Best Food to Try in Melbourne

Melbourne is a city where the world comes to eat. Its vibrant culinary scene reflects its rich multicultural population, offering an extraordinary blend of global flavours—from the sizzling street food of Southeast Asia to hearty Middle Eastern feasts, traditional European fare, and modern fusion cuisine. Every suburb tells a different food story, shaped by generations of migration, creativity, and cultural pride. Whether you're exploring hidden laneway cafés, bustling night markets, or suburban food precincts, Melbourne serves up a diverse and delicious experience that makes it one of the most exciting food capitals in the world.

Melbourne’s food scene reflects its multicultural soul—with authentic, affordable meals from across the globe:

• Chinatown (Central Business District) is the oldest continuously operating Chinatown in the world outside of China – Dumplings, bao, hot pots, ramen, and BBQ skewers from China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan.
• Il Mercato Centrale – The only one of its kind outside of Italy, is a vibrant Italian-inspired food hall that brings the essence of a traditional European marketplace to the hear of Melbourne’s CBD. Featuring a curated selection of artisan producers, the space offers everything from handmade pasta and woodfired pizza to fresh cheeses, pastries, espresso, and regional wines
• Footscray – Rich in African and Vietnamese food: try pho, injera with spicy stews, and fresh spring rolls.
• Richmond – A hub for Vietnamese street food, especially around Victoria Street.
• Lygon Street (Carlton) – Classic Italian cuisine, with pasta, pizza, and gelato that rivals Rome.
• Brunswick & Coburg – Turkish, Lebanese, and Greek eats: from falafel wraps to baklava and woodfired pide.

Student Tip: Many of these areas offer cash-friendly, late-night meals perfect for post-class cravings.

Food Trucks & Night Markets

Melbourne’s love of casual, creative dining shines in its food truck scene and pop-up night events:

• Welcome to Thornbury – A food truck park in Northcote with rotating trucks and options from burgers to bao.
• Queen Victoria Night Market (seasonal) – Global street food, live music, and artisan stalls.
• The Food Truck Park (Preston) – Vegan nights, Mexican fiestas, and themed weekends.
• Coburg Drive-In Food Truck Festival – Grab a bite before catching a movie under the stars.

Expect: BBQ brisket, Korean fried chicken, tacos, loaded fries, and plant-based versions of almost everything.

Vegetarian & Vegan Heaven

Melbourne is one of Australia’s most veg-friendly cities with countless options that cater to conscious eaters:

• Transformer (Fitzroy) – High-end vegan dining in a gorgeous converted warehouse.
• Smith & Daughters (Collingwood) – Bold, Latin-inspired vegan food with serious attitude.
• Lentil As Anything (Abbotsford & St Kilda) – Community-based dining, pay-what-you-can, and 100% vegetarian.
• Green Man’s Arms (Carlton) – A vegetarian pub menu with Israeli twists and craft beer.

Even traditional spots across the city offer vegan-friendly menus—look for labels or ask staff.

Sustainable & Ethical Eating

Young people in Melbourne are increasingly choosing eco-conscious food options:

• CERES Café (Brunswick East) – On-site organic garden, fair trade produce, and a full sustainability mission.
• Future Food System at Fed Square – A model eco-home where everything is grown, composted, and reused.
• Loop Roof (CBD) – Rooftop bar with a green ethos and herb garden cocktails.
• Market Lane Coffee & St. Ali – Ethical sourcing and minimal waste practices.

Tip: Bring your reusable cup or container—Melbourne cafés and food outlets reward sustainable habits!