If you’re heading to Melbourne and wondering what to eat – welcome to foodie heaven. No exaggeration.
I’ve been to Melbourne a few times now (big perk of having friends here!), and every visit has revolved around food. I’m talking days that start with flat whites and avo toast, followed by detours to Lune for croissants, a cheeky banh mi for lunch, and dinner at a Thai place tucked away in a laneway that smells like Bangkok. Some meals were hits, some were misses (remind me never to order a AUD 9 turmeric latte again), but every single one added something to the experience.
And quick tip for my fellow travellers: save yourself the SIM card drama and get an eSIM before you land. It’s super easy to set up, works like a charm for Google Maps and restaurant bookings.
If you’ve got a bit of time, try to combine your Melbourne foodie trip with a nature escape. You don’t even have to go far – drive out to the Great Ocean Road, or take a day trip to Healesville Sanctuary where you can spot kangaroos and koalas up close. It’s such a cool contrast to the urban buzz of Melbourne.
So, whether you’re here to cafe-hop your heart out or try Michelin-star tasting menus, this guide has you covered with Melbourne’s must-try food – and a few bonus tips to make the most of your trip.
JUMP INTO: Best Bars in CBD, Melbourne, Australia Australia's Spectacular Road Trip Sights 12 Day Trips from Sydney, Australia
At A Glance
- What to Eat in Melbourne, Australia
- 1. Brunch at the Hardware Societe
- 2. Top Paddock
- 3. Operator 25
- 4. Auction Rooms
- 5. Queen Victoria Market
- 6. Bagels at Manchester Press
- 7. Ying Thai 2
- 8. Gelato at Pidapipo
- 9. Ocean Trout Cigars at Omnia Bistro & Bar
- 10. Spring Street Grocer
- 11. Little Rogue
- 12. Cacio e Pepe at Oster Eatery
- 13. Fish Mackerel Dumplings at ShanDong Mama
- 14. Cacio e Pepe at Tipo 00
- 15. Meat Lovers Pizza at Leonardo’s
- 16. Croissants at Lune Croissanterie
- 17. Chicken Schnitty at Hector’s Deli
- 18. Banh Mi at Heartbaker
- 19. Hot Chocolate at Mörk Chocolate
- 20. Doughnuts at The American Doughnut Kitchen
- Your Ultimate Guide To Beating Travel Boredom – The Aussie Way
- How To Get The Most Out Of Amaze In Australia
- Best eSIM For Australia [2025 GUIDE]
- 23 Best Bars In CBD Melbourne, Australia You Have To Try
- All You Need To Know Before Moving To Australia
- 8 Ways To Immerse Yourself In Australian Culture
- 12 Astonishing Day Trips from Sydney, Australia
- 18 Top Free Things To Do In Perth (+ Insider Tips)
What to Eat in Melbourne, Australia
1. Brunch at the Hardware Societe
Tucked away on Hardware Street (yep, that’s a real street name), The Hardware Société is one of those places that feels like a little slice of Paris plonked right into Melbourne’s CBD. It’s colourful, lively, and always buzzing—so get there early because the tables fill up fast, especially on weekends.
I loved the vibe the moment I walked in—there were fairy lights strung from the ceiling, little butterflies on the walls, and the cutest, most Instagrammable teacups I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t resist ordering tea just to use one.
Food-wise, their baked eggs are what people rave about—and for good reason. You can choose between chorizo or veggie. I went for the chorizo option and it was honestly the perfect comfort dish for a chilly Melbourne morning. Warm, hearty, and super satisfying.
Now… I also tried the squid ink Lobster Benedict, which came on a black burger bun. Yep, black. It was one of the most eye-catching dishes I’ve ever ordered—and while it looked cool for the ‘gram, it wasn’t quite as filling as the baked eggs. Tasty, yes, but if you’re starving, go with the eggs.
120 Hardware Street, Melbourne Monday to Friday : 7.30am–3pm | Saturday –Sunday: 8.30am–2pm
2. Top Paddock
Who can resist an explosion of colours on one of Melbourne’s most famous food: Blueberry & Ricotta Hotcake with berries, maple syrup, cream and seeds? While this cafe is further out of town in Richmond, this is why everyone would go through the complicated subway bus route for.
If you haven’t tried such a hotcake before, be warned: it is very, VERY filling. Because it’s so dense, it fills you up quickly, as quickly as when you reach one-fifth of the cake.
Even if you came on an empty stomach, I guarantee you can’t stomach more than half of it. As such, it’s best enjoyed with a group of friends. Many others have jumped on the hotcake bandwagon and replicated this dish (especially in Singapore!), but truth be told, here’s where it all began.
Top Paddock is a spacious compound, with plenty of natural light and greenery to cosy up in the cafe, whether you like it indoors or out. Apart from the hotcakes, they serve up decent cafe food too.
