7 May 2026

If delicious food is one of the reasons you travel, then you should definitely put Melbourne on your destination list. The buzzing cosmopolitan city isn’t just gleaming skyscrapers and glitzy offices, it’s also home to a thriving food culture starring some of the best cafes, markets and Michelin-starred restaurants Down Under.

And speaking of cafes, did you know that Melbourne is credited as the birthplace of modern-day cafe culture that has swept cities around the world? In the late 1990s to 2000s, Melbourne cafes started shifting away European-style dark roasts and towards specialty coffee – emphasising bean origin, ethics, and roasting techniques. This shift, coinciding with a preference for small, independent cafes over international chains, and the emergence of Melbourne’s signature cafe aesthetic, the city’s alluring cafe culture soon became one of Australia’s greatest cultural exports.

Here’s our pick of the best Melbourne cafes, restaurants and eating places for a lip-smacking foodie holiday.


Melbourne CBD cafes: Coffee and brunch spots

Market Lane Coffee

8 Collins St

Tucked inside historic Portland House on Collins Street, Market Lane is a go-to for expertly brewed espresso, filter coffee, and top-quality beans right in the heart of the city. One of six locations across Melbourne, the cafe pairs its specialty coffee focus with a thoughtfully designed space blending eucalyptus tones, marble, and walnut with subtle nods to the building’s Victorian roots. Artistic touches inspired by Australian painter Clarice Beckett add an extra layer of character, making it as visually inviting as it is coffee-worthy.


Patricia Coffee Brewers

Rear of, 493-495 Little Bourke St

Patricia Coffee Brewers may look like just another tiny Melbourne cafe, but its standing room-only setup and old-school charm have made it a cult favourite, with lines spilling out the door daily. Since opening in 2011, it has quietly built a reputation for excellent, no-fuss coffee, with house-roasted beans and a focus on simplicity done right. Thoughtful touches, from marble countertops to leather aprons and locally sourced pastries, give the space a character that keeps regulars coming back.


Workshop Brothers Speciality Coffee

Ground Floor, Shop 4/190 Queen St

Long a favourite among locals, Workshop Brothers Specialty Coffee blends sleek, minimalist style with serious coffee expertise. This CBD outlet is its second – propelled by the success of its first outlet in the Glen Huntley suburbs – bringing its well-crafted brews closer to the city crowd. Here, you’ll find everything from house blends to single origins, alongside bottled cold coffee, pastries and doughnuts to round out the experience.


Liminal (Brunch)

Floor G, T&G Building, 161 Collins St

Right in the CBD, tucked into the foyer of the T&G Building, this polished eatery is equally suited to a relaxed breakfast, business brunch or quick bite on arrival. Its crisp interiors pair effortlessly with an all-day menu that goes beyond the basics, from classic eggs and avo toast to coconut chia puddings and hearty corn fritter stacks. A must-try is the mushroom toastie, layered with vegan mozzarella and truffle aioli – a prime example of why this brunch place keeps drawing crowds.


Avocado Moment Cafe (Brunch)

69 A'Beckett St

While the menu has evolved over the years, this fan-favourite still puts avocado front and centre, serving up beautifully plated variations on the classic avo toast alongside a handful of nourishing bowls. The focus on doing one thing well pays off, with standout options like the Beet Power and the indulgent Morning Glory elevating the humble fruit. It’s housed within a board game cafe, so drop by on a chill morning to linger over coffee and a match or two.


Dessert and sweet treats

Lune Croissanterie

(The Cube) 119 Rose St, Fitzroy
(Russell) 16/161 Collins St

The croissants at Lune are so good that at one time global food critics openly wondered if they were the very best in the world. The buttery, flaky pastry is meticulously produced and baked fresh daily at The Cube – one of the bakery’s two Melbourne locations – along with twice-baked almond croissants and lemon curd “cruffins” that have taken up many Instagram feeds. Over at its CBD location on Russell, you can enjoy the legendary croissant with espresso and filter brews – handpicked to bring out its best qualities.


