Our Favourite Melbourne Eateries
WRITTEN BY JENNY MOWATT ON 15 JUNE 2019
If you are looking for some Melbourne laneway, city and surrounds inspiration for a beautiful breakfast, brunch or dinner while here, then let me cover some of our favourites. I can assure you that we have tried (and tried, and tried….) them and they are well trusted.
Brunetti
One of Melbourne’s iconic cafes of Italian heritage. So, if you are after a coffee and pastry or hot breakfast to start your day with all the chaos and charm of a great Italian café, this is for you. Right next to the iconic Degraves Street and Centre Place for great sightseeing afterwards.
Grasshopper's Feast
A true laneway feel – you can sit in (and slightly up) for a great view of the passing laneway walking traffic. The food is hearty and always hot and beautiful. Just a short stroll to Bourke Street Mall and all the retail therapy this provides to work off your breakfast.
Boatbuilder’s Yard
A little out of the city centre, this revamped boatshed with an outdoor wooden deck, has great food – especially if you like a ‘slab of bacon’ with your eggs and coffee. And a great open fire if needed! Right next to DFO if you want to do some ‘take home to the family’ shopping afterwards.
Fitzrovia
For those adventurous types, grab a Myki card, hop on the No. 3 or 16 tram out the front of the Arts Centre and head out to stop 133. This café has beautiful, different and creative options that change all the time, and we have never been disappointed. And take a stroll down to St Kilda beach.
Pure South Kitchen
Across the Yarra from Flinders Street Station within the Southgate building, its ground floor corner location allows you to perch on a stool protected by windows (on cold days). You can look at all the passing activity and enjoy beautiful food from Tasmania (hence the pure south!).
Rice Paper Sister
A lovely small restaurant in one of our laneways famous for many "lovely small restaurants". Great Asian fusion food with a Vietnamese bent, quick service and you can book (one of a few!)
Lucy Liu
A really immersive experience from the neon pink sign entry, the long dark corridor with exposed water pipes leading into to a modern restaurant – where you can sit at a table or at the bench watching the chefs at work. Another Asian inspired menu. You can also book this one.
Tonka
Down the back of a fairly seedy, graffiti enhanced laneway, this restaurant is a beautiful Indian/Asian fusion option. You will recognise some traditional Indian flavours with a twist. And again, you can book.
Chocolate Buddha
This Japanese restaurant is a really simple, friendly place for a casual meal. Beautiful food, lovely service and you can be in and out within an hour if you are looking for a great, quick food experience. One of our reliable "go tos".
Supernormal
Another Japanese restaurant, with a little more interesting and different options. You can only book for tables of 6+, so otherwise get there early (eg 5.30pm, we call it pensioner’s hours!). Worth it though, the food is sumptuous.
Ena
One of our "go to" restuarants. Great food at a great price! We seem to gravitate to the Gyros, plus a starter. Located in the Southgate complex in Southbank, so easy access from the city. Can book, and has Greek music most Friday & Saturday nights.
Pastuso
Thought I’d finish with something ‘non-Asian’! This is a really lovely and different, a Peruvian restaurant. Great relaxed atmosphere, really tasty food and again find your way there in a dimly lit Melbourne laneway!