The ultimate guide to food in Melbourne

Felycia is a Study Melbourne Ambassador. Study Melbourne has 15 international student and alumni ambassadors for 2019. During their time as ambassadors, they regularly share insights and experiences to help international students have a great experience while studying here in Victoria.

By Felycia Viffany

Living in Melbourne and being a foodie is like a dream come true. There are so many options, from all over the world. I can find the flavours of home, a great coffee or delicious brunch all in one place. Check out my favourite places to eat around Melbourne.

Renowned for its world-class coffee, Melburnians are naturally obsessed with their morning caffeine hit. For a local experience, try heading down to Degraves Street for a wide selection of Melbourne’s busiest cafes and brunch spots. One of our favourite go-to spots for coffee is Dukes Coffee Roasters (247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne), just off the main strip. I recommend their single origin espresso. Alternatively, if you’re feeling fancy, try heading to Brunetti (250 Flinders Lane). This Italian-style café serves not only coffee but also offers a wide selection of European-style sweets and desserts.

For an authentic foodie experience, why not head out with a couple of friends to one of Melbourne’s most instagrammable brunch spots - The Hardware Societe (10 Katherine Place, Melbourne). Here, you’ll find a range of French-inspired dishes such as baked eggs and fried brioche. Do, however, expect long lines as the place gets quite packed, especially on weekends.

Another venue popular with locals and university students is Seven Seeds (114 Berkeley Street, Carlton). This warehouse, now brunchspot serves all day brunch as well as a seasonal coffee menu. Try their tasty eggs and waffle benedict or opt for their avocado smash for a vegetarian option.

After a healthy dose of retail therapy, perhaps you might be starting to feel a little peckish. Why not head inside Emporium for some great lunch options? One of my favourites is the Japanese-fusion restaurant Calia (Shop 8, Level 3 Emporium, 287 Lonsdale Street).  Try its popular menu item- the Crispy Roast Pork Bowl or if you’re a seafood fan, the Aburi Salmon.

Alternatively, if you’re craving something heavier, head down to Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co (97 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne) for their delicious range of juicy American-style burgers. The burger joint is also famous for their ‘concretes’, a gourmet custard ice-cream available in a range of interesting flavours.

If you fancy some afternoon tea, head down to the Block Arcade and look for the display window full of mouth-watering cakes and desserts that is Hopetoun Tea Rooms (282 Collins Street, Melbourne). Having opened in 1892, this tea room continues to offer some of the best high tea selections in Melbourne.

Now onto dinner - try Stalactites (177/183 Lonsdale Street) for some authentic Greek cuisine. Their famous souvlakis are a must try. Otherwise, their home-style Greek dishes are all delicious. Feeling like Thai? Head down to Chin Chin in Flinders Lane, a local hotspot offering Thai-fusion dishes and a great ambience. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a cheapdining option look no further than Don Don (198 Little Lonsdale Street). This is a student favourite offering Japanese style donburi (rice bowls). Our favourite is the Chicken Curry Don. The great thing about Don Dons is that not only is it cheap (everything is under $10), the food is also served almost instantly right after you order.