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What to Eat in Melbourne
Melbourne is a city of cafes. You'll find them tucked within central Melbourne's alleyways and clustered together throughout trendy neighborhoods like South Yarra-Prahran, St Kilda and Fitzroy. Try a flat white, an Australian coffee specialty that's similar to a latte but with more espresso and less milk. Popular coffee shops include Brother Baba Budan and Café Andiamo in the central business district and Two Birds One Stone Cafe in South Yarra-Prahran.
Though most of the city's residents were born in Australia, Melbourne's sizable British, Indian, Chinese, Italian and Greek communities have greatly influenced the area's culinary offerings. (In fact, Melbourne is home to the largest Greek-speaking population outside of Europe.) Three neighborhoods – Chinatown, Lygon Street (also known as Little Italy) and the Greek Precinct – specialize in Chinese, Italian or Greek shops and restaurants. As a result, you'll find an array of top-notch ethnic fare throughout the city.
For some of Melbourne's best Asian bites, head to Chinatown to eat at Rice Paper Scissors or Longrain. If you're craving Italian, consider dining at Scopri or Da Guido Melbourne la Pasta, both of which sit on or near Lygon Street. Some of the Greek Precinct's best Greek specialties are offered at Stalactites, while modern Greek fare like crab souvlaki (a kabab-style dish traditionally made with lamb) and pork-stuffed spanakopita (a savory pastry with layers of spinach, feta cheese and phyllo) can be found at Gazi Restaurant and The Press Club in the CBD. Other ethnic favorites include the Armenian-focused Sezar, the Middle Eastern- and Mediterranean-influenced Maha and the British-inspired Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.
But if you're looking for an Australian-style meal made with local ingredients like Wagyu beef, barramundi (a type of fish found throughout the country) and blue mussels, you're in luck: Melbourne offers a variety of Australian eateries. Most of the city's favorite Australian restaurants, including ezard and Eau De Vie, reside in the CBD.
Melbourne also makes some of Australia's best wine (for travelers who are 18 and older). Five wine regions – the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges – are located within 50 miles of the city. Hundreds of wineries can be found throughout these wine regions, all of which specialize in chardonnay, shiraz and pinot noir. Other wine varieties like pinot grigio and cabernet sauvignon are produced at select wineries as well.
Find the Best Restaurants in Melbourne
- #1
Scopri#1 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne
$ - $$ | Italian191 Nicholson St Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria 3053 AustraliaRead More » - #2
Cucinetta#2 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne
$ - $$ | Italian, Mediterranean, EuropeanU 4 3 Murphy St South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria 3141 AustraliaRead More » - #3
Pidapipo Gelateria#3 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #4
Da Guido Melbourne la Pasta#4 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #5
Il Cantuccio#5 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #6
The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant#6 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #7
Hochi Mama#7 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #8
Kazuki's#8 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #9
Longrain#9 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #10
Rice Paper Sister#10 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #11
Il Bacaro Cucina e Bar#11 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #12
11 Inch Pizza Little Collins#12 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #13
Patricias Coffee Brewers#13 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #14
Geppetto Trattoria#14 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #15
Rice Paper Scissors#15 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #16
Eau De Vie#16 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #17
Roule Galette#17 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #18
Sud Food and Wine#18 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #19
Amiconi#19 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne - #20
El Rincon#20 of 5,351 Places to Eat in Melbourne
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