Kumo Desserts

Floor G, Melbourne Central, 198 Little Lonsdale St

For the fluffiest souffle pancakes you’ve ever quivered a fork against, head over to Menbourne Central to a little dessert cafe named Kumo. Meaning “cloud” in Japanese, the cafe’s name is also its promise – serving up platefuls of souffle pancakes that are as pillowy soft as they are tasty. The secret? Cultured whey butter and a signature cooking process created to elevate fluffiness and flavour. Choose from flavours like boba brulee, strawberry skies, and nomtella, and pair with Kumo’s housemade gelato for the ultimate combo.


Sebby’s Scrolls

367 North Rd, Caulfield South

Cinnamon scrolls are an easy recommendation when it comes to sweet treats, but would you still reach for one that contains vegemite? Of course, this is Australia we’re talking about so the brewers’ yeast spread is bound to show up sooner or later. In any case, Sebby’s Scrolls offers a Vegemite and Cheese Scroll for a uniquely Australian treat  described as rich, salty and nostalgic. For a more traditional rendition, go for the classic Cinnamon scroll.


Best restaurants in Melbourne - Casual dining

Melbourne Winery

Floor G, RE Ross House, 247 Flinders Ln

Decked out in jade-green walls and yellow-checkered floors, this contemporary winery may seem like the last place to go for a casual meal, but follow the office crowds and you’ll find out why its Express Lane Lunch is so popular. The weekday-only menu serves up Western lunchtime favourites like Smashed Wagyu Beef Burgers, Potato and Parmesan Gnocchi, and Fish & Chips – together with a glass of beer, wine or soft drink – all from just $19. Great food and stunning settings at a reasonable price.


Bossa Nova Sushi Train

70 Bourke St

A dining concept that’s at once quirky, cute and delicious, Bossa Nova Sushi Train serves up tasty Japanese bites over the sophisticated, intimate beats of Brazilian bossa nova – with a genuine sushi train tying the whole experience together. Another point in its favour – the reasonably priced menu, highlighting homestyle Japanese cooking and bar bites. Think karaage, sando, croquettes and skewers. The seasonal menu also features a rotating selection of homemade gelato for a sweet finish.


Mesa Verde

Level 6/252 Swanston St

A crowd favourite since opening in 2013, Mesa Verde offers a unique blend of authentic Mexican cooking and Melbourne’s appetite for creativity. Perched on the sixth floor of Curtin House, right in the heart of the city, the restaurant also boasts the city’s largest collection of agave spirits. The menu features classic Mexican fare like tacos, quesadilla, ceviche, tostada, equites, and, uhm, kangaroo skewers (because why not). Not sure what to get? The 4-course Chef’s Selection will quickly quell quarrels and hunger pangs.


Best restaurants in Melbourne - Fine dining

Maison Batard

23 Bourke St

This four-storey French-inspired venue by famed restaurateur Chris Lucas is a vibrant celebration of Parisian flair, layered with distinctly Melbourne touches. From the breezy rooftop terrace serving elevated comfort bites to the grand dining floors below with their oyster bar and roaring grill, every level offers a different experience. The menu – composed of appetisers, sides, and mains – leans into simplicity, allowing the restaurant’s classic French cooking techniques to do the heavy lifting.


Ishizuka

Basement level b01/139 Bourke St

Tucked away in a basement off Bourke Street, Ishizuka is an intimate Japanese diner that delivers a theatrical, multi-course experience perfect for special occasions. The menu here follows the kaiseki concept, so expect seasonal, fresh local ingredients, expertly prepared by chef Katsuji Yoshino. What’s got local diners raving is the restaurant’s standout wagyu course, featuring prime cuts prepared two ways. Buckle up for a true feast of the senses.


Best restaurants in Melbourne - Halal options

Southern Xross Kebabs

102 Spencer St

This unassuming kebab spot opposite Southern Cross Station proves that great food doesn’t need the spotlight, winning over diners with generous portions and seriously satisfying flavours. Its crowdpleaser is the Meat Container, filled to the brim with expertly grilled, tender mixed meats slathered with garlic aioli, chilli and BBQ sauce. Recommended with crispy chips and fresh tabbouleh. With friendly service and consistently well-cooked fare, Southern Xross delivers both quality and comfort after a long day. Little wonder that this is the local’s go-to for a quick, hearty bite in the city.