658 Church Street, Richmond Monday–Friday: 7am–4pm | Saturday–Sunday: 8am–4pm
3. Operator 25
Operator 25 surprises with us with an Asian Fusion twist to classic cafe food, blending familiar cafe staples with Asian ingredients in a cohesive harmony.
Their all day breakfast menu ranges from light-hearted breakfast tortillas filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, aged cheddar, herb oil, sweet corn and salsa, to heavy ones like the pressed lamb shoulder and belly.
The food to buy is the Japanese Open Omelette with smoked cod, infused with soy sauce, mirin, shitake mushrooms and topped with bonito flakes and fried enoki (above, background) and the BBQ Pork Benedict with crispy wanton skin (above, foreground).
25 Wills Street, Melbourne Monday–Friday: 7am–3pm | Saturday–Sunday: 8am–3.30pm
4. Auction Rooms
A favourite amongst the locals for its affordable brunch prices, both their food and coffee are on par to be the cafe’s highlights.
Special mention goes to their corned beef brisket & potato hash with shredded cabbage & leek, poached eggs, grilled pita and Sriracha hollandaise (above). As strange as the dish sounds, their tastes were put together in the perfect blend and is one of their more popular dishes.
Don’t miss their homemade beverages – an adventurous choice would be their Malted Hot Chocolate.
If you feel a tinge of longing for their coffee, don’t leave without snapping some of their coffee beans. Auction Rooms has an entire wall filled with a selection of these beans to buy off the rack, so pick your choice already!
Click here for Auction Rooms’ menu.
103–107 Errol Street, North Melbourne Monday–Friday: 7am–4pm | Saturday–Sunday: 7.30am–4pm
5. Queen Victoria Market
Queen Vic Market is an icon – but nothing there hits like the Hot Jam Doughnuts from the vintage American Doughnut Kitchen van.
These little pillows of sugary goodness are crispy on the outside, gooey with hot jam inside, and 100% worth queueing for. Grab one fresh off the fryer and eat it as you wander through the market. It’s as Melbourne as it gets.
Queen Street, Melbourne Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 6am–3pm | Saturday: 6am–4pm | Sunday: 9am–4pm
6. Bagels at Manchester Press
Looking for Melbourne’s famous bagels? You got it.
The bagels from Manchester Press are the perfect fuel for your next road trip. They have a wide selection of bagels, including open and closed variations, and also offer sweet ones in the breakfast section.
Tucked away on a quiet laneway, Manchester Press is a hidden gem that makes some of Melbourne’s best bagels. Trust me, it’s worth the visit just for the bagels.
Their bagels are toasted to perfection with a crispy, slightly chewy texture that’s addictively good. But the real magic happens with the toppings. Whether it’s the Pulled Pork Bagel with slaw or the Smoked Salmon Bagel, every bite is packed with flavour. I couldn’t resist going back for the pulled pork – it’s smoky, tangy, and downright delicious.
8 Rankins Lane, Melbourne Monday–Friday: 7am–3pm | Saturday–Sunday: 8am–3pm
7. Ying Thai 2
Ying Thai 2 is well-known among the Asians, for it stirs up authentic Thai flavours. With native Thai waiters attending to you, it’s easy to momentarily forget you’re in Australia! It definitely comes up as one of the must try restaurants in Melbourne.
Their Thai coconut rice has got to be the most unforgettable dish I’ve ever tried in my life, and might I say, I’m not exaggerating. The rice was so fragrant and incredibly sweet that you could eat the rice simply on its own.
Green Curry dishes, Pad Thai and chicken wrapped in pandan leaves were other popular choices at this outlet.
110 Lygon St 3/241 Russell Street, Melbourne Monday–Saturday: 11am–9.30pm | Sunday: Closed
8. Gelato at Pidapipo
For a sweet treat in Melbourne, you can’t go wrong with Pidapipo. They serve up some of the creamiest gelato in the city, and if you’re into rich, chocolatey goodness, their Chocolate Gelato is an absolute must-try.
It’s made with high-quality dark chocolate that gives you that perfect balance of smooth and slightly bitter. Don’t forget to try a scoop of the Pistachio too, which is equally as dreamy.
The best part? You can mix and match any flavour you want, so it’s easy to create your own personalised gelato masterpiece.
299 Lygon Street, Carlton Monday–Sunday: 12pm–11pm
9. Ocean Trout Cigars at Omnia Bistro & Bar
Omnia Bistro & Bar is a place where you can sit back and enjoy some seriously good food while sipping on a perfectly crafted cocktail. It’s the kind of spot where you want to try something new, and their Ocean Trout Cigars are a must-order.
These crispy, golden cigars are filled with soft ocean trout and paired with a refreshing dipping sauce that brings everything together. It’s a dish that looks fancy but tastes like something you’d crave again and again.
