When I first planned our trip to Australia, Melbourne was at the top of my list for one reason: the food. I knew I wanted to take a Melbourne food tour to experience the city’s incredible mix of hidden cafés, bustling markets, and innovative restaurants.
Recently named the number one food city in the world by Travel + Leisure, Melbourne truly lives up to the hype. From bustling laneways packed with hidden gems to upscale restaurants that book out weeks in advance, this is a city that takes its dining scene seriously. Even on a Monday night, every restaurant we visited was buzzing, a true sign of how much Melburnians love a good meal.
Checking out all the different food stalls at the Queen Victoria Market 
Having lunch on Hardware Lane in Melbourne
What makes Melbourne’s food culture so special is its diversity. Migrant communities have shaped the city’s dining scene into one of the most vibrant in the world. Strong Asian influences, modern Australian twists, and a thriving café culture combine to create an endless array of choices. If you love food, Melbourne is where you want to be. For travelers wondering where to eat in Melbourne, the answer is simple. Everywhere you turn, something delicious awaits.
The Best Melbourne Food Tour You Should Book First
If you only do one activity in Melbourne, make it this Guided Night-Time Food Walking Tour. This Melbourne food tour set the tone for our time in the city and gave us a foundation for where to eat in Melbourne over the rest of our stay.
Here’s why it stood out:
- Curated by a true local. Our guide had lived in Melbourne all their life and knew exactly where locals actually go. These were not tourist traps, but authentic favorites hidden in laneways and tucked-away corners.
- More than food. Between bites, we learned about Melbourne’s history, architecture, and culture, which made the experience even richer.
- Small group feel. The tour is capped at a cozy size, making it easy to move around, ask questions, and actually connect with the guide.
- Incredible food variety. We tried several restaurants in one evening, giving us a real taste of the city’s diversity. Every dish was memorable, and no one left hungry.
Heading into Chinatown for our first stop 
Getting a bonus stop for a creme puff 
Making our way to another stop on our Melbourne food tour
My biggest tip? Book this Melbourne food tour for your first night in the city. Not only will you enjoy a delicious introduction to the city, but you will also walk away with insider recommendations on where to eat in Melbourne for the rest of your trip.
Where to Eat in Melbourne: My Top Picks
We did not have a single bad bite in Melbourne, but a mix of planning and local recommendations helped us make the most of our time. Below are my top spots for coffee, lunch, dinner, and even dessert. If you’re searching for where to eat in Melbourne beyond a food tour, these restaurants deliver.
Best Coffee in Melbourne
Coffee is practically a religion in Melbourne. After one sip of a flat white, I understood why. I have tried ordering them in the U.S., but nothing compares to how Aussies do it. A Melbourne food tour might include a coffee stop, but you will want to explore more on your own.
Here were the ones we loved:
- Traveller Coffee – Tucked away and tiny, but worth the stop. Ask for a Melbourne Magic. The staff will know what you mean.
- Brother Baba Budan – Known for its quirky ceiling covered in chairs and its consistently excellent coffee.
- Maker Coffee – known for precise brewing and friendly baristas who love to talk process.
- Bobby’s Coffee & Bagels – a cozy neighborhood spot serving up smooth flat whites and delicious bagels
Our favorite coffee in Melbourne was at Traveller 
Ask for a Melbourne Magic at Traveller Coffee 
The bakery items at Traveller were absolutely delicious 
Having coffee at Brother Baba Budan 
Grabbing an iced Coffee at Maker 
Stopping at Bobby’s for a flat white and bagel breakfast sandwich
Having lunch at our favorite spot in Melbourne, Rice Paper Scissors 
Enjoying the Snapper Crackers at Rice Paper Scissors 
We loved the Nam Khao salad at Rice Paper Scissors 
Grabbing lunch at Miznon 
Super delicious Abu Kamal (lamb kebab) pitas 
Sharing a bag of greens at Miznon
Best Lunch Restaurants in Melbourne
- Rice Paper Scissors – This was hands-down my favorite spot in Melbourne. Inspired by Southeast Asian street food, Rice Paper Scissors is all about small plates designed for sharing.
