Markets & Food Events

The Melbourne edition of il Mercato Centrale, originally launched in Florence in 2014, offers a dynamic day-to-night dining experience, from light snacks to full restaurant meals. Located in the iconic McPherson building on Collins Street, this 2,500 sqm space has been transformed into a vibrant retail and culinary hub.

It's the earmarked sports event of the summer, the Australian Open 2025 is the iconic stretch of January where Melbourne suddenly transforms into tennis-arm-chair experts. 

We wanted to really find out what constitutes a good burger, so we asked the masterminds behind some of our faves. It turns out that there’s a bit of a theme—a secret ingredient if you will—to all of the burgers we know and love.

Have a bit of a sweet tooth after dinner? Or maybe you're just craving a sugary fix from one of Melbourne's many incredible dessert bars. Don't worry, we've got you covered with our top picks for dessert in the CBD and further afield. These are Melbourne's best dessert spots for 2025.

Looking for the best cheap eats in Melbourne? We've got you covered with a curated list of delicious, budget-friendly spots around the city. Dive into our picks for the top cheap eats Melbourne has to offer and discover how to satisfy your cravings without splurging.

The silly season brings with it many things: Kris Kringle pressies that’ll likely be regifted next year, boozed-up relatives and that awkward, annual decision of which side of the family you’ll be spending Christmas day with. It’s not all festive faux pas, though—one such thing that’s universally loved this time of the year is Christmas markets.

The quintessential summer tradition in Melbourne’s cultural calendar, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (MFWF) is set to make a highly anticipated return in March 2025 for another round of one-off dinners, chef residencies, pop-ups and long lunches. Spanning across 10 days, from March 21 to 30, the MFWF program is jam-packed, featuring over 200 events across the city and surrounding suburbs. 

Ah, Christmas—the season of sparkly lights, festive tunes and a to-do list longer than Santa’s. Between finding the perfect gift, planning events that scream “holiday spirit” and navigating the chaos of end of year celebrations, it’s easy to feel like an overworked elf. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you shop, explore and eat your way to a stress-free December 25th.

Balmy weather, 8pm sunsets, and iced lattes in hand are all telltale signs summer is almost here. But the real marker isn’t when Woolies decks the aisles in tinsel, it's when the Summer Night Market returns to Queen Vic Market.

From tacos and margaritas to gnocchi and jazz, we've rounded up some of the best value-for-money dining options across the city to get through the week in style.

Plus, win an adventurous Aussie holiday worth up to $3.5K.

Never mind the rides and the showbags. The main reason to get excited about the Melbourne Royal Show is the food. And no, we’re not talking toffee apples and fairy floss, but the smorgasbord of street eats from some of Melbourne’s best-known food trucks, cafes and diners that gets bigger and more diverse every year.

Situated right on Macaulay Road in North Melbourne, EziStreat is a 600sqm food hall residing inside a former industrial warehouse. 

If you're planning on cosying up and leaving home only for the most impressive events this winter you're in luck, because Firelight Festival is set to return bigger and brighter than ever. 

After 70 years of pumping out piping hot Bombolini-style jam doughnuts at Queen Victoria Market, ADK (American Doughnut Kitchen) is setting up its first shop front at Prahran Market. This means southsiders can finally include ‘doughnut run’ on their weekend do-list

Here are some Melbourne meal delivery services rising to the surface to save our stomachs and recipe ingenuity. 

The highly anticipated  Australian Grand Prix is returning to the iconic Albert Park this week, and Melbourne’s gone all-out with things to do to get rev-heads in the mood. From themed-cocktails and huge street parties to photography exhibitions and racing simulators , we’ve curated a list of every F1-themed event you can race to.

American retro diners are having a moment in 2024, and for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival this year, none other than Dan Murphy’s is popping-up at Fed Square with Dan’s Diner—complete with an all-Dan chef line-up and daily tipples.

Cheese lovers, get excited because MOULD: A Cheese Festival is returning to Melbourne for two days of cheese, drinks and food from 28-29 June this year. The dairy-laden event comes to us from Revel, the team behind Pinot Palooza, and promises be bigger, smellier and more 'matured' than ever in 2024. 

