Melbourne Travel Attractions: A Food Lover’s Guide to the City’s Culinary and Cultural Delights

Kick off your Melbourne trip, where captivating attractions warmly welcome travellers from all over. It’s the perfect place for anyone who loves exploring and trying new things. Initiating a food tour in Melbourne for travellers is exhilarating, like a giant party for the senses, with diverse cultures and traditions coming together. So, get ready to explore, meet all sorts of people, and have time in this city that loves to mix things up!

CBD Havens and a Gateway to Culinary Delights

As you explore Melbourne’s central business district, let your journey start at the exquisite Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, ideally situated on the edge of the CBD and surrounded by tranquil green spaces. Opened in September 2024, this 5-star boutique hotel harmoniously merges heritage with contemporary comfort, offering 137 sophisticated accommodations, including two resplendent penthouses with stunning panoramic views of the city. Nearby, Melbourne’s top restaurants, theatres, and sporting venues are easily accessible. At the same time, facilities such as a wellness center with a 20-meter indoor heated swimming pool and spa, as well as a 24-hour fitness center, provide comfort and relaxation in the city’s heart.

Address: 502 Albert Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia

Set out on a culinary journey around Lanson Place Parliament Gardens to explore some of Melbourne’s top food attractions.

Pre-Theatre Dining Experience

If you’re planning to visit Melbourne’s theatres and immerse yourself in a vibrant fusion of global artistry, begin your evening at NOMAD Melbourne on Flinders Lane, just a 15-minute walk from the Lanson Place Parliament Gardens. This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers a carefully crafted pre-theatre menu, featuring their most beloved dishes like the wood-fired flatbread and burrata with fennel jam, followed by the fish of the day. Designed for those heading to a show, the menu ensures you’ll enjoy a quick yet memorable meal before making your way to the theatre.

Nearby theatres include:

The Princess Theatre – 13-minute walk

Regent Theatre – 2-minute walk

Her Majesty’s Theatre – 11-minute walk

Arts Centre Melbourne – 8-minute walk

Comedy Theatre – 12-minute walk

Address: 187 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Visit hours: 

Lunch – Open Wednesday to Sunday from 12 PM to 2 PM

Dinner – Open Monday to Sunday from 5 PM until late

Elevate Your Night

For an unforgettable night out, start at The Melbourne Supper Club on Spring Street opposite Parliament House and just a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Established in 1998, this bar offers a distinctly European setting throughout the night. All guests are welcomed and served by experienced staff who are well-versed in the art of hospitality. Known for its intimate ambiance and late-night bites, it’s the perfect spot to kick off your evening. The bar is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 11 PM to 4 AM, and closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Just upstairs, Siglo Rooftop Bar provides a sophisticated setting with stunning views of Parliament House and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 PM to 3 AM, this French bistro-inspired bar offers classic cocktails, fine wines, and a humidor filled with fine cigars. Terrace seating is first-come, first-served, with cozy heaters ensuring comfort even on chilly nights. Ideal for dates or small groups, Siglo combines attentive service with a refined late-night atmosphere.

Address: 161 Spring St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia

Global Fusion at Queen Victoria Market

Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market is an amazing place to explore, covering more than seven hectares and making it the biggest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Its grand Victorian-style buildings and sprawling layout offer an incredible backdrop to the vibrant food scene that awaits. As you wander among the busy stalls, the aroma leads you on a food adventure like no other. This is a place where you can try a bit of everything—get zesty with some Thai food, go bold with African dishes, and don’t miss out on the classic Italian pizza or Greek gyros. Every food stall adds its own story to Melbourne’s big book of tasty treats. It’s a highlight for anyone’s Melbourne travel plans. Come explore and eat your way through one of the best Melbourne attractions!

Address: Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Visit hours: Open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6 AM to 3 PM; Saturday from 6 AM to 4 PM; Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM; Closed on Monday and Wednesday

Located in Queen Victoria Market, M&G Caiafa is Melbourne’s go-to spot for an authentic taste of Aussie sweetness, offering classic treats like the Lamington and a rich variety of baked delights steeped in 50 years of family tradition. This iconic café provides a fantastic selection of baked goods, making it one of Melbourne’s most desirable food attractions. With its cozy vibe, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy these delicious treats. The iconic Lamington XXL is just the beginning—there’s also a whole range of other pastries and cakes, each offering a unique taste of Melbourne.

