It can be pricey to eat out every day, especially if you are a student living in Melbourne with limited budget for meals.

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There are many kinds of cuisine that will cover your meals from brunch to dinner time in Melbourne.

Photo Credit: Yamato Japanese

#1 YAMATO JAPANESE

A cosy space hidden away at the end of an alleyway in the heart of Chinatown, Yamato Japanese is a small restaurant that serves as authentic Japanese food.

Stepping into the charming little restaurant immediately transports you to an izakaya in Japan, the air filled with the smell of delicious greasy bar food and friendly Japanese waitresses taking orders in fluent English. The menu serves a wide variety, from everyone’s favourite sushi rolls to curry rice bowls and ramen.

On a cold day in Melbourne, tucking into their Shabu Shabu (A$15.80/pp) served on a hotpot is great for keeping warm in this homely restaurant.

28 Corrs Ln,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9663 1706
Mon to Thur: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Fri: 11am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat and Sun: 5pm – 10.30pm

Photo Credit: Little Rogue

#2 LITTLE ROGUE

This little café is also tucked away in an alley outside Melbourne Central shopping centre, it is a gem that many only know through word-of-mouth recommendations. Despite being located right next to the ever-crowded Swanston Street, Little Rogue provides an escape away from the hustle of the city.

A popular favourite amongst its young visitors is the Matcha Latte (small for A$4.30, large for A$6) and the Iced Matcha (A$6.50), which is also available in a large takeaway bottle for enjoyment in the comfort of your own private space.

It is easy to understand why these are favourites as they are not overly sweet, which allows the fresh bitter and earthly taste of the matcha flavour to come through just right. Start your weekend right with one of their coffees and a cake pairing.

12 Drewery Ln,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 6pm

Photo Credit: Sushi Hotaru

#3 SUSHI HOTARU

Sushi is a popular lunch option for Melbournians who are looking for a quick bite. Sushi Hotaru is one of the few sushi joints in Melbourne that serve the well-loved Japanese dish on a conveyer belt.

Dishing out a wide variety of hand rolls, sashimi, sushi and nigiri, Sushi Hotaru is a favourite for its no-frills ordering system, sushi train and budget friendly experience if you’re tired of the usual hand rolls.

Midcity Arcade, 118/200 Bourke St,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9663 7538
Mon to Sun: 11.30am to 10pm

Photo Credit: Brown Bagels

#4 BROWN BAGELS

A great casual breakfast or lunch alternative is Brown Bagels.

Choose something sweet with a coffee for breakfast or switch it up with one of their gourmet bagel sandwiches, some of which take on a unique Korean twist.

25 Equitable Pl,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9670 9114
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 3.30pm

Photo Credit: Dodee Paidang

#5 DODEE PAIDANG

Situated right beside Brown Bagels is Dodee Paidang, a casual Thai restaurant that is usually packed with students and workers.

Instead of sitting along the lane outside, head down the stairs to a larger seating area. Their menu offers a wide selection of food, including the usual favourites of Pad Thai with Chicken (A$10.90) and Pad See Ew with Beef (A$10.90), as well as an extensive menu of customisable noodles: from the noodle type to the spice level.

353 Little Collins St,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9602 4968
Mon to Sun: 6.30am – 1am

Photo Credit: k aren

#6 CJ LUNCH BAR

Right along the ever-popular Hardware Lane is the simple CJ Lunch Bar, which serves value-for-money casual Korean food with generous portions, from dons to bentos.

A favourite amongst diners is the Cheese Chicken Bulgogi (A$17.50) and comes out smoking with a heaping pile of chicken marinaded in spicy Korean sauce.

391 Little Lonsdale St,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9602 5559
Mon: 11.30am – 10pm
Tues to Sat: 11.30am – 9pm
Sun: Closed

Photo Credit: Roule Galette

#7 ROULE GALETTE

Near the famous Flinders Street Station is Roule Galette, a cute little French creperie that is concealed from the busy Flinders Lane.

Upon stepping into the creperie, you will be given the option to either sit outdoors or the cosy and homely indoors, where you will be able to observe them making crepes while singing along to French tunes. Offering both sweet and savoury options, their crepes are warm and perfectly soft yet crispy.

237-241 Flinders Ln,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9639 0307
Mon to Thur: 7.30am – 8pm
Fri: 7.30am – 9.30pm
Sat: 9am – 8pm
Sun: 9am – 5pm

Photo Credit: Takahiro Shimizu

#8 DON DON

A favourite amongst Melbournians for cheap eats, Don Don has several joints spread across the city serving quick Japanese rice bowls at great budget prices.

Choose from a Teriyaki Don (A$7.70) to Beef Curry Don (A$8). Their food is great for students seeking a quick bite to eat that isn’t greasy fast food.

198 Little Lonsdale St,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9670 7113
Mon to Sun: 11am to 9pm

After a two-year long renovation, Higher Ground Melbourne alas opened its doors to the public on 04 July 2016. The venue—located just across Southern Cross train station in the city—is housed within a heritage-listed 19th-century former power station and characterised by exposed brick walls, high ceilings of at least three storeys and beautiful arched windows.

