Restaurants

From smoky mezcal cocktails to slow-braised birria tacos dripping with consommé, Melbourne's Mexican food scene is hotter than a habanero right now. We've scoured the city to bring you the must-try taquerias, cantinas and modern Mexican kitchens that'll transport your taste buds straight to Mexico City.

When midnight cravings hit, Melbourne’s late-night dining scene delivers. From steaming bowls of Cantonese noodles to New York-style pizza slices, these late-night restaurants in Melbourne keep the city fed long after dark.

Move over, Sydney—Melbourne’s about to get a dose of the Merivale magic and we've got our fingers and toes crossed for a certain famous woodfired bread.

Ever been at the kids’ play centre and thought, ‘I wish there was a little more here for me?’ Well, you’re not the only one. Hoopla has opened as Australia’s first ‘parent’ focused kids indoor play centre and family outing spot (read: there’s a grown-ups menu). 

Collingwood is historically home to some of Melbourne's best restaurants, bars, shopping, street-art, and well ... just about everything else. The inner-city (hipster, shh) suburb is truly a cultural melting pot, simmering from the north and south end of the suburb. But if you want a local tip, cut through the main drag on Smith Street and you'll see what's on offer is proper fire.

What's Melbourne's best new restaurant is something we're forever being asked here at Urban List. The thing is, what's best and what's new is always changing because the restaurant, bar and cafe scene is ever-evolving. Good thing we've made it easy for you, we've pulled together all Melbourne's newest openings right here.

Sandy McIntyre is the actor, writer, producer and model making waves across Australia’s creative scene. We picked their brains on the best of what to do in Sydney this winter season. 

Melbourne’s CBD just got a delicious chunk of Taipei with the arrival of AhMa Taiwanese Streetfood—the latest venture by acclaimed chef Spring Chee who has creds from Big Comma and Tokyo Motto. 

If there’s one person who knows how to make the most of a weekend in Sydney, it’s the powerhouse NRLW player, sharp-witted commentator, and podcast co-host Millie Elliott. 

From rainforests to art deco terrace homes, treat yourself to a retreat among picturesque surroundings this Easter. 

Bastille Day means different things to different people. If you’re French it probably represents throwing off the shackles of an oppressive monarchy. For the rest of us, it’s an excuse to order massive plates of steak & pomme frites, or drink Burgundy by the bottle while toasting “liberty, equality, fraternity and reasonably priced booze!” That’s the good thing about Bastille Day. There’s something for everyone.

If New York is the city that never sleeps, Melbourne’s the city that never stops eating, and there are a myriad of excellent spots waiting to welcome you for a Monday wine-and-dine.

Finding that perfect combination of crackling puff pastry, rich stewy filling, and buttery shortcrust is practically a spiritual quest. Lucky for us, you don't need to make the pilgrimage out of Melbourne to satisfy your pie cravings anymore.

South Melbourne's new pizza spot Pizzateca Lupa is an ode to Roma, with two different (but equally delicious) styles of pizza on offer.

Once again May has crept up on us out of nowhere, bringing with it one very important day. It’s that one thing you should be prepared for, yet every year it comes as another suprise. That’s right, it’s Mother’s Day. 

Here's your ultimate Eat, Play, Stay guide to the Barossa Valley with Andy Allen.

Melbourne’s Japanese cafe scene has always marched to its own beat—espresso in one hand, chopsticks in the other. But lately, a new wave of Japanese-inspired spots has been quietly rewriting the Melbourne brunch playbook. 

It may be a whole lot colder but the prospect of a three-day weekend is one mighty-fine way to warm the soul. This coming King’s Birthday in Melbourne for 2025, Monday 9 June, a selection of Melbourne’s venues will still be turning it on for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. 

Whether you’re planning a first date, an anniversary, or a sweet surprise for your special someone, organising a date that makes them swoon (and scores you some serious brownie points) is always a win.

