Markets
Also known affectionately as 'Vic Market' or 'Queen Vic', the Queen Victoria Market has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for more than a century. An historic landmark spread over two city blocks, it’s a vibrant and bustling inner-city market where you can shop at over 600 small businesses for everything from Australian fruit and vegetables, local and imported gourmet foods, clothing and souvenirs.
The Market is open five days a week – Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Night Market, which runs seasonally on Wednesday nights from 5pm-10pm is Melbourne’s favourite mid-week hangout and a great place to bring your friends and family to indulge in a delicious array of street food, drink and live entertainment.
957 locals recommend
Queen Victoria Market
Queen StreetAlso known affectionately as 'Vic Market' or 'Queen Vic', the Queen Victoria Market has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for more than a century. An historic landmark spread over two city blocks, it’s a vibrant and bustling inner-city market where you can shop at over 600 small businesses for everything from Australian fruit and vegetables, local and imported gourmet foods, clothing and souvenirs.
The Market is open five days a week – Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Night Market, which runs seasonally on Wednesday nights from 5pm-10pm is Melbourne’s favourite mid-week hangout and a great place to bring your friends and family to indulge in a delicious array of street food, drink and live entertainment.
Established in 1867, South Melbourne Markets are one of the oldest and longest running markets in Victoria. Almost 150 stalls operate through most of the week and feature a whole range of fresh produce, meat & seafood, specialty foods, fashion, homewares, books and more. Of course you can also get something to eat from one of the many restaurants and cafes.
431 locals recommend
South Melbourne Market
322-326 Coventry StEstablished in 1867, South Melbourne Markets are one of the oldest and longest running markets in Victoria. Almost 150 stalls operate through most of the week and feature a whole range of fresh produce, meat & seafood, specialty foods, fashion, homewares, books and more. Of course you can also get something to eat from one of the many restaurants and cafes.
Named as Melbourne’s No.1 food market, Prahran Markets offer the best fruit and veg you can find. Organic, sustainable and free range are all words that Prahran Markets stand by, so you can be sure you’re getting the best quality produce. You’ll find fish, seafood, meat, game, organic fruit and veg, artisan products, cheeses and more.
338 locals recommend
Prahran Market station
Named as Melbourne’s No.1 food market, Prahran Markets offer the best fruit and veg you can find. Organic, sustainable and free range are all words that Prahran Markets stand by, so you can be sure you’re getting the best quality produce. You’ll find fish, seafood, meat, game, organic fruit and veg, artisan products, cheeses and more.
Since the 70s, St Kilda Esplanade Market has been offering a unique market experience with artistic roots. Over 175 stalls make up an array of arts, crafts, jewellery, homewares, plants and handmade gifts from quality creators who love what they do. If you’re a bit of a foodie, you’re sure to find some delectable treats.
107 locals recommend
St Kilda Esplanade Market
The EsplanadeSince the 70s, St Kilda Esplanade Market has been offering a unique market experience with artistic roots. Over 175 stalls make up an array of arts, crafts, jewellery, homewares, plants and handmade gifts from quality creators who love what they do. If you’re a bit of a foodie, you’re sure to find some delectable treats.
Find all your heart’s desires at Dandenlong Market and get it for a bargain. Much loved by locals and tourists, this busy and bustling market is full of things to see, smell, hear and of course buy! Over 200 Friendly traders offer an amazing range of choice in fresh produce, fashion, homewares, art and more. There’s also lots of entertainment to enjoy including live music and cooking demonstrations.
6 locals recommend
Dandenong Market station
Find all your heart’s desires at Dandenlong Market and get it for a bargain. Much loved by locals and tourists, this busy and bustling market is full of things to see, smell, hear and of course buy! Over 200 Friendly traders offer an amazing range of choice in fresh produce, fashion, homewares, art and more. There’s also lots of entertainment to enjoy including live music and cooking demonstrations.