Brunswick, or Bulleke-bek in Woi Wurrung language, is the inner-city suburb in Melbourne's northeast, and once a year the entire suburb lights up for the long-loved Brunswick Music Festival. Nine huge days, the festival stands to celebrate the people, place, culture and music of Brunswick. From compelling performances to free live music, here are five things to do this year at the Brunswick Music Festival for 2024:

We’ve teamed up with Red Rock Deli to curate six perfect snack and sip pairings to suit whatever favourite drop you’ve had cellaring or sitting on your shelf waiting to be savoured.

What’s cooler than cool? Ice cold. If Outkast lyrics were anything to go by, then Victoria’s 12-day ice cream festival is the place to be chilling (sorry) this summer.

If you’re after for a stay that’s as eclectic and exciting as the city you’re in, Hotel Indigo’s latest instalment in Brisbane’s North Quay is the perfect basecamp for exploring the best of the city. 

The sides menu mainstay is about to get the superstar treatment at UGO Burrata Bar, propping up the dish—which has had a lot of attention in the media of late—to centre stage at South Melbourne Market.

In a city that’s buzzing with bars, boutiques, galleries, theatres and high-end restaurants, you need a high-end hotel to match. Enter Hotel Indigo, Melbourne’s new laneway hotel smack bang in the middle of the action on the iconic Flinders Lane. 

If you’re craving la dolce vita but couldn’t afford Euro summer this year, we’re bringing the sunshine your way instead. We’ve teamed up with Peroni to bring you a slice of the good life from the best Amalfi-inspired spots all over the Mornington Peninsula.

It’s 2023 and we are embracing the slower life. Heading to the market is a wholesome venture with hand-made crafts, quality local produce and communal vibes.

Bring the light and flavours of Diwali home with some delicious help from our community and The Spice Tailor. 

Dig into delicious dishes all over the state to find your perfect plate in regional Victoria.

There’s a certain hawker-style food market that hits Melbourne’s Birrarung Marr each year, you know, the one that’s heavy-handed with the alliteration. Well, the good news is this spiffy city is getting a second hawker-style market of a similar ilk—the Downtown Dumpling Market.

Dust off your passport—Urban List Vacays has arrived. 

Meat-free Mondays, flexitarianism, part-time vegos—there are a whole bunch of ways people are trying to embrace plant-based eating. And while some of us aren't quite ready to ditch meat for good, swapping meat for plant-based alternatives where you can is becoming more common—especially among Urban List staff.

This September, the Melbourne Cocktail Festival is making a triumphant return and this time, is introducing an exciting addition—a dedicated festival hub in the CBD. During this week-long event spanning from September 18 to 24, over 40 of Melbourne’s esteemed and cherished bars will participate, offering enticing night-time experiences, $15 bespoke cocktails, sip and snack pairings as well as the chance to explore uncharted waters (or cocktails) with the Bar Safari adventure. 

We want to help you live the dream in WA, so we asked the passionate locals who call it home to share all their must-visit experiences across this stunning state. Dive into our guides to the best places to play, eat and stay, steeped with local knowledge and all the tools you need to plan the trip of a lifetime.

Finally an event for the food group so dear to our hearts. Whether you’re a dim sim or a dumpling fan, their popularity as a quick snack, a night outing, or a hangover cure has risen steadily through the years. There’s so much more to your average fried/steamed snacks though, and Welcome to Thornbury’s annual Dimmy & Dumpling Festival has returned to introduce a steaming hot variety of your favourite goodies. 

To help you start mapping out your next New South Wales adventure, we’ve rounded up a bunch of the most exciting events to mark in your diaries.

If you're a big fan of food (like us) you'll be happy to know there are towns filled with farm-fresh food and local brews along this winding water source. From hatted restaurants to local wineries, consider this your gateway to the best things to eat and drink up and down the river. 

Sometimes it can be tricky to keep the kids entertained during the winter period. That's why we're helping ease the burden of entertaining kids during chilly weather via our pop-up Bake & Play event.

Just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, Bendigo is a place where you can step back in time to get a fix of the state's history. Here, you’ll uncover a vibrant arts scene, old-world architecture and some of Victoria’s most delicious eats. 