The long weekend is just around the corner so it’s time to start planning your social movements for the mini-break. Whether you celebrate Easter or not, we can all agree it’s pretty nice to have a four-day weekend to catch up with friends and family while letting someone else do all the cooking and cleaning—surcharges are totally worth it. Here’s your list of what’s on over the Easter weekend in Melbourne. 

Crabzilla has entered the chat. Ministry of Crab has just opened on Flinders Lane and we're here to get our bib on, meet our crab and indulge in some champagne.

Like the precinct’s spruikers, the choice really is overwhelming when it comes to Lygon Street restaurants. One will tell you they have the freshest carbonara in the southern hemisphere while the other will stake claim to a 400 cheese pizza. Both worthy options, but dig deeper and you’ll find a diverse culinary offering ranging from fiery ramen at one end and modern Australian at the other.

The heart of Melbourne, the CBD. We've got heaps of good restaurants here in Melbourne and Victoria as a whole. Whether you're looking for Flinders Lane restaurants or you're just looking to tuck into some affordable fare, we've nailed down the best.

Want to relive that Japanese holiday, or get your eye in before you head overseas? You're in luck, because Melbourne is full of top-tier Japanese restaurants. Whether you’re craving freshly made sushi, bowls of steaming ramen, sizzling teppanyaki, melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, or flavourful donburi, there’s no shortage of authentic Japanese restaurants in Melbourne to dive into. 

Searching for the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne? From hidden trattorias to fine dining, here are Melbourne’s top 25 Italian spots for pasta, pizza and more in 2025.

For those on the hunt for a cultural experience rich with all things history, people, stories, and nature, Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) should be top of the list. 

We’ve all got our local Melbourne Thai restaurant that we swear by and practically have on speed dial—or at least saved in our favourites on our food delivery app of choice. No matter your preference, if you're looking for the best Thai restaurant Melbourne has to offer, you're in luck.

Gone are the days when vegetarian dining in Melbourne meant cheerless salads and the same old pasta dishes. This city’s plant-based scene has exploded into a vibrant ecosystem of its own, where vegetables aren’t just an afterthought—they’re the headliners.

Between some seriously breathtaking natural gems, uber-exciting eats, and a range of stays to satisfy all kinds, Townsville has quickly become one of the country's best places to explore this year. 

Go behind the scenes of LA's biggest icons to explore the other side of the city of angels.

Forget diamonds—Melbourne’s real luxury is a perfectly cooked steak. Whether you’re after a melt-in-your-mouth wagyu, a charred, smoky ribeye, or an old-school pub porterhouse with all the trimmings, this city delivers.

An Aussie-born chef and Singapore local, Peter Smit has carved a unique place for himself with his nose-to-tail cooking style. We followed the Dirty Supper chef-owner, to uncover what he does to decompress when he's out of the kitchen and off the clock.

This destination diner in the Southern Grampians is the very essence of local, Victorian dining. And it doesn't hurt that the surrounds are stunning.

Forget ordering pizza to your neighbourhood bar/bottleshop combo. Benchwarmer has completely smashed the mould on what to expect by installing an izakaya inside their craft beer haven.

Arguably Melbourne's best restaurant, and the one with the best view, Vue de Monde has seen some incredible chefs through its doors. But current executive chef Hugh Allen has achieved quite a lot in his 29 years and counting, and now he can add restaurateur to his resume. 

Flinders Lane is the beating heart of Melbourne’s dining scene, a laneway where culinary magic happens. This is undoubtedly one of Melbourne’s foodie hotspots. From hole-in-the-wall gems to high-end hotspots, this iconic strip is a dining paradise. 

Whether you have a couple of hours airside transiting to your next destination or you’re lucky enough to make a day of it in Jewel, we’ve sorted your next layover at Changi Airport in Singapore.

Chef and food advocate Simone Watts has done it all—cooked, farmed and travelled the world—and now she’s landed at Barragunda Dining on the Mornington Peninsula, transforming the way we think about food. 

