Savouring Melbourne.
Melbourne is known for being a food destination as it is full to the rim with restaurants that curl and sprawl down alleys, on river banks and pepper their delicious coffee and mouthwatering morsels of food everywhere from the coastline to the city. The cities 'Fooders' (That is Food Do'ers, not just food appreciators) are leading the way in food innovations for Australia. Always finding new ways to let people experience food by pushing the boundaries of both interior design and quality of menu.
So having had the pleasure of eating in Melbourne on various occasions (I wouldn't call myself a local but having a sister live there for 5 years I'd like to think of myself as a 'Tocal': Tourist Local) I have accumulated a list of must eats for you to salivate over.
My top 10 places to eat in Melbourne are: (in no particular order)
1. Brunetti (380 Lygon st Carlton)
2. Las chicas (203 Carlyle st st Kilda)
3. The Green Refectory (115 Sydney road Brunswick)
4. Shanghai Village Dumpling (112-114 Little Bourke St China town)
5. Degraves st (City- Near Flinders St Station)
6. Blue train (South gate Complex Upper level, South bank)
7. Chin Chin (125 Flinders lane- Worth the adventure of finding don't use maps gets you no-where)
8. Queen Victoria markets (Corner of Victoria St and Elisabeth St)
9. Falafel House(196 Toorak Rd, South Yarra, Melbourne)
10. Innocent bystander (336 Maroondah Hwy Healesville Yarra valley)
Brunetti is the ultimate for Italian pastries, coffee and pizza. In the heart of Lygon st, a well known Ittalian eating destination, Brunetti has recently been renovated into a bigger and better super store that will leave you trailing a drool path as you enter through its golden doors. Pastries are beautifully lined up in the glass cabinets, presenting what could be the definition of food porn. My favorite would have to be the Lobster tail, a crunchy pasty like pastry, almost like pasta, filled with a custard and topped with a liquored cherry. But I don't think you can go wrong with what you choose and partnered with a professionally barrister coffee from their traditional coffee bar you will feel like you're standing in Florence ordering yet another Latte cause its made so dam well. And the pizzas? Out of this world. Perfect base, saucey sauce and quality fior di latte cheese.
Brilliant Brunetti.
 |
| Brunetti Pastries. |
Las chicas was the café that made me rethink the standard of my local breakfast spots here in Sydney. Why don't all cafés come with quirky interiors, fantastic service, delicious coffee, value for money meals (meaning big portions), and top notch innovative and fresh food. Situated on Carlyle st in east St Kilda this eatery, i would say, attracts creative people with its creative food concepts. Once I saw Hamish Blake which made my breakfast all the more tasty- if that's even possible. Las Chicas take the fuss out of eating and give you food that's tasty and exciting. For breakfast try the eggs Benedict, perfectly balanced hollandaise and it comes on a bagel which speaks to the Jewish influence in the area. Also the pancakes are to die for, but you might need some help with the high rise stack! Smoothies here are also good, I took a friend who knows a good banana smoothie and she said it was the best she'd ever had!
 |
| Las Chicas Breakfast |
The Green Refectory. Brunswick is known for being a quirky area. Shops are scattered and spread all the way down Sydney road making it a great place to take a long walk. But to keep your Tummy's amused I would highly recommend this cute cafe style bakery. Cakes decorate the window like they're going out of fashion! Too many to choose from! But nothing beats their vanilla slice. And for something savory? The menu is authentic Australian with bakery items like sausage rolls, but they're matched with a home made tomato chutney that there never seems to be enough of! Definitely my top pick of Brunswick, and affordable prices too!
 |
| The Green Refectory |
Shanghai Village Dumpling was where I first discovered dumplings. A menu I can only call the dictionary for dumplings as there are so many options and combinations to choose from. My favourites: spring onion pancake, what i call prawrk dumplings (pork and prawn) and vegetarian.
Degraves Street is a foodified tourist destination. A picturesque lane-way filled with cafes and alfresco dining your sure to get a decent coffee here to start off your morning. While I'm sure the eggs on this street are great i had the fruit and nut toast with ricotta and honey. Most of the cafes serve similar things so its more wherever you can get a table. The people watching is fun too!
Blue Train Southbank is a not so hidden gem. A fresh and vibrant interior boasts high ceilings and stunning views of the city and Yarra river. And the open kitchen makes for some great food entertaining. I would recommend the mushroom pasta absolutely delicious, and childhood memories dessert is like a deconstructed mars bar that will take you back in time and leave your mouth dripping with saliva. A trip to the Crown after is a great night out for some cocktails and dancing.
Chin Chin showcases street food at its finest. This Restaurant is everything Melbourne is about when it comes to food. Casual dining experience, brilliant authentic food, fantastic service and trendy decor. We tried to get dinner here on a Saturday night but we got there too late, so try to get there at 6 or go for lunch, we walked straight in on the Sunday. The Salmon wrapped in banana leaves is to die for, took me back to sitting on the beach in Jimbaran bay in Bali, smokey but sweet. Absolutely delicious. Cannot wait to go back and make my way through the menu.
Queen Victoria Markets are the perfect place for a sensory stroll. Smells of fresh fruits and seafood's, sounds of "3 for $4" and "we've got the best mango's there is" and sights that will have your eyes darting from one stall to the next. For an afternoon snack i would recommend making something of a cheese plate. Buy a bit of this and that so as to make yourself a bountiful smorgasbord of yummy foods. but for something right away try the fresh Borak stand, its in the enclosed part of the market where all the cheeses are. A doughy pastry filled with whatever is on offer, i got the spicy beef.
Falafel House Shopping down Chapel street can be a marathon, so for a bit to eat i would try the Falafel house. Its a nifty new style eatery where you can make your own falafel burger or wrap or salad or just buy the falafel's on their own for a snack in between shoe shops.
Innocent Bystander. This is a must. If you have the chance to explore the beautiful Yarra Valley vineyards you must have lunch at the innocent bystander. All breads are made on site and the baguettes are to die for. Partnered with their delicious Moscato this is a fantastic eating experience and while i'd like to say priceless, its not, but its well worth the trip.
 |
| Degraves St |
 |
| Childhood memories |
 |
| Chin Chin Restaurant. |
Falafel House Shopping down Chapel street can be a marathon, so for a bit to eat i would try the Falafel house. Its a nifty new style eatery where you can make your own falafel burger or wrap or salad or just buy the falafel's on their own for a snack in between shoe shops.
Innocent Bystander. This is a must. If you have the chance to explore the beautiful Yarra Valley vineyards you must have lunch at the innocent bystander. All breads are made on site and the baguettes are to die for. Partnered with their delicious Moscato this is a fantastic eating experience and while i'd like to say priceless, its not, but its well worth the trip.
So get to Melbourne!
GO on! On Ya Bike!
