Posted by Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne has a distinctly European feel, this may be as a result of its climate but also due to the many waves of European immigrants who have made the city home over the years. Well known for its cosmopolitan style, outstanding shopping and fashion, the city also has a strong food & wine culture, a sports mad population (just watch a live AFL match for proof of that) and is without doubt the leading event city in the country, with world class events such as the Australian Open Tennis, Formula One Grand Prix and the Spring Racing Carnival.
Melbourne is certainly a city that requires time and some degree of local knowledge to get a true feel for it, but dive in to its network of city laneways, cute cafes and stylish bars and you’ll quickly feel at home.
After you’ve discovered Melbourne City, check out Travis’ guides to other fabulous inner-city spots including St Kilda and Carlton.
This guide to Melbourne City was updated in July 2025.
Just Coffee..
Dukes Coffee Roasters | 247 Flinders Lane
Turning out excellent homegrown coffee in a stylish bolt-hole, the team at Dukes certainly know their stuff. Despite it being consistently busy, sometimes with lines out the door, they work fastidiously with dueling baristas working two sexy espresso machines. The small selection of pastries and treats they offer are the best of quality, their almond croissant is a favourite, and there’s an artisan tea menu if you are one of those weirdo’s that don’t drink coffee! Dukes Coffee Roasters
Brother Baba Budan | 359 Little Bourke St
From the passionate coffee team behind Carlton’s renowned Seven Seeds, they really only do coffee and a few toasties here, but they do it simply and very well. It’s always busy (the tiny space is often jam packed full of young hipsters) but it’s worth the wait for some of the best coffee in Melbourne. Brother Baba Budan
Patricia Coffee Brewers | Little Bourke St & Little William St
It’s standing room only (with some benches and milk crates scattered in the laneway if you really need a seat) in this tiny bolt-hole where they take the business of coffee very seriously. They offer a choice of their own beans, so you get to choose if you want your caffeine hit bold and chocolatey (Brazilian) or sweet and nutty (Nicaraguan), and sparkling water is served whilst you are waiting for your brew. Patricia is very very popular, so lines out the door are not unusual, especially during the mid-morning caffeine rush by nearby office workers, who come here for the quality coffee and on-point service. Patricia Coffee Brewers
Market Lane Coffee | Shop 73-76, Dairy Produce Hall, Queen Victoria Market
A boutique Melbourne roaster (they roast at their Prahran Market Store) that now has numerous outlets around the city. Whilst they offer a few food items like pastries and baguettes, coffee is their main focus and they do it very very well. Not surprisingly, other cafes are starting to source their coffee from Market Lane. Market Lane Coffee
Everyday Midtown | 213 Little Collins St
Everyday Coffee’s city outpost (their mothership is in Collingwood) is a bright, compact spot serving top-notch house-roasted Primo Coffee. A couple of tables and a bench seat offer quick respite. Great for a bagel and brew on the go in the heart of Melbourne. Everyday Midtown
ST. ALi Canteen | Shop 1, 30 Collins St
At the top end of town, this bolthole is tucked away at the back of a Collins St office building, serving Melbourne’s corporate types an excellent brew from locally renowned roasters, who established their initial roastery and cafe in South Melbourne back in 2005. Only open weekdays. ST. ALi Canteen
Traveller Coffee | 2/14 Crossley St
This tiny hole-in-the-wall espresso shop at the Spring Street end of town is also by Carlton’s popular Seven Seeds team – it’s basically a standing room only affair, good coffee is what it’s all about. Traveller Coffee
Breakfast & Brunch…
Krimper Cafe | 20 Guildford Lane
Guildford Lane is one of the city’s cutest laneways, home to old red brick warehouses and lined with quaint gardens. Krimper is housed in a former sawmill, filled with recycled furniture and rustic features like a 100-year old timber lift car that is used as a dining booth. The menu offers café staples done very well, the breakfasts are especially very good. It’s a rather large space, so when it’s busy the food can be a little slow to come out of the kitchen, but don’t be deterred by that. Krimper Cafe