170–174 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Monday–Thursday: 11.30am–10pm | Friday–Saturday: 11.30am–11pm | Sunday: Closed
10. Spring Street Grocer
When you’re in Melbourne and craving fresh pasta, Spring Street Grocer is the place to go. Located just a stone’s throw from Parliament House, it’s a hidden gem where you can indulge in some seriously good Italian food.
Their fresh pasta is the star of the show – each bite feels like an instant favourite. The Cacio e Pepe is simple, comforting, and done to perfection with the right amount of cheese and pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, their seasonal pasta specials will surprise and delight you.
157 Spring Street, Melbourne Monday–Saturday: 11am–10pm | Sunday: Closed
11. Little Rogue
Source
If you’re a fan of great coffee and easy bites, Little Rogue in the CBD is a perfect spot for a morning pick-me-up. This tiny, quirky café serves up delicious coffee and some of the best sandwiches in town.
Their Matcha Green Tea Latte seems to be a hit, but don’t miss out on the classic coffee tastes too.
Their Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a go-to order. It’s crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and the cheese is perfectly melted. Pair it with a flat white, and you’ve got yourself an ideal Melbourne breakfast or lunch. The atmosphere is cosy and intimate, so you’ll want to linger for a bit.
10/6-8 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Monday–Friday: 7am–3pm | Saturday: 8am–3pm | Sunday: Closed
12. Cacio e Pepe at Oster Eatery
Oster Eatery is the place for delicious, modern Italian food in Melbourne, and if you love pasta, the Cacio e Pepe here is something you shouldn’t miss.
It’s a super simple dish, but it’s all about getting that creamy, peppery cheese sauce just right. The pasta is fresh, and the flavours really shine through in this classic dish. Oster Eatery’s take on it is light, buttery, and comforting, and it’s a great example of how simple ingredients can make a stunning meal.
4/500 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Monday–Saturday: 11.30am–9pm | Sunday: Closed
13. Fish Mackerel Dumplings at ShanDong Mama
ShanDong Mama is an expensive restaurant in Melbourne with an out-of-the-world tasting experience.
One of the best dumplings can be found at ShanDong Mama. ShanDong Mama also has an affinity for seafood.
Fish Mackerel is an expensive ingredient that can be found in Shandong Mama’s dumpling. A bite to these fish dumplings is like nothing you’ve ever tasted. The boiled mackerel dumpling is so tender that you can cut it with chopsticks without any hassle.
The skins they make for their boiled dumplings are a little bit thicker as compared to others. This makes ShanDong Mama one of the must eat places in Melbourne.
Mid City, 7/200 Bourke St Monday - Sunday: 11am - 9:30pm
14. Cacio e Pepe at Tipo 00
If you’re looking for authentic Italian pasta in Melbourne, Tipo 00 is one of the best places to satisfy your craving. Their Cacio e Pepe is one of the standout dishes – simple yet perfect.
The pasta is freshly made and coated in a creamy sauce of Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses with a generous hit of black pepper. It’s the kind of dish that makes you appreciate the beauty of good ingredients and simple cooking. Trust me, it’s a must-try if you’re a pasta lover.
361 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne Monday–Thursday: 12pm–2.30pm, 5.30pm–9pm | Friday–Saturday: 12pm–2.30pm, 5.30pm–10pm
15. Meat Lovers Pizza at Leonardo’s
If you are looking for a pizza in Melbourne, then Leonardos is one of the best places to visit. Meat Lovers Pizza is their popular food item and has the best pizza flavour consisting of tomato and nduja, bolognese, fennel sausage and pepperoni.
The top quality meat gives this pizza an amazing taste, which makes it different from the rest of the pizza places in Melbourne.
29 Grattan St, Carlton
Wednesday - Thursday: 5pm - 12am
Friday - Saturday: 12pm - 1am
16. Croissants at Lune Croissanterie
If you’re a fan of buttery, flaky croissants, Lune Croissanterie is where you need to go. Known for their perfectly crafted croissants, this place has become a Melbourne institution for pastry lovers.
Their Classic Croissant is a work of art. It’s crisp on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, with layers that melt in your mouth. But if you want to take it up a notch, try the Cinnamon Croissant or the Almond Croissant—they’re decadent and worth every bite. Arrive early to avoid the lines, as this place gets busy!
119 Rose Street, Fitzroy Tuesday–Friday: 7am–2pm | Saturday–Sunday: 8am–2pm
17. Chicken Schnitty at Hector’s Deli
Hector’s Deli is another famous place in Melbourne specialising in Chicken Schnitty. This dish is so popular for its taste and ingredients that you can catch it only before noon.
It’s covered in chicken schnitzel, butter, lettuce, and secret mayo on a soft white bun. Chicken Schnitty is surely one of the best dishes to be found in Melbourne and mustn’t be missed if you’re visiting Melbourne!