Higher Ground Melbourne’s old-world charm is juxtaposed with lounge-style nooks, split-level mezzanines, potted greenery and minimalistic decors. The new dining establishment is brought to you by the same team behind Top Paddock and Kettle Black; and a formidable line-up of chefs with reputations of pushing boundaries helm this gorgeous space.

Higher Ground is the hottest brunch spot in Melbourne RN.

The comprehensive menu at Higher Ground Melbourne showcases an array of delectable brunch and dinner items. These innovative delicacies are not your typical cafe nosh. Think Spicy Cauliflower Scrambled Eggs (A$19.50) served with homemade flat bread and Wagyu Short Rib Roll (A$19) complemented with chilli, daikon, sesame and crisp vegetables.

Should these alternative classic interpretations not suit your fancy, you can always choose to stick to familiar crowd pleasers such as Ricotta Hotcakes (A$21). These incredibly light and fluffy pancakes are garnished with edible flowers, seasonal fruits and drenched in luscious maple syrup. Do note that the portion is massive – hence you might actually want to share.

Coffee is serious business here and you can expect to sip the same caffeinated beverages as you would from its sister restaurants, Top Paddock and The Kettle Black. This is because Higher Ground Melbourne uses the same beans from the group’s own coffee roastery, Square One.

Higher Ground Melbourne’s impressive interiors is already a major draw itself. But its immediate success also lies in its several other key factors, namely its unique never-seen-before gourmet inventions that taste as good as they look, artisanal premium coffees that already have a legion of fans and friendly hospitable staff who are passionate in what they do.

Melbourne food maestro Nathan Toleman and his talented A-team have indeed taken brunch in Melbourne to a whole new level of higher grounds with Higher Ground.

Higher Ground Melbourne
650 Little Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: +61 3 8899 6219
Mon to Wed: 7am – 4pm
Thu and Fri: 7am – 4pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Sat: 8am – 4pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Sun: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Train Station: Southern Cross

For more recommendations, read our guide on 26 cafes in Melbourne’s suburbs that are worth travelling for out of the city centre.

Ask any Australian which is the best café in Melbourne and most of them will direct you to Proud Mary.

The Collingwood café has achieved a lot over the past seven years; it was ranked as Melbourne’s Best Café in 2012 by The Age Good Food Guide and most recently, it was ranked as Australia’s second best cafe by review site Beanhunter.

Proud Mary is more than just a coffee shop. The household name has evolved tremendously and today, it is also a coffee educator, a coffee retailer and a coffee roaster. Founder Nolan Hirte makes it a point to visit the coffee producers annually to maintain a sustainable working relationship.

Proud Mary is packed daily as eager patrons flock to the backstreets of Collingwood to get their brunch and caffeine fix. The queue is notorious and if you cannot wait, do call to make a reservation. However, do note that bookings are accepted only on weekdays.

Start your day with a Flat White (A$3.80) or a Nitrogen Infused Cold Brew (A$6). The beans used to prepare your coffee are on a rotational basis—simply refer to the current coffee showcase menu to understand where your coffee comes from.

The speciality coffee café also takes its food very seriously. Ingredients are primarily local and vegan options are available. Treat yourselves to Pork On Ya Fork (A$21.50) or Butterscotch Hotcakes (A$18.50).

Should you be interested to learn the ropes from Proud Mary’s baristas, you could register your interest for coffee classes too. Courses range from a two-hour An Introduction To Grading Green Bean Coffee class to a two-day Barista Boot Camp.

Proud Mary
172 Oxford St
Collingwood VIC 3066
Tel: +61 3 9417 5930
Mon to Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat and Sun: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Tram Station: Hodgson St/Smith St

Melburnians are the most passionate foodies you would ever meet – they take immense pride in the coffee they brew, the ingredients they source and the food they prepare. Recently, the most liveable city on earth also emerged as champion for having the world’s best coffee. Here is our guide to Melbourne’s top 9 cafes where you can indulge in the freshest food and first-class coffee. Every café in this guide has a well-curated menu with vegetarian and gluten-free options.

BREAKFAST THIEVES

Breakfast Thieves is a beautiful spacious café that serves premium coffee (AUD $3.50) and splendid food. The large communal tables are great for group outings, where you and your mates can share a couple of mains. With an emphasis on fresh local goodness, all the beans used at Breakfast Thieves are hand roasted and 100% ethical.

The social blend won a silver medal at the Golden Bean awards in Espresso Category. Special weekender menu includes Ms. Omega (AUD $15.50); a citrus-cured ocean trout on fragrant sourdough and oozing poached eggs drenched in traditional hollandaise sauce.

Shop 1, 420 Gore St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Tel: + 61 3 9416 4884
Tue to Sun: 7.30am – 4pm

CRABAPPLE KITCHEN

Melburnians are beyond spoilt for choice when it comes to breakfast and brunch. With a new café opening up every week, it is indeed tough to decide which café is worthy of your time and money.

Crabapple Kitchen’s crabapple sliders have been ranked as one of Melbourne’s top 25 buns, which explain the crowds on Saturdays. The refreshingly light brioches filled with fresh blue swimmer crabmeat, thin strips of radish, julienne apple mustard cress and mayo make perfect guilt-free snacks. Other must-orders include the classic Australian Chicken Schnitzel.

