Crown Melbourne remains one of the city's great dining destinations - and I say that having eaten my way through most of it over the years. What makes it compelling is the sheer range under one roof. You can move from a world-class Japanese restaurant to a buzzing Indian dining room to a classic French bistro overlooking the Yarra, all in the same complex.
My wife and I have spent many memorable evenings here - celebrating special occasions, entertaining interstate guests, or simply treating ourselves. These are our honest picks for the best restaurants at Crown Melbourne right now.
There’s something undeniably magical about sipping a cocktail above the city streets. Melbourne’s rooftop bar scene is one of the best in Australia, combining skyline views, inventive drinks, and atmospheres that range from laid-back to seriously glamorous.
Whether you’re searching for the best rooftop bars in Melbourne CBD, a laid-back terrace for sunset drinks, or a glamorous rooftop cocktail bar with skyline views, this guide covers the city’s standout venues.
Here are our picks for the best rooftop bars in Melbourne.
Melbourne's fine dining scene just got a serious upgrade. La Madonna, the French-Italian restaurant perched on level three of Next Hotel Melbourne in the CBD, has launched Caviar After Dark - a five-course degustation dedicated entirely to premium caviar. Running until 31 July 2026, this limited-time experience is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting restaurant events in Melbourne this year. We were invited to a launch event to experience this luxe offering ourselves and it didn't disappoint.
At a Glance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Best For: Special occasions, anniversary dinners, serious foodies, anyone wanting to experience Melbourne dining at its peak right now
Price: $$$$ - $220pp for the degustation, optional wine pairing $110pp
Verdict: A genuinely rare experience for Melbourne - an entire degustation built around world-class caviar, executed by a Michelin-trained chef in a setting that feels luxurious without being intimidating. Don't miss the Spaghetti au Caviar or the extraordinary Negroni caviar dessert. Book before it sells out.
Verdict: One of Melbourne's most exciting restaurants - vegetarian or otherwise. Patsy's operates with the confidence of a venue that knows exactly what it is, producing food that's creative, seasonal, technically accomplished, and genuinely moving. This is fine dining without pretension.
Best for: • Vegetarian fine dining and tasting menus • Special occasions and long lunches • Wine lovers - the European list is exceptional • Farm-to-table dining done properly
Price: $$$
There’s a quiet confidence to Patsy’s - the kind that doesn’t need to shout about its philosophy because it’s already evident on the plate. In a city obsessed with protein-led dining and premium cuts, this Melbourne CBD restaurant does something far more compelling: it makes vegetables the main event without apology, imitation, or compromise. And in doing so, it firmly establishes as one of the most exciting and best vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne.
The best steak restaurants in Melbourne span an extraordinary range - from old-school institutions and glamorous fine diners to fire-driven modern grills, Japanese yakiniku specialists, and premium butcher-restaurants where world-class beef is treated with genuine reverence. Whether you're after perfectly marbled Wagyu, dry-aged showstoppers, classic steak frites, or charcoal-kissed cuts cooked over flame, Melbourne's steak scene is the finest in Australia.
Every restaurant in this guide has been personally visited by The World Loves Melbourne. Here is where to eat steak in Melbourne right now.
It was a thrill to Joined the Dutch Rules team at a media and friends night for a night of conviviality as we celebrated the opening of the new kitchen at the Dutch Rules Distillery. New Head Chef, and the Good Food Guide's Young Chef of the Year, Viveik Vinoharan served a curated selection from our new menu, paired with specialty cocktails. We enjoyed incredible snacks and I can’t wait to try the new menu - including the Rigatoni with pork curry. The night featured a selection of canapés designed as a prelude to the opening menu and it did not disappoint.
What was already a respected player in Melbourne’s ever-evolving cocktail culture has stepped confidently into something far more ambitious: a full-scale food destination with serious culinary intent. A new kitchen. A new chef. A new upstairs function space. And, most importantly, a new era.
I had the chance to experience this transformation firsthand at a recent media and friends preview — hosted by Sai Merchant alongside owner Danny Perera - and it’s clear that Dutch Rules isn’t just levelling up. It’s repositioning itself entirely.
Verdict: A bold, joyful reimagining of Malaysian cuisine that earns its place among Melbourne's best restaurants. Chef Junda Khoo's Ho Jiak is technically accomplished, deeply personal, and genuinely exciting from first bite to last. The Laksa Bombs alone are worth the trip.
