The can't talk, eating bit
This is the bit where we humble brag about how Melbourne is home to the best (and most unique) dining experiences. We’re an utterly food-obsessed city, with a dynamic and exhilarating restaurant scene that’s so fast-paced it’s almost impossible to keep up with.
Melbourne chefs are at the forefront of doing things differently, pioneering all the weird and wonderful ways to create mind-boggling taste explosions for curious diners to savour. So, loosen your belt and strap yourself in as we delve into the most unique Melbourne dining experiences that will shake up your senses and reinvigorate the palate.
1. Panda Hot Pot
Ascend the grand sweeping staircase at Panda Hot Pot in Carlton and be transported back to ancient China for an evening of spicy Sichuan feasting beneath a slightly terrifying 1.5-tonne steel dragon. Sip, dip and slurp flavourful 12-hour broth accompanied by a dizzying choice of 80+ ingredients, ranging from spicy beef and ox tongue to bamboo slices and fresh lotus root.
Panda Hot Pot, Carlton, Melbourne
2. Soi 38
For tasty and authentic Thai street food in a quirky, no-frills setting, Soi 38 is a must. This unassuming eatery embodies everything we love about Melbourne dining – authentic, flavourful noodle dishes devoured on colourful tables and chairs in buzzing surroundings. Their new 60-seat location on Bourke Street is now open, so hopefully the queues won't be as long. But trust us, Soi 38 is well worth queuing for.
3. Tzaki
Perch up at the bar and tuck into a wood-fired Greek feast at Tzaki, an intimate Athenian-inspired eatery in the heart of Yarraville. Their modern meze-style menu changes weekly and features a range of seasonal plates designed to share. Highlights include slow-cooked chickpeas, buttery flatbread and locally sourced seafood, all charred to perfection in the wood oven. Do yourself a favour and save room for the burnt feta cheesecake dessert!
Tzaki, Yarraville, Melbourne
4. Fluffy Torpedo
On Smith Street in Fitzroy, you’ll find Fluffy Torpedo – an outlandish, lab-like ice cream shop adorned with over 200kg of lollies. Though you might be tempted to lick the sour strap resin floor upon entering, the ever-changing ice cream menu will quickly divert your attention (and taste buds). Wonderfully whacky flavour combinations that just work include Vegemite and white chocolate, raspberry and balsamic, pork butter and chilli oil, and orange and poppyseed cake batter.
5. Easey’s
Situated in a couple of heavily graffitied train carriages five stories above the streets of Collingwood, Easey’s serves signature all-day burgers in a nostalgic, vibey setting. Park yourself on orange plaid seats from commuter days of yesteryear with a Melbourne Bitter and a juicy smash burger and you'll likely feel, well, very Melbourne.
Easey's, Collingwood, Melbourne
6. Mjolner
Step through the imposing black and gold carved front door and get ready to feast like Thor at this moody Viking-inspired fine dining restaurant on Hardware Street in Melbourne. Live out your Chris Hemsworth fantasies while sipping strong tipples from a horn like the Vikings did at Mjolner. This is a place for indulgent protein-forward feasting, where every meal begins with a complimentary shot of stone-boiled vermouth and fine cuts of meat are sliced with hand-carved knives.
7. Big Esso by Mabu Mabu
Bright, bold and flavourful are a few words we’d use to describe Big Esso, a fabulous all-day bar and kitchen from Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero. Head to Fed Square and tuck into contemporary Indigenous cuisine made with love, celebrating native ingredients like pepperberry, kangaroo, lemon myrtle and wild crocodile. While you’re there, sip Quandong Spritz and Green Ant-tini cocktails at Australia’s first Indigenous bar.
Big Esso by Mabu Mabu, Fed Square, Melbourne
8. Johnny, Vince & Sam’s
This welcoming Lygon Street restaurant will transport you straight to Nonna’s house with its cosy, eclectic interior and hearty Italian comfort food. Named after their characters, Johnny, Vince & Sam’s is the latest venture from beloved comedy trio Sooshi Mango (known for their tongue-in-cheek ‘ethnic dad’ sketch videos). With garish floral carpets and an unpretentious old-school Italian menu from an award-winning chef, it’s the perfect mix of daggy and delicious.
