It’s said that the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach — and what better way for a city to make an impression than through its food? There’s no doubt that Melbourne has won over countless visitors, including locals, through its unrivalled culinary scene.
Melbourne is a veritable Epicurean haven. Whether you’re a gourmand or have a newbie’s palate, this city will delight your senses. From its renowned coffee culture to its cutting-edge restaurants, you could spend your days here just drinking and dining!
As knowledgeable locals and leaders in Melbourne Day Tours and Private Tours in Melbourne, we do in fact spend much of our time drinking and dining here. That’s why we’ve created this Melbourne restaurants and coffee shops guide to help you make your way through the mouthwatering smorgasbord of eateries, cafes, and bars.
Keep reading for all our top suggestions and insider tips. And if you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Melbourne frequently ranks as one of the world’s best coffee cities and with good reason. You’ll have to go far to find a bad cuppa, as Melbourne’s artisanal cafes are dedicated to delivering the finest, freshest brews possible. Here are just some of the best coffee shops in Melbourne (so many more await!):
Melbourne is a hub of culinary delights. From indigenous-inspired fine dining to multicultural cuisine, there’s no limit to the diversity of flavours you’ll find in this city. While there are no Michelin-starred restaurants, epicures will find there are plenty of pioneering restaurants to tickle their taste buds. Those looking for a good home-cooked meal also won’t go wanting, with Aboriginal, Asian, and Italian cuisine all on the table.
Melbourne’s culinary prowess doesn’t stop with its restaurants and coffee shops. Bars, breweries, and wineries all await! Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect to drink while in the city.
From rooftop venues to specialty cocktail bars and speakeasies, Melbourne has the bar for you. Even better, there are myriad hidden bars to uncover! Join our Melbourne Hidden Bar Walking Tour to explore the city’s incredible underground bar scene. If you want a more hands-on experience, we also offer a Cocktail Making Class in Melbourne and Gin Masterclass, allowing you to learn from master mixologists!
While Melbourne itself may not have vineyards, it’s conveniently located near some of Australia’s most renowned wine regions! Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula are just a drive away, but we’re sure you don’t want to miss out on the wine tastings. That’s why we offer our Healesville Sanctuary and Yarra Valley Tour from Melbourne, during which you’ll visit two wineries for full tastings with lunch included!
While Melbourne is known for its world-class coffee, there’s another delight that’s brewing in the city — craft beer. The burgeoning beer scene in Melbourne is underrated and sure to become one of the city’s main attractions alongside its restaurant and cafe culture. Make a stop at Moon Dog World for beer and tap and a swim in an indoor pool. The award-winning Fixation Brewery specialises in IPAs, while at Molly Rose Brewery you can find an intimate venue with beer that packs a punch.
If you want to delve even deeper into the culinary scene in Melbourne, you have to experience the city’s markets and festivals, which allow you to meet the producers and traders who kickstart it all.
For a real celebration of Melbourne’s cuisine, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is an unmissable event for Epicureans. Held annually in March, the festival brings together the top chefs and the people who love to eat their food. It’s also known for hosting the world’s longest lunch!
Cheese connoisseurs will relish the opportunity to attend the Mould Cheese Festival in June, where you can taste the best artisanal cheese in Australia. Find out more about both of these events with our Melbourne Festival Guide!
One of the most famous food markets in Australia is the Queen Victoria Market. Since it first opened in 1878, the Queen Victoria Market has served the people of Melbourne the freshest produce around. Shop here for everything from fruits and vegetables to specialty pasta and freshly caught fish. You’ll also find a number of restaurants and cafes, so you can grab a bite to eat while you browse!
While you may have a full stomach from all your culinary adventures in Melbourne, so much more of the city awaits. Whether you’re intrigued by the city’s history or its buzzing sports culture, our Melbourne Day Tours and Private Tours in Melbourne offer plenty of authentic experiences. If you have any questions about our excursions, contact us and we’ll get right back to you. We can’t wait to show you our home!