Just off Bourke Street, Khaosan Lane is the place to go for tangy-sweet Esan dishes doled out in generous proportions. Named after one of Bangkok's busiest streets, Khaosan Road – a neon-lit nightlife hub – this relaxed diner is renowned for its flavourful moo ka ta (a Thai barbeque and hotpot hybrid typically made with marinated pork and pork belly). Pair it with a zesty green papaya salad and a glass of one of their signature cocktails as live music plays each night and you'll leave wondering if you're still in Melbourne.

 350 Bourke Street, Shop G25 Melbourne GPO; (03) 9121 8089

Decked out in marble and brass, this paean to decadence from restaurateur Andrew McConnell is a place to indulge in topnotch seafood delivered on silver platters and Southern rock lobster baked in saffron rice and sauce rouille. Or take the tradies’ entrance for a bar menu that delivers supreme snackage, such as bresaola-topped gnocco fritto puffs oozing with parmesan cream. Wherever you sit, it’s one helluva ride.

33 Russell Street; (03) 9277 9777

Melbourne’s dining scene is continually evolving – there’s something new to taste with every visit. Book now at qantas.com.

A red-carpeted shrine to Cantonese food, Flower Drum deserves its reputation as the country’s finest Chinese restaurant. The lengthy menu can present an exquisite form of torture so newcomers should stick to the dishes on which this stellar fine-diner’s reputation has been forged. One taste of the Peking duck or South Australian crayfish wok-cooked into a fluffy omelette, will reveal why regulars like Neil Perry sing its praises. 

17 Market Lane; (03) 9662 3655

The city’s most lavish dining room has been the stage-set for Guy Grossi’s command of the Italian canon for over 20 years. His boar-filled sopressini and tortellini in brodo are as much a part of Melbourne’s fabric as the National Trust-classified Florentine murals on the walls, justifying the splash-out splendour of the three-course menu. The wine list follows suit with Italian varietals grown both there and here, all delivered by a polished crew of charming waiters.

80 Bourke Street; (03) 9662 1811

There are restaurants, then there are culinary institutions like Grossi Florentino. Book a table, then book your flights at qantas.com.

This farm-to-table CBD restaurant is a love letter to the state written in food, with a direct line to Victoria’s food bowl via owner-chef (and Gippy ambassador) Alejandro Saravia. An open campfire kitchen fuelled by charcoal and wood delivers the best of rustic regional cuisine, while the three-storey location in the city's prestigious 80 Collins precinct ensures it’s no country mouse. The seasonal menu makes a strong case for going local, with dishes such as Koo Wee Rup asparagus with gribiche, capers and almonds and Noojee alpine trout served with mountain pepper cream and trout caviar leading the charge.

95 Exhibition Street, 80 Collins Precinct; (03) 9116 8682

The sight of chefs toiling at the charcoal grill is an enticing curtain-raiser to Dave Verheul’s smart flame-licked menu at this hotspot. A masterclass in the possibilities of four ingredients and imagination: the braised zucchini flowers served with cheese curds, caper and oregano elevates the edible floral to top-tier territory, while the raw beef, fermented peppers, almond and wild rice appeal to the city's crudo obsession. Add a great list of natural wines and you’ve got the very model of a modern Melbourne restaurant.

122 Russell Street, 0455 122 121

Somewhere between a pasta bar and a wine bar, this is a local go-to for the pure comfort of carbs backed by an Italian-focused list showcasing lesser-known varietals. All eyes are on the pasta dishes – squid ink tagliolini with squid and bottarga, or pappardelle with braised duck, porcini and pecorino pepato – but the support acts demand attention too, whether that’s pesce puttanesca or the decadent brownie-based Tipomisù.

361 Little Bourke Street; (03) 9942 3946

Try menus stacked with Victorian produce in Melbourne, then take a road-trip to taste in-situ from Gippsland wines to Otway pork. Book flights now at qantas.com.

Rinaldo Di Stasio’s arty city outpost roars with Italian brio but aperitivo hour is celebrated in the sophisticated Roman style. Take a seat at the marble bar for a Negroni and a plate of addictively salty anchovies and sage leaves in a lacy batter, or take advantage of the full menu running from late morning to late night and sink further into Città’s command of Italian fine dining.

45 Spring Street, Melbourne; (03) 9070 1177

Chef Victor Liong calls it “cheeky Chinese”: a new-style that takes its cues from the Cantonese tradition but heads down its own path. Look no further than his steamed Glacier 51 toothfish with organic tofu and spring onion oil. Luxe ingredients such as 9-score wagyu or a dessert of jasmine rice ce cream with red bean and warm cocoa caramel ballast the tasting menu served in this handsome warehouse space just off Flinders Lane, and a crowd-pleasing wine list keeps pace.

11-15 Duckboard Place, Melbourne; (03) 9077 6261

Time your arrival for apertivo hour and sample share plates, tasting menus and topnotch tapas. Book tickets at qantas.com.

Shane Delia’s acclaimed Middle Eastern fine diner might be housed in a dark and opulent sub-basement but it boasts food and service cruising at a high altitude. A range of tasting menus offers a giddy parade of rustic-refined dishes, from hummus with sundried tomato xo to slow-roasted lamb shoulder in spiced turmeric and cinnamon sauce. A strong selection of vegan dishes makes it a special occasion hotspot for the plant-based crowd.

21 Bond Street, Melbourne; (03) 9629 5900

A thrilling marriage of local produce and experimental techniques imported from Northern Europe, Freyja electrifies with its simplicity. It’s all very deceptive (and delicious), especially the lamb tartare made zingy with ginger emulsion and green plum, and cauliflower made decadent via grated Gruyère and crispy fried saltbush. Digging into these dishes, while peeping through Gothic 1880s windows, is a transportive dining experience.

477 Collins Street; (03) 8688 7141 

Travel via dining chair to Northern Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia without leaving Melbourne. Book tickets now at qantas.com.

Aru embraces the big flavours and relaxed approach of South-East Asian family feasting. But that’s not all — this refined eatery also serves a significant  curve ball in the use of native Australian ingredients and a palpable sense of fun to proceedings, as witnessed in the pâté en croûte, an impeccable mash-up with the flavours of a Vietnamese banh mi that includes jelly made from Maggi seasoning.

268 Little Collins Street, Melbourne; (03) 9939 8113

A New York-style French bistro in a Melbourne basement? Fear not; you’ll get your bearings the minute you sit down to a three-sip mini-martini and a double cheeseburger oozing with bordelaise sauce. This glamorous late-night haunt is fuelled by craft cocktails (as you’d expect from the owners of The Everleigh and Heartbreaker) and Francophile classics, from escargot in Pernod butter to duck frites Unsurprisingly, it’s a place that all but demands you dress to impress.

Basement, 111 Lonsdale St, Melbourne; (03) 9650 0088

Is it a bakery? Is it a restaurant? Is it a café? The folk at Antara 128 call it an “eating house” and open the doors from 7:30am till late to let you decide. Call in early for a pressed croissant toastie with ham, Tasmanian Gruyère and hot honey, or bounce back later in the day when the wood ovens are firing. Lunch or dinner options include macaroni with herbs, pistachio and heirloom zucchini, or blackened pork cheek with giant orecchiette. 

128 Exhibition St, (03) 7065 0128

Post-midnight feasting to early-morning sustenance, Melbourne’s cafes, bars and restaurants hum from AM to PM. Book your eating adventure now at qantas.com.

15 New Reasons to Visit Melbourne in 2025