Best for: • The Signature Banquet experience ($118pp) • Malaysian food fans wanting something beyond the ordinary • Special occasions and group dining • The famous Laksa Bombs — a Melbourne must-eat
Price: $$–$$$ Signature Banquet: $118pp
Ho Jiak is a bold move into the Melbourne restaurant scene but is changing Malaysian dining as we know it. Melbourne is no stranger to exceptional food, but every so often a restaurant emerges that doesn't just join the conversation - it shifts it. Ho Jiak is one of those venues. This is not simply another Malaysian restaurant in the CBD; it's a bold reimagining of what Malaysian cuisine can look like when technique, storytelling, and ambition align. We enjoyed a diverse and delicious banquet where boundaries were pushed when it comes to traditional notions of Malaysian food - and delightfully so.
At the centre of it all is Junda Khoo, a chef whose journey is as compelling as the food he serves. Once a high-flying professional at Macquarie Bank, Khoo made the kind of career pivot most people only talk about - leaving corporate life behind to pursue a deeply personal culinary vision. What followed was not just success, but influence. After making waves in Sydney, he has brought that same energy to Melbourne, establishing a trio of venues in Rainbow Alley that are already redefining expectations. Ho Jiak is one of the best Malaysian restaurants in Melbourne.
This is Malaysian dining elevated - refined, expressive, and unapologetically creative - yet still grounded in memory, heritage, and the unmistakable soul of home cooking. Ho Jiak is one of the best new restaurants in Melbourne.
Melbourne’s dining scene never stands still - and 2026 is proving that the city remains one of the world’s most dynamic food destinations. From refined fine dining to energetic neighbourhood bistros, the best new restaurants in Melbourne reflect a shift towards produce-driven menus, bold global influences and immersive dining experiences.
Openings like Florentino signal a renewed appreciation for legacy venues reimagined, while ambitious newcomers such as Yiaga are pushing the boundaries of modern Australian cuisine. Across the city, venues like Marmelo and Ho Jiak Melbourne showcase Melbourne’s appetite for bold, global flavours - whether Iberian-inspired or unapologetically Malaysian.
Beyond the CBD, the momentum continues, with destinations like Orson and ONDA Sorrento elevating the Mornington Peninsula as a serious food region.
Whether you’re chasing a degustation, a casual wine bar or your next standout meal, this guide to the best new restaurants Melbourne highlights the venues shaping how - and where - we eat right now.
Verdict: A Fitzroy institution that still delivers some of Melbourne’s most consistent woodfired pizzas. While newer venues chase trends, Ladro leans on technique, quality produce, and decades of refinement - and it works.
Best for: • Classic woodfired pizza and iconic 100 Layer Lasagne • Reliable Fitzroy dining • Casual date nights
Melbourne’s bar scene is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and sophisticated in the world, defined by hidden laneway cocktail lounges, rooftop destinations, world-class whisky bars, and intimate neighbourhood institutions that rival anything in London, New York, or Tokyo. This guide to the best bars in Melbourne brings together standout venues that deliver exceptional drinks, atmosphere, and hospitality across the CBD and inner city.
From iconic cocktail institutions that helped shape Melbourne’s modern bar culture, to cutting-edge rooftops and whisky-focused sanctuaries, each venue on this list offers a distinct experience that reflects the city’s evolving nightlife identity. You’ll find everything from refined, intimate spaces perfect for late-night conversations, to high-energy destinations designed for celebrations, skyline views, and long evenings that stretch into the early hours.
Having visited many of these bars multiple times - from exclusive whisky events and rooftop celebrations to laneway favourites and hidden cocktail dens - this curated selection focuses on real experiences, atmosphere, and consistency, not just reputation.
Whether you’re searching for Melbourne’s best cocktail bars, whisky bars, rooftop bars, or hidden gems, this guide highlights venues that consistently deliver on quality, creativity, and vibe. These are the bars that define Melbourne drinking culture today.
Melbourne’s food scene thrives on diversity, and few dishes capture that spirit quite like bánh mì. A legacy of Vietnamese migration and culinary ingenuity, this humble sandwich has evolved into one of the city’s most beloved street food staples. Crisp baguettes crackle with every bite, giving way to layers of savoury meats, silky pâté, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a punch of chilli heat - all balanced in a way that feels effortless yet unforgettable.
Across Melbourne, from bustling CBD laneways to suburban strip malls, bánh mì shops deliver extraordinary flavour at everyday prices. Some stay true to tradition with classic combinations like roast pork and cold cuts, while others push boundaries with modern twists and premium ingredients. What unites them is a commitment to texture, balance, and bold, vibrant taste.