Consider this your shortcut to some of the best plates to taste in the Grampians and surrounds.

Not sure where to start the tastebud tour? We’ve rounded up the top nine eats you can’t miss on your next visit to Geelong and The Bellarine.

We called on the experts (you guys) to suss out which dishes are non-negotiable. Pro tip: arrive hungry. 

There's nothing more quintessential than a croissant, sure there are fancier looking things in the display cabinet but you can beat perfected simplicity. Melbourne has countless pastry outlets churning out the golden-kissed baked good each day, but hunting down the very best is another entirely. 

Taking inspiration from the ultimate authentic addition to any meal, Cholula Hot Sauce, we spoke to the founders of Cartel del Taco in Brisbane,  Marco Ramirez And Erick Martinez, to dive a little deeper into what the day is all about and their favourite ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Convenience experts, 7-Eleven has teamed up with some of Melbourne’s most-loved chefs to bring you The Convenient Store. The pop-up shop will showcase a number of new offerings from 7-Eleven’s elevated deli experience, Johnny’s Deli. Crafted in collaboration with some of Melbourne’s top chefs including Shannon Martinez and Victor Liong, the menu boasts bespoke bites as you’ve never experienced before.

Cocktail Porter has launched perhaps their most delicious cocktail kit yet: DIY Easter Cocktail Kits complete with chocolate Easter eggs to serve them in.

Casa Aperol is returning to Melbourne for a summer of outdoor sips, live tunes and inspired eats at Petanque Social.

Experience HOTA's world-exclusive exhibition, Pop Masters: Art from Mugrabi Collection, New York in a whole new light on two unmissable evenings, Up Late: New York Nights.  

Sofia Levin is one of the most endeared cultural commentators and journalists in Melbourne. You can gauge her clout by the sheer level of talent she has amassed for the upcoming #GroundedForMND event. 

Cheese is truly one of the greatest wonders of the world, it comes in so many shapes, tastes, and is easily over-indulged right before meals. If you fall into this culinary category pencil in Friday 2 June into the diary as Mould, A Cheese Festival is coming to town.

Taking inspo from the simplicity and versatility of the Kumato® we chatted to Bondi Icebergs Head Chef, Alex Prichard, about all things hosting. From his top tips for catering for groups big and small, to his number one hack to leave your guest impressed after a night to remember. 

At the core of all good family feasts are good ingredients. Inspired by the experts in fresh and easy and authentic Asian, Asian Inspirations, we spoke to four Australian creatives about what LNY means to them and asked them what their favourite dish is to eat at home during the festivities. 

The warmer months of Melbourne just seem to be getting better and better this year as we’ve just heard the news that the Juniperlooza Gin Festival is returning to town.

Take your tastebuds on a trip to one of these must-do food and wine events. 

The Budburst Wine Festival will return next month

Turns out there is such thing as a free lunch.

After a two-year hiatus, Melbourne’s Night Noodle Market is returning for 18 days of Hawker-style eats at its usual home, Birrarung Marr.

Saturday, October 15 is National Mushroom Day, reminding us to pay homage to the mighty mushrooms in our lives. Whether you’re a mushroom farmer, cafe owner, or simply a humble mushy admirer, Saturday is the day to shout your love of mushrooms to the rooftops and celebrate everything about them—from their mind-boggling health benefits to that unparalleled taste.

From a Gelato tour to taking it slow with your fave hobbies, there are plenty of options to leave the hangover at the pub. 

Supplies for every night of the week, sorted.

Say goodbye to home delivery.

This month, the gang at AVC have launched The Pass, a fabulous new loyalty app which will earn you big points and perks at over 190+ restaurants, pubs and bars so you can enjoy the best of what our country’s hospitality scene has to offer. Better still, you’ll get $10 credit to use on your first order for free when you download the app, along with a heap of birthday gifts and exclusive offers all waiting  for you. How good is that?

From films to fulfilling culinary adventures, this is the perfect culture-lovers escape. 