659 Glenferrie Rd Hawthorn, VIC 3122
Tel: +61 3 9078 5492
Daily: 7am – 5pm
Fri: 6pm – late

DE CLIEU

De Clieu was named after a French commissioned officer, the first person to introduce coffee to the French colonies in South America in the 1720s. Needless to say, coffee is serious business like how it is in most Melbourne cafés. Six Degrees Architect had made it possible for guests to perch themselves on windowsills and Seven Seeds ensured the consistency of great coffee. With an effortlessly impressive menu, there is no reason why this hipster haunt should be left out from our guide to Melbourne’s best cafes.

1/187 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Tel: +61 3 9416 4661
Mon to Sat: 7am – 5pm
Sun: 8am – 5pm

GRUB FOOD VAN

People sick of cutting edge cities’ lifestyles would find Grub Food Van’s peculiar nonchalance for the outside world extremely heartwarming. Located in Fitzroy; Melbourne’s bohemian district, Grub Food Van had made a name for itself with its quirky design and interiors. Artisan breads and boutique beers are accompanied by the creepy exhibition of bodiless dolls around the glass house.

If alfresco dining is what you fancy, watch in amazement as food is served through an old school 1965 airstream van. Pastries start from AUD $5.50 and beers start from AUD $6. One must not miss out on this eclectically bizarre experience.

87-89 Moor St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Tel: +61 3 9419 8991
Tue, Wed, & Sun: 8am – 6pm
Thu to Sat: 8am – 9pm

KRIMPER CAFE

Krimper Cafe was once a furniture factory and a gallery, but today this spacious warehouse is a café well loved by locals in the know. Named after a famous designer in the 1950s, this rustic looking cafeteria is tucked away from the main streets, in one of Melbourne’s oldest alleyways. Its secluded location makes it hard to believe that it is actually right smacked in the city center; a 5 minutes walk from Melbourne Central to be exact.

Start your day with the Krimpers Benedict, a classic dish with a Krimper twist; pulled smoked ham hock and poached eggs with fresh basil pesto, leafy greens and rich hollandaise sauce.

20 Guildford Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: +61 3 9043 8844
Mon to Thu: 7am – 5pm
Fri: 7am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 4pm

PROUD MARY

Proud Mary has every right to be proud of what they have achieved. Ever since its grand opening day, Proud Mary has set a high benchmark for quality coffee in Melbourne. They are the rightful owners of the world’s one and only six group Synesso espresso machine and was hailed as Melbourne’s Best Café in 2012 by The Age Good Food Guide.

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Expect the café to be packed even on a weekday as crowds flock to the backstreets of Collingwood to get their caffeine and brunch fix. The kitchen closes at 3PM and bookings are only allowed on weekdays.

172 Oxford St, Collingwood VIC 3066
+61 3 9417 5930

SEVEN SEEDS SPECIALITY COFFEE

It has been agreed unanimously by all Melburnians that a café without good coffee is not a great café. Right in Seven Seeds, one can have the best of both worlds. Seven Seeds is clearly the A team of Melbourne’s blooming food and beverage industry; premium coffee blends are roasted by experienced baristas and only exceptional gourmet food is served. While the coffee and food selections are ever changing with the season, the quality remains top notch at all times.

106-114 Berkeley St, Carlton VIC 3053
Tel: +61 3 9347 8664
Mon to Fri: 7am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 5pm

THE HARDWARE SOCIETE

With its variation of textures and explosion of fresh flavours in every dish, The Hardware Societe had always been acclaimed as Melbourne’s best brunch place. However, an unfortunate fire outbreak saw it closing its doors for a few months. After a torturous long wait, The Hardware Societe finally resumed operations with a refined look.

Evidently, absence had made the hearts of Melburnians fonder as the queues have returned at Hardware Street. But if you are not deterred by the wait, treat yourself to their succulent Duck Confit (AUD $21), Baked Eggs (AUD $17) and fresh Fish Du Jour (AUD $20).

120 Hardware St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: +61 3 9078 5992
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 3pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 2pm

THIRD WAVE CAFE

Newly opened and already making waves in its vicinity is Third Wave Café. It boasts an extensive menu including modern contemporary Australian, American and even Russian cuisine! Coffee is supplied by the trusty Five Sense blend while the wine snobs are well taken care of with their vast collection of international and local wines.

Third Wave had proved that healthy food can just be as delicious with their Crusty Salmon (AUD $20) covered in quinoa and blobs of beetroot puree. A must-order for the sweet tooth would be the heavenly creamy Orange French Toast (AUD $16.90), definitely the best toast we ever had.

30 Cato St, Prahran, VIC 3181
Tel: +61 3 9510 2991
Mon, Wed to Sun: 8am – 10pm
Tue: 7am – 3.30pm

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc. She is currently on a break and traveling around the world. Follow her travel adventures on Instagram or The Keepers Map where she shares useful curated travel itineraries.

Whoever said that great food comes at a hefty price is absolutely wrong. Believe it or not, you are able to treat your palates to award winning