What Is a Must-Eat in Melbourne?

Melbourne is one of Australia's best food cities, known for its café culture, multicultural neighbourhoods, laneway restaurants and diverse selection of international cuisines. If you're visiting for the first time, there are several foods and drinks that deserve a place on your Melbourne food itinerary.

1. Melbourne-Style Coffee ☕

Coffee is an essential part of the Melbourne experience. The city is famous for its specialty coffee culture, and a flat white is one of the best drinks to try. Explore cafés around the CBD, Fitzroy, Carlton and Richmond for locally roasted coffee.

2. Smashed Avocado on Sourdough 🥑

A Melbourne brunch classic, smashed avocado on sourdough is often served with poached eggs, feta, chilli, lemon and seasonal ingredients. It's a simple dish that has become strongly associated with Melbourne's café culture.

3. Australian Meat Pie 🥧

For a taste of traditional Australian comfort food, try a meat pie. Usually filled with minced beef and rich gravy inside flaky pastry, it makes an easy lunch or snack while exploring the city.

4. Dumplings in Chinatown 🥟

Melbourne's Chinatown is a great place to experience the city's Chinese food culture. Dumplings, wontons and handmade noodles are popular choices, with plenty of restaurants offering affordable meals in the heart of the CBD.

5. Vietnamese Pho 🍜

A steaming bowl of pho is another Melbourne must-eat. Fragrant broth, rice noodles, herbs and meat come together to create a comforting meal. Richmond and Footscray are particularly well known for Vietnamese food.

6. Greek Souvlaki 🇬🇷

Melbourne has a strong Greek heritage, and souvlaki or gyros is an easy way to experience it. Lonsdale Street and Melbourne's inner suburbs have plenty of Greek restaurants and takeaway spots.

7. Neapolitan-Style Pizza 🍕

Melbourne's Italian food scene is another highlight. Try a wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza topped with tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil. Carlton and the surrounding inner suburbs are great areas to explore Italian food.

8. Lamington 🍰

For a classic Australian sweet, try a lamington. This soft sponge cake is coated in chocolate and desiccated coconut and can sometimes be filled with cream or jam. It's perfect with an afternoon coffee.

9. Tim Tams 🍫

No Australian food list would be complete without Tim Tams. These chocolate-covered biscuits are widely available throughout Melbourne and make a simple snack or souvenir.

10. Italian Gelato 🍨

Finish your Melbourne food adventure with authentic-style Italian gelato. Carlton's Lygon Street and other inner-city neighbourhoods are popular areas for Italian desserts and gelato.