Melbourne's resident dessert queen, Miss Trixie, is going brick and mortar this weekend, setting up a very sugary pop-up store at the Altar Electric on Johnston Street in Abbotsford. 

Vodka, gin, rum—if you can name it, you can taste it at Holy Water.

Here's how you can book Christina Laker, Wynona Davies, Sabina Newton, Sarah Clare, and Huda AlSultan as your own private chef for the night. 

Brush up on your pairing skills and add some retro snacks to your repertoire at a series of home entertaining workshops in celebration of CHANDON’s Winemaker Explorations Range.

After a long two-year hiatus, the beloved Good Food and Wine Show is finally back in Melbourne with a bang for 2022, promising a stellar array of Victoria's greatest chefs, eateries and produce to get your senses sizzling. And to support some of our greatest local restaurants after such a difficult period for the hospitality industry, the fabulous team at TheFork have created the Eat Local Restaurant Pop-Up with three of Melbourne's hottest eateries; Pinchy's, D'Silva's Fried Chicken and 400 Gradi. You'll be able to grab an entree from one restaurant and a main at another, before moving back to your private dedicated seating area and bar to get cosy with your crew. 

Clear your calendar because the highly-anticipated Good Food & Wine Show (GFWS) is back for its 21st year and honestly, our taste buds couldn't be more hyped. Slinging a bunch of new events, masterclasses and immersive experiences sure to ignite your senses, this year is set to be the best GFWS yet.

Thaw out those winter blues with the return of Melbourne’s Winter Igloo Garden. Kicking off on Saturday the 21st of May, you’ll find igloos popping up along the Wharf Hotel’s riverside. Rug up in your best winter woollies and spend a night relaxing and dining beneath the stars.

One of Melbourne's most anticipated events is back this March, and it's going to take your breath to the next level.

The minds behind Saul’s Sandwiches, Leor Haimes and Elliot Koren are not ones for slowing down the pace. After building their deli-sandwich operation to a total of three venues in Carnegie, Bentleigh and Hawthorn, the duo has now set their sights on a potential fourth. 

This is not a drill, everyone's fave wine fest—Pinot Palooza—is officially returning to the thirsty city of Melbourne after two years' hiatus.

If you’re scrambling to find a romantic spot to take your Valentine this year, we’ve rounded up a list of all the best dates in Melbourne. Take the 14 of February as an opportunity to share the love and celebrate your partnership, relationship, situationship or friendship.

Everyone’s favourite gourmet ice cream Connoisseur is surprising us this summer by giving away ice cream sticks across the city.

A flurry of food trucks on the waterfront can only mean one thing—Melbourne Street Eatz is back with it’s biggest event to date. 

Wednesday night's at Queen Vic Market are back in a big way this summer season.

The warmer months bring with them a solid excuse to drink (more) rosé (than you usually would). The stuff is perfect in the sun, with antipasti, grazing platters and of course with seafood—it’s a true all-rounder that should be celebrated in all its glory over long, balmy afternoons.

Rather than wait for the New Year's resolution we know won't stick, we're all about habits to get more good on your plate.

Thanks to the easing of Melbourne’s restrictions we can hang together for some wholesome picnic-based fun. In perfect timing with spring weather and flowers blossoming—gather your crew and throw down a rug. To level up your picnic game, we have curated a selection of the best picnic boxes in Melbourne for you to enjoy. 

Just when you thought Messina's creativity couldn't get any better—they've gone and outdone themselves (again). We've been living for the fortnightly cookie pie drops—from gooey red velvet to rainbow-hued fairy bread bake-at-home treats, the hype is as real as these limited-edition desserts are delicious. 

We’ve become quite reliant on Messina Gelato over here, their speciality desserts have been seeing us through each lockdown, and true to their nature they’ve gone and done it again. The supreme ice cream leaders have just announced that they’re dropping their ‘Lockdown Snack Pack’ a two dessert combo that is designed to pair perfectly when consumed together, (no problem there). 

Coburg’s Gnoccheria has been humbly serving up their fresh gnocchi, pasta and lasagna from their Coburg locale for some time now. Since, their goods have been gaining momentum with carb-enthusiasts across Melbourne, to the point where not opening a second brick and mortar store would just be denying the people what they want.