Find it at: 513 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Visit hours: Open Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday to Friday from 6 AM to 3 PM; Closed on Monday and Wednesday

A Melting Pot of Flavors and Culture in Chinatown

Continue your chapter by heading to Chinatown in your Melbourne travel story, where every street and alleyway serves as a vibrant testament to Melbourne’s food and cultural richness. This bustling enclave tempts with a mix of dining options, from hidden laneway noodle spots to upscale restaurants. Shopping is just as eclectic, with Asian groceries, traditional Chinese herbalists, fashionable boutiques, and bookshops within The Paramount and Village Centre Arcade. More than just a culinary hotspot, Chinatown stands as a living mosaic of Melbourne’s diverse heritage, a true highlight among Melbourne attractions.

Address: Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Visit hours: open 24 hours, but business hours may vary for each shop

This lively district offers a wealth of dining experiences, showcasing Melbourne’s rich Chinese culinary heritage. Here are some top restaurant recommendations to explore:

Renowned for serving the best Peking duck in Melbourne’s CBD, Bamboo House offers a delightful menu that combines traditional dishes with Shanghai dumplings and more. Add garlic sauce to gourmet Chinese treats like Tea-smoked Duck, Pot Stickers, and Steamed Scampi. While specializing in northern Chinese cuisine, Bamboo House also boasts an excellent Cantonese repertoire, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.
Find it at: 47 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Yulongfu is a must-visit for lovers of Xiao Long Bao. Co-owner Yong Liu expertly crafts these delicate soup dumplings using a family recipe passed down since 1904. The menu also features Shanghainese classics like pan-fried pork buns, drunken chicken, and chicken wontons in chili oil. Paired with a selection of wines, beers, or herbal teas, Yulongfu offers a unique taste of Shanghai in the heart of Melbourne.
Find it at: 136 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Flower Drum, hailed as Australia’s finest Chinese restaurant, offers world-class Cantonese cuisine in an elegant, red-carpeted setting. Known for its refined dining, it’s a must-visit in Melbourne. Signature dishes like the benchmark Peking Duck and exquisite prawn har gow highlight the restaurant’s mastery of Cantonese cuisine. Flower Drum continues to evolve, introducing new classics such as saltbush lamb spring rolls and silken barramundi noodles. A recent addition of a bar offers excellent cocktails and bar snacks, further enhancing this culinary destination’s allure.
Address: 17 Market Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000

Savor Aussie-Asian Fusion and Indigenous Cuisine at Federation Square

Step into Federation Square and find yourself in a place where every Aussie food favourite is celebrated. It blends modern vibes with cherished traditions, offering a culinary journey with Aussie-Asian fusion and authentic Indigenous cuisine, showcasing Australia’s rich and diverse food culture.

Enjoy stunning 180-degree views of Melbourne’s CBD, Yarra River, and Arts Precinct at Taxi Kitchen. Led by Executive Chef Tony Twitchett, the restaurant focuses on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients to create modern Australian dishes with a hint of Asian influence. Savor delightful shared plates like Beef Cheek Rendang with toasted coconut or Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder, complemented by premium oysters. Pair your meal with a selection from their exclusively Victorian wine list. The restaurant’s comfortable setting is perfect for celebrating special occasions, enjoying a casual meal, or meeting for business.

Address: Transport Hotel, Level 1 Federation Square, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Visit hours: Open Monday to Sunday from 12 PM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 11:30 PM

Immerse yourself in the flavors of Indigenous Australian cuisine at Big Esso by Mabu Mabu. Celebrating Indigenous food and culture, this vibrant eatery features sustainably sourced seafood and a menu inspired by the tropical north of Australia. Highlights include their standout chili crab dish, accompanied by native greens, and a variety of traditional Torres Strait dishes like coconut-cured fish and vibrant tropical crayfish. With communal tables and a laid-back vibe, Big Esso offers a unique dining experience that pays homage to the rich culinary heritage of the land.

Address: Fed Square, 25/2 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Visit hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 AM to 11 PM, Sunday from 12 PM to 8 PM, and closed on Monday

Taste the Aussie Bites in Fitzroy

Just 2.4 km from Federation Square, Fitzroy is easily accessible by public transit, making it a convenient escape into Melbourne’s bohemian heart. This vibrant suburb is bursting with character, street art, quirky shops, and some of the best eats in town.

For a classic Aussie meat pie, check out Fatto a Mano, known for its amazing pies that locals love. The couple who runs the place has been baking for over 50 years, and you can tell when you try their tasteful organic beef pie. Additionally, they offer gluten-free options, ensuring there is something delightful for everyone. Pop by this friendly bakery and see why everyone says their pies are the best around.

Address: 228 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Visit hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 6 AM to 3 PM; Closed on Sunday and Monday

Your travel through Melbourne isn’t just about seeing sights—it’s about experiencing a rich tapestry of Aussie culture blending with diverse influences from around the world. Every meal, landmark, and chat, ensures your Melbourne journey is unforgettable!