My Best Insider Eats (and Boutique Stays) in Melbourne

My little black book - this is THE LIST I give to my foodie friends and chefs

Hello everyone! Today, I’m opening up my little black book of the best insider eats, hidden gems and boutique stays in Melbourne! If you were in Melbourne for the weekend - this is the list I’d be giving you, an independent and honest food guide months (years?!) in the making, from handmade pasta and buzzy wine bars, to hidden laneway gems and iconic institutions - that live up to the hype.

In this guide, I cover:

• Breakfast/brunch

• Casual Lunch

• Lunch/Dinner

• Special/fancy dinners

• Wine Bars

• Nightcaps

• Boutique Stays

Basically, everything for an amazing culinary adventure. PS Writing this up makes me DESPERATE to go there!!

Let me tell you, the task of narrowing down hundreds of amazing eateries to a succinct list in one of the world’s greatest culinary capitals is no easy job (but obviously, a pretty great one).

While there are many, many wonderful places to eat, think of this list as my curation of what I think is quintessentially Melbourne and gives the best, broad but boutique taste of what Melbourne dining is about, especially if you only had 24 hours or a long weekend there.

I’ve taken great care to describe each place as briefly as I can while giving enough of a “vibe” for you to choose your perfect Melbourne culinary adventure.

If you’re heading there this weekend, let me know where you go! And if you’re not, save this for when you do!

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH:

Chiaki - Melbourne “ochazuke” breakfast, Specialty coffee aficionados

Think of this as a Japanese meets Melbourne breakfast - and it’s one of the most unique and delicious in the city. Serving a modern style of “ochuzuke”, white rice, broth and host of beautifully prepared toppings and condiments, owner Alicia Feng is also serious about her coffee with over a dozen beans to choose from served with Australia’s best Jersey milk.

Chiaki

Florian Eatery - The neighbourhood eatery I wish was my local

Florian was recommended to me by my friend and Melbourne local (and amazing cook!) Julia Busuttil Nishimura, and I squeeze in breakfast or brunch into every trip to Melbourne! It’s a simple, seasonal and delicious menu, including a daily tartine. I’ve almost missed my flight to enjoy the sourdough with whipped ricotta, tomato and anchovies. The coffee is great, sandwiches are epic and they often do “Florian Fridays” which is a weekly dinner offering.

CIBI- Cult Japanese cafe and lifestyle store; a food lover’s mecca

A lot of people kept telling me to go to CIBI and when I finally did, I was like “OK, wow, I get it.” This amazing Collingwood cafe is more than just wholesome food. It’s also part design space and lifestyle /homewares emporium. The light-filled warehouse space is filled with a stunning curation of quality, mainly Japanese artisan wares from ceramics to cook books to pickles. It feels very intentional and nourishing and if you love food like me, you’ll want it all!

CIBI

Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar - Timeless, conic Italian retro espresso bar

I come to this Melbourne institution for a strong espresso and their perfect paper thin blueberry tart - and stay for the old-fashioned, timeless atmosphere. Virtually unchanged since 1954, it feels like you could be in Italy, and they also serve pasta at the counter bar for a simple, honest meal. It’s an all day kind of place.

Pellegrini's espresso bar

CASUAL LUNCH:

Ca Com - Ah-mazing buzzy banh mi bar

The team from Anchovy bring a fresh take on traditional banh mi, taking inspiration from Vietnamese, Laotian and French cuisine. Cooked on wood hearth, their baguettes are bold, punchy, flavour bombs with fresh herbs in every bite. Sensational.

Hectors Deli- Cult sangas

Sanga’s are having a moment, but Hector’s is one of the OG’s. Owner Dom Wilton has been bringing serious cred and deliciousness to the sandwich game since 2017, and the fried chicken sandwich is legendary. But honestly, they’re all incredible! I’d come to Melbourne just for this.