Best Restaurants in Melbourne 2020

 

Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia, and it has also been voted the most liveable city for many years running. With charming laneways studded with quaint outfits, a rich coffee culture, and a captivating food scene, Melbourne has something new or hidden every corner you turn. Having stayed here for more than 8 months, I've come to love this city more than my very own country. Dining out is definitely an expensive affair in Australia, so make sure you're spending your money at places that are worth it! 

 

Here's a list of my favourite restaurants, which are also, obviously, the best in my book.

 

19 Cafes with Good Vibes and the Best Coffee in Melbourne

If you're a coffee-lover, like me, you'd be no stranger to names such as Nylon, Liberty, and Sarnies. I love my lattes rich, robust, creamy, smooth, and with as little sourness or acidity, and bitterness as possible. Hence, my all-time favourite coffee place in Singapore is Nylon. I used to love Assembly Coffee, and Pacamara too. I travelled to Melbourne for 3 weeks recently, and visited a total of 21 cafes - including famous coffee houses such as Market Lane Coffee, Industry Beans, and Manchester Press. Here are 15 gorgeous cafes that brew awesome coffee. And if you love Nylon, Liberty, or Sarnies, I'm confident that you'll love the coffee at these cafes too.

3-Day Road Trip - Melbourne to Adelaide (Stopovers at Robe & Victor Harbour)

I was in Melbourne for 3 weeks, so I thought, "hey why not go on a long roadtrip, and a not-so-typical one?" So, my friend and I rented a car from Thrifty at Southern Cross and drove all the way to Adelaide, before hopping on a flight back to Melbourne. Have you any intention of doing a road trip but you wanna skip the usual Great Ocean Road drive? Well, you might wanna consider crossing states then! If driving from Melbourne to Adelaide, with stopovers at coastal towns, sounds like something you'll like to do, then bookmark this page!

Sushi Hotaru - Cheap & Good Sushi in Melbourne's CBD

Sushi Hotaru receives long queues every single day. The sushi train restaurant is especially popular amongst students and young people. This is one place where having tons of sushi won't burn a hole in your wallet. That being said, you also should have a fair expectation of what you're in for. You can't come here expecting top quality Japanese sushi of course.

The Sebel Docklands - 4.5 Star Apartment Hotel in Melbourne's Free Tram Zone

The Sebel Docklands sits in a beautiful part of Melbourne City. It's in the free tram zone, yet tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located in Docklands, the 4.5 star apartment hotel is easily accessible from Southern Cross Station, and perfect for travellers. Whether you're here for a short stay, or a longer one, The Sebel Docklands promises that you'll be living and chilling in comfort. 

Best Dog-Friendly Cafes, Brunch Spots & Restaurants in Melbourne's CBD

There are hundreds of cafes and restaurants in Melbourne's CBD but most of them do not have an outdoor seating area. Hence, this means that dog owners have very limited options when it comes to taking their pooches out for a meal in the city. We've sussed out 12 places in the very heart of Melbourne that's perfect for you and your best friend.

Operator25 - The Best Cafe & Brunch Spot in Melbourne's CBD

There are plenty of cafes and brunch spots in Melbourne's CBD but Operator25 has got to be the best. I've been here 3 times, and I still think that they have the best brunch food in the city. The coffee is really good too! As we all know, Asian-fusion is all the rage in the most liveable city in the world. And Operator25 has taken note of the fact and has injected lovely Asian influences into the typical and, sometimes, boring breakfast items.

Koko - Best Japanese Teppanyaki in Melbourne

Koko at Crown Melbourne is a household name. Known for authentic teppanyaki, the popular and elegant restaurant sends out sushi and a la carte dishes as well. Be sure to get a reservation in days before your visit to avoid disappointment!

Stokehouse - Romantic & Pretty Seaside Restaurant in St Kilda(Melbourne)

A celebration at a seaside restaurant just always seems more romantic. Whether it is Christmas Eve, or Valentine's Day, Stokehouse along St Kilda Beach is dressed to impress. The restaurant sits on the second level and offers an amazing view of the ocean (depends on where your table is of course). If you're sitting right smack in the middle, by the window, you'll have a great view of the ocean and sunset.

Komeyui - Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne?

Japanese food in Melbourne is highly disappointing. I didn't find a Japanese restaurant that I will revisit until I visited Komeyui in Port Melbourne. I heard that the restaurant is frequented by many Japanese nationals. That definitely says something about the standard of the food here. After we've taken our seats, we were presented with a menu of the day, and the usual menu. I have to say that the menu is pretty extensive!

