Melbourne’s dining scene is a world unto itself: diverse, inventive, multicultural and endlessly evolving. From hole-in-the-wall bakeries to sleek tasting-menu temples, the city rewards curious eaters with flavours from every corner of the globe. If you’re planning a culinary tour, start with these ten unmissable dishes that define Melbourne’s rich and restless food culture.
1. A flat white (anywhere, but especially at Proud Mary or Industry Beans)
Melbourne takes coffee seriously – almost to a spiritual extent. The city popularised the flat white, and the best cafés serve it silky, balanced and impeccably roasted. A proper Melbourne flat white is a rite of passage for any visitor.
2. Lune’s croissants (Fitzroy & City)
Often hailed among the best in the world, Lune’s croissants are feats of engineering: baked to perfection, incredibly flaky and irresistibly buttery. The plain is outstanding, but seasonal specials like the twice-baked almond or pain au chocolat are equally iconic.
3. Black Angus Steak at Gimlet
Andrew McConnell’s Gimlet is one of Melbourne’s most sophisticated dining rooms, and its wood-fired steak is the star attraction. Charred, tender and impeccably seasoned, it represents the city’s knack for elevating simple dishes into pure luxury.
4. Tonkotsu ramen at Hakata Gensuke
Melbourne’s Japanese dining scene is a thriving one, but Hakata Gensuke remains the most beloved ramen shop in town. The broth is rich, milky and cooked for hours; the noodles have just the right bite; and the whole bowl feels like a warm embrace on a cool Melbourne day.
5. Gnocchi at Grossi Florentino
A Melbourne institution, Grossi Florentino serves Italian classics that feel timeless. Their pillowy gnocchi, drenched in slow-cooked sauces and bursting with richness, showcases the city’s deep Italian heritage.
6. Barramundi at Attica
One of Australia’s most innovative restaurants, Attica celebrates native ingredients through deeply creative tasting menus. Barramundi, prepared with indigenous herbs and wood-fire techniques, often appears on the menu and is always a revelation.
7. Lamb HSP (Halal Snack Pack) from a late-night kebab shop
Messy? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely. The HSP – chips layered with doner meat, garlic sauce, hot sauce and barbecue sauce – is a Melbourne nightlife staple. You’ll find it at countless kebab spots, especially around the CBD and Brunswick.
8. Sri Lankan hoppers at Mankō
Melbourne has a thriving Sri Lankan scene, and hoppers (bowl-shaped fermented rice and coconut pancakes) are a must-try snack. With crispy edges and a soft, slightly sour centre, they’re perfect with sambals, curries and a runny egg cracked into the middle.
9. Donuts at American Doughnut Kitchen (Queen Victoria Market)
A Melbourne classic since the 1950s, these hot jam-filled doughnuts, served from a bright blue van, are simple, nostalgic and flawless. Best enjoyed while wandering the Queen Vic Market with sugar on your fingers.
10. Laksa at Laksa King (Flemington)
Thanks to its large Southeast Asian communities, Melbourne excels at Malaysian cuisine. Laksa King’s signature bowl is rich, spicy, creamy and aromatic; the kind of dish that warms you instantly, even on the chilliest Melbourne winter afternoon.
Melbourne’s culinary landscape reflects its multicultural identity and its appetite for innovation. These dishes capture the city’s essential flavours – from world-class pastries and boundary-pushing fine dining to comforting street food and old-school favourites. Try even a few of them, and you’ll understand why Melbourne is frequently named among the world’s great food cities.
