I know, I know. You’ve seen these articles plenty, and are about to pass on this one. But don’t! The writer, yours truly, has personally visited and tried each and every of these food, and let me tell you: do not miss out. I’ve been to Melbourne four times in the last three years, and I visit almost all on this list every trip. Are you ready? Check out these 8 absolutely must-try food in Melbourne!
1) Le Clec
First off, cafe food, because that’s what Melbourne is known for. Le Clec isn’t located in the CBD, but honestly, it’s worth it. It looks pretty normal from the outside, but head in right to the back and it opens up to a spacious seating area. Seatings aside, the food is spectacular. Expect all your breakfast essentials from avo, eggs, toast, porridge, sausages and more, all cooked to perfection. I believe I ordered the Sweet Potato Rosti and Eggs Your Way, which I had scrambled on toast – they were the fluffiest!
Address: 727 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3122.
2) Laurent Bakery
Enjoy an array of sandwiches, pastries, breads, croissants, cakes and coffees like a Parisian at Laurent, a French artisan bakery and cafe. Conveniently located on Little Collins street, you kind of walk down the street, and it’s just sitting there on a corner, waiting for you. Let me recommend my personal favourite: the Mietta cake, a decadent chocolate cake with macarons. Tip: just get one for yourself and don’t share.
Address: 304-306 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3006.
3) Kyo Tea House
Green tea fanatics, you may get your green tea fix here. Their green tea gelato comes in different levels and intensities, so you can choose how strong you want it to be. There’s also soft serve ice cream if you prefer it, along with a whole range of other drinks and dessert. Even if you’re not a fan of green tea (just like me), no worries. They also have genmaicha, houjicha and my absolute favourites: milk and black sesame gelato flavours. During my most recent trip, I visited three times.
Address: Lower Ground, Melbourne Emporium, 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.
4) Huff Bagelry
Love bagels? Check out Huff Bagelry for bagels galore! You can choose your type of bagel ranging from plain, rye and gluten-free just to name a few, and also your bagel fillings. Whether you’re just looking for a simple butter or jam bagel, cream cheese or ones with chicken schnitzel or smoked salmon, there’s a bagel here for everyone. While you’re at it, get a cup of coffee to go along with it. Seriously – I’m not a coffee drinker but I always get a latte here anyway.
Address: 112 Koornang Road, Carnegie, VIC 3163.
5) Stokers Fine Pancakes
Oh, God. Have I ever had finer pancakes? No, no I haven’t. Cosy and comfy, Stokers has a range of pancakes to satisfy your pancake cravings. Even their signature range alone has six different pancakes, with a slew of other “normal” sweet pancakes such as syrup or lemon and sugar following up. Looking for savoury ones instead? Sure, Stokers has them too, inclusive of breakfast with pancakes and pancake wraps. I opted for Monkey Business, which basically is Nutella and bananas!
Address: 231 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205.
6) Lune Croissanterie
Is there anything better than a croissant baked to perfection? Hardly anything, to be honest. A warm, crispy-on-the-outside, buttery-on-the-inside croissant just brightens the day, and that is what Lune can do. My personal favourites are the plain and the almond croissant, because I’m easily satisfied with simple pleasures, but Lune does have more elaborate croissants, twists, cruffins, and all sorts of other baked delights. Even whiffs of their freshly baked goods are enough to lift your spirits as you near Lune!
Address: 119 Rose Street, Fitzroy, VIC 3065.
7) Pidapipó
Y’all, I found the best pistachio ice cream I’ve ever eaten in my entire life. And I’m going to highlight this point further by stating that I do not eat pistachio nor its related products usually. When I say that, you’ve really got to try it. Pidapipó is arguably one of the best ice cream places Melbourne has to offer, and they have a whole list of delicious flavours that vary with season and availability. I had their Hazelnut on my most recent trip, and it was easily the best I’ve had.
Address: 8 Degraves Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 OR 299 Lygon Street, Carlton VIC 3053.
8) Secret Kitchen
Okay, this is it, guys. I’ve saved the best for last! Secret Kitchen is a Chinese restaurant that serves dim sum by day, and serves Chinese dishes by night. I’ve been to Secret Kitchen three times in total, and every single time it’s always packed to the brim. Here’s a tip for you: especially if you plan to go on a weekend, call up and book. You really don’t want to queue up outside while other diners munch on delectable egg tarts, siew mai, har gao etc. Honestly, Secret Kitchen blows all other dim sum I ever had out of the water. Ask anyone (especially Asian) in Melbourne. They’ll know Secret Kitchen alright.
Address: 222 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. (They also have other outlets like in Glen Waverly & Chadstone but the one in CBD is probably most convenient.)
Melbourne was the most liveable city for seven years straight before Vienna dethroned it, and frankly, with such astounding food choices, I’m not surprised. If you’re planning a trip to Melbourne, you’re welcome for this list!
