Food Travel in Melbourne: A Year of Exploring the City’s Food Scene
Discovering Melbourne’s Foodie Culture
I think I first learned the term “foodie” when my husband and I lived in Melbourne, Australia. It didn’t take us long to realize that it was a term that we could put on and wear quite comfortably. We also realized that as foodies, we had landed in an incredible place. Melbourne is a melting pot of many cultures. After World War II, Melbourne became home to large waves of Italian, Greek, Polish, and Lebanese immigrants who brought their food traditions with them. From pasta and souvlaki to espresso and café culture, their influence helped shape the amazing food scene the city is known for today. We happened upon a guide (a book with actual paper pages - this was in the early stages of the internet) called Good Eats. We carried that book with us all year long in an attempt to sample as many international restaurants as possible throughout the city. It was my first time trying Malaysian, Afghani and Ethiopian food, and I enjoyed them all. We found a wonderful Lebanese restaurant we visited multiple times. All these years later, some of the places are still stuck in my memory and can spark cravings to this day at the thought. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I was able to find websites for some of our favorites. It thrills me to know that they are still in business and I might be able to visit them again someday.
Iconic Melbourne Restaurants and Eats
Borsch, Vodka & Tears – A Chapel Street Institution
During my time in Melbourne, we visited Borsch, Vodka and Tears, a Chapel Street institution that’s been going strong for over two decades. Walking in felt a little like stepping into a Kraków cellar bar with dim lighting, eclectic décor, and a lively buzz that made the place instantly welcoming. Their menu leans into Polish comfort food and vodka in every form, from classic cocktails to creative twists. I ordered a hearty Polish dish (most likely borsch, of course, and cheese and potato pierogies) with a vodka cocktail on the side. It was one of those meals where the food, drinks, and atmosphere all worked together to make the night memorable and had us returning a few more times during the course of our stay. Experiences like this prove that sometimes the best way to explore a city is through what’s on your plate (and in your glass).
A sampling of the hearty Polish fare at Borsch, Vodka & Tears in Melbourne
St. Kilda Bakeries on Acland Street
Fortunately for us, our dear friends, Bill & Carol, were spending time in Melbourne while we were and they had wisely settled themselves in the St. Kilda neighborhood of the city. On our first visit to their place, they excitedly took us to the bakeries that line Acland Street. We strolled by one drool-worthy window display after another until we popped in to choose a treat. Of course, I don’t recall what I chose that day, but perhaps it was an almond croissant or a mini pecan pie or a blueberry danish. Whatever it was, it would cause us to return over and over again to this gem of a street.
Bakery on Acland Street in St. Kilda, Melbourne
The Graham – Melbourne Gastropub Dining
One evening in Melbourne, our guidebook led us into The Graham, a gastropub that balances modern Australian dining with all the comfort of classic pub food. It was on a rainy winter evening and the setting felt warm and inviting, with quiet corners perfect for lingering over a meal and a delicious bottle of wine. We loved it so much we went back when the weather was nicer and were able to experience eating outdoors. The atmosphere shifted to be more relaxed and lively, the kind of spot where conversations stretch on over shared plates. The Graham is known for featuring seasonal dishes and utilizing local ingredients; each dish beautifully presented on your plate.
Modern Australian dining at The Graham gastropub Melbourne
Prahran Market – Fresh Food and Local Flavors
Melbourne is home to oh so many markets, from fresh food to vintage clothing to furnishings. One of our favorites was the Prahran Market, one of Melbourne’s oldest and most respected food markets. Of course, you can find beautiful fresh produce and high quality deli items, but there are many specialty stalls as well. I used to love to buy dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) there and Ed would stock up on freshly-made unique sausages for the grill (aka snags for the barbie). The Prahran Market of the 2020s includes foodie tours and cooking demonstrations. I can’t wait to go back and experience it again!
Tips for Food Lovers Visiting Melbourne
While I would whole-heartedly encourage travelers to Melbourne to be bold and try as many interesting international restaurants as possible, there is one exception. I cannot endorse the Mexican food we encountered. We only went to one Mexican restaurant in our year there - where we were served tortillas (pronounce the “ll’s” as you read the word) and margaritas that tasted as if they were made with lemonade - and realized we were WAY too far from Mexico to get an authentic meal. Maybe times have changed, but proceed with caution. You have been warned!
Why Melbourne is a Top Food Travel Destination
Melbourne taught me that some of the best travel memories are made at the table, whether it’s sipping vodka in a cozy bar, sampling pastries in St. Kilda, or wandering through a bustling market. My time there proved that food isn’t just part of travel; it’s often the highlight. If you’d like your next journey to be filled with memorable meals and local flavors, I’d be delighted to help craft the perfect foodie adventure.
