Thanks to the easing of Melbourne’s restrictions we're now able to hang together for some wholesome picnic-based fun. It's perfect timing with spring weather and flowers blossoming—gather your crew and throw down a rug.
To help you level up your picnic game, we have curated a selection of the best picnic boxes in Melbourne for you to enjoy.
Mr Miyagi
Each weekend Mr Miyagi will be popping up at a couple of Melbourne parks and dishing up six-course picnic boxes filled with nibbles including salmon Aburi handrolls and yuzu cheesecake. Order up here.
Estelle
For cheese and charcuterie style boxes, the team from Estelle have put together bites that wouldn’t be complete with a bottle of wine. Grab one of their picnic packs for two that include a range of olives, cheese and more or pic try a different box featuring their iconic house-made focaccia. Get more details over here.
Mabu Mabu
Mabu Mabu has put together pescatarian and vegan platters that you can bring along to picnics. Their boxes are jam-packed with lots of food, so come hungry. Head over here for details.
Bagnum
Technically not a picnic box, but it'll go down damn well with everything in this list. Bagnum— is the collab between local legends Built To Spill and Urban List. Think easy-to-pour bagged wine that is every bit classic as it is boujee. Each Bagnum holds a whopping 1.5L of juicy Aussie wine from Sparrow & Vine with three wine varietals on offer: a Bagnum Sangiovese Rosé, a citrusy Semillon Bagnum (white) and a Nero D’Avola Bagnum (red).
Packing a heap of green cred too, Bagnums are packaged in an eco-friendly and fast-chilling AstraPouch—which has an 80 per cent lower carbon footprint than its typical glass iteration. It even has a smart nozzle that activates just by the tap of your finger (read: no leaks) and makes sure your Bagnum stays fresher for longer—sans cork contamination and potential oxidation. The limited-run Bagnum range can be purchased through Built To Spill at $44 a pop and delivered straight to your door. Order yours here.
Atiyah
In a combination of flatbreads, hummus, Baba-Ganoush, vines leaves and more, Aityah is dishing up Lebanese-inspired street food. Pick up one of their packs from their 100%-renewable run kitchen to spice up your picnic. Get the details here.
Matilda
Matilda’s has really set the bar for gourmet picnic boxes. If you are feeling hungry their boxes include smoked chicken and chive sandwiches, potato salad, pickles, fruit, duck rillette and more. You’re gonna want to be hungry for this one and the best bit is no preorder is required. So, just grab your box and head across the road to the Botanical Gardens to enjoy the feast. Head over here for details.
Gradi Mercato
As you’d expect Gradi has nailed Italian Antipasti. Their grazing boxes include a selection of cured cold cuts, dips, bread and more. For la dolce vita picnic vibes, pre-order one of their boxes for your next picnic. Get it here.
Ishizuka
To enjoy premium Japanese food, try out one of Ishizuka’s seasonal bento boxes. They update the boxes daily to showcase different flavours so expect to find high-grade Japanese seafood, meat and veggies. More details here.
Mister Bianco
Home to high-quality Italian food, Mister Bianco has put together meal boxes that showcase a collection of owner Joe Vargetto’s mum's favourite dishes. The boxes have multiple courses for you to enjoy and you can also add on a negroni to really cement the experience. Get it here.
Bia Hoi
If you love a Banh Mi or rice paper roll, Bia Hoi’s Vietnamese style boxes are just for you. Melbourne icon Jerry Mai is cooking a picnic feast featuring a range of Vietnamese bites, and the best part is the boxes are perfect for sharing. Head over here for details.
Rustica
Known for their hearty bread and pastries, Rustica has combined these goodies with some of their canapes and cheeses to serve you tasty grazing boxes. Heads up— most of their boxes come with wine or bubbles too. They also have a BBQ pack if you want to get sizzling in the park. Head over here for details.
Earl Canteen
With a range of price options, Earl Canteen is serving up spring packs that you can enjoy to yourself or with a bunch of others. With platters including quiches, muffins, sangas and more, grab one to impress your friends at your next picnic. Head over here for details.
Migrant Coffee
If you are going for a brunch-style picnic, Migrant Coffee has got the box for you. Filled with some of Melbourne’s best bagels, juices, dips and other brekkie goodies, it is the perfect way to get your morning started. Order one here.
Komeyui
Japanese restaurant Komeyui is serving up the tastiest sushi and Japanese nibbles. With options for vegetarians and meat lovers, their boxes tailor to all and feature high-quality Japanese food. Get one here.
Rice Paper Scissors
Elevate your picnic with gourmet Vietnamese dishes thanks to Rice Paper Scissors’ experience boxes. Filled with mains, salads and sides it is the perfect option for a sunset picnic at the park. Head over here for details.
The Fishmonger’s Son
Seafood lovers, this one's for you. Coming this Tuesday 5 October the team from Fishmonger’s Son’s has curated premium seafood spreads that will be ready for order. With picnic boxes tailored to all your fish and seafood needs, they have a range of options from DIY BBQ boxes, the finest smoked salmon or fresh oysters. Head over here for details.
Lona Misa
Vegans don’t stress, we have you sorted with Lona Misa’s delicious plant-based picnic boxes. Featuring oyster mushroom ceviche, salt-baked zapallo and other Latin inspired goodies this picnic box does not disappoint. Head over here for details.
Some Melbourne restaurants have started taking bookings, check them out here.
Image credit: Estelle