Melbourne Recommendations
These are, what I believe to be some of the best places in Melbourne to eat, drink and be merry. I hope you find something here that interests you and that you enjoy!
Mantras and Mottos
Get Lost In The City (on purpose)
Alongside your set plans to experience Melbourne's various museums, galleries, events and theatres, give yourself some time to actually explore and get lost in Melbourne's streets.
When in the CBD and inner suburbs: Set a 30 minute timer, get a coin and start walking. Every intersection (major, minor or even laneways) flip the coin. Heads go left, Tails go right. Look for the artworks, smell for the food and enjoy the changing vibes from major streets like Collins, Bourke, and Swanston into the nitty gritty of the laneways.
Finding Good Food
Alongside the discount apps (see food section for more information), these rules will help you get the most out of food here in Melbourne
Food Rule #1: Follow Your Nose!
Your sense of smell is your best companion and best friend when it comes to scoping out a particular area in your search for food. It can help you find the areas where there are a lot of food options (laneways, markets, etc.) but also can help narrow your selections within that area.
Food Rule #2: Trust Your Gut
Now that you are in the place that smells good, look at the menus. You know what you like. Some things will sound amazing and make you salivate. Some might be your favourite comfort foods or something you fell in love with during another trip. Let yourself enjoy the foods your know that you like! Melbourne will probably do a very good job of it, or a slightly different take on it.
Food Rule #3: Be Brave (Try Something New)
Melbourne is where the world meets. There will be food you have never heard of before, ingredients you have never thought of trying, and fusions you never thought possible. While in Melbourne, give yourself the opportunity to find your new favourite food, the thing you didn't know you needed.
Keep track of Street Art
As you walk around the city and suburbs of Melbourne, always look everywhere (left, right, up, down, front and back). If you like a particular artwork or style, look for the artist name. It might not be obvious (or there at all) but write down as many of the names of the artists that you see. The more you do, the more it will feel like you are bumping into old friends throughout the city. Find them on Instagram and you will see more examples of their art, their current/recent projects and more. Some artists we discussed on the Culture Capital tour were
@kasperart
@mortmurray
@adnate
@n2o_jo
@sunfigosunfigo
When in Doubt, Ask
If you don't know something, want more advice, or are looking for a local recommendation (beyond what this website provides), just ask. Melbournians are pretty chill and can answer your questions, City of Melbourne do also have volunteer greeters along Swanston Street and Bourke Street Mall (look for the bright red jackets).
Quick Recommendations
Markets, Shopping and More
Markets, Shopping and More
Markets, Shopping and More
Pop Ups
Melbourne is a city of spontaneity and there are often small events or mini food festivals going on. Keep an eye out for them an see what you find.
https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/
Markets and Festivals
Melbourne has many great markets that cover everything including fresh food, street food, gifts, crafts, clothing and more like
- Queen Victoria Market (including Summer Night Market on Wednesday nights)
- South Melbourne Market
- Prahran Market
There are more specific markets to explore such as
- Rose Street Market (Sat and Sun)
Local Artists
https://www.rosestmarket.com.au/
- St Kilda Esplanade Market (Sun)
Local artists, food and gifts in the beachside suburb
- https://www.stkildaesplanademarket.com.au/
- Grazeland (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Foodies paradise
https://www.grazeland.melbourne/
For more suggestions for museums, activities, shopping and general information on Melbourne and Australia, click the link below.
Activities
Markets, Shopping and More
Markets, Shopping and More
Summer in Melbourne
As the days get warm, enjoy the varieties of gardens around the Melbourne CBD and inner suburbs. Some to explore:
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Albert Park (Formula 1 Track location)
- Fitzroy and Treasury Gardens
or head down to the beach
- St Kilda
- Williamstown
- Brighton
Tennis In Melbourne
Australian Open (Qualifying from 6 Jan, main draw from 12 Jan) tennis hits Melbourne with action on and off the court. Put on some sunscreen, get a ground pass in the first week to see great players sweat it out or enjoy the vibes, live music and other events at Melbourne Park.
https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/ausopen
See a live show
From big budget Broadway and West End musicals, to independant theatre, live gigs and concerts, Melbourne is packed with live events to suit you.
Current major shows include:
- Beauty and the Beast (Her Majesty's Theatre)
- Dear Evan Hansen (Playhouse Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne)
- Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Princess Theatre)
- Sister Act: The Musical (Regent Theatre)
- Shakespeare in the Park (Botanic Gardens)
Stand Up Comedy
Comedy Republic has shows most nights of the week including top headline performers that frequent the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
See the link below for all Theatre Tips and Tricks and Discounts
Aboriginal Melbourne
Markets, Shopping and More
Aboriginal Melbourne
Koorie Heritage Trust
This is a must! Right in the heart of Federation Square, the Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT) is a cultural space, art gallery, exhibition and learning space that celebrates local aboriginal artists and culture. They often have temporary exhibitions alongside their permanent collection. They also run walking tours that unlock the imporant history in and around Birrarung (Yarra River). Have lunch or dinner next door at Mabu Mabu Big Esso for incredible food from the Torres Strait
Melbourne Museum
This is one of the best Museums you'll fine anywhere. Alongside the geology, dinosaurs, social, cultural and natural history, entomology, and science, you must explore the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. It covers a large part of Aboriginal life in this area from the beginnings through to the present day. It is visual, moving, powerful and stunning. There is also an indiginous garden that is lovely to walk through and explore native plants and see eel feedings.
Carlton Gardens (Behind the Royal Exhibition Building)
https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/
Yalinguth (Self guided Walking tour)
Download the app Yalinguth and listen to the stories as you walk around areas of significance for the Aboriginal People of Naarm. There are two areas available to explore:
Birrarung (Yarra River)
Ngár-go (Fitzroy)
More information below
Coffee
Lunch, Brunch and Laneways
Aboriginal Melbourne
Dukes Coffee Roasters
Just walking into there you get hit with such a beautiful strong coffee aroma. They roast their own beans which they sell by the bag if you want to take some home. Enjoy a coffee and a light snack inside or take it to go. Mainly espresso coffee but they also serve filter and cold brew coffee. Their coffee is bold, rich and nutty.
247 Flinders Ln (just next to Degraves Street and Centre Place)
https://www.dukescoffee.com.au/
Little Rogue
Hidden behind a blue door in an abandoned laneway, Little Rogue do wonderful coffee, home made pastries in a charming little cafe filled with little pop culture nods (count how many R2D2s there are). All self sustainable and locally sourced. Bakemono Bakehouse just opposite is also stunning with fusion french and japanases pastries.
12 Drewery Ln (around the corner from State Library of Victoria and Melbourne Central)
https://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/cbd/cafes/little-rogue
Lunch, Brunch and Laneways
Lunch, Brunch and Laneways
Lunch, Brunch and Laneways
Centre Place and Degraves Street
Tried and true, you can’t go wrong with most of the places here.
Equitable Place
If you want to eat lunch for anywhere in the world, including Korean, Vietnamese, Brazilian and more with true Melbournians, Equitable Place is worth checking out.
Favourite places are:
Sambar (Brazilian)
https://www.facebook.com/SambarMelbourne/
Louie (Cafe/Sweet and Savoury Muffins)
and
This Side Of Paradise (Cafe/Brunch)
Guildford Lane
Packed with stunning cafes and brunch spots, dont be surprised to have to wait for a bit, but it's worth it.
Local Melbourne Favourites
Lunch, Brunch and Laneways
Lunch, Brunch and Laneways
Grill’d
Good, solid, quality burgers. Really promote ‘healthy’ burgers. Try the different kinds of chips (incl sweet potato and zucchini) with the herbed mayo. They also do meat free mondays.
Brunetti's
Originally opened as a bakery, Brunetti's is now an italian institution and covers all aspects of italian food and drinks including coffee, cakes, foccacia sandwiches, pizza, pasta, antipasti cocktails and more.
Carlton: 380 Lygon St
CBD: 250 Flinders Lane
Lord Of The Fries
As the name implies, they do very good chips and they’re generously topped with their many different kinds of sauce. They do classic takeaway comfort food. They also do burgers, hotdogs, mac and cheese, chick’n nuggets. You would never believe it, but it is also all vegan!
https://www.lordofthefries.com.au/
Dinner
Cheap Eats
Dinner
Roule Galette (Crepes)
Charming, legit French creperie. They Make traditional savoury buckwheat galettes and sweet crepes as well as more modern and australian inspired plates. Any of the cheese crepes I’d recommend, especially the Camembert, and the escargot. Also open for lunch and takeaway.