Hardware Societe | 123 Hardware St
Hardware Société has long been a favourite for Melbourne brunch lovers, with a bold, inventive menu that redefines breakfast—just like their cookbook, No Eggs on Toast. This cosy CBD venue, opposite their original laneway spot, features a long communal table, daily specials, and French-Spanish inspired dishes like baked eggs done three ways. Portions are just right, and the ever-evolving menu keeps locals returning. A true Melbourne brunch institution with global flair. Hardware Societe
Higher Ground | 650 Little Bourke St
Set in a former powerhouse with soaring ceilings and a modern industrial design, although it’s a large space, be prepared for a wait as it’s insanely popular. The menu is cutting edge modern and can be difficult to decipher, but the food that lands is beautifully presented and tasty to boot. Despite the bustling vibe, the service is remarkably calm and swift. Higher Ground
Maverick | 95 Little Collins St
At the Paris end of town and well frequented by corporate folk on their morning coffee breaks, Maverick is a luxe café that perfectly suits its location. ‘Less is more’ is the creed with the interiors that are just elegant enough but still quite contemporary, whereas the inventive menu has a lot more depth to it, with most dishes containing an unusual twist or two to really up the ante – though perfectly poached eggs on thick toast are yours for the taking if that’s all you need. The food presentation is obviously crafted with social media in mind, the service is efficient and warm, and the coffee won’t let you down. Maverick
Manchester Press | 8 Rankins Lane
A long-standing laneway favourite, MP has not deviated very far over the years from its winning formula of great coffee and fresh, delicious bagels – choose your bagel type then pick from traditional toppings like a classic lox to some more interesting combinations like a bolognaise and mushroom one. A cool warehouse style space with a chilled vibe completes the perfect picture. Manchester Press
Bowery to Williamsburg | 16 Oliver Lane
Less trendy but with more substance than some of Melbourne’s laneway cafes, this pleasant diner sheltered in a sub-basement is inspired by NYC’s classic Jewish deli’s. Unlike NYC deli’s though, the coffee is pretty good and comes paired with an extensive bagel and sandwich menu, plus a Southern style breakfast and other yummy café fare. Bowery to Williamsburg
Captains of Industry | Level 1, 2 Somerset Place
Perched on the first floor of a heritage building, Captains of Industry is the kind of place that makes Melbourne’s café scene so special. A little quirky, a little unconventional, and effortlessly cool, this café offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern-day hipster appeal. Its discreet entrance off a laneway leads upstairs to a curio-filled space with vintage décor, large windows overlooking the leafy streetscape, and a relaxed, unpretentious vibe. Adding to its charm, the café shares its space with a barber shop and a bespoke shoemaker, making it feel more like a creative hub than just a place for coffee. The menu is refreshingly simple yet satisfying. Breakfast staples are well-executed, and the toasties lean toward indulgence. Coffee is, of course, excellent—this is Melbourne, after all.
Degraves Street & Centre Place | Off Flinders Lane, between Swanston and Elizabeth Streets
If you don’t have a specific venue in mind for breakfast or brunch, head to this precinct just north of Flinders Street Station and you’ll find these bustling laneways on either side of Flinders Lane, both home to a multitude of cafes and eateries. Degraves Street was one of the earliest laneways to really come alive in Melbourne, it’s still as popular as ever, with an expansive alfresco dining area and a selection of more traditional style cafes – Degraves Espresso is the most celebrated of these. Centre Place is a little more grungy, the narrow thoroughfare is flanked by tiny eateries and street food style vendors, providing a very Melbourne inner-city vibe.
