Victoria is Australia's most compact yet culturally rich state, home to the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, world-famous Great Ocean Road, and diverse landscapes from the Grampians to alpine regions. The state blends urban sophistication with natural wonders, offering everything from world-class dining to pristine national parks.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Vue de monde
Vue de monde sits on the 55th floor of the Rialto building, offering one of Melbourne's most breathtaking dining experiences. Chef Shannon Bennett pioneered the farm-to-table movement in Australia, and the restaurant continues to showcase exceptional Victorian produce through a degustation menu. The wine list is one of Australia's finest, and the city views are unparalleled.
55th Floor, Rialto, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne
Attica
Consistently ranked among the top 50 restaurants in the world, Attica in Ripponlea is the creative domain of chef Ben Shewry. The restaurant serves a multi-course tasting menu inspired by Australian indigenous ingredients, childhood memories, and the produce of the surrounding garden. Bookings are released months in advance and are highly sought after.
74 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea
Flower Drum
Flower Drum in Melbourne's Chinatown has been a Melbourne institution since 1975, widely regarded as one of the finest Chinese restaurants in the world. The restaurant serves impeccable Cantonese cuisine with exceptional attention to detail, from live seafood tanks to legendary Peking duck. The formal service, elegant dining room, and exceptional wine list make it an extraordinary experience.
17 Market Lane, Melbourne CBD
Chin Chin
Chin Chin on Flinders Lane is one of Melbourne's most popular restaurants, serving vibrant and punchy Southeast Asian food in a buzzing no-reservations atmosphere. The menu draws from Thai, Vietnamese, and Lao cuisines, with dishes designed for sharing. Queues form nightly but the bar downstairs (Go Go Bar) keeps waiting guests entertained.
125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
MoVida
MoVida on Hosier Lane is one of Melbourne's most loved restaurants, serving authentic Spanish tapas and raciones in a vibrant setting opposite Melbourne's famous street art laneway. Chef Frank Camorra's menu celebrates Andalusian and broader Spanish cuisine with fresh Victorian produce. The wine list specialises in Spanish varietals and the atmosphere is always lively.
1 Hosier Lane, Melbourne CBD
Tipo 00
Tipo 00 on Little Bourke Street is one of Melbourne's most celebrated pasta restaurants, earning a devoted following for its handmade pasta and simple but precise Italian cooking. The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal produce, and every dish demonstrates a masterful approach to Italian culinary tradition. The list of Italian natural wines is exceptional.
361 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Patricia Coffee Brewers
Patricia Coffee Brewers is a tiny standing-room coffee bar in the Melbourne CBD that has earned an outsized reputation for serving exceptional espresso. The narrow laneway space serves only coffee and a handful of snacks, forcing drinkers to engage with the coffee itself. Patricia is widely considered one of Melbourne's finest coffee experiences.
493-495 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Seven Seeds
Seven Seeds in Carlton is one of Melbourne's pioneering specialty coffee roasters, operating out of a converted garage space with industrial-chic design. The cafe serves outstanding single-origin coffees alongside an excellent all-day brunch menu. Seven Seeds has been instrumental in shaping Melbourne's world-famous coffee culture.
114 Berkeley Street, Carlton
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Modern Australian
Vue de monde
Attica
Lake House Restaurant
Cumulus Inc.
Estelle by Scott Pickett
Oakridge Winery Restaurant
Italian
Tipo 00
Grossi Florentino
Pellegrini's Espresso Bar
European
Epocha
Donovans
French
Lune Croissanterie
Bistro Vue
Japanese
Minamishima
Don Don Japanese Restaurant
Specialty Coffee & Brunch
Seven Seeds
Proud Mary
Argentinian
San Telmo
Armenian
Sezar Restaurant
Bistro
Restaurant Hubert (Joanna's)
Brunch
The Hardware Societe
Cantonese
Flower Drum
Cocktails & Bar Food
Vue de monde The Lui Bar
Coffee & Light Fare
Patricia Coffee Brewers
Contemporary Farm
Brae
Greek
The Press Club
Health Cafe
Tulum Eatery
Indian
Tonka
Korean
Gami Chicken & Beer
Lebanese
Rumi
Malaysian Hawker
Hawker Hall
Middle Eastern
Maha Restaurant
Modern Australian Neighbourhood
The Long Apron at Spicers Vineyards
Modern Australian Pub
Copperhead
Pan
Supernormal
Seafood
Chin Chin Geelong
Snacks & Wine
Smalls
Southeast Asian
Chin Chin
Spanish
MoVida
Steakhouse
Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne
Vietnamese
Anchovy
Wood
Embla
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |