Food & Drink

The Feed | Melbourne Food News You Don’t Want To Miss

27th Feb 2026
Written by: Urban List Writers

The food news has been coming in thick and fast in Melbourne, and to make sure that you're across all of the food and bev movements, we've wrapped up everything that you need to know in a handful of digestible servings. 

And if you're chasing Melbourne's best cheap eats right nowbest restaurants, best cafes, best bars or basically anything else you need a rec for, we've got you covered

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Keep up to date with all of Melbourne's food and drink news right here, hot and fresh out the kitchen as of February, 2026:

Studio Ghibli-Inspired Jazz Lunch at KURA

Image credit: KURA | Supplied

KURA is bringing the world of Studio Ghibli to life on Saturday, 7 March, at Lygon Street with instalment nine of their Sake & Jazz volumes. If you’ve ever dreamt of stepping into one of Hayao Miyazaki’s famed animes for a magical meal, then this one-off lunch in Brunswick East is for you.

Kick back to live jazz courtesy of Nana Koizumi and Andy Mak and indulge in a carefully curated lunch menu featuring three-day miso-marinated cod and specialised sake accompaniments for $78 per person. If you’re keen, get in quick as only two sessions are held for this exclusive lunch at 11am and 1pm.

Victoria's Multicultural Festival Returns To Grazeland

Image credit: Victorian Multicultural Commission | Supplied

Returning to Grazeland this March is the annual Victorian Multicultural Festival, a three-day celebration from 27 to 29 March, the festival offers a shared space for all the culture, music, and food diversity that our state has to offer.

Brought about by the Victorian Multicultural Commission, the festival is well-loved for its authentic food, live performances and musical acts. This year’s chapter is no different, with an exciting lineup of vendors, accompanied by performances from emerging stars and DJs across the weekend. 

This year, the theme is “Culture connects us all”, and what better way to do that than through the universal language of good food? With street-style BBQ, curries, Euro favourites, Latin American specialties, and desserts on offer, turn up with an empty stomach and your $4 entry fee. 

Nobody's Baby's Basque Txoko Residency Extended

Image credit: Nobody's Baby | Supplied

Nobody’s Baby in South Yarra has extended Basque Txoko–a much-loved residency led by Chef Aitor Jeronimo Orive–through to the end of July following its standout success.

Drawing on his Basque Country upbringing, the Michelin Star-studded chef is combining Southern European influences with his well-awarded knowledge and techniques to deliver an authentic taste of his heritage with a three-course, made-to-share menu.

“After a career of cooking all over the world, I’m so looking forward to settling back into Melbourne, and sharing the food from the other country I call home,” he says.

Book your seat here.

Veneziano Launches A Melbourne Icon In a Cup

Image credit:  Veneziano Coffee Roasters | Supplied

After over 20 years of serving some of the country's favourite coffee, Veneziano Coffee Roasters has now officially launched a Melbourne blend. Dubbed their love letter to the city, it's a celebration of Melbourne's coffee culture and the brand's roots. 

The packaging, designed by local tattoo artist Harry Morgan, is reason enough to pick some up, with inspiration rooted in Melbourne’s graffiti and tattoo culture.

The limited edition blend includes hints of chocolate, caramel, and cherry. You can get your hands on a bag via their website or at any of their store locations across Victoria.

Eat Steak Frites To Your Heart’s Content at 98 Lygon St

Image credit: 98 Lygon St Bar & Bistro | Supplied

In what could be the ultimate way to spend your Wednesday night, 98 Lygon St Bar & Bistro is kicking off their Bottomless Steak Wednesdays on the 25th February. Yep, you read that right: eat as much of their iconic dry-aged porterhouse as you can before the meat sweats kick in. Each serving comes with their signature peppercorn sauce and frites, as well as rotating off-menu additions to choose from. 

Get the drinks flowing alongside your steak frites with a curated wine list and selection of cocktails. And did we mention that the chef behind it all is Michelin-trained? Who says Wednesdays are boring?

Seats are limited, so get your booking in here.

Two Melbourne Cafes Crowned Amongst World’s Best

Image credit: Proud Mary | Instagram

If there was any doubt remaining over Melbourne’s iconic coffee status, this is the final straw. The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list has made its return for 2026, and two of our finest have made the cut. 

Collingwood’s Proud Mary comes in at number 27, and we’re not surprised. Its top-quality coffee, rustic vibe, friendly service, and house-made pastries makes it a must-visit: this is what people mean when they say ‘Melbourne cafe’. 

Sneaking in at number 100 on the list is Vacation Coffee. Located at the bottom of Exhibition Street in the city, it’s the perfect place to step away from the daily grind with a freshly roasted cup of specialty coffee. And with plenty of space to sit, there’s no way you can skip their chicken jalapeño grilled sandwich (it’s famous for a reason).