Lunch & Dinner…
Gimlet at Cavendish House | 33 Russell St
Gimlet is styled like a very polished Parisien bistro, the spacious 1920’s room oozes style and grace, with high ceilings and grand art deco columns, and plush circular booths beckoning you to sink in and enjoy the show. The menu of Euro bistro fare isn’t overly long, but each dish comes with chef Andrew McConnell’s signature flair and finesse, marrying quality ingredients and precision cooking. The smartly attired staff provide old-world, attentive service, making Gimlet a special dining experience, but also one you could comfortably enjoy on a weekly basis. Gimlet at Cavendish House
Cumulus Inc. | 45 Flinders Lane
One of the mainstays in Andrew McConnell’s empire, Cumulus Inc. pulls off that perfect combination of casual style with fabulous contemporary share food, great wine and service that cannot be faulted. Open from breakfast through to dinner, anytime of the day is a good time to visit this grand dining room, though it is lovely at night when the lighting is low and moody. Cumulus Inc.
Embla | 122 Russell St
This cozy wine bar with standout food lures you in with its moody ambiance, exposed rafters, and ceiling-high wine-packed bookcases. The menu is small yet thoughtful (offering around ten smaller and five larger dishes), offering Euro-inspired dishes with complex flavors that are surprisingly easy to enjoy. Start with a hearty slab of sourdough, then expect punchy bites like fried polenta or chicken skin crisp with whipped anchovy. Wines are diverse, with the list helpfully divided in categories with headings such as ‘crisp or salty whites’ and ‘textural & decadent’, with strong Victorian and European selections. Seamless service complements the intimate vibe and fabulous food. Embla
Reed House | 130 Lonsdale St
Built in 1859 as a minister’s residence, this lovely restaurant blends history with heart. Its charming rooms, cozy fireplaces, and intimate dining space feel warm and inviting. The couple behind it bring serious hospitality cred, serving up bold, produce-driven British bistro fare. The short menu is perfectly executed—oysters, roast chicken, standout sides, and daily specials shine. Service is on point, the cocktails are fabulous, and the setting is refined yet approachable. A Werther’s Original chocolate with the bill offers a sweet, nostalgic finish. Reed House
Farmer’s Daughters | 95 Exhibition St
Farmer’s Daughters brings Gippsland’s bounty to the city with a produce-forward menu full of rustic charm and polish. The intimate space glows with warm timber and dappled sunlight. Sit at the bar to watch the kitchen at work. Highlights include crumbed fish, ploughman-style plates, and premium dry-aged beef. The wine list celebrates Gippsland and beyond, while cocktails like the All Aussie Negroni keep things lively. A true celebration of regional goodness. Farmer’s Daughters
Lee Ho Fook | 11-15 Duckboard Place
Lee Ho Fook offers a modern take on traditional Chinese cuisine, featuring inventive (and very yummy) dishes such as Pickled Spring Bay Mussels and Crispy Eggplant. The à la carte menu is not too extensive yet every dish demands your attention, whilst there’s a $180 tasting menu if you’re really feeling indulgent. Australian wines, both mainstream and niche, shine on the list, alongside classic cocktails. The intimate bar seating downstairs (with views into the compact kitchen) contrasts with the spacious, rustic upstairs dining room. Gentle and intuitive service paired with delicious food, thoughtfully executed, makes this a longtime Melbourne highlight. Lee Ho Fook
NOMAD | Lower Ground, 187 Flinders Lane
The NOMAD team have replicated their successful Sydney restaurant south of the border, though it’s not all same same, and there’s a definite Melbourne vibe in the buzzy sub-basement space that’s subtly stylish, with warm timbers, leather banquettes and the open kitchen at the rear of the room providing some theatre. Their creative take on Middle Eastern fare is a hit, with many dishes cooked over open flames and local Victorian produce the hero. Share plates are the way to go here, and the wine list is as refined as the rest of the dining experience. NOMAD strikes me as the ideal power lunch spot! NOMAD
Tipo 00 | 361 Little Bourke St
This suave yet unpretentious Italian pasta bar packs a mighty punch. Small and supremely busy, with attentive staff who are on top of their game, you’ll certainly feel the warm embrace of Italian hospitality here. The feasting starts with moorish snacks, followed by handmade pastas that are simply sensational, and a handful of secondi options. There’s a complimentary focaccia that comes as an interlude between courses and a fun wine list too. Tipo 00
