Don't-Miss Dishes in Melbourne

With a coastal location that supplies prime fresh seafood, the influence of its international population, and a stable of established and up-and-coming culinary talent, Melbourne is one of Australia’s top food destinations. Here are a few things you don’t want to miss when visiting Australia’s second-largest city.

Melbourne’s European-like vibe means the city is home to plenty of shops and patisseries dedicated to the art of chocolate. Head to the city’s laneways and arcades to find some of the best.

Make your way to Chinatown to sample dumplings and compare your favorites from the neighborhood’s stalls and restaurants. Try them with hot chile sauce if you’re feeling brave.

Being a coastal city, Melbourne is home to numerous places to enjoy fresh oysters and other seafood. Queen Victoria Market is a popular spot to get your oyster fix—along with nearly anything else your foodie heart desires.

With influences from many Asian countries, Melbourne is teeming with eateries that offer different styles of curry, from creamy to spicy to vegetarian. Sri Lankan, Indian, and Thai cuisine can be found at popular city-center restaurants such as Chin Chin and Delhi Rocks. 

Not your grandma’s chicken pot pie, meat pies in Australia are sized for one person and come in several varieties, including steak, cheese, lamb, and seafood. These fast-food staples are available at most bakeries, but look for pies that are house-made instead of commercially produced to experience local flavor.