Cleo’s New Summer Specials 

Image credit: Cleo | Supplied

One of Melbourne’s hottest rooftop destinations has launched new specials to keep the summer vibes rolling, without hurting your wallet. Check out Cleo’s new Midweek Mezze for house-baked pita or nigella seed flatbread, paired with your choice of five delicious Eastern-Mediterranean side dishes (we’re talking everything from hummus and labneh to kingfish, crispy prawns, and grilled octopus). At $59pp, we can’t think of a better way to perk up your work week. The Midweek Mezze offer is available for lunch and dinner, Monday to Thursday.

If a sunset drink is more your speed, Cleo’s new seasonal cocktails are where it’s at. For just $15 each, try a fresh Three Colours Red, Palomanico, or fragrant Rosemary and Elderflower Spritz. More of a wine or beer person? Grab a Heineken or house wine for $10, all between 8pm to 9pm from Sunday to Thursday.

Walk-ins are always welcome at Cleo, but if you want to lock in that iconic rooftop view, book here.

Pimp Your Late-Summer Arvos at Stokehouse

Image credit: Stokehouse | Supplied

Stokehouse Pasta & Bar has just launched their $30 Sticks & Spritz to keep summer hanging around for longer. Get three skewers and your spritz of choice every day from 3pm to 5pm while enjoying Stokehouse’s unmatched view over St Kilda Beach. 

For skewers, take your pick from caprese, lamb with apricot and rosemary, and octopus with chorizo and black garlic. Pair that with an Aperol or Limoncello spritz, and you’ve got a recipe for the perfect after-work or pre-dinner snack and sip.

So-Cal Brekkie Burritos Hit Cremorne 

Image credit: Jenta | Supplied

Jenta is the brekkie-loving, burrito-slinging pop-up taking over Fred's Bar for two months from 7 February. Running from 8am on weekends, the Jenta menu hosts four signature burritos: choose from a chorizo, sausage, bacon or black beans base, each stacked with scrambled eggs and cheese, as well as extras like smashed avo, potato gems and jalapeño, depending on which you opt for. 

Add extra chipotle mayo, salsa roja or lime and coriander mayo to really bump up the kick factor, a coffee to cut through it all, and you've got yourself a flavour-packed brekkie that sets the tone of your weekend in all the right ways. 

Uber Eats Is Now Letting You Book Tables (And Snag Exclusive Ones)

Daphne Uber Eats Reservations
Image credit: Uber Eats | Supplied

Uber Eats has rolled out in-app restaurant reservations in partnership with OpenTable—meaning Melburnians can now book tables directly inside the Uber Eats app.

The new Reservations feature shows real-time availability and confirms bookings instantly, streamlining everything from spontaneous dinners to carefully planned catch-ups. Alongside it comes Uber One Exclusive Tables, a premium perk now live in Melbourne, offering members access to reserved tables at some of the city’s most sought-after venues.

Participating restaurants include Lee Ho Fook, Carlton Wine Room, Tulum, and Daphne, alongside a broader mix of fine dining institutions and local favourites.

Reservations are open to all Uber Eats users, while Uber One Exclusive Tables are available exclusively to Uber One members—marking Uber Eats’ latest step from delivery app to all-round dining platform.

My-Chi Mondays Launches With Discounted Froyo For Teens

Image credit: Yo-Chi | Supplied

Mondays just got a whole lot sweeter at Yo-Chi. The froyo legends-loving legends have officially  launched my-Chi Mondays, rewarding teens aged 17 and under for using free public transport with their favourite frozen treat. 

From 2 February to 23 March, anyone aged under 18 can get a sweet 20% off Yo-Chi every Monday when they show a valid Youth Myki alongside a student ID or school uniform. Available at all Yo-Chi stores across Victoria, after school pick-me-ups don't get much better than this.

Margarita Month At Mamasita

Image credit: Mamasita | Supplied

In case you hadn't heard, February is Margarita Month, and as an institution in Melbourne's Mexican food scene, Mamasita is a natural choice when it comes to celebrating. Naturally, margs will take centre stage at the bar, with four variations to sip and savour. The Mamasita Margarita is the go-to for those who like it fresh and fruity, made with pineapple and mango, while the Papacito is a delightfully refreshing mix of cucumber, coconut water and jalapeño. For those who like a little warmth, the Fuego is a spicier mix of chile ancho, lemon myrtle liqueur and fresh mint, and of course, the Classic is here for the cocktail purists, no frills or fancy additions, just a good-old-fashioned marg. 

Order yourself some snack plates, tostadas and a couple of tacos, and you'll be sipping and snacking the night away in style.  

Image credit: Visit Victoria | Emily Godfree