Bar Lourinha | 37 Little Collins St
One of Melbourne’s stayers, Bar Lourinha has been serving consistently fabulous and creative Mediterranean food for well over a decade now. Start with Tapas, before progressing to Raciones, and do leave room for Queso & Dulce – most dishes are small but satisfying, with a great balance between simplicity and complexity. A seriously good wine list has been curated to match the fare perfectly. The room is intimate and gently buzzing, with walls covered in an eclectic collection of curios. Sit at the bar elbow to elbow with your neighbouring diners or opt for one of the more comfortable leather banquettes. Note: they only split the bill two ways, which can be tricky for larger groups. Bar Lourinha
City Wine Shop | 159 Spring St
A rustic European style wine shop and bar, the indoor bar is intimate and cosy – encouraging chatter amongst patrons, whilst the convivial alfresco pavement dining area is ideal on a warm afternoon or evening. Their wine selection is naturally extensive and browsing the well stocked shelves for your preferred drop is the best way to choose. They serve classic bistro style fare prepared to perfection, comfort food at its best. City Wine Shop
Reine & La Rue | 380 Collins St
The grand environs of The Cathedral Room in Melbourne’s old Stock Exchange sets the scene for a sublime dining experience, blending elegant decor, attentive service and contemporary French fare that impresses in its attention to detail and championing of fabulous produce. The raw bar is the obvious starting point, but don’t miss the bite size starters as they are a selection of tasty morsels that will leave you wanting more. A small choice of entrees and mains leads to a grill menu that carnivores will be delighted with. A long and impressive wine list spans the world, and whilst Reine & La Rue is one of the more expensive restaurants in Melbourne right now, you’ll still leave feeling like you got value for money. Reine & La Rue
Cookie | Level 1, 252 Swanston St
This large venue in the charming Curtain House building is split into two areas, a stylish beer hall style bar and a modern Thai restaurant. It’s one of the early modern Asian restaurants that took Melbourne by storm, and it’s still very popular many years later. The menu has a huge selection of dishes, the spice levels can be quite high, and it’s simply difficult to name any standout dishes as they are all quite divine. They also have a bible size wine list and a big choice of beers. Cookie
Ombra | 76 Bourke St
A younger sibling from the Grossi Florentino empire (just a few doors away from the mother restaurant), this cracking wine bar in a narrow room with vintage-chic decor and low lighting is the perfect date venue. Their fabulous Italian menu spans from Salumi and Formaggio through to pizza and a long and interesting Cicchetti (snack) menu. If you choose the sharing menu option, you will definitely not go hungry. Ombra
Local Icons…
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar | 66 Bourke St
The vanguard of Melbourne’s Italian movement, this snug cafeteria has seemingly changed little since the city’s first espresso machine was installed here in 1954. It’s often chaotic and a bit worn out, but sit at the counter and you will be made to feel like an old friend whilst you chow down on uncomplicated home-style Italian food just the way Nonna makes it.
The Waiters Restaurant | Level 1, 20 Meyers Place
Also known as The Italian Waiters Club, as the migrant Italian waiters used to gather here for late dinners after work – the menu here never changes and that’s perfectly OK with me as it’s still the same hearty homestyle Italian that they’ve been dishing up for years. The wine list is basic (they offer about 2 red and 2 white wines) and VB features on the beer list. The chalkboard menu has no prices, but you can be guaranteed a very good feed that won’t break the bank at this pretension free diner.
Supper Inn | Level 1, 15 Celestial Ave
An iconic Chinatown diner that’s been packing in the crowds since 1977, little seems to have changed in all that time, with the basic decor and brusque service weirdly charming relics of the seventies. The Cantonese food is reliably good, with all the classics on offer and a ‘TODAY SPECIAL’ menu that seems to never actually change. One of the few places in the city that you can still find a bottle of vino for under $40, it’s open until 2am so one of the best places in town for a late-night feast. Lining up in the narrow staircase for a table is all part of the experience, whilst you’re waiting be sure to add to the 40+ years of graffiti on the walls.