The Rose Street Market is a quirky boutique market that is based on similar markets in London, Berlin and New York. Already going for 15 years, this is the place where Melbourne’s best design talent show up here every weekend to display their creations.You’ll find artworks, fashion, furniture, design, jewellery and more, plus it’s all handmade and unique.
137 locals recommend
The Rose Street Artists' Market
60 Rose StThe Rose Street Market is a quirky boutique market that is based on similar markets in London, Berlin and New York. Already going for 15 years, this is the place where Melbourne’s best design talent show up here every weekend to display their creations.You’ll find artworks, fashion, furniture, design, jewellery and more, plus it’s all handmade and unique.
Best Shopping
Located 30 minutes from Melbourne in the (no surprises) suburb of Chadstone, this super shopping centre is like a family meal deal – there’s something for everyone – and it’s one of my favourite places to go shopping in Melbourne.
275 locals recommend
Chadstone Shopping Centre
1341 Dandenong RoadLocated 30 minutes from Melbourne in the (no surprises) suburb of Chadstone, this super shopping centre is like a family meal deal – there’s something for everyone – and it’s one of my favourite places to go shopping in Melbourne.
The baby of the Melbourne shopping family, this two-year old centre, that’s bounded by Lonsdale and Little Bourke streets, has bags full of sass and style, housing only the most impressive of international brands and a few local ones to round out the pack. I’m talking Manning Cartell, Calibre and Willow, to name a few.
773 locals recommend
Emporium Melbourne
287 Lonsdale StThe baby of the Melbourne shopping family, this two-year old centre, that’s bounded by Lonsdale and Little Bourke streets, has bags full of sass and style, housing only the most impressive of international brands and a few local ones to round out the pack. I’m talking Manning Cartell, Calibre and Willow, to name a few.
You can’t visit Melbourne without going for a shopping burn up Bourke Street Mall. It’s a rite of passage. Headline acts here are H&M, Zara, Myer and David Jones.
412 locals recommend
Bourke Street Mall
Bourke Street MallYou can’t visit Melbourne without going for a shopping burn up Bourke Street Mall. It’s a rite of passage. Headline acts here are H&M, Zara, Myer and David Jones.
Just south of the city there are two kilometres worth of shopping activity to be had. Wander up (or down) Chapel Street (between Dandenong and Toorak roads) and you’ll uncover your familiar face big brands (Top Shop, Nine West and MIMCO), as well as some local designers sprinkled on top (particularly if you detour down Greville Street). The closer you get to Toorak Road, the more shops you’ll find but, be warned, the toffier it gets.
25 locals recommend
Chapel Street
Chapel StreetJust south of the city there are two kilometres worth of shopping activity to be had. Wander up (or down) Chapel Street (between Dandenong and Toorak roads) and you’ll uncover your familiar face big brands (Top Shop, Nine West and MIMCO), as well as some local designers sprinkled on top (particularly if you detour down Greville Street). The closer you get to Toorak Road, the more shops you’ll find but, be warned, the toffier it gets.
“There’s no such thing as too many shopping centres in a one-kilometre CBD radius”, said Melbourne City Council, clearly. A stone’s throw from Melbourne Emporium and Bourke Street Mall, you have Melbourne Central, which stretches from Lonsdale to La Trobe streets depth-wise, Swanston to Elizabeth streets width-wise and up five floors height-wise. It’s home to 300 speciality shops (including Sephora, SABA and a Hoyts) and has its own train station (creatively-named Melbourne Central Station).
Look up and you’ll see the iconic and historic Shot Tower that this impressive shopping destination has been built around.
313 locals recommend
Melbourne Central
Swanston Street“There’s no such thing as too many shopping centres in a one-kilometre CBD radius”, said Melbourne City Council, clearly. A stone’s throw from Melbourne Emporium and Bourke Street Mall, you have Melbourne Central, which stretches from Lonsdale to La Trobe streets depth-wise, Swanston to Elizabeth streets width-wise and up five floors height-wise. It’s home to 300 speciality shops (including Sephora, SABA and a Hoyts) and has its own train station (creatively-named Melbourne Central Station).