The southern hemisphere’s largest shopping centre, Chadstone has just dropped the lineup for a massive 26,500sq m foodie precinct. The two areas, The Market Pavilion and Dining Laneway will host some of Melbourne’s tastiest food retailers. 

Tucked away on Tasmania's picturesque East Coast is Devil's Corner winery. This is the kind of place you drive past wistfully, wondering if you have time to stop in. We're telling you, you need to make the time.

As the action revs up on the track, we'll show you how to ace the off-track scene

Melbourne’s bustling dining scene owes a very honest tip of the hat to France. Every suburb has its own cache of bakeries, bistros and patisseries reminiscent of the City of Lights, and if you're like us wondering why you're here rather than there, well, this list might just save you the trip.

There was a time when the best burgers in Melbourne came from your local fish and chip place, usually with a slice of beetroot and a couple of extra dim sims. Actually, now we think about it, those are still pretty bloody good, but we've pulled together our top picks so you can eat easy.

The Melbourne CBD is a labyrinth for hidden bars, whether they be upstairs, underground or tucked away at the end of a laneway. You don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to suss them all out though—we’ve done the detective work for you. We’ve scoured all the nooks and crannies and come up with some of the best hidden bars Melbourne has to offer. All you need to do is turn up and find the door. 

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.

Korean BBQ restaurants have made quite the splash, a cuisine dear to many Melburnian's hearts and for very good reasons. The flavour-packed dining experience of K-BBQ is a sight to behold; with sizzling plates of chargrilled meats accompanied with sauces, salads, and sides. 

Today’s diners are more intentional, discerning, and value-driven than ever. They’re eating out more frequently, but scrutinising every dollar, expecting premium experiences without the premium price tag.

Melbourne has one of the most culturally diverse culinary scenes in the world, but you already know that and so do we. What you may not know though, is where to find the cream of the crop when it comes to Indian food—enter Urban List.

There’s a reason Jackalope on the Mornington Peninsula is on everyone’s bucket list: from its stunning grounds to unique architectural design, moody black colour palette or funky bar and restaurant, the hotel is the very definition of a luxury stay.

Housed within the former St Kilda Ichi Ni site, The Espy has dropped a fresh open-air bar, right in the peak of summer. 

Geelong, it's only an hour away from Melbourne but it's a whole new world and there's plenty of things to get around. Here's the local inside scoop on where to eat, drink, play and stay when you're in The Pivot.

Geelong’s restaurant scene is thriving, offering a vibrant mix of culinary experiences that firmly establish it as a must-visit destination for food lovers. Once living in Melbourne’s shadow, this seaside gem has emerged with its own bold personality, leaning heavily into its love for fresh, local seafood.

The Prince Hotel's snuck in another cheeky refresh, just in time for summer. 

With its effortlessly cool vibe, buzzing bars, and eateries that punch above their weight, Thornbury has cemented itself as one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets.

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.

Good things come in small packages, and so do great things, such as Xiao Long Bao. Our city is spoilt for choice when it comes to these often-steamed, sometimes-fried pockets of flavour, so much so that you’ll be left doing laps of Chinatown until everything shuts up shop for the night.

The Super Bowl is a big deal, and whether or not you're into American sport you can't help but get caught up in the fever, the chicken wings and of course the drama.

It’s hard to name a more iconic pub feed than the chicken parma. These slabs of perfection have found their way into the hearts of Melburnians, and it doesn’t look like the love affair is slowing down anytime soon. Here is Urban List's guide to the best parmas in Melbourne for 2024:

Following waves of immigration in the sixties and seventies, Greek food and culture has become a huge part of Melbourne’s culinary identity. We’ve got the largest Greek population outside of Athens, so it’s no surprise the city is brimming with Greek taverns and family-owned restaurants to suit all occasions and budgets. It’s a tough task, but we’ve pulled together the best Greek restaurants in Melbourne, with plenty of options for the souv-fans, seafood lovers, dairy queens and vegetarians out there. 

We had to ask Tanuki's general manager Joong Charpentier the secret to his success—and the answer might surprise you.

