food-culture
Image Credit: @zamcdonald
From recently opened hotspots to Melbourne institutions.
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Image Credit: @zamcdonald
From recently opened hotspots to Melbourne institutions.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commision.
If there’s one thing I am sizeably passionate about, it’s the Melbourne hospitality scene. There’s just so much good stuff, and the good stuff is everywhere. So, given I field a few DMs from our Shameless Media community on where to eat and drink when they visit Melbourne, I thought I’d (try and) cut through the noise to shout out some of the best. You saw the heading. Save it for later.
Dinner is objectively and subjectively better than lunch, so we’re kicking off here.
If you’re keen on a type of restaurant I’d call a cosy classic, it would feel silly to start anywhere other than with France Soir or Flower Drum. Both have been around for decades and are staples for a reason. Two other southside stalwarts are Caffe e Cucina (don’t go past the seafood pasta) and Zia Rina’s Cucina, which does the most spectacular homestyle Italian food where the menu changes almost every day.
On the funkier side (I understand calling something funky has the opposite effect, but I’m getting old), I recently tried Fitzroy’s newbie Carnation Canteen and looooved it. Lagotto has the best bread (and tortelli) in Melbourne, Tipo 00 is the best Italian all-rounder (it’s impossible to book into, so walk in off-peak and prepare to have a drink at Kirk’s while you wait) and Lagoon in Carlton has a pretty special char-siu.
Mid-week, I’m a huge fan of a pub, and will never, ever go past steak night at Union House, the burger at Builders Arms or the parma at The Orrong.
And for those nights you don’t feel like emptying your bank account? Pacific Seafood BBQ House in South Yarra is an all-time favourite for big catch-ups (it’s BYO, too!), Shop Ramen is a winter staple and Leonardo’s Pizza Palace and Freddy’s have some of the best pizza in the city.
Image Credit: @zamcdonald
Image Credit: @zamcdonald
So! Many! The CBD is brimming with good stuff – Siglo and City Wine Shop are basically neighbours and beautiful year-round for a drink overlooking Parliament. On the other side of the city, Kirk’s on Hardware has a special place in my heart. For late nights or winter, the Apollo Inn (next door to Gimlet) is very cosy. Southside, Albert’s and Gracie’s have a stranglehold on every woman in their 20s, while in Richmond, there are few better champagne happy hours than the one at Fred’s. Traversing north, while I love a meal at Neighbourhood Wine, the most special afternoons I’ve had are sitting on the sidewalk during happy hour, making use of their free snacks with every drink. Also, if you’re looking for a new spot in Collingwood, Slow Poke opened recently and has a beautiful view of the city.
For a quick grab-a-sandwich-and-go, Rocco’s is known for its meatball sub, Baba’s Deli has this spectacular prosciutto focaccia, Midi has the perfect chicken sandwich (IMO), while Baker Bleu does everything bread better than anyone else (ever).I’m always looking for a well-lit space when it comes to a loooong lunch, so Marion is perfect for a summer’s or winter’s afternoon. I’ve had one of the best (and longest) lunches of my life at Old Palm Liquor, Bar Idda has the cutest tables on the sidewalk for a meal in the sun, while Officina Gastronomica Italiana has some of the most underrated pasta in Melbourne.I know in about an hour I’m going to think of 100 more and kick myself, but I’ll have to leave it there for now. Where are your Melbourne must-go spots?
Image Credit: The Vault