Hakata Gensuke | 168 Russell St
Possibly Melbourne’s best ramen joint, Hakata is cramped, warm and always busy, with proof of its popularity in the constant line of people waiting outside their flagship restaurant on Russell St (the popularity of which has spawned outlets across Melbourne). You really can’t go wrong with a big bowl of their classic Tonkotsu ramen, though they do offer a number of other ramen variations and classic snack dishes including gyoza. Hakata Gensuke
Drinks…
Bijou Bottle Store | 194 Little Collins St
Without a doubt my Melbourne favourite, Bijou is by the team behind the enduring icon that is Gin Palace – which happens to be just a few doors away. It’s tiny, personable and with shelves groaning with bottles of fine wine and all sorts of interesting liquors, including a substantial selection of gin. It is indeed a bottle store so takeaway is fine, but there are a handful of tables to linger longer and indeed that’s exactly what you’ll want to do as Bijou is impossibly cute and the team really know how to recommend the perfect wine or mix up a killer cocktail – it’s the type of place where you might start with a glass of vino then end up having five, but they’ll generously convert your charge for the five glasses to a bottle price. There’s also cheese and charcuterie platters and other delicious snacks on offer. There’s no reservations taken here, so just turn up and hope that a table won’t take too long to materialise – it’s worth the wait. Bijou Bottle Store
Caretakers Cottage | 139-141 Little Lonsdale St
This historic bluestone cottage was indeed once a church’s caretakers quarters, and though its now home to a welcoming and cosy bar, the intricate décor and design has maintained the original cottage feel, with paisley wallpaper, soft lighting and every nook and cranny in the tiny series of rooms used to accommodate happy imbibers. There’s a short but quite punchy cocktail list, natural wines and some tasty bar snacks too. The music is provided by an impressive library of vinyl records, and there’s an outdoor seating area when the tiny cottage is ‘full house’. It’s not surprising that this gem is one of only two Australian bars to be named in the The World’s 50 Best Bars for 2023. Caretakers Cottage
Apollo Inn | 165 Flinders Lane
This debonair drinking den is a little sister venue to Gimlet at Cavendish House. With the same polished service and food ethos as Gimlet, the menu is a perfectly crafted selection of cocktail friendly snacks, with seafood starring often. Martini’s and signature cocktails lead the beverage selection, with a varied and interesting international wine list for fans of the grape. The suited bar staff offers warm and refined service, the dimly lit room is both sexy and romantic, and you’ll easily get carried away by the timeless nature of this stylish bar. Apollo Inn
Siglo | Rooftop, 161 Spring St
Siglo is quite possibly Melbourne’s most charming rooftop bar. Entered via a discreet entry through the Melbourne Supper Club, the gorgeous terrace is styled much like a Parisian jardin, the views of Parliament House gently lit up at night are wonderful, and the refined service only adds to the appeal. The wine by the bottle list is vast, with a more concise choice by the glass, there’s Australian and international craft beers and all the classic cocktails you could want. Siglo
Gin Palace | 10 Russell Place
This enduring favourite is one of the city’s earlier laneway bars, it’s a plush (but slightly jaded) basement drinking den that has barely changed in years, it’s open as late as can be and serves killer cocktails! Naturally Gin is the specialty drink, and it comes in many varieties, including in knock-your-socks-off martinis. Settle into one of the dimly lit alcoves and let the night disappear, sometimes into the morning! Gin Palace
Heartbreaker | 234A Russell St
Modelled on New York style dive bars, Heartbreaker is dark, a little grungy, features images of 70’s rockers on the wood panelled walls, whilst the pool table and rock ‘n’ roll jukebox provide the entertainment. The beer list leans heavily on American brews, the cocktail selection covers the basic classics plus Boilermakers, and Connie’s NYC style pizza by the slice provides sustenance. This is a place dedicated to the fun of kicking back and enjoying a drink or four. Heartbreaker
The Toff In Town | Level 2, 252 Swanston St
