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Discover the Melbourne Food Scene
July 25, 2025 | IN Together Magazine | BY AVID | 5 min read
The culture capital of Australia continues to shine with its diverse and delicious range of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Whether you’re searching for high-end dining, Asian delights, delicious sweet treats or farm-to-table favourites, Melbourne never disappoints when it comes to culinary options.
We’re sharing our top spots for special celebrations, fun family outings and catch-ups with your nearest and dearest.
Special Occasion Spots
Longrain
Longrain have fast become known for their vibrant, modern Thai cuisine, dishing up excellent options for patrons seeking a special night out. High ceilings filled with flickering paper lamps and a relaxed dining style create an ambience that lends itself to a perfectly romantic evening. Longrain’s meals are inspired by the chef’s memories of growing up in Thailand, so prepare to be wowed by comforting, authentic Thai favourites with an elevated twist.
Longrain – Melbourne | 44 Little Bourke St, 3000 | 03 9653 1600 (longrainmelbourne.com)
Julie
White tablecloths, a farm to table philosophy and a spot inside the historic Abbotsford Convent – the makings of a perfect night out. Julie has a constantly changing menu thanks to the team’s dedication to making the most of the produce grown right next door at the Collingwood Children’s Farm. Your reservation could bring you any number of mouth-watering meals from Jerusalem artichoke salad to braised lamb with potato gratin. Julie prides itself on showcasing the very best of locally grown ingredients, an ethos that fits in perfectly with Melbourne foodie culture.
Julie Restaurant (julierestaurant.com.au)
Pipi’s Kiosk
Nestled on the Albert Park foreshore with ocean views towards St Kilda, Pipi’s Kiosk celebrates seafood in a classic Australian style. Offering both quick, casual window service and an elegant, light-filled restaurant, Pipi’s ambience evokes memories of classic beachside surf clubs but with a modern, fresh revamp. This spot is a standout option for lovers of all things seafood, with a menu boasting Sydney Rock oysters, salt cod croquettes and of course, their specialty ‘pipi pasta’. Book in for an early evening dinner to witness the sweeping sunset views over the ocean, the perfect complement to a fresh seafood meal.
Pipis Kiosk (pipiskiosk.com.au)
Family Fun
The Boatbuilders yard
For a family friendly option, head to The Boatbuilder’s Yard in South Wharf. With a relaxed indoor-outdoor atmosphere and options like mini cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets for little ones, this is a great choice for family outings. An added bonus? There are plenty of gluten free and vegetarian options to cater for everyone’s tastebuds.
Boatbuilders Yard (theboatbuildersyard.com.au)
Shush Burger
There’s nothing quite as crowd pleasing as a good burger, and Shush Burger serves up what is arguably Melbourne’s best. Celebrity chef Sean Connolly has mastered the art of the perfect burger, and Shush Burger’s menu has options ranging from classic, to experimental and everything in between. Our favourite is the Shush Grand Master – deliciously decadent with two patties, double cheese, onions, pickles and ketchup. Make sure to leave room for dessert, as their soft serve options inspired by classic Aussie treats like iced vovo and mint slice are always a hit.
Shush Burger (shushburger.com.au)
Prahran Market
Open daily, the Prahran Market offers visitors a smorgasbord of the very best in local produce, deli items, specialty food and drinks, flowers and more. Your local farmers market has nothing on this! Conveniently located in Central Melbourne, the Prahran Market is a hub for Melbournians each and every weekend and is a great place to spend a day wandering through and sampling delicious treats.
Melbourne Market – Fresh Food & Produce – Prahran Market
SPQR
It’s not often you can find a family favourite restaurant in a stadium, but if you find yourself inside the MCG head to SPQR’s outpost to discover delicious wood-fired pizzas. You can also head to their CBD location and dig into their extensive menu ranging from San Marzano topped with nduja and hot honey and the Amatrice packed with guanciale, confit garlic and chilli. Those with dietary requirements don’t need to miss out either, SPQR offers gluten free bases, vegan cheese and plenty of vegetarian options. Delicioso!
SPQR Pizzeria (spqrpizzeria.com)
Friends Get Together
Yum Sing House
Located in one of Melbourne’s famous alleyways, Yum Sing House channels 1960’s Hong Kong to bring tasty modern Cantonese dining and late-night karaoke all in one spot. Groups can enjoy specials like $2 freshly shucked oysters on Wednesdays and a $60 banquet plus a one hour karaoke deal on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Message the group chat, warm up your vocal chords, wander down Sutherland St and take dinner out to a whole new level.
Yum Sing House (yumsinghouse.com)
Bhang
Serving dishes from all over India in a Bollywood-poster adorned warehouse is Bhang, a restaurant designed for sharing fun times and amazing food. Bring together your best friends and share a traditional thali – a selection of smaller dishes perfect for groups wanting to try everything. Plus, Bhang brings the good times even further with a happy hour every day from 5-7pm.
Lune
A viral sensation that lives up to its online popularity, Melbourne-founded Lune is the ultimate bakery-cafe destination. Their iconic croissant is a must have to sweeten up even the rainiest of days, and be sure to visit more than once to taste their many daily specialty pastries like lemon curd cruffins, kouign amanns, and Tim Tam croissants. Open 7:30am – 5pm Monday to Friday, this is a crowd-pleasing spot to enjoy a sweet treat with sweet company.