This guide to the best bánh mì in Melbourne cuts through the noise to spotlight the places that truly deliver - from long-standing institutions to cult favourites with queues out the door. Whether you’re chasing the crunchiest bread, the most generous fillings, or the perfect harmony of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, these are the bánh mì worth seeking out. Here they are (in no particular order):
Melbourne proves you don’t need to spend big to eat incredibly well. From bustling laneways in the CBD to vibrant suburban strips, the best cheap eats in Melbourne deliver serious flavour, generous portions, and unbeatable value. This is a city where $10–$20 can still score you a standout meal - whether it’s a loaded banh mi, hand-pulled noodles, crispy fried chicken, or a perfectly brewed coffee paired with a fresh pastry.
If you’re searching for cheap eats Melbourne CBD, budget-friendly lunches, or late-night bites that won’t break the bank, you’re in the right place. Melbourne’s affordability shines through its diversity, with Asian eateries, food trucks, hole-in-the-wall gems, and long-standing institutions all serving up high-quality dishes at accessible prices. Many of these spots are local favourites, known for their consistency, speed, and bold, satisfying flavours.
This guide to the best affordable restaurants in Melbourne highlights where to find delicious food on a budget - without compromising on taste. Whether you’re a student, a foodie on the go, or just looking for great value dining, these cheap eats are proof that Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world for eating well for less.
Melbourne is one of the world’s most liveable cities - and when it comes to things to do in Melbourne, the options are as diverse as the city itself. From iconic landmarks and cultural institutions to hidden laneways, coastal escapes, and a world-class food scene, Melbourne delivers experiences at every turn.
Start in the heart of the city at Federation Square, explore the street art and café culture woven through its laneways, or venture beyond the CBD to destinations like the Yarra Valley and the Great Ocean Road. Whether you’re planning a weekend itinerary or a longer stay, Melbourne makes it easy to mix culture, nature, food, and entertainment.
This guide covers the best Melbourne attractions and experiences right now - from must-see highlights to local favourites that define the city’s unique character. If you’re wondering what to do in Melbourne, this is where to start.
Sorrento has something it's never had: a restaurant built directly over the water, with unobstructed sea views. ONDA is a 150-seat coastal Mediterranean restaurant positioned on pylons above Port Phillip Bay. Walk across a glass feature floor to reach the dining room, grab a table inside or on the deck, and settle in for fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas.
Melbourne’s love affair with Japanese cuisine runs deep, and nowhere is it more evident than in the sheer diversity and quality of its dining scene. From precision-cut sushi and soul-warming ramen to charcoal-grilled yakitori and premium wagyu yakiniku, the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne deliver an experience that goes far beyond the plate. Whether you’re dining at refined venues like Yamagen Melbourne, indulging in smoky skewers at Shyun Sumibiyaki, or slurping rich tonkotsu broth at Hakata Gensuke Carlton, the city offers something for every palate and occasion.
Updated April 2026.
What sets Melbourne apart is its ability to balance authenticity with innovation. You’ll find traditional Japanese techniques respected and executed at a high level, alongside modern interpretations that push boundaries with local produce and creative flair. From intimate neighbourhood izakayas to high-energy CBD hotspots like Tetsujin, each venue brings its own perspective to Japanese dining.
This guide to the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne cuts through the noise to highlight standout destinations known for quality, consistency, and atmosphere. Whether you’re chasing the best sushi in Melbourne, a late-night ramen fix, or a premium Japanese BBQ experience, these are the places defining the city’s Japanese food scene.
Melbourne’s love affair with Thai food runs deep. From fiery southern curries and sizzling street food to elevated modern dining and late-night noodle bars, the city is home to some of Australia’s best Thai restaurants. Whether you’re chasing authentic Bangkok flavours, rooftop cocktails with Thai-inspired feasts, family-run hidden gems or iconic institutions that helped shape Melbourne’s dining scene, there’s no shortage of exceptional options across the city.
This guide to the best Thai restaurants in Melbourne celebrates venues delivering bold flavours, vibrant hospitality and unforgettable dining experiences. From CBD hotspots such as Soi 38, Chin Chin and Longrain to beloved suburban favourites like Jinda Thai and Little Bangkok Doncaster, these restaurants showcase the incredible diversity of Thai cuisine. Expect fragrant herbs, punchy spice, silky curries, wok-fired noodles and some of Melbourne’s most exciting social dining experiences. Whether it’s a casual midweek dinner, date night, group celebration or late-night feast, these standout venues continue to raise the bar for Thai dining in Melbourne.
Melbourne takes its parmas seriously, and the competition across pubs, breweries and dining rooms is fierce. From classic suburban institutions to modern inner-city venues putting a refined spin on the tradition, the humble chicken parma remains one of Victoria’s most loved comfort dishes. Golden, crispy schnitzel, rich Napoli sauce and perfectly melted cheese might sound simple, but when it’s done right it becomes something close to ritual. This guide rounds up the best parmas in Melbourne right now - the spots that consistently deliver flavour, generosity and that unmistakable pub satisfaction that keeps locals coming back for more. This guide is based on repeated visits across Melbourne over several years, focusing on consistency, crumb quality, sauce balance and overall pub experience.