Melbourne’s such a cultural melting pot. We’re so lucky to have an incredible and eclectic mix of cuisines from across the globe right at our fingertips—and fortunately, a stack of options from the tiny South Asian island Sri Lanka.

Finding the best oyster bar in Melbourne is no easy task, that’s why we're shelling out the details on the city’s best.

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.

Navigating Melbourne’s vibrant dining scene while sticking to gluten-free options has never been easier. Think gluten-free pasta dishes, pizzas, and even indulgent desserts—all made with care and quality ingredients. If you’re seeking the best gluten-free restaurants in Melbourne, these spots have you covered.

Ramen—a timeless pairing of noodles, broth and various accoutrements. Chewy noodles that have been cooked to the exact level of firmness, broths varying from a light and salty to one made by slow-cooking pork bones. Toppings that vary from pork that's been braised in soy sauce, sake and sugar, to soft-boiled eggs marinated in a mix of ingredients that are often a closely guarded secret. Better still, you can find some of the best ramen in Melbourne/Naarm. 

One of the most important food groups to Melburnians, pizza, is held in a treasured category of its own. Boasting some of the finest pizzerias outside of Italy, the level of craft here is world-class from classic leopard spotted Neapolitan-style to thick-cut deep dish. 

If you're a hungry herbivore, look no further than our guide to Melbourne's best spots for vegan eats, from burgs to fine dining, it's all here.

This one's probably going to be controversial given we can't cover every single amazing example of dim sims around Melbourne. But, we've called upon the heavy dim sim hitters at Dim Sims 4 Lyf to help us out here.

Carlton restaurants extend far beyond cherished Lygon Street—although the historic strip is still home to a massive concentration of Italian joints. With that being said, over the years Carlton has grown to become one of the most vibrant culinary hotspots in town. Here are Urban List’s recommendations on the best restaurants Carlton has to offer in 2025:

Arguably one of the greatest, most historic and popular cuisines that the world has to offer, it’s never a surprise to our wallets or our stomachs when we start craving Chinese food, and we’re sure you’re no different. Something about it makes it the ultimate comfort food, what with the savoury, salty, complex fusion of flavours.

It could be a quick refuel, a boozy business meeting, or perhaps sharing a meal to catch up—lunch is a sacred part of the day for many Melburnians. We love lunch here. We're starting to steer clear from the grab and go, a hangover from (we won't say it) the past few years, and taking the time to sit and dine now. These are some of our top picks for Melbourne's best lunch spots for 2025, that are sure to impress your mates, visitors or colleagues. 

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.

When it comes to St Kilda restaurants, you’ll find a mix of legendary dining spots and hot new places serving up some of the freshest seafood around. But if you’re not into fish, don’t stress—there’s an array of cuisines on offer, from Italian and Mexican to Indian, Japanese, and classic pub fare. Without further ado, here's your guide to the best St Kilda restaurants in 2025.

Cost of living keeps creeping upwards and onwards, and most of us practically have the words “value for money” tattooed on wallets to stop unnecessary spending. Of course, that’s where the humble buffet comes in, with endless plates and infinite options to make you feel like life isn’t so bad.

Sushi no doubt holds a special spot in Melbourne’s heart, which is why eating via train makes it all the better. With plenty of spots that specialise in the much slower-paced ritual of 'Kaiten-sushi', sit back, relax and let the food come to you. 

Yum Cha, it's the culinary experience that's greater than the sum of its parts, and each part is already pretty delicious. You’ll find dim sum galore, from pan-fried to steamed to boiled, all designed to be washed down with piping-hot tea. Melbourne has got some amazing for all your yum cha needs. So needless to say, we’ve curated a list of the best yum cha in Melbourne for 2025. 

Some mornings are meant for sleep-ins and some are meant for indulging in the best bottomless brunch in Melbourne. Are you after endless mimosas, too many proseccos, more margaritas than you can poke a stick at? Well, if you've woken up on that side of the bed, get your Sunday (or Saturday) best on, and get ready to party. Check out our list of the best bottomless brunches in Melbourne in 2025.