Matilda 159 - Scott Pickett's New Restaurant in South Yarra

Everyone knows of Scott Pickett, and everyone knows of Estelle by Scott Pickett(ESP). Widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Melbourne, ESP has shut its doors after the hugely successful opening of Matilda 159 at Domain in South Yarra. Matilda 159 sits in a quiet neighbourhood, and occupies the middle spot in a row of popular restaurants. We made a reservation about 2 weeks in advance, and I'll advise that you make one as early as possible to secure better timeslots, or even a table at all.

Treasury on Collins - The Best Boutique Hotel in Melbourne

Treasury on Collins turned 5 in 2018, but the young boutique hotel actually has a really rich history — it dates back to 1838. The plot of land that Treasury on Collins sits on had been occupied by a bank, and 2 different hotels before Treasury on Collins Apartment Hotel took over and grandly reopened in 2013. Located prominently on Collins Street in the heart of the CBD, the heritage hotel offers huge suites, loft apartments, and one or two-bedroom apartments. The suites come equipped with kitchenette, washing machine/dryer, living area with sofa and a 40" television with Netflix while the one and two-bedroom apartments have a separate living area, dining area, and a fully functioning kitchen that's furnished with a dishwasher and stove top.

What to Eat at South Melbourne Market - 7 Stores You Can't Miss!

South Melbourne Market has been around since 1867. It is not as popular with the tourists as Queen Victoria Market is, but it definitely is way more popular with the locals. If you visit on the weekends, you'll notice that almost every store has a long queue — people buying meats or fish, local produce, fresh pasta, or cooked food. Of the two markets, I prefer South Melbourne Market as it is not as touristy, and the food is generally cheaper. You can get a variety of cuisines, and you can definitely get your marketing all done in one place. Apart from getting groceries and their stomachs filled, visitors can have their hair cut, nails done, brows threaded, and even take home art pieces, handcrafted soap bars, fashion accessories and tableware.

(CLOSED)Dinner by Heston Blumenthal - Is This Famous Restaurant Worth a Visit?

I made a reservation at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal quite sometime before my trip to Melbourne. I was super stoked for my dinner here. The kind folks at Dinner saved me a table by the window, even though it was just me. I was quite touched as I thought that they would give such lovely seats to couples or families, instead of a lone diner, especially when the restaurant was full.

The Farm Cafe (Collingwood Childrens' Farm) - One of Melbourne's Best Cafes

The Farm Cafe is not the most accessible cafe, especially if you aren't driving. However, I promise you that this cafe will be worth the trip! You can easily spend hours here. Start by having a lovely brunch at the cafe, before taking a walk around the farm, and get ready for guinea pig cuddles and cow milking sessions!

Kisumé - New High-End Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne

Kisume is a high-end Japanese restaurant by The Lucas Group which also owns the famous Chin Chin. The name 'Kisume' itself means pure obsession with beauty. This was where I had my very first Japanese meal in Melbourne. I was so eager to dine here, you have no idea. Once I was seated at the counter, and presented with the menu, I wasted no time, and went for the omakase set ($88) right away. The chefs know best, don't they?

Rice Paper Sister - Solid Newcomer in the Melbourne Food Scene

After dining at Rice Paper Scissors, I knew that a visit to Rice Paper Sister is a must. If you haven't already caught the reference, the latter is the sister restaurant of the former. Similar to their first restaurant, Rice Paper Sister also celebrates South-East Asian cuisine with their unique take on classic Southeast Asian dishes. Fresh and organic ingredients that are sourced locally are used here too, but the dining experience here seems to be a tad more sophisticated and refined.

MoVida - One of the Best Restaurants in Melbourne

With three outlets in the CBD, MoVida is definitely doing something right. I made a reservation about 2 months prior to my arrival in Melbourne, and stepping into the cozy and warm MoVida Original for my first dinner in this beautiful city proves to be one of the best decisions that I made in my entire trip. Packed to the brim on a Thursday night, MoVida has a team of the friendliest servers who won't hesitate to give you recommendations. Are you ready to find out more about the second best meal that I had in Melbourne?

Rice Paper Scissors - Possibly the Best Restaurant in Melbourne

Before I went to Melbourne, I did plenty of research on where to eat. Every holiday for me is about food, food, and more food. I got in touch with a couple of food bloggers in Melbourne to ask for recommendations. I was so sure that my palate would be dazzled and the calories that I would be piling on would be worth it. Unfortunately, despite heeding recommendations and visiting some of the most raved about restaurants in Melbourne, I was sorely disappointed. I was there for three weeks, and really had alot to eat, but there are only a few places that I'll recommend. And, Rice Paper Scissors is one of them. The entire dining experience was amazing - the servers were really friendly, warm and helpful, the atmosphere was cozy and lively, and most importantly, the food was really good.