Look up and you’ll see the iconic and historic Shot Tower that this impressive shopping destination has been built around.
If you’re prepared to spend squillions, head straight for the ultra fancy Collins Street, in the city, where you’ll find flagship designer stores taking up residency in heritage buildings. Think Chanel, Giorgio Armani and Louis Vuitton.
Collins Street
Collins StreetIf you’re prepared to spend squillions, head straight for the ultra fancy Collins Street, in the city, where you’ll find flagship designer stores taking up residency in heritage buildings. Think Chanel, Giorgio Armani and Louis Vuitton.
Art & Culture
Melbourne's best performing arts centre consisting of a complex of theaters & concert halls. Major companies regularly performing in the theatres include Opera Australia and the Australian Ballet, the Melbourne Theatre COmpany and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The Arts Centre also hosts a large number of Australian and international performances and production companies. www.artcentremelbourne.com.au
178 locals recommend
Arts Centre station
Melbourne's best performing arts centre consisting of a complex of theaters & concert halls. Major companies regularly performing in the theatres include Opera Australia and the Australian Ballet, the Melbourne Theatre COmpany and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The Arts Centre also hosts a large number of Australian and international performances and production companies. www.artcentremelbourne.com.au
The Ian Potter Museum of Art was founded in 1972 and is the University of Melbourne’s art museum. Housed in an award-winning building opened in 1998, the Potter has staged over 515 exhibitions during the course of its 46-year history.
As a space that encourages active dialogue and debate, the Potter is uniquely placed to make a difference to the lives of our audiences and, within the University, to make the experience of art and the role of creativity relevant, enjoyable and of value to the next generation.
44 locals recommend
The Ian Potter Museum of Art
Swanston StreetThe Ian Potter Museum of Art was founded in 1972 and is the University of Melbourne’s art museum. Housed in an award-winning building opened in 1998, the Potter has staged over 515 exhibitions during the course of its 46-year history.
As a space that encourages active dialogue and debate, the Potter is uniquely placed to make a difference to the lives of our audiences and, within the University, to make the experience of art and the role of creativity relevant, enjoyable and of value to the next generation.
Home to major attractions, world class events, tourism experiences and exceptional array of restaurants, bars and specialty stores. The modern piazza has become the heart and soul of Melbourne. There is something for the fmaily on most weekends. Federation Square is also home to the Tourist Information Centre, a great place to visit for brochures on events with discounts included (especially for the Aquarium) fedsquare.com/events.
797 locals recommend
Federation Square
Home to major attractions, world class events, tourism experiences and exceptional array of restaurants, bars and specialty stores. The modern piazza has become the heart and soul of Melbourne. There is something for the fmaily on most weekends. Federation Square is also home to the Tourist Information Centre, a great place to visit for brochures on events with discounts included (especially for the Aquarium) fedsquare.com/events.
Shoot to the dizzying heights of Eureka Skydeck and enjoy the most spectacular floor-to-ceiling, 360-degree views in Australia (the highest in the Southern Hemisphere).
See Melbourne’s finest views from almost 300 metres in the sky – Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges and beyond. There are 30 viewfinders around the Skydeck, take a look at some of Melbourne’s favourite attractions and landmarks, such as the MCG, Federation square and Flinders Street Station. The Skydeck is also home to a world first, The Edge – this glass cube that projects from the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower and suspends visitors almost 300 meters high above Melbourne.
537 locals recommend
Eureka Tower
7 Riverside QuayShoot to the dizzying heights of Eureka Skydeck and enjoy the most spectacular floor-to-ceiling, 360-degree views in Australia (the highest in the Southern Hemisphere).
See Melbourne’s finest views from almost 300 metres in the sky – Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges and beyond. There are 30 viewfinders around the Skydeck, take a look at some of Melbourne’s favourite attractions and landmarks, such as the MCG, Federation square and Flinders Street Station. The Skydeck is also home to a world first, The Edge – this glass cube that projects from the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower and suspends visitors almost 300 meters high above Melbourne.
