catch the latest in photography art from local and international artists, and exit through their gift shop of handmade and indie books from CCP & Perimeter Books.
37 locals recommend
Centre for Contemporary Photography
404 George StFree. Catch the latest in photography art from local and international artists, and exit through their gift shop of handmade and indie books from CCP & Perimeter Books.
Drinks & Nightlife
$$ Worth it. Their vast selection of whiskey will have you coming back for more and more.
57 locals recommend
Whisky and Alement
270 Russell St$$ Worth it. Their vast selection of whiskey will have you coming back for more and more.
$$ Worth it. The coolest, tiniest bar in Melbourne. These guys are pros at getting you drunker and happier than can be described… or remembered.
48 locals recommend
Bar Americano
20 Presgrave Pl$$ Worth it. The coolest, tiniest bar in Melbourne. These guys are pros at getting you drunker and happier than can be described… or remembered.
$$ Worth it. Hard to find behind an unmarked door but worth the effort. Gatsby inspired decor and killer cocktails and snacks. Their brussel spouts are out of this world!
126 locals recommend
Eau De Vie
1 Malthouse Ln$$ Worth it. Hard to find behind an unmarked door but worth the effort. Gatsby inspired decor and killer cocktails and snacks. Their brussel spouts are out of this world!
$$ Worth it. Take in the breathtaking view of Melbourne with a cocktail. What a better way to kill time.
297 locals recommend
Lui Bar
525 Collins St$$ Worth it. Take in the breathtaking view of Melbourne with a cocktail. What a better way to kill time.
$-$$ Worth it. Straight downstairs to the bar is where the creative and friendly mixologist sits. Ask for the Cookies & Cream pot, and then the Corona bucket.
Project 219
219 Russell Street$-$$ Worth it. Straight downstairs to the bar is where the creative and friendly mixologist sits. Ask for the Cookies & Cream pot, and then the Corona bucket.
$-$$ Worth it. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff will make you feel right at home.
Markov Place
Markov Place$-$$ Worth it. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff will make you feel right at home.
$-$$ Worth it. Escape to a cosy secret room served by friendly bar staff, and try new cocktails by choosing from their flavour wheel.
Bar Exuberante
438 Church St$-$$ Worth it. Escape to a cosy secret room served by friendly bar staff, and try new cocktails by choosing from their flavour wheel.
$-$$ Your one-stop shop for local booze. Their Cornflake Old Fashion is my favourite and it's one of those drinks where one ends up to be many. They also serve a variety cheese toasties including dessert ones to tie you over for another drink.
25 locals recommend
Bad Frankie
139-141 Greeves St$-$$ Your one-stop shop for local booze. Their Cornflake Old Fashion is my favourite and it's one of those drinks where one ends up to be many. They also serve a variety cheese toasties including dessert ones to tie you over for another drink.
Essentials
$-$$ Worth it. If you are connoisseur of chocolate ice-cream, their dark chocolate sorbet, chocolate hazelnut, and their classic chocolate are a must-try.
51 locals recommend
Spring Street Grocer
157 Spring St$-$$ Worth it. If you are connoisseur of chocolate ice-cream, their dark chocolate sorbet, chocolate hazelnut, and their classic chocolate are a must-try.
$ Cheap and cheerful. Feel like a meal in? Their selection of fresh pastas are easy and delicious: just add a drizzle of oil and a handful of parmesan. Bon appétit.
Donnini's Pasta
398 Lygon St$ Cheap and cheerful. Feel like a meal in? Their selection of fresh pastas are easy and delicious: just add a drizzle of oil and a handful of parmesan. Bon appétit.
$-$$ Worth it. Excellent selection to make your night in special. Try Yalla chocolate mousse and Pat & Sticks ice-cream sandwiches with your tele viewing.
8 locals recommend
Thomas Dux Grocer
120 Bay St$-$$ Worth it. Excellent selection to make your night in special. Try Yalla chocolate mousse and Pat & Sticks ice-cream sandwiches with your tele viewing.