A perfectly stylish wine and cocktail bar with cute train carriage style booths and a romantic little balcony overlooking Swanston St, this is a place for a very adult beverage or a late-night vino or two. The food bar snacks menu offers perfect drinking food like pizza and sliders, and the music and vibe seems to get louder as the evening progresses – The Toff is usually open until the wee hours of the morning. The Toff In Town
Kirk’s Wine Bar | 46 Hardware Lane
A simple and cosy European wine bar with fabulous food and a prime corner position with large windows looking onto their alfresco seating area on Hardware Lane. It morphs throughout the day from a simple French style breakfast and coffee spot, to the perfect light dinner and drinks venue at the day gets later. Kirk’s Wine Bar
Union Electric | 3 Heffernan Lane
Wedged into a tight space in one of Chinatown’s obscure laneways is this fun and chilled indoor/outdoor bar with a pleasant rooftop deck. Despite getting busy during peak times, the service is still spot on. Perhaps my current favourite laneway bar! Union Electric
Ponyfish Island | Evan Walker Bridge, Yarra River
A very unlikely location for a bar, but this is Melbourne afterall! Drinks at Ponyfish may leave you swaying a little, as it’s located right on river level at the base of the Evan Walker Footbridge, midway across the river – access is via a set of stairs from the bridge above. Whilst a makeover in 2020 upped the style ante on this decade old alfresco bar, it’s still a supremely relaxed spot for drink whilst taking in the unique river views, though beware this is firmly a fairweather venue.
Where to Stay…
The Melbourne CBD offers plenty of options to stay, but if you are visiting for leisure, you’re best staying in the heart of the city, centred around the intersection of Swanston and Bourke Sts, and in the blocks east towards Spring St and south to Flinders St. This is where you will find the best shopping, whilst restaurants and bars are plentiful, and the atmosphere is liveliest.
Pullman Melbourne City Centre | 195 Swanston St
One of the most centrally located hotels in the city, right on the doorstep of Bourke Street Mall, the Pullman emerged from a top to toe refurbishment in 2019 and the reno has held up well. The contemporary, spacious rooms are perfectly comfortable and ideal to retreat to after a day of exploring, but it’s definitely the location that will compel you to stay here. There’s a casual rooftop bar and one of the best hotel gyms in Melbourne, and if you’re feeling fancy, splash out on access to the plush Elevate Club Lounge with great city views – it’s worth it! Pullman Melbourne City Centre
Lancemore Crossley St. | 51 Little Bourke St
Perfectly located for eating and drinking adventures, as many of Melbourne’s best restaurants and bars are within a stone’s throw of the Lancemore, which reopened in 2020 after a top-to-toe refurbishment. With a chic, low-key urban look, the rooms are well thought out (with truly fab beds and dual head showers) and offer luxe amenities – even the smaller rooms serve their purpose. The highlight is the chilled rooftop terrace which is only open to hotel guests and though it doesn’t have a bar, the best thing is you can bring your own drinks, whilst neighbouring restaurants like Bodega Underground will deliver food to you on the rooftop! Lancemore Crossley St.
QT Melbourne | 133 Russell St
An Australian born lifestyle hotel chain with a dash of theatrics sprinkled throughout the experience, their purpose-built Melbourne outpost offers spacious, industrial-chic rooms and an eclectic range of F&B outlets, including a very popular rooftop bar. Ideally situated skipping distance to the city’s best bars and restaurants or shopping up a storm on nearby Bourke Street Mall. QT Melbourne
voco Melbourne Central | 18 Timothy Lane
voco Melbourne Central offers a sleek city escape with contemporary decor, floor-to-ceiling windows and natural light throughout. Conveniently located near major shopping hubs like Melbourne Central and Emporium, it sits neatly in the middle of the CBD. The hotel boasts a rooftop plunge pool and luxe room options – especially the King Bed Premium Bath corner room, where you can soak in the tub while admiring skyline views. voco Melbourne Central
Featured Photo: ‘The Iconic’ – Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar, Melbourne
Travis. 
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