A melting pot of different cultures, Melbourne’s dining scene is heavily influenced by the many waves of migration to the city from across the globe. With an infamous obsession with quality coffee, and culinary influences from Asia to the Middle East, the Mediterranean to Africa and everywhere in between, you’ll be sure to find something that will sate your cravings.

Our event hosts, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, have put together a list of eateries and watering holes to check out, helping you make the most of your time here.

Be sure to book where you can!

Restaurants

Aru

Indigenous Australian & regional fare

• Aru Modern Australian combining native ingredients and Asian flavours.
• Big Esso Indigenous owned all-day bar and kitchen, bringing Indigenous food and culture back to the banks of Birrarung.
• Farmer’s Daughter A mix of casual dining in the deli, a farm to table restaurant using ingredients from regional Victoria, and a rooftop bar with locally sourced beers, wine & spirits.
• Vue de monde Classical fine dining in the modern context of Australian native ingredients.

Asian inspired

• Bamboo House Synonymous with northern Chinese cuisine in Australia offering the finest northern delicacies in luxurious surrounds. Widely considered to serve the best Peking Duck in Melbourne.
• Chin Chin A riotous collision of casual south-east Asian cuisine, contemporary art, and local culture. Pictured above
• Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar A modern Asian eating & drinking space designed to cater for people wanting shared plates and cool drinks in a buzzing atmosphere.
• Robata Japanese Grill A modern interpretation of the ancient Japanese grilling method Robatayaki (which translates to “fireside cooking”) located in the heart of the city.
• Sake Located just below the iconic Arts Centre Melbourne overlooking the Yarra River and Melbourne skyline, Sake offers a Japanese fusion menu. Perfect pre- or post-theatre destination.
• Seamstress Restaurant Once a former textile factory, 1930s sweatshop, brothel and Buddhist monastery is now home to one of the city’s most loved Asian Fusion restaurants. All about a shared dining experience served in a succession of short courses.  
• Supernormal An inspired interpretation of favourite Asian eating experiences. Influenced by the cuisine of Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul & Hong Kong, classic dishes are revisited & new favourites born.

Mediterranean & Middle Eastern

Maha Restaurant

• Bar Lourinha Iberian and Mediterranean inspired menu using the best of seasonal and local produce, and sustainable and organic food practises.
• Maha Restaurant Playful, full-flavoured Middle Eastern food, using a fresh, innovative and unrestricted approach with Mediterranean influences, skilfully redefining this ancient cuisine through modern dining. 
• Movida Celebrates the best of Spanish produce, technique and tradition through the lens of modern Australian food culture, highlighting the amazing produce available locally with a Spanish sensibility.
• Nomad Local sourced produced, with food inspired by Spain, Morocco, and the Middle East. Cooked with fire and smoke.
• The European Reminiscent of old-world Europe, mining the traditions of rural France, Italy & Spain.

The Americas

• Meatmaiden Classic American steakhouse and smokehouse dishes are reimagined, reinterpreted and twisted. Best local produce is sourced for custom-built grill and wood-fired smoker.
• Mejico Take a culinary journey from the bustling markets of Mexico City to the bold, lush flavours found in the depths of the Yucatan. Australia’s largest selection of tequila and mezcal.
• San Telmo Inspired by a love of Argentine food, wine, vivacious lifestyle and rich culture, with a menu that follows the Argentine tradition of food sharing.

Walk ins and cheap eats

• Pellegrini’s A Melbourne institution for Italian fare and coffee, Pellegrini’s is said to have had the first espresso machine to arrive in Melbourne in 1954. Walk in – no booking required.
• Tim Ho Wan First opened in Hong Kong, founding chef Mak Kwai Pui was awarded a Michelin star for Tim Ho Wan a year after it first opened. Walk in only.

Lune Croissanterie

Sweets & coffee

• Pidapipo and Piccolino Hand crafted traditional 100% natural Italian gelato and gelato cakes using time-honoured techniques.
• Lune Croissanterie Patisserie specialising in croissants.
• Duke Coffee Roasters An Australian organic specialty roasting company with the sole focus on the craft of carefully roasting the best organic coffees using innovative and methodic roasting practices.
• Puzzle Coffee A socially responsible bean to cup artisan coffee house offering speciality coffee with a focus on creating a better world with coffee, one piece at a time.

Drinks

Eau De Vie

• Arboury Afloat A decadent seasonal bar, sitting directly on the Yarra River opposite Hamer Hall.
• Berlin Bar Like its namesake city, Berlin Bar is split in two rooms; the “bunker in the Soviet side that is dark and rudimentary, and the posh and lavish “salon” in the democratic side.
• Curious A blend of music programming, creative concoctions and a menu of small bites and sharing plates for an all-night Melbourne cocktail bar experience.
• Eau De Vie Cocktails, wine, a hidden whisky room and a degustation table which hosts a five-course cocktail degustation experience, this hidden bar is straight out of 1920s prohibition America. Bookings essential.
• Gin Palace For the most ardent gin lover.
• Imperial Hotel Rooftop Sun-soaked seating, stunning views of Parliament House, & neighbouring the Princess Theatre, this is the perfect locale for a drink and bite to eat before or after the show.
• Madame Brussels Expect cocktails inspired by Melbourne’s 19th-century brothels alongside Bloody Shiraz Gin caviar with crème fraîche and more. Set in a rather fancy terrace and public house paying tribute to the brothel owner Caroline Hodgson, aka Madame Brussels.
• Nick and Nora’s A cocktail and champagne bar that brings the golden era of glamourous post prohibition soirees to the modern day. A magnificent food menu compliments the extensive range of champagne and cocktails perfectly.
• Ponyfish Island Sitting right on the Yarra River underneath Even Walker Bridge in Southbank, this is the perfect spot for cocktails, wine or beer and nibbles.
• Rooftop at QT Take the lift to the top floor to mingle by the glowing Melbourne skyline. This is where locals stop for a decadent, classy drink or two.
• Siglo An iconic Melbourne roof top bar, rising from wraparound timber stairs, with stunning cube of industrial steel, glass and neon, opening to striking city views. Focuses on classic cocktails, spirits & champagne, as well as a selection of fine Cuban cigars and bar snacks.