Discovering Melbourne: Where to Eat, Explore, and Relax

Welcome to Melbourne, where history, diversity, music, art, good food and culture collide. I’ve lived in this city for 20+ years and still am amazed about the spots I find.

Did you know Melbourne was once the capital of Australia? Or that it boasts the world's largest tram system and the highest number of restaurants per capita?

Melbourne, with coastal beaches and sprawling parks, is a haven for picnics and outdoor activities. Dive into its diverse dining scene, explore captivating art and music scenes, and witness the city's deep love for sports and culture. Melbourne isn't just a city; it's an experience filled with friendly people and unforgettable moments. Let's roll!

Listen to this track I wrote in Melbourne whilst reading this blog.

Written by Paz Pisarski (AKA Paz Sounds)

Cafes

Florian Cafe (Carlton): Kick off your foodie journey at Florian Cafe in Carlton – trust me, it's a cozy spot with epic dishes.
Tulk Cafe (CBD): For a good feed smack dab in the city, hit up Talk Cafe. The food's top-notch, and the city buzz adds to the vibe.
Coe & Coe (Cremorne): Start your day in Cremorne with the best coffee and sandwiches at Coe & Coe, a local favorite that sets the bar high for breakfast delights.
Wild Things (Fitzroy North): Great coffee, juices, salads and it’s also an organic grocer if you need an extra thing or two.
Noisette (Port Melbourne): One of my favourite french cafés and bakeries that I’ve gone too since I was 4. Order a coffee and croissant and grab a pastry to go.

Great Bars

Gerald’s Wine Bar (Carlton): Need a laid-back wine night? Gerald’s Wine Bar is where you wanna be – easygoing and great wines.

Long Play (Fitzroy North): Mix it up at Long Play – good cocktails, awesome dinner. It's a vibe.
Tyranny of Distance (South Yarra): Kick back at Tyranny of Distance – vintage vibes and a laid-back feel.
Hotel Esplanade (St Kilda): Known as ‘The Espy’ there’s great vibes, live music and beautiful open spaces.
Goldilocks Rooftop Bar (CBD): Elevate your night at Goldilocks Rooftop Bar – killer cocktails with a view.
Workshop Bar (CBD): Get creative vibes at Workshop Bar – perfect for a chill night out.
Madame Brussels (CBD): Unwind at Madame Brussels – CBD charm with amazing cocktails.
Loop Roof (CBD): Loop Roof is the rooftop bar with the city vibes – good times guaranteed.
Siglo (CBD): Classy rooftop terrace bar with Parliament House views, serving cocktails, wine and gourmet snacks.

Classic Restaurants

Doc Pizza (Carlton): Pizza lovers, head to Doc Pizza in Carlton. It's like a slice of Italy in Melbourne – legit!
Heart Attack and Vine (Carlton): Spanish tapas fan? Heart Attack and Vine's your spot for tasty small plates and chill vibes.
Neighbourhood Wine (Fitzroy North): Ready for a fancy dinner? Neighbourhood Wine is the move. Great menu, killer wine list.
Hanoi Hannah (South Yarra): Dive into Vietnamese flavors at Hanoi Hannah – it's a taste explosion.
Uncle (CBD): Uncle's the spot for authentic Vietnamese dishes – bold and legit.
Lucky Coq (South Yarra): Cheap eats alert – Lucky Coq's $4 pizzas are the real deal.
Kong (Cremorne): Korean BBQ dreams come true at Kong – it's a meat lover's paradise.
Radio Mexico (St Kilda): Spice up your life with Mexican flavors at Radio Mexico – it's a fiesta.
Ichi Ni (St Kilda): Japanese vibes at Ichi Ni – stylish and tasty.
Mya Tiger (St Kilda): A stunning asian fusion restaurant above The Espy with great views and amazing roast duck.
Chin Chin (CBD): Get the buzz at Chin Chin – Asian-inspired dishes that hit the spot.

Fine Dining

Frederic (Cremorne): Lunch at Frederic for some fancy French vibes and a champagne selection that's on point.
Marion’s Wine Bar (Carlton): For a touch of French fancy, check out Marion’s Wine Bar. Classy vibes and delicious bites.
Cumulus Inc. (CBD): Very fine vibes, food and drinks here. Great private spaces too.

Cheap Eats

Horn Please (Fitzroy North): Craving Indian? Horn Please in Fitzroy's got your back. It's all about bold flavors and cool vibes.
Shanghai Street (CBD): Great dumplings in the CBD with BYO alcohol. Great for large groups.
Lentils as Anything (Abbotsford): Pay-as-you-feel dining at Lentils as Anything – good food, good vibes.
Good Times Pasta Ba (Fitzroy North): Craving pasta? Good Times Pasta Bar lives up to its name – simple, tasty, and good vibes.

Tasty Toasties

Coe & Coe (Cremorne): Start your day in Cremorne at Coe & Coe for the best coffee and sandwiches. Breakfast done right!
Aphro & Wolfe (Fitzroy North): the best damn toasties in Fitzroy North. Named after the owners, there are lovely and friendly people that work there too. Definitely get the Fun Guy: a Balsamic, Thyme and garlic Roasted mushrooms, Cheddar, Buffalo mozzarel toastie. You won’t regret it.

Live Music

Night Cat (Carlton): Night Cat is the spot for live music in Melbourne. Dive into the scene and vibe to some tunes.
Section 8 (CBD): Section 8 is the outdoor bar with a dose of live music – perfect for those chill vibes.
Jazz Lab (Brunswick): Jazz lover? Jazzlab's got your back – live jazz that hits the soul.

Great Gardens

St Kilda Botanical Gardens (St Kilda): Relax at St Kilda Botanical Gardens – greenery and peace.
Melbourne Botanical Gardens (CBD): Explore Melbourne CBD Botanical Gardens – a nature oasis in the city.
Carlton Gardens (Carlton): On the edge of the CBD find beautiful ponds, grassy spots and great playgrounds.
Edinburgh Gardens (Fitzroy North): Lovely gardens with plenty of people having picnics, playing tennis and walking. The Rotunda is a picturesque spot for small ceremonies too.

So, there you have it! Your ultimate guide to Melbourne from a local born and bread – enjoy the vibes, the food, and the good times.