Top places to eat in Melbourne

It’s safe to say that Melbourne’s food and drink scene is the most progressive in Australia – year after year, restaurants here take home awards for culinary excellence and set the pace for foodie trends across the rest of the county. Whether you’re looking to explore the flavours of Asia or dive into an Italian feast, here's our pick of the places to eat in Melbourne. As an added bonus, if you're an ALL - Accor Live Limitless member, you can earn Reward points at each of these establishments.

Best for: Asian favourites with an Aussie twist.

Take a culinary journey through Asia at Miss Mi , transporting you from Bangkok to Borneo and beyond. Chefs here take classic dishes from across the Orient and, with a few surprises, transform them with modern flair.

Take the chilli crab and prawn dumplings, which come with sea vegetables and Yarra Valley caviar, for example. Or the fried zucchini flowers with salted duck egg and miso eggplant. And it's hard to look past the addictive crispy pork belly curry with acharu and beans.

Eat: Mang Larry’s kangaroo skewers with mango ensalada and bagoong.

Drink: Pandan colada: white rum, pineapple, pandan sugar and coconut milk.

Hotel location: The Movenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer is an ode to the city’s vibrant arts and culinary scenes. It's the perfect setting for Miss Mi, located at street level.

Side note: Don’t miss the hotel's daily Chocolate Hour, or splashing about in the outdoor pool and hot tub.

Best for: Panoramic views that are as satisfying as the food on your plate. Enjoy a little French joie de vivre at this lofty gem, perched on level 35 of the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.

Dishes here are indulgent – think tortellini dressed in in-season truffles, blue cheese custard, sun-dried tomato cream and topped with croutons. Or seared Aylesbury duck breast with more-ish parsnips, sauce vierge, eggplant, burnt honey and pine nuts.

Eat: As delectable as savoury menu items are, you can’t go home without trying the restaurants Basque cheesecake with strawberries, dulce de leche and oat crumble.

Drink: If the world ends after you have this cocktail, you will still be happy. Order the White Chocolate Popcorn Espresso Martini, which muddles 25 Ketel One vodka, espresso, white chocolate syrup, popcorn syrup and Baileys. You’re welcome.

Hotel location: Aptly, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins enjoys a privileged position at the Paris end of Collins Street. Head to level 35 to indulge at No35 Restaurant.

Side note: Sunday high tea here is a treat, served on a traditional three-tiered stand, featuring delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a selection of fancy desserts.

Best for: Flavours of Australia – within walking distance of the MCG. There are moments after (or during) a sporting match when all you need is a meat pie and a beer. And then there’s the wagyu beef burger at the Cliveden Bar & Dining, which delights with every bite. From breakfast through dinner, this sleek restaurant is the ultimate showcase of seasonal dining, with an unwavering focus on regional producers.

Eat: It's indulgent, but the calories in Cliveden’s Four Cheese Pizza, are totally worth it. Sugo, mozzarella, scamorza, caciocavallo, gorgonzola with a honey drizzle and Mount Zero olive oil… stick a fork in us, we’re done.

Drink: Beer. There are great options by the tap, and on a match day, is there anything better than a fresh pour?

Hotel location: This prime location overlooks Melbourne’s Fitzroy Garden from the hotel lobby at the Pullman Melbourne on the Park hotel. Location, location, location.

Side note: In 2022, Cliveden Bar & dining was bestowed the award of Hotel restaurant of the year. Find out why… Plus, there’s a special menu for MCG match days.

Best for: Antipasti and handmade pasta.

Melbourne’s Italian community has left an enduring mark across the city. Case in point Pretty Boy Italian, which is a delicious showcase for dishes like ricotta and parmesan gnocchi (to die for), and heirloom tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad. The key is in the fresh produce – prepared perfectly, of course.

Eat: Leave your meal in the oh-so-capable hands of chefs and order the six-course 'feed me' menu. 

Drink: Toast the good life with cocktails like the Limoncello Gin Fizz – transporting you straight to Italy.

Hotel location: Novotel Melbourne Central has one of city's most covetable locations. Step outside and you’re strolling along Hardware Lane; street art and stellar cafes all around. But stay inside and on level one you'll find Pretty Boy Italian.

Side note: Be sure to order the chef’s favourite: house-made focaccia with truffle butter. Need we say more?