The best parmas strike a perfect balance: a crisp schnitzel that stays crunchy under the sauce, tangy Napoli, quality ham (where used), and molten cheese that stretches with every cut.
This guide is based on repeat visits over several years, assessing:
Crumb quality and crunch
Sauce-to-cheese balance
Portion generosity
Chip quality
Overall venue experience
Parma vs Parmy vs Parmigiana
In Victoria, “parma” is the only acceptable term for many locals. Elsewhere in Australia, you may hear “parmy.” Regardless of the name, the winning formula remains unchanged: schnitzel, sauce, cheese and chips.
Melbourne’s café scene sets the benchmark for the world, and in 2026 it’s stronger, more creative, and more competitive than ever. From inner-city hotspots to neighbourhood favourites, the best Melbourne cafés 2026 deliver an unmatched blend of specialty coffee, innovative menus, and design-driven spaces that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.
Whether you’re searching for the best cafés in Melbourne CBD, a laid-back brunch in Fitzroy, or hidden gems in the suburbs, this guide has you covered. Expect expertly brewed coffee from some of Melbourne’s top roasters, alongside dishes that go far beyond the basics - think seasonal produce, globally inspired flavours, and beautifully plated brunch classics. From iconic smashed avo and silky eggs to next-level pastries and fusion plates, Melbourne cafés continue to push boundaries while staying true to quality and consistency.
What defines the top Melbourne cafés in 2026 is their ability to evolve - embracing sustainability, championing local suppliers, and creating spaces that feel both welcoming and cutting-edge.
This curated list of the best cafés Melbourne has to offer in 2026 highlights the venues leading the charge - places worth lining up for, revisiting, and recommending.
Melbourne’s dining scene is one of the most diverse in the world, and Indian cuisine plays a starring role with its depth of flavour, regional variety, and rich culinary heritage. We have visited many Indian restaurants across Melbourne and delight in a strong Indian food culture in Melbourne. From fragrant North Indian curries to bold South Indian specialties, the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne offer an exciting journey through spice, technique, and tradition - elevated by the city’s passion for quality produce and modern dining.
A rare culinary jewel has arrived in Melbourne, bringing the vibrant soul of Sri Lanka to the sophisticated heights of Crown Towers, and we had an outstading evening of culinary excellence. Serendip at Evergreen, an exclusive pop-up residency by renowned chef Peter Kuruvita, offers a limited six-week escape into coastal traditions reimagined with contemporary finesse. Running until April 26, this intimate seven-course degustation invites diners to embark on a sensory journey that feels like a warm island embrace amid the city's skyline.
Melbourne’s burger scene has never been more exciting - or more hotly contested. The humble hamburger has evolved from fish-and-chip-shop staple into a culinary obsession, and in 2026 the city’s best burger joints are pushing the format harder than ever. Smash patties with lacey, crispy edges are dominating menus across town, milk buns are giving brioche a serious run for its money, and a tiny Brunswick East kitchen called Charrd has put Melbourne on the world map by landing in the top 15 best burgers on the planet. The standard has never been higher.
The trends shaping Melbourne burgers right now? It’s all about quality over size - grass-fed and locally sourced beef, house-made patties, and sauces that do real heavy lifting. Double stacks remain crowd favourites, but there’s a growing movement toward the deceptively simple cheeseburger done with exceptional craft. Gourmet venues like Gimlet and Bar Margaux are bringing fine-dining credibility to the format, while cult suburban joints continue to pack queues around the block.
Whether you’re chasing a late-night smash patty, a wagyu masterpiece, or an old-school Aussie burger with beetroot and egg, Melbourne delivers. We’ve eaten our way across the city to bring you the best burgers Melbourne has to offer in 2026 - updated, honest, and ranked by people who take this very seriously.
In the heart of Carlton, where Lygon Street has long carried the soul of Melbourne's Italian heritage, a new force has arrived to reclaim its vibrancy. Sangaweech, the latest venture from the irrepressible Sooshi Mango crew - Carlo, Johnny, and Andrew - has transformed 300 Lygon into a pilgrimage site for sandwich devotees. What began as whispers of a panini bar has erupted into one of the city's most electric openings in years, with queues snaking down the block from the moment doors swung open on that late February Saturday. This isn't mere hype; it's a genuine revival, injecting fresh life into a strip that needed it most.