- Must order: Snapper crackers. This was possibly my favorite bite of the entire trip.
- Do not miss: The Tom Yum Yum cocktail.
- Miznon – Fresh, fast, and full of flavor, Miznon is the perfect place for a casual but satisfying lunch.
- What to get: One of their famous pitas, plus an order of green beans tossed with lemon, garlic, olive oil, and sea salt. Simple and unforgettable.
Best Dinner Restaurants in Melbourne
- Lucy Liu – Modern Asian fusion with an energetic atmosphere. If it is just two of you, request seats at the counter to watch the chefs in action. This restaurant came highly recommended on our Melbourne food tour and did not disappoint.
- Cookie – Despite the playful name, Cookie serves seriously good Thai food. The space is lively and perfect for groups.
- Chapati – A modern take on Indian food with bold flavors and a creative twist. Every dish we tried was impressive.
- Muli Express – This one-of-a-kind oyster bar was unlike anything I have seen elsewhere. Walk up, order a plate, and watch them shuck oysters right in front of you. Each comes with your choice of mignonettes.
Heading into Lucy Liu for dinner 
Enjoying the Kingfish sashimi 
Ordering the crispy rice bite 
Stopping in at Chapati 
Starting off with a Dhai Puri bite 
The most delicious curry and naan at Chapati 
Having dinner at Cookie 
Loved the papaya salad at Cookie 
Walking up to Muli Express Oyster Bar 
Freshly schucked oysters at Muli Express
Heading to Piccolina for gelato 
Enjoying a scoop of gelato 
Heading into the Queen Victoria Market 
Checking out a deli counter at the Queen Victoria Market 
Finding a fresh pasta shop at the Market 
Doing some shopping at the market
A Sweet Treat and A Little Bit of Everything
- Piccolina Gelateria – The gelato here is silky, rich, and the perfect stop for a sweet treat. The flavors are on rotation so there is always something new to try.
- Queen Victoria Market – has a bit of everything from fresh juice stands, butchers, and fishmongers all under one roof. It’s the perfect way to spend a late morning, whether you’re grabbing lunch, stocking up on groceries to cook back at your accommodations, or picking up treats for a picnic.
Looking for a place to stay in Melbourne?
We absolutely loved our stay at Lanson Place Parliament Gardens while exploring Melbourne.
The location was perfectly central, making it easy to access everything we wanted to see and do. The hospitality was outstanding, and the in room amenities, like laundry facilities, a Dyson hair dryer, and a Nespresso machine, made our trip even more comfortable and convenient.
I’d hands down, stay here again and again!
Tips for Dining Out in Melbourne
- Book ahead. Even on weekdays, restaurants fill up fast. Make reservations for lunch and dinner when you can.
- Explore the laneways. Melbourne’s best eats are often hidden in alleys and side streets. The rule of thumb from locals is that the dodgier the laneway, the better the food.
- Be open to flavors. With so many international influences, this is the place to try something new.
For more tips on dining in Australia, check out my article for a first-timer’s guide to Sydney and Melbourne. It pairs perfectly with this Melbourne food tour guide for planning a complete foodie trip.
Check please: Why Melbourne is a Food Lover’s Dream
Melbourne is not just a city with good restaurants. It is a place where food is woven into the culture. From sipping coffee in hidden cafés to sampling oysters at a walk-up bar, every experience feels intentional and memorable. Taking the Melbourne food tour gave us the perfect introduction and set the stage for the meals that followed.
If you’re planning a trip, do the tour first, bring your appetite, and do not be afraid to wander down a laneway or two. Chances are, you will discover something delicious.
Which restaurant from this list sounds the most tempting to you? Or do you have questions about planning your own Melbourne food tour? Leave your thoughts in the comments. I would love to hear from you.
With joy,
Bri
