The magic of Melbourne includes it’s multi-cultural diversity and that is why I can recommend a lot more than 5 great places to eat.
The city expanded rapidly in the mid-1800s due to a massive gold boom. People from far and wide settled and communities of one sort or another settled here. More recently the relaxation of the white-only immigration policy in the later half of the 20th Century also spurred a flood of diverse cultural settlement.
Melbourne city is now a flood of cafés and restaurants with something to please every budget and appetite.
China Town
Little Bourke Street Also Known As China Town
China Town is based in the heart of the CBD (Central Business District) and is located in the eastern part of the CBD on Little Bourke Street. Whilst it runs across various blocks the heart of it can be found between Swanston Street and Russell Street. The decorations and buzz of the place will show that you’ve found the right spot.
Whilst heavily influenced by Chinese immigrants you may also discover other Asia type cuisine down this street, particularly if you like Thai food.
Walking Down China Town
Greek Precinct
Did you know that Melbourne has the third highest Greek population of any city in the world, yes the world! Just to put that in perspective, Athens is no.1 and Melbourne is no. 3. So the Greek population here is larger than many cities in Greece itself.
The Greek Precinct
Greek tradition is honoured and celebrated in the Greek Precinct. This runs parallel to China Town and is on Lonsdale Street. A keen eye will help you identify Greek designs in the pavement and along the road side.
There are plenty of traditional Greek restaurants so get ready for things to get meze.
If you are tempted to taste some fabulous Greek food Melbourne style then why not look for cheap flights to Australia.
Little Italy
Lygon Street
Just north of the CBD lies Lygon Street, referred to by locals as “Little Italy”. This place is a buzz of activity at night so make sure you arrive early or book in advance. There is a wide selection of pizza and pasta houses which the Melbournese just love.
Brunswick Street
Just a few streets east of Little Italy lies the very popular Brunswick Street. In keeping with the European theme you’ll find Tapas bars in a place styled on Northern Spain’s famous Pinxtos bars.
I called into one of these Tapas bars on a Sunday evening and stayed for hours as there was live Spanish guitar music. I had a great time.
Music Band in De Los Santos
Hardware Lane
Hardware Lane
Melbourne city was transformed in the 1980s and 1990s when side streets were changed from delivery truck lanes to a hustle and bustle of street cafés, restaurants and entertainment venues. No place sums this up better than Hardware Lane. Located on the west side of the CBD between Bourke Street and Lonsdale Street.
Many cafés have outdoor seating and the place is rocking at night time. Music plays and the beer flows as the noise rises from conversation and laughter. This place is always sure to guarantee an atmosphere.
South Bank
One Of Many Great Views From The Southbank
Just down from the CBD across the Yarra River is the Southbank Promenade. A long leisurely stroll along the waterfront will see you come across some high class hotels and restaurants plus plenty of examples of street theatre to entertain.
The restaurants are often priced in keeping with this affluent location however like most of Australia the seafood is divine.
Docklands
Recently renovated the Docklands on the west side of the CBD is full of unique shops, award winning restaurants and stylish bars and cafés. It really is a great place to relax and watch the world go by as you dream of owning that fancy yacht moored right beside your table window. Don’t head there if you are short of time because you’ll want to stay for hours and crack open the wine.
There are many more fabulous places and food styles to be found. Melbourne is an eaters heaven.
You’ll find so many cuisines including Indian, Indonesian, Malay, Thai and Vietnamese as well as traditional Aussie food of pies or Chicken Parma. You never have to venture far in the city to find great food.
Eating, drinking and people watching is just part of the magic of Melbourne.
The secrets of work and travel Australia – uncovering secrets for working and travelling in Australia Click Here!
If you want to read more on my Magic of Melbourne series you can find some popular articles here:
Visit Today : 70
Visit Yesterday : 205
This Month : 3020
Total Visit : 22914
Who's Online : 2
14 comments
Skip to comment form ↓
Phil
11/01/2013 at 7:43 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Another terrific travel feature. Always good to know best spots to eat when traveling. Always eat where the locals go I have heard too.
Phil recently posted..NYC Public Breakups! Humiliation! Comedy! Despair!
The Guy
12/01/2013 at 12:31 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Thanks for the kind words Phil. You are right about finding out where the locals eat. They know the good from the bad and where can be reasonably priced.
Andy
11/01/2013 at 10:26 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I have heard that Melbourne had a lot of districts like that. I love when you can go to places like that and find some authentic food, sometimes they get a bit too touristy. It is kind of funny, that the Chinatowns always look the same. I have a very similar picture from Boston, D.C. and Montreal. Cheers to good food, thanks for sharing.!
The Guy
12/01/2013 at 12:32 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Many thanks Andy. Yes China towns can look similar, it shows some authentic character and I love exploring them.
Matt Harvath
13/01/2013 at 10:45 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
One day, I will make it there! Melbourne, prepare yourself!
Matt Harvath recently posted..Our Favorite Bikinis – Star Wars Bikinis
The Guy
13/01/2013 at 11:31 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I hope you do Matt and I look forward to hearing about your trip.
Agness
14/01/2013 at 1:43 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I’m so glad to hear there is China Town in Melbourne. Do you often dine out in Chinese restaurants? I simply love Chinese food. I am already in China and had a lovely dinner. Melbourne has a lot to offer in terms of Asian and International food I see.
The Guy
14/01/2013 at 1:48 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Hi Agness I do have Chinese from time to time, but also like Italian, India etc but not too spicy. Nothing is quite like Chinese in China, I just don’t like the way they eat chicken off the bone. I hate picking the boney bits out of my mouth.
Aryn
14/01/2013 at 11:19 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Wow, the Greek Precinct sounds awesome. I just found more reasons to visit Melbourne!
Aryn recently posted..Copenhagen, Denmark
The Guy
15/01/2013 at 7:39 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Hi Aryn, it sure is. They also have an annual Greek festival when they close the street off for various Greek style stalls and celebrations. One time when I was there they had the Greek national football team appear too.
amy
16/01/2013 at 1:38 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Good info – I’ll refer back to this when we get to Melbourne (as long as we can afford to eat out in Australia!).
amy recently posted..Our Packing List
The Guy
16/01/2013 at 1:43 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Thanks Amy. If prices are steep, there are also lots of Vietnamese and noodle type cafes where you can get a decent bite to eat for around $10 or less.
Megan
23/01/2013 at 8:23 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
melbourne keeps climbing and climbing to the top of my list. i dont know what it is about this city that has me intrigued, but it does!
and i love that you mentioned chinatown. i seem to always end up in a city’s chinatown when im on the road. and i love it!
The Guy
24/01/2013 at 10:00 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Hey Megan. Melbourne is often overlooked and doesn’t get the promotional budget that Sydney does. I think this is a massive shame as Melbourne has in many ways more to offer and is a lot easier to get around. For me it is a very tourist friendly city. I hope you get to go there someday and we can read about what you thought of it.