Whilst wandering through the city laneways, you are likely to spot some of Melbourne's famous street art, the most famous of which can be found in Hosier Lane. Street Art is welcomed in many of Melbourne's back alleys and laneways, some if which is actually protected by the local council to prevent it being painted over. Many local artists have made a name for themselves using the laneway walls as their canvas and such is the quality of the artwork, that the street artists' unwritten code of honour protects the artwork from being defaced or replaced by other artwork.
245 locals recommend
Hosier Lane
7-9 Hosier LnWhilst wandering through the city laneways, you are likely to spot some of Melbourne's famous street art, the most famous of which can be found in Hosier Lane. Street Art is welcomed in many of Melbourne's back alleys and laneways, some if which is actually protected by the local council to prevent it being painted over. Many local artists have made a name for themselves using the laneway walls as their canvas and such is the quality of the artwork, that the street artists' unwritten code of honour protects the artwork from being defaced or replaced by other artwork.
Melbourne Gardens is a treasured part of cultural life and a valuable asset to the heritage rich city. With its stunning vistas, tranquil lakes and diverse plant collections, the Gardens are a place of continual discovery and delight.
Enjoy the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, a Free Guided Walk, a ride on the Garden Explorer or Punting on the tranquil Ornamental Lake, all set against a beautiful backdrop and just moments from the city.
These beautiful Gardens are home to amazing and diverse plant collections such as camellias, rainforest flora, succulents and cacti, roses, Californian species, herbs, perennials, cycads and plants from Southern China. Guilfoyle's Volcano offers visitors a fabulous precinct to explore. The Gardens are also a natural sanctuary for native wildlife.
The Children's Garden has everything that children could want to help them discover the natural world, with plant tunnels that they can crawl through, rocks that they can climb and a bamboo forest in which they can hide.
Visitors can unwind at one of two cafés, The Terrace or Jardin Tan. Or find botanical-inspired souvenirs and gifts at the Gardens Shop.
During summer, the lawns come alive with outdoor cinema, theatre performances and exhibitions.
Dogs are welcome inside the gardens but must be on a lead. The gardens are just an 18 minute walk away from Federation Square (5 mins by car or shuttle bus).
www.rbg.vic.gov.au
1262 locals recommend
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Melbourne Gardens is a treasured part of cultural life and a valuable asset to the heritage rich city. With its stunning vistas, tranquil lakes and diverse plant collections, the Gardens are a place of continual discovery and delight.
Enjoy the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, a Free Guided Walk, a ride on the Garden Explorer or Punting on the tranquil Ornamental Lake, all set against a beautiful backdrop and just moments from the city.
These beautiful Gardens are home to amazing and diverse plant collections such as camellias, rainforest flora, succulents and cacti, roses, Californian species, herbs, perennials, cycads and plants from Southern China. Guilfoyle's Volcano offers visitors a fabulous precinct to explore. The Gardens are also a natural sanctuary for native wildlife.
The Children's Garden has everything that children could want to help them discover the natural world, with plant tunnels that they can crawl through, rocks that they can climb and a bamboo forest in which they can hide.
Visitors can unwind at one of two cafés, The Terrace or Jardin Tan. Or find botanical-inspired souvenirs and gifts at the Gardens Shop.
During summer, the lawns come alive with outdoor cinema, theatre performances and exhibitions.
Dogs are welcome inside the gardens but must be on a lead. The gardens are just an 18 minute walk away from Federation Square (5 mins by car or shuttle bus).