Scott Alley (parallel to Degraves Street, just off Flinders Lane between Degraves Street and Swanston Street)
https://www.roulegalette.com.au/
Rice Paper Scissors (Southeast Asian - Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian)
A South East Asian Tapas restaurant based on the Hawker Bars of the area. You choose 5 dishes for 2 people to share – $32pp lunch | $37pp dinner and go from there. The food is super fresh and all designed to be eaten with your hands. Their cocktails are also amazing and refreshing and pair well with the food. Also open for lunch. If they are full, Ho Chi Mama next door are also excellent.
15 Hardware Lane, CBD or 307 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
https://ricepaperscissors.com.au/
Crossley Street Cantina (Tapas)
Modern and chique, this gem is tucked into the laneways, providing a fantastic experience, fusing modern and traditional spanish dishes.
30-32 Crossley St
Bars
Cheap Eats
Dinner
3 great bars with rooftops/balconies on/near Tattersalls Ln.
Goldilocks
Fun cocktails and a nice view!
Level 4/264 Swanston St
https://www.goldilocksbar.com.au/
Rooftop Bar
Level 7, Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street
Section 8
Opened in 2006 as a temporary bar, the whole bar is contained inside a shipping container and the seats are made of pallets. Locals have fallen in love with it and it is still here after all this time. Great atmosphere with DJs and music and dancing and great drinks on offer. Get in early or be prepared to wait in line.
27-29 Tattersalls Ln
Late Night Laneways
Laneways that specifically come alive in the evening with bars and restaurants include:
Meyers Lane
Russell Place
Hardware Lane
Flinders Lane (Eastern Side)
Madame Brussells Lane
Cheap Eats
Cheap Eats
Icecream and Desserts
Download the app Eat Club
Shows you discounts to many restaurants around Melbourne. Great way to get up to 30% off your meal. Show the voucher as you enter the restaurant to redeem it. Click the “Live Now” button to see what restaurants near you have offers. Many of Melbourne's best restaurants are on there, it is very good for spontaneous decision making.
Download the app First Table
Eat at some of Melbourne's best restaurants and bistros including steakhouses, seafood restaurants, wine bars and specialty dining for 50% off. What's the catch? You will be their first seating of the night so expect an earlier dinner (5:00, 5:30, 6:00pm depending on the place). Pair this early dining experience with seeing a live show in Melbourne for a quintessential night out.
https://www.firsttable.com.au/melbourne
Close of business deals
Most places that offer cabinet food (sandwiches, salads, pastries, sushi, etc.) will reduce their prices in the final hour before they close. Especially in laneways like:
- Centre Place
- Equitable Place
- Hardware Lane
Icecream and Desserts
Icecream and Desserts
Icecream and Desserts
Pidapipó (icecream and gelato)
Handcrafted flavours, full italian traditional gelato. Always fresh and changing flavours. They also have a nutella fountain. Their main store is in Carlton (Italian Precinct) but they also have one on Degraves street in the CBD (two doors down from Metro Burgers).
8 Degraves St, Melbourne and 299 Lygon Street, Carlton
Kumo (souflee pancakes)
Brand new to Melbourne, these big fluffy pancakes are stunning! Check their opening hours and get in early as this does fill up.
198 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne
General Melbourne Information
In general
- All Australian and especially Melbournian tap water is safe to drink unless explicitly specified otherwise. The water quality in Melbourne is particularly good so you don’t need to buy bottled water here. In the CBD and inner suburbs, you will find many public drinking fountains and drink bottle refill stations.
- WIFI/Internet Access - Melbourne CBD is full of free wifi. There is one at Flinders Street Station, Federation Square and most Museums, Galleries, Shopping Centres and Libraries have them too. If you are struggling to find Wifi, two places that will help you out are McDonalds and Starbucks.
- We use the metric system for everything and most people only use 12 hour time.
- Many places are now cashless including most theatres and museums. 99% of places accept card so you do not need to carry cash at all (even for the walking tours!). Personally I do not carry any cash with me. We got rid of signature credit cards a while ago so if yours does require a signature, don’t be surprised if people are confused. There are ATMs all around the place and 7/11s and most supermarkets do cash out with any purchase.
- If lost in the CBD, keep an eye out for the tourism volunteers in their distinctive red outfits. If not, just ask someone. Most Melbournians are very friendly and happy to help you out.
- Melbourne’s weather is known to be quite temperamental. If it looks warm, still pack a light jumper or jacket just in case.
- For more tourism information, especially about day trips, there are tourist information centres at:
- Town Hall, corner of Swanston Street and Little Collins Street
- Bourke Street Mall, in front of the David Jones building.
- Online at What's On Melbourne https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/
Public Transport
Getting Around
All public transport in Victoria can be accessed using the Myki card. You can buy and top up (add more credit on) your card at train stations, 7/11s and some other places like newsagents and tourism offices.
Always touch on and touch off when using buses and trains. For trams you only have to touch on, not touch off.
If using trams inside the “Free Tram Zone” you do not need to touch on. The Route 35 tram, aka The City Circle Tram, is completely free and has an audio tour to help you get to where you are going.
When getting on a train, tram or bus, make sure you know which way you need to go by checking the destination that is listed.
In Melbourne and Australia, we do not use cardinal directions like “north-bound” or “west-bound” that often. It will be “the number 6 tram towards Moreland”.
There is a specific PTV hub at Southern Cross Station (Spencer Street) if you have any further questions.
International visitors, if you have any leftover credit on your Myki card you can get an on-the-spot refund from the PTV Hub at Southern Cross Station.
Refunds can’t be processed for less than $5 or greater than $50.
You’ll need to bring proof of identification.
Unless you are doing a day trip like The Great Ocean Road, The Grampians, Ballarat/Sovereign Hill, Healesville/Yarra Valley, you probably will not need to hire a car, you can get around with Public Transport.
Useful apps to download are TramTracker and Public Transport Victoria (PTV). City Mapper does feature a Melbourne Map but no one uses it. Google Maps is the easiest way to plan your journey (including public transport)
Driving
Obviously, we drive on the left side of the road.
Before driving your hire car, check which side the fuel tank is. It varies from car to car because we have cars from all over the world.
All speeds are in kilometres per hour.
When driving in the CBD and inner suburbs, be careful with one way roads and no way roads (mainly Swanston Street and Bourke Street Mall)
All the “Little” streets (including Flinders Lane) are one way streets.
Dealing with trams and hook turns.
Don’t get in the way of trams, they always have the right of way. If you hear a tram “dinging” you, you’ve done something wrong.
If in the inner suburbs and you want to overtake a tram, you can only overtake a tram while it is moving. If a tram has stopped, you cannot drive past a tram. The doors will probably open to pickup/dropoff passengers.
If driving down a CBD street and you want to turn right, check if it is a tram road. If it is, you will most likely have to do a hook turn. If so, just follow the signs, follow the locals like you saw on the tour and don’t freak out. From the left lane, wait by the siding on the left hand side until the lights go yellow, then red. When the lights on your right are turning green, that’s when you turn right and go where you need to go. Or go up one more block and turn left, left, left.
Street Signs and Parking
If you see brown street signs, these are for tourist attractions. If you see a blue one with yellow writing, it is a tollway. Check that you rental car can go on tollways or find another way around.
Parking: Note some of the more common parking signs for on street parking.
"3P" means 3 hours of free parking, "2P" means 2 hours, etc. after which you must move your car.
If however the sign says "3P 9am-5pm" and you park there at 4pm, you can leave it for longer than 3 hours.
"3P ticket" means you can park here for up to 3 hours provided you buy a ticket.
Always check the DAY on the sign as some signs are conditional based on specific dates and times.
You cannot park anywhere that has a "No Standing" (S with a slash through like in the photo above) or "No Parking" (P with a slash through) or "Clearway" (big red capital C) signs (for the specific times that they are meant to be clear).
Be extra careful with these areas as you will probably get your car towed away if you park incorrectly in these areas.
Full list of rules and signs can be found here
https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules/a-to-z-of-road-rules/parking
