Best Melbourne Restaurants

The long list of top Melbourne restaurants are defined by quality and originality, not price.

There was a time when dining out in Melbourne was restricted to special events. Back then, the height of sophistication was an over-priced, under-sized French meal or decidedly unauthentic Chinese cuisine. Happily, Melbourne is now a mecca for foodies, making the most of the skills and imagination of its multicultural population and supplies of the freshest produce.

The following Melbourne dining suggestions recognize quality regardless of price in a variety of Central Business District (CBD) and inner-suburban locations. The Age newspaper’s Epicure section on Tuesdays is a good source to find the best restaurants in Melbourne and the latest hot spots, too. Bon appetit!

Best Eats in the City Center

Without a doubt, Melbourne’s CBD is one of the more competitive restaurant environments in the world—good news for diners, as only the strong survive. Reservations are highly recommended at all locations where available.

Eye-poppingly good fine dining can be enjoyed at the award-winning Ezard. Super chef Teague Ezard describes his food as “Australian freestyle,” which I always thought was a swimming stroke. However you describe it, the experience is incredible. 187 Flinders Lane, tel. +61-3-9639-6811. www.ezard.com.au.

 

• The coulant à la fraise features white chocolate soup in a strawberry coulant as well as strawberry kababs.

Courtesy of Vue du Monde

Vue du Monde is classic French fine dining at its very best, inspiring legions of devotees to follow the restaurant despite a move from Carlton to the city. For a special experience, reserve the Chef’s Table for four to six people at one end of the kitchen to get right amongst the action. 430 Little Collins St., tel. +61-3-9691-3888. www.vuedumonde.com.au

For lovers of traditional Cantonese cuisine, look no further than Flower Drum. There’s no fancy fusion or gastro-molecular experimentation going on here, just the best traditional dishes and immaculate service. Reservations are essential, and the Peking Duck is highly recommended. 17 Market Lane, tel. +61-3-9662-3655.

If you prefer a more modern Chinese flavor, the experience at Seamstress is hard to beat. Built in a classic four-story brick building that was once a clothing factory, this contemporary and daring restaurant is sandwiched between two excellent bars, turning dinner into a night out without leaving the building. Always try the dumpling of the day. 113 Lonsdale St., tel. +61-3-9663-6363. www.seamstress.com.au

For modern Thai, head to Longrain. At long communal tables, family-style dishes to share and sublime cocktails will have you swooning. The restaurant doesn’t take dinner reservations, so enjoy a Bloody Longrain at the bar while you wait. 44 Little Bourke St., tel. +61-3-9671-3151. www.longrain.com.au

 

• Longrain’s communal tables mean you may make new friends while enjoying your peanut curry.

Jeremy Simons

Celebrating Melbourne’s Greek population, one of the largest outside of Athens, The Press Club marries traditional dishes with a modern twist. This relative newcomer does a lot more than perfect lamb. 72 Flinders St., tel. +61-3-9677-9677. www.thepressclub.com.au

Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine declares tapas bar Movida “The best Spanish restaurant in Australia.” It’s so popular, the owners recently opened Movida Next Door, so check both venues for a seat when you go, as no reservations are accepted. An excellent place for a glass of sherry and delectable snacks, or a bottle of Rioja and a full-blown dinner. Let the friendly and knowledgeable waiters guide your eating and drinking choices. 1 Hosier Lane, tel. +61-3-9663-3038. www.movide.com.au

Next: Best Eats in the Inner Suburbs