In 2025, Melbourne’s high tea game is stronger than ever, bringing together the best of old-world charm and modern-day fun. Whether you're in the mood to channel some classic 19th-century vibes, complete with dainty finger sandwiches and scones stacked high, or you're looking for something a bit more daring—think themed high teas, live music, and a splash of burlesque—Melbourne’s got you covered.

Resting on the edge of the CBD, Richmond is a bustling metropolis of Melbourne. The bar and restaurant rich suburb is easily one of the busiest precincts for drinking and dining, whether it be a pre-match pint and parma before sauntering to the holy grounds of the MCG or a full six-course set menu.

The Lunar New Year is fast approaching and 2025 is the year of the Wood Snake, which symbolises wisdom, transformation, stability and creativity and we're here to learn and grow, and celebrate.

Melbourne certainly has no shortage of restaurants being home to some of the country’s best hospitality. However, every parent knows fine dining is not always synonymous with kid-friendly.

Home to six diverse dining havens, the slick new entertainment hub has cosy spots for date night, slick breweries, and lantern-laiden restaurants. 

Elevate your Hong Kong dining experience at these top-tier restaurants and hawkers markets.

Let’s be honest, when you roll out of bed on New Year’s Day you’re going to want a rather large coffee–preferably made by someone else. Luckily, there are plenty of cafes open New Year’s Day in Melbourne for all your hangover needs. You won’t want to cook your own food either, right? Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered for that too.

Stuck in the Christmas Day food coma? How about washing it down with an ice-cold beer? Or pile on some more food to keep the Christmas spirit alive into the new year. Either way, we don’t want you sulking on Boxing Day, so get out, check out the lucrative shopping deals and keep celebrating with delicious drinks and eats. Here’s what’s open in Melourne on Boxing Day 2024.

Whether you don't celebrate the holiday or you're looking to ditch the kitchen responsibilities, you'll find several top spots still doing their thing this Wednesday, 25 December 2024

Pick plates, rooftops and gluten-free, moody retro venues and lots of small plates: there were some definite themes to new openings this year, and we were there for all of them. This is your 2024 restaurant guide wrapped. 

Finding the perfect venue for your Christmas soiree isn’t the easiest job (I mean, no one wants to have drinks at the office…) Luckily, we’re here to help speed you along your way and make sure you pick the perfect place.

From thrilling theme parks and a captivating entertainment calendar to world-class dining and a choice of six luxury hotels, Resorts World Sentosa has it all.

We all have memories of traversing the empty foyer of South Yarra's Jam Factory to head to the cinema, but no more. The iconic precinct has officially closed to make way for a $2.75 billion redevelopment which will see it become a massive shopping and dining hub that will land somewhere between Collins Street in the CBD, and Chadstone Shopping Centre—bougie.

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. 

Eight years in the making and Chris Lucas’ mutli-storey CBD is paying homage to regional French cuisine, with a healthy dose of joie de vivre thrown in. Named after a French-style country loaf of bread, Maison Bâtard leans into its namesake and will focus on stripped-back, regional French cuisine. 

Find out how to score a trip to Italy, valued at $8K.

We had a yarn with Gareth Whitton about the top Aussie dessert businesses and pop-ups that he believes are redefining the world of all things sweet.

Robots delivering dishes, lab-grown meat and 3D-printed veggies—imaginations run wild when thinking about the future of food.

Once upon a time, dinner was enough. You came, you saw, you ate, you drank. Now? Well, it’s an endless adventure with wild possibilities.

There are plenty of ways to make the most of the Melbourne Cup public holiday. It starts with a coffee at your local, then the day could likely mosey into a meal at the pub, followed by a cocktail and bite at one of the many watering holes open on Tuesday 5 November.

No, it's not just you—eBikes are everywhere right now.

Winston’s is the very reason Baysiders can start reconsidering the hike into the city for an elevated dining experience, because primo dining with a Euro flair has officially landed in Black Rock.