YOI Indo Fusion

1/155 Franklin St

With bold flavours, fragrant spices and soulful, traditional dishes, YOI’s Indo brunches bring a taste of Bali right into the city. Its extensive menu encompasses the best of Indo comfort fare: Nasi Bali, Nasi Padang, martabak, salted egg fried chicken, chilli crab noodles, and even Padre coffee. With generous servings and dishes crafted with halal-certified ingredients where possible, YOI’s mix of vibrant flavours, thoughtful sourcing and feel-good dining makes it a firm favourite among local food lovers.


D’PENYETZ & D’CENDOL Carlton

112-114 Lygon St

Located in Melbourne’s Lygon Street – better known as Little Italy – D’PENYETZ is a charming little halal restaurant decked out in rattan furnishings and blue tiled walls. Its signature Indonesian-style smashed chicken (ayam penyetz) heads up a family friendly menu that also includes street noodles, satay, tahu telor and gado-gado. Save some room for the dessert; the eatery’s signature cendol is a rich and satisfying affair, topped with jelly, red beans and lashings of syrup.


Markets and local treats

American Doughnut Kitchen - Victoria Market

F-Shed, Queen St

One bite of American Doughnut Kitchen’s iconic hot jam doughnuts is all it takes to see why queues have been forming since the 1950s. This much-loved family business continues to draw crowds with its time-honoured recipe, as staff work away inside the signature blue-and-white van, frying and sugar-dusting each batch to perfection. Best enjoyed fresh from the fryer – hot and crisp on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside – but beware the molten red jam inside as you take a bite.


South Melbourne Market

322-326 Coventry St

South Melbourne Market is one of the best places to spend a morning shopping for fresh produce and delicious eats. The lively indoor market is filled with bustling stalls selling everything from local goods to produce to meat and seafood.

More than groceries and farm produce, the venue stands out for its wide selection of cafes serving global fare. Mama Tran Dumpling (Stall 35) is beloved for its selection of authentic Asian snacks spanning dim sum, dumplings, buns, noodles and rice dishes. For elevated Asian hawker-style plates and an innovative cocktail list, head over to Bambu (Stall 92). If you’re in the mood for something fresh and briny instead, head over to SMS Oyster Bar (Deli aisle) for fresh oysters, sashimi and poke bowls.

Don’t forget the dessert. My Cookie Factory (Stall 170) sells jumbo, NY-style cookies with just the right amount of chewy and crunchy. And for the grand finale, make a pit stop at Cannoleria (Stall 72) for its cult-favourite cannoli piped fresh to order using ricotta made from 100% Victorian milk.


Using Mari Credit Card in Melbourne

Man, that was a long list, but trust us, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what Melbourne’s captivating food scene has to offer.

Pair your gastronomic adventures in Melbourne with Mari Credit Card for an even sweeter experience. Here’s why:

• Earn 1.5% cashback¹ on every meal, snack or treat you charge to your card in AUD. No minimum spend required!
• No FX fees². No need to pay extra for foreign currency conversion
• Be assured of the rates³ from SGD to AUD so you won’t need to keep tracking or ever forgetting to exchange currency to use. Seamless acceptance. Accepted everywhere Mastercard is, you can simply tap or swipe for fuss-free payments.
• In-App tracking. Easily keep an eye on your travel budget and the cashback you earn in the MariBank App as you wine and dine your way across Melbourne.

Pro tip: Always pay like a local in AUD and not in SGD, so you can avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) charges.

Mari Credit Card is your best no-fuss, low fee, cashback card for all your travel needs. Sign up and enjoy the benefits of being a MariBank customer today. Terms and conditions apply.

Use Mari Credit Card in Melbourne

Disclaimer

¹ The 1.5% Cashback is only applicable for Eligible Overseas Spend in foreign currencies (non-Singapore Dollars) up to a maximum amount of S$1,500 of Eligible Overseas Spends in a Relevant Month. For more information, please refer to the Spend Overseas with Mari Credit Card: Promotion Terms & Conditions (valid till 31 Dec 2026) which apply.

² From 1 Jan 2026, all foreign currency transactions (including overseas and online transactions) which are posted to your Mari Credit Card account will not be subject to the prevailing charge and fee in the Mari Credit Card: Interest, Fees and Charges table, which can be found here.

³ For the FX Rates with Mari Credit Card Promotion Terms & Conditions which apply, please see here. Valid till 31 Dec 2026.