www.rbg.vic.gov.au
Cafes and Coffee
The muted light, timber panels and vintage floor tiles create an old-world mood in this busy city espresso bar. Espresso and filter brews of Dukes' own origin-sources blends and single origins are prepared with care and precision - enjoy with sweet and savoury bites from Cobb Lane, or an alfajor from Sarah's Cakes and Cookies. 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne - dukescoffee.com.au
55 locals recommend
Dukes Coffee Roasters
247 Flinders LnThe muted light, timber panels and vintage floor tiles create an old-world mood in this busy city espresso bar. Espresso and filter brews of Dukes' own origin-sources blends and single origins are prepared with care and precision - enjoy with sweet and savoury bites from Cobb Lane, or an alfajor from Sarah's Cakes and Cookies. 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne - dukescoffee.com.au
If coffee is a religion in Melbourne, then Higher Ground is where caffeine addicts come to worship. The venue itself is jaw-dropping, like walking into a cathedral. The coffee menu does the same, as it is always detailed, creative and expansive. This heritage-listed power station features 15-metre-high ceilings, lots of natural light and plenty of greenery to soften the industrial space, which sits across the road from Southern Cross station on Little Bourke Street. Higher Ground is a little fancier than the average café but more laid-back than the typical restaurant
162 locals recommend
Higher Ground
650 Little Bourke StIf coffee is a religion in Melbourne, then Higher Ground is where caffeine addicts come to worship. The venue itself is jaw-dropping, like walking into a cathedral. The coffee menu does the same, as it is always detailed, creative and expansive. This heritage-listed power station features 15-metre-high ceilings, lots of natural light and plenty of greenery to soften the industrial space, which sits across the road from Southern Cross station on Little Bourke Street. Higher Ground is a little fancier than the average café but more laid-back than the typical restaurant
There’s always a line snaking out the door of Patricia Coffee Brewers, which is a good sign in a city that knows where to sniff out a quality coffee. A tiled entrance reading Standing room only” welcomes coffee lovers to this pocket-size place where ultra-efficient staff showcase roasts from Bureaux Collective, Seven Seeds, Wood and Co., Small Batch and Market Lane. The energy in this tiny space is always electric. Often it’s best to perch near a window to watch the seemingly never-ending queue roll in. Don’t expect any more food than a small selection of pastries – Patricia is all about the coffee.
73 locals recommend
Patricia Coffee Brewers
493-495 Little Bourke StThere’s always a line snaking out the door of Patricia Coffee Brewers, which is a good sign in a city that knows where to sniff out a quality coffee. A tiled entrance reading Standing room only” welcomes coffee lovers to this pocket-size place where ultra-efficient staff showcase roasts from Bureaux Collective, Seven Seeds, Wood and Co., Small Batch and Market Lane. The energy in this tiny space is always electric. Often it’s best to perch near a window to watch the seemingly never-ending queue roll in. Don’t expect any more food than a small selection of pastries – Patricia is all about the coffee.
A few blocks down Little Bourke Street lies Brother Baba Budan. Coffee giant Mark Dundon’s first endeavour into the city, this small venue quickly earned a massive reputation as one of Melbourne’s landmark cafés when it opened in 2003. Named after the legendary figure who smuggled coffee beans out of the Middle East in the 17th century, Brother Baba Budan serves the espresso blend from Seven Seeds – Dundon’s Carlton roastery – for milk-based coffees, as well as single origins for espresso and batch brew filters. Huge history, only 15 seats and always a bustling atmosphere.
277 locals recommend
Brother Baba Budan
359 Little Bourke StA few blocks down Little Bourke Street lies Brother Baba Budan. Coffee giant Mark Dundon’s first endeavour into the city, this small venue quickly earned a massive reputation as one of Melbourne’s landmark cafés when it opened in 2003. Named after the legendary figure who smuggled coffee beans out of the Middle East in the 17th century, Brother Baba Budan serves the espresso blend from Seven Seeds – Dundon’s Carlton roastery – for milk-based coffees, as well as single origins for espresso and batch brew filters. Huge history, only 15 seats and always a bustling atmosphere.
Top Paddock dishes up some of Melbourne’s most Instagrammable brunches, and although the menu is seasonal, its signature blueberry and ricotta hotcake never goes anywhere. But this 100-seat café on Richmond’s busy Church Street doesn’t forget about the beans – its special blend from Five Senses. The huge bar right in the middle of the space signifies that coffee is at the heart of everything. Another venue in the Darling Group stable – alongside the likes of Higher Ground and Kettle Black – Top Paddock places a big emphasis on sustainability, including having Australia’s first Farmwall – a fish tank with microgreens growing on top.