Some of the best times to escape the city are through winter, across our great state there are plenty of getaway activities that showcase Victorian’s top produce and stunning landscapes.

In a private loft location in Melbourne, a supper club has been quietly emerging to rebuild connections after a year of isolation. Established by Tim McNamara, the Clandes.dine Supper Club came about last year when he relocated from San Francisco to Melbourne mid-pandemic.

Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws and Slytherins are all invited to this magical high tea that will be coming to Melbourne in October. Bring your wands and don your cloaks and get ready for butterbeer—a mystery location awaits.

Just when we thought high teas couldn’t get any better, the Gardens House at the Royal Botanic Gardens went and put boozy hot chocolates on the menu—we’re impressed. Every Sunday during July and August this charming venue nestled in the beautiful gardens will be hosting an idyllic high tea, with a menu from the award-winning caterers at Atlantic Group. 

Those wanting to go full throttle on the fromage this winter are in for a two day treat with the announcement of The Collection, a two-day celebration of all things cheese backed by the folk at That’s Amore.

Melbourne’s 10,000sqm foodie precinct, Grazeland, is getting a vegan shakeup over the next two weeks. The team at The V Spot will be hanging up their aprons and handing over the keys to their shipping container to Masterchef alumnus Simon Toohey, and his co-pilot Renee Buckingham from Melbourne Vegan Guide for their Plants on Fire menu. 

When it comes to yum cha—there are a few notable highlights and must-orders from those delightful roaming trolleys. Like dim sims, har gao, and steamed pork buns too. In the dessert category, however, you simply can not go past a plate full of mango pancakes.

K Shed at QVM is being taken over by the Vegan Market of Melbourne once a month on Saturdays. Established by Melbourne-based vegan Simon Hughes, the market brings together the best vegan businesses in Melbourne, spanning food and drink to cosmetics and clothes. 

Not all markets are created equal, though one we can clink (a highball) glass to is the Craft & Co Gin Market, which is returning to Melbourne this winter.

To all the Homer Simpsons out there, your hopes and dreams have been answered because a huge one-day doughnut festival is coming to Melbourne this June. Whether you’re a doughnut or a doughnut fan, the festival will be jam-packed (pun intended) with OG hot jam varieties, Greek-style loukoumades, chocolate-filled doughnut balls, cinnamon rings, Spanish churros and plenty of options for those needing vegan and gluten-free varieties. 

Did you know that Australia is the largest producer of black truffles outside of Europe, and the third-largest producer in the world behind France and Spain? So it’s no wonder the Truffle Melbourne festival is back for its eighth consecutive year, with a bigger lineup than ever. Truffle is famous for costing a pretty penny, with a kilo of the stuff retailing at about $2500 and a single truffle going for $60-$80. So this is your chance to live in the fast lane and enjoy a taste of these decadent beauties from just $8.

We’re home, we’re hungry, we want cheese. It’s typically what you pull out of the fridge first isn’t it? Instead of laying waste to countless slices of tasty turn things up a notch and treat yourself to some of Victoria’s finest with a fully local Fondue house party. In support of Click For Vic, we’ve got a stellar lineup of our states finest fromageries and snack plate suppliers to help you get well and truly cheesy while we’re all at home. 

Now for some terrifically good and delicious news, Shannon Martinez and the Smith & Daughters team are transforming the Brunswick Street diner into a takeaway Kebab shop over the next two days. (potentially longer depending on the COVID situation) 

As lockdown restrictions continue Melbourne hospitality scene continues to turn it on and roll with the changes. The situation has forced venues to come together and get creative, and we’re the lucky ones that benefit.

There are plenty of niche ‘festivals’ happening around the country; some come and go, but one that Victoria has always been in full support of is the Rocky Road Festival. 

If you’ve been wishing for more cheese options at a classy setting, look no further. 

Keep your eyes peeled for a giant cocktail shaker on wheels. 

Pasta is one of the greatest gifts of the culinary world, its variety of shape and diverse adaptability to a range of different sauces, stuffings, and bakes have cemented the Italian creation as a cornerstone of the modern diet. 