1/94 Buckingham St, Richmond Monday - Sunday: 7:30am - 3pm
18. Banh Mi at Heartbaker
Melbourne is home to some of the best Banh Mi, and Heartbaker offers one of the tastiest. Located in the heart of Fitzroy, this spot serves up a fantastic, flavour-packed version of the Vietnamese sandwich.
Their Banh Mi features perfectly grilled pork, fresh vegetables, and a hint of spice. The baguette is crispy but not too tough, providing the ideal contrast to the filling. It’s a delicious, filling lunch that hits all the right notes in terms of flavour and texture.
205 Smith Street, Fitzroy Monday–Sunday: 8am–4pm
19. Hot Chocolate at Mörk Chocolate
For all the chocolate lovers out there, Mörk Chocolate is a must-visit. This place takes chocolate to the next level, offering rich, intense flavours that are perfect for a cozy Melbourne day.
Their Hot Chocolate is indulgent—think of it as pure, velvety chocolate in a cup. It’s thick, smooth, and perfect for warming up on a cool Melbourne morning. They also offer a variety of chocolate-based treats like truffles and bars, so there’s plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth.
181-183 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy Tuesday–Saturday: 10am–6pm | Sunday: 10am–4pm
20. Doughnuts at The American Doughnut Kitchen
The American Doughnut Kitchen is an iconic Melbourne food spot, and their doughnuts are a nostalgic treat for many. Situated at the Queen Victoria Market, it’s hard to resist their warm, sugary delights.
Their Jam Doughnuts are legendary. Hot and freshly made, they’re rolled in sugar and filled with sweet, tangy jam. Whether you’re visiting the market or just strolling through the city, this is a must-try snack that’ll make your day a little sweeter.
Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Wednesday–Sunday: 9am–3pm
Sometimes, you just need that perfect bite to satisfy your cravings.
If you’re in Melbourne and in need of something delicious, head over to one of the city’s hidden gems like Lune Croissanterie for their world-famous croissants or stop by Tipo 00 for a plate of mouth-watering pasta.
Whether you’re travelling alone or with friends, these are the kinds of food experiences that make Melbourne a true culinary haven. For something sweet, don’t miss The American Doughnut Kitchen – those hot, sugar-coated donuts will have you hooked after the first bite.
Whether you’re on a culinary vacation or a work vacation, Melbourne’s food scene offers something for every taste. And if you’re heading to Sydney next, be sure to check out Sydney’s best food scene for even more unforgettable bites!
Pin this for later:
Maybe someday I can eat my way around this country.
Australia has a really solid cafe culture. You can’t help but indulge in some of their finest foods and coffee!
Wow everything looks so so good!!! My mouth is watering just looking at it all.
http://xoxobella.com
I’m taking that as a compliment! 😛
The food in Australia was so good! I was only in Melbourne for 3 days but loved everything I had.
http://thewanderingbrunette.com
What were your highlights in Melbourne Kirsten? I was there for 3 days too. It honestly felt too short!
Yum! This all looks so good!
It must be the pictures huh? 😛 Love the ambience of some of these cafes too!
I am headed to Australia this September so this article couldn’t have been more perfect. Added a few of these to our itinerary 😉
I’m glad you chanced upon this so timely! Have fun and I look forward to seeing your adventures there!
You had me at cafe hopping! Those dishes look divine, not sure if I could order a burger that had anything to do with squid ink, but I’m all over the gelato!
Another foodie too, aren’t you? 😉 It’ll be great if you have company, so you can all share the delicious foods that the cafes offer. It’s such a pain to narrow down the amazing food selections to just one!
All of the food looks really good. I particularly like the dish from Top Paddock.
Hell yeah! It’s very colourful and inviting, but the pancake was really dense. Definitely a dish for sharing!
Wow, some of those brunch spots look delicious!
Hi Tarah! Hehe yeah! Have you tried any of these? 🙂
Never had chorizo with my baked eggs, but actually sounds delicious! And love the butterfly wall too, never seen anything like that before.
Queen Victoria Market looks pretty cute : )
Oh I love Melbourne! The cafe scene there is awesome and so many places to choose for dinner, all the little alleyways, it’s so awesome! Can’t wait to go back again one day.
Oh fantastic, had the pleasure of eating in Auctions Rooms when I was in Melbs, so cool to see it listed here 😀 Suuuuuch an awesome city!
The baked eggs look fabulous! Oh, and anything from Operator 25. These are some wonderful looking dishes.
This all looks amazing! I have a friend in Melbourne that I’ll pass this list along to!
Goodness! These all look extremely delicious. I especially like the baked eggs dish. Thank you for sharing!
Ah Ahh so much good food! I definitely wanna visit Melbourne one day!
Wow! that’s great place. The food is very delicious. I’ll order a lot of food to bring at home because my mom likes their too she is also a food lover. More post please.