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.

The team behind Terror Twilight and Hi Fi haven’t stopped, and their latest project is a day-to-late-arvo cafe and wine bar called Ophelia.

We love Melbourne, but you know ... living in one of the world's best cities comes with a price tag, good thing Urban List has you you covered with a stack of things to eat, drink, do and see all on a shoestring as part of our series Budget Ballin'. This time we've teed up 20 of the best cheap and free things to do in Melbourne to keep both you and your hip pocket happy.

Serving up the perfect twist on French fare, Malin, Carlton North’s new mini fine diner would look more at home in a souk than Rathdowne Street, but it’s not the decor we care about, it’s their beef and oyster tartare, ballotine chicken, and coconut vanilla mashed potato.

Indulge in a taste of Italy at South Melbourne’s Lucia with their new limited edition Chocolate, Hazelnut, and Coffee Dessert. Crafted in collaboration with Lavazza and their Tales Of Italy range, this decadent treat is part of a special two-course menu available for a limited time only. 

Wesley Place is a happening little nook in Melbourne, best known as the home to Caretaker’s Cottage and Operator Diner. Now, it boasts a third drawcard, Reed House.

Score a free oat coffee in Melbourne or Sydney with Oatly’s "Support Your Local Oat Dealer" campaign. Find out where to get yours from Sept 16-22.

Just in: Melbourne’s favourite floating bar and restaurant Arbory Afloat is officially out of hibernation and has returned for its ninth season on the Yarra. This year's theme? An Italian beach club—specifically Capri.

Splatters, the first and only cheese train in the Southern Hemisphere has chugged its way up from Geelong to West Melbourne for its second station to give us city-slickers a chance to live out their creamy, cheesy fantasies.  

Moving in next door to Hawker Hall, Tombo Den is Chris Lucas’ second Windsor haunt and third Japanese-inspired restaurant in the Lucas Restaurants empire. The restaurant and bar will open 7 September and we reckon Tombo Den will be the more approachable younger sibling to Yakimono and Kisumé with a bumpin’ Tokyo vibe.

Thirsty Thursdays just got a whole lot tastier with a slew of freaking delicious cocktails on offer this month—even better, we’ve got the inside scoop on how you can score a tipple on the house.

The annual holiday celebrating all things Dad is fast approaching with September 1 just around the corner

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

From all-day casual dining and a coffee window on the ground floor, through to the hatted Restaurant offering a degustation menu on the first floor and finishing with a Rooftop oasis celebrating Gippsland wines, Farmer’s Daughters works collaboratively with artisans and food and wine producers from the region to bring Gippsland to the heart of the Melbourne CBD.

We know that money is tight right now for a lot of us, but that doesn’t have to impact your social life or love of dining out.

After a stint cheffing on luxe yachts in Europe, five years in the catering scene, and time in Melbourne’s San Telmo kitchen, Nicki Morrison has gone all-in on her own establishment, the flame-driven Flint. 

Positioned in a lesser populated area of the CBD dining-wise, Reine & La Rue is the latest venue from the Nomad Group. Opening just last week the restaurant is sheltered within the grandiose Gothic Melbourne stock exchange building on the corner of Queens and Collins street. 

We've all experienced the inundation of Instagram content from Melburnians at Totti's when visiting Sydney, the table filled with plates of antipasti with negronis and spritz scattered throughout and of course, that show-stopping wood-fired flatbread front and center. 

Throughout the month of June, Ronnie's has paired up with Grainshaker Australian Vodka to serve up an alla Vodka-style menu all month long.

The banh mi roll has become a cornerstone of the modern diet, their cost friendly price point, return on investment for flavour, satiating hunger and the ability to be devoured on the move has kept workers, students, and general crusty bread enthusiasts on a continuous quest for the best. The ingredients may vary roll to roll but a banh mi roll should have a crisp crust, soft textured inside, some form of crispy or barbecued meat stacked with cucumber, carrot, coriander, and chilli if you’re living dangerously.