RISING has already put out plenty onto the table in terms of things to do and see over the winter festival timetable but their latest announcement is stacked with the level of culinary class that you’d only expect from Melbourne.

Up in the Macedon Ranges in Woodend just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD lies some of the most fertile ground, each year as Victoria’s temperature dips and the rain starts to fall a special kind of season begins. Mushrooms, one of earth’s greatest and most delicious bounty’s start to spring up all over the hills and pine forests. Fan favourites like the Slippery Jack and Golden Tops make their way onto tables across Restaurants and homes in the state. 

If you totally forgot that Mother’s Day is this Sunday 9 May then don’t worry, you’re not alone. But curb the stress because we’ve got all the last-minute ideas sorted so you can retain that sweet angelic reputation in your Mum’s eyes. Whether you’re buying for Mum or a carer or special guardian, there’s plenty here to make their day special. 

So successful they put on a second festival in the same year, the Ascot Lot’s Gnocchi Festival is returning this May after a 2021 hiatus because of reasons we don’t need to go into again.

This is not a drill, everyone's fave wine fest—Pinot Palooza—is officially returning to the thirsty city of Melbourne after a years' hiatus.

So successful they put on a second festival in the same year, the Ascot Lot’s Gnocchi Festival is returning this May after a 2021 hiatus because of reasons we don’t need to go into again.

The stupidly popular Night Noodle Markets are back, though 2021’s format for the annual slurp-fest will look a little different to previous years.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie and the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie are back to their impressive chocolate-slinging antics with the month-long Rocky Road Festival of Flavours. And while you’re probably still getting your cavities filled from the seemingly endless supply of easter eggs in the pantry buckle up because this one’s a biggie.

Melbourne winters are underrated in the frost department, as the temperature dives and wind chill factor becomes a thing again we’ve finally got a reason to embrace our nippy season with the Winter Village.

Ascot Lot, a northern destination for all for food trucks is getting slippery with an entire day dedicated to noodles and bubble tea. Ingeniously titled ‘Send Noods’ this celebration of the two fundamental food groups will be engulfing the Ascot Vale backlot on Saturday 24 April. 

You’ve probably heard the name Pizza Pony around the traps. They were once a shop before becoming a truck, then a pre-packed pizza purveyor for those in lockdown. Now, taking to the road again, the name is best looked upon as a roaming institution serving up one of the best Neapolitan-style pizzas north of the river.

Pizza, pasta and wine—the Italians certainly know how to live. Join the party and eat like an Italian this Sunday in the heart of Melbourne’s Italian foodie neighbourhood. The Segmento Melbourne Italian Festa will be taking over Argyle Square in Carlton from 10am and you can bet there will be plenty of live music, classic Italian cars, fun attractions and gelati. 

It’s that wonderful time of the year again as lagers, stouts, sours, pilsners and pale ales descend upon Melbourne for Good Beer Week 2021. Celebrating its tenth trip around the sun Good Beer Week kicked off back in 2011 and this anniversary is one hell of a sud soaked festival of amber ales. 

We can’t bloody hide our excitement about the Hot Sauce and Chilli festival hitting Welcome To Brunswick this weekend. If you push your tastebuds to the extreme, sink scorpion death chillies on the regular, and can’t eat a regular meal without some form of additional heat, then this is the event for you.

Winter is coming and there’s been plenty brewing north of the wall, it’s been over ten years since we first waded our way through the world of Westeros and watched as crowd favourites fell to the sword (sorry Ned) and our very expectations were dashed episode after episode.

Melbourne Cocktail Festival has begun, and with around 20 events happening over the next week, there are more than a few drops to try. You could go in blind (figuratively, of course), or, you could take a few pointers from one of the best in the biz—quite literally—as to how to navigate the mammoth drinks list.

The west is really having a moment, and the vibe is only going to continue with the opening of Grazeland, a 10,000sqm food haven by the Yarra River’s entrance to the bay.

The Ascot Lot never fails to deliver on themed day festivals (who remembers Pooches and Prosecco?), and the latest to return after Melbourne’s lengthy lockdown is Espresso Yourself—no prizes for guessing what’s being celebrated at this one.