161 locals recommend
Top Paddock Cafe
658 Church StTop Paddock dishes up some of Melbourne’s most Instagrammable brunches, and although the menu is seasonal, its signature blueberry and ricotta hotcake never goes anywhere. But this 100-seat café on Richmond’s busy Church Street doesn’t forget about the beans – its special blend from Five Senses. The huge bar right in the middle of the space signifies that coffee is at the heart of everything. Another venue in the Darling Group stable – alongside the likes of Higher Ground and Kettle Black – Top Paddock places a big emphasis on sustainability, including having Australia’s first Farmwall – a fish tank with microgreens growing on top.
This 160-seat café could have been torn straight from the pages of Alice in Wonderland. Located in industrial Bayswater, The Hatter and the Hare is a 40-minute drive out of the central business district (CBD), but the whimsical menu is well worth the journey, with more than 100 house-baked desserts, a high tea service and Five Senses roasts. The menu is always creative and inspires with an endless sense of fun.
7 locals recommend
The Hatter and the Hare
21 Scoresby RdThis 160-seat café could have been torn straight from the pages of Alice in Wonderland. Located in industrial Bayswater, The Hatter and the Hare is a 40-minute drive out of the central business district (CBD), but the whimsical menu is well worth the journey, with more than 100 house-baked desserts, a high tea service and Five Senses roasts. The menu is always creative and inspires with an endless sense of fun.
A roomy and modern space on Collingwood’s Wellington Street, Aunty Peg’s is a serious coffee drinker’s fantasy. The venue is the “cellar door” to Nolan Hirte’s Proud Mary Coffee Roasters, showing off a pair of Probat roasters, a training area for budding baristas and home brewers, a space for cuppings (the coffee version of a wine tasting) and an espresso bar for customers. Aunty Peg’s only serves black coffee – including a cold brew on tap – to make sure the product is presented in its purest form, with the origin of the respective beans explained in great detail on the menu. The cellar door experience here is unlike any other. It encourages you to pull up a chair and have a yarn about all things coffee.
37 locals recommend
Aunty Peg's
200 Wellington StA roomy and modern space on Collingwood’s Wellington Street, Aunty Peg’s is a serious coffee drinker’s fantasy. The venue is the “cellar door” to Nolan Hirte’s Proud Mary Coffee Roasters, showing off a pair of Probat roasters, a training area for budding baristas and home brewers, a space for cuppings (the coffee version of a wine tasting) and an espresso bar for customers. Aunty Peg’s only serves black coffee – including a cold brew on tap – to make sure the product is presented in its purest form, with the origin of the respective beans explained in great detail on the menu. The cellar door experience here is unlike any other. It encourages you to pull up a chair and have a yarn about all things coffee.
Fine Dining Restaurants
Ben Shewry, a Kiwi-born national treasure, is taking the next step in dispensing with Australia's cultural cringe. The flurry of snacks that starts your adventure now includes riffs on smashed avo and a tiny lamb pie in Vegemite pastry. The rest is as high-minded and theatrical as ever.
59 locals recommend
Attica
74 Glen Eira RdBen Shewry, a Kiwi-born national treasure, is taking the next step in dispensing with Australia's cultural cringe. The flurry of snacks that starts your adventure now includes riffs on smashed avo and a tiny lamb pie in Vegemite pastry. The rest is as high-minded and theatrical as ever.
The last hurdle to dining at Brae (driving) has gone now the accommodation, replete with record players and cocktail bar, is finished. It's the garden-girt fine diner near Birregurra where Dan Hunter continues to dominate the scene with his native-ingredient-and-obscure-animal-fat-based magic.
53 locals recommend
Brae Restaurant
4285 Cape Otway RdThe last hurdle to dining at Brae (driving) has gone now the accommodation, replete with record players and cocktail bar, is finished. It's the garden-girt fine diner near Birregurra where Dan Hunter continues to dominate the scene with his native-ingredient-and-obscure-animal-fat-based magic.
For decades this Chinese restaurant has represented another world of dining. Multiple life-long waiters all move in a dance, each with their own tasks. It's not a modern room, it's a temple of old-world excellence (with incredible Peking duck).
36 locals recommend
Flower Drum Restaurant Melbourne
17 Market LnFor decades this Chinese restaurant has represented another world of dining. Multiple life-long waiters all move in a dance, each with their own tasks. It's not a modern room, it's a temple of old-world excellence (with incredible Peking duck).
It's fine dining at its most roll-with-it in the backstreets of Geelong, from the wines delivered by gun hospitality veterans to chef Aaron Turner's mystery mix of incredible ingredients in searingly simple trifectas, like crayfish, buttery pil pil and a pickle.
32 locals recommend
Restaurant IGNI
207 Ryan Pl SIt's fine dining at its most roll-with-it in the backstreets of Geelong, from the wines delivered by gun hospitality veterans to chef Aaron Turner's mystery mix of incredible ingredients in searingly simple trifectas, like crayfish, buttery pil pil and a pickle.
Cheap Eats
Aunty Franklee's city store offers express bak kut teh ($10), an earthy pork soup made with tea that's popular in Malaysia and Singapore, between noon and 3.30pm. Choose from pork slices or ribs in a 23-herb broth with bouncy meatballs, tofu, mushrooms and multigrain rice.
Aunty Franklee Hawthorn 肉骨茶
64 Burwood RdAunty Franklee's city store offers express bak kut teh ($10), an earthy pork soup made with tea that's popular in Malaysia and Singapore, between noon and 3.30pm. Choose from pork slices or ribs in a 23-herb broth with bouncy meatballs, tofu, mushrooms and multigrain rice.
One of Melbourne's best pan mee (a Hakka noodle dish from Malaysia) can be found wedged beside a UniLodge at Jojo Little Kitchen. Order lat jiu pan mee ($13.50) and thoroughly mix the pork mince, smoky chilli flakes, fried shallots, dried anchovies and soft-poached egg until your noodles are coated.
Jojo Little Kitchen
120 A'Beckett StOne of Melbourne's best pan mee (a Hakka noodle dish from Malaysia) can be found wedged beside a UniLodge at Jojo Little Kitchen. Order lat jiu pan mee ($13.50) and thoroughly mix the pork mince, smoky chilli flakes, fried shallots, dried anchovies and soft-poached egg until your noodles are coated.
On the border of the CBD and Southbank, Fatto's bar offers five small pizzas for $10 to $12. Less Italian is the formaggi burger ($10) with an angus beef patty, swiss and cheddar cheese slices, onion, mustard and pickles. Add a Peroni can for $5 and enjoy the Yarra view.
13 locals recommend
Fatto Bar & Cantina
100 Saint Kilda RoadOn the border of the CBD and Southbank, Fatto's bar offers five small pizzas for $10 to $12. Less Italian is the formaggi burger ($10) with an angus beef patty, swiss and cheddar cheese slices, onion, mustard and pickles. Add a Peroni can for $5 and enjoy the Yarra view.
Northcote's Tahina Bar opened a second outlet on Brunswick Street last year, bringing its falafel to Fitzroy. Instead of pita pockets, try the vegan hotdog ($12.50), where a spiced and cured carrot replaces the sausage in a smoked black bun with pickled cabbage, sweet tomato sauce and tahina amba (mango pickle) mustard with a generous sprinkling of sweet potato chips.
27 locals recommend
Tahina Northcote
223 High StNorthcote's Tahina Bar opened a second outlet on Brunswick Street last year, bringing its falafel to Fitzroy. Instead of pita pockets, try the vegan hotdog ($12.50), where a spiced and cured carrot replaces the sausage in a smoked black bun with pickled cabbage, sweet tomato sauce and tahina amba (mango pickle) mustard with a generous sprinkling of sweet potato chips.
The 15 dishes on the "street snack" section of Madras Brothers' menu fit our budget, but Gangotree's Famous Pav Bhaji ($15), named for the renowned Chennai snack shop, is the ultimate solo comfort dish. Scoop bhaji, a spicy mashed vegetable curry, onto two buttered and toasted white buns (pav) or eat like a sandwich.
Madras Bros.
129 Smith StThe 15 dishes on the "street snack" section of Madras Brothers' menu fit our budget, but Gangotree's Famous Pav Bhaji ($15), named for the renowned Chennai snack shop, is the ultimate solo comfort dish. Scoop bhaji, a spicy mashed vegetable curry, onto two buttered and toasted white buns (pav) or eat like a sandwich.
My Local Food Favourites
Melbourne's Spanish institution, MoVida, is the kind of place you can come in for a beer and a jamon croquetta at the bar and then move across the tabel and share a place of slow braised lamb, some patatas a lo pobre and down some seriously good Spanish red wine. Every night, MoVida is pumping. Fish and Shellfish are displayed on crushed ice and are cooked to order. In a few minutes a plate f sizzling prawns or calamari from the plancha is in front of you. Order a glass of chilled sherry and you could image you're on the Atlantic coast of Andalusia, but you're not! You're in Melbourne, in a little bar looking out onto the icons of Melbourne: the MCG: Federation Square and Hosier Lane.
203 locals recommend
MoVida
1 Hosier LnMelbourne's Spanish institution, MoVida, is the kind of place you can come in for a beer and a jamon croquetta at the bar and then move across the tabel and share a place of slow braised lamb, some patatas a lo pobre and down some seriously good Spanish red wine. Every night, MoVida is pumping. Fish and Shellfish are displayed on crushed ice and are cooked to order. In a few minutes a plate f sizzling prawns or calamari from the plancha is in front of you. Order a glass of chilled sherry and you could image you're on the Atlantic coast of Andalusia, but you're not! You're in Melbourne, in a little bar looking out onto the icons of Melbourne: the MCG: Federation Square and Hosier Lane.
From crispy pork belly buns to steamed prawn dumplings and yellow seafood curry, he makes it all! It's Mebourne's original fusion hawker restaurant, known for it's funky decor, Asian-inspired dishes and hip laneway location. They serve up creative street food, perfect for sharing.
37 locals recommend
Gingerboy
27-29 Crossley StFrom crispy pork belly buns to steamed prawn dumplings and yellow seafood curry, he makes it all! It's Mebourne's original fusion hawker restaurant, known for it's funky decor, Asian-inspired dishes and hip laneway location. They serve up creative street food, perfect for sharing.
Chef Andrew McConnell is well known within foodie circles, so it;s no surprise that Cumulus Inc has been awarded a Good Food Guide Chef;s Hat 7 years running. The space is very trendy, yet intimate and the food is exceptional. Best of all, Cumulus is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week!
200 locals recommend
Cumulus Inc.
45 Flinders LnChef Andrew McConnell is well known within foodie circles, so it;s no surprise that Cumulus Inc has been awarded a Good Food Guide Chef;s Hat 7 years running. The space is very trendy, yet intimate and the food is exceptional. Best of all, Cumulus is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week!
Perched over a 7-Eleven, up a dodgy little stair well, in the Paris end of Melbourne city, is Mamasita. Providing a contemporary version of Mexican food with a focus on authentic recipes and ingredients, Mamsita continues to lead and innovate. Enhanced by a wide variety of artisanal agave spirits with an in house mezcalier working the floor 7 nights, Mamasita is a true reflection of the best food and beverage that Mexico has to offer.
286 locals recommend
Mamasita
11 Collins StPerched over a 7-Eleven, up a dodgy little stair well, in the Paris end of Melbourne city, is Mamasita. Providing a contemporary version of Mexican food with a focus on authentic recipes and ingredients, Mamsita continues to lead and innovate. Enhanced by a wide variety of artisanal agave spirits with an in house mezcalier working the floor 7 nights, Mamasita is a true reflection of the best food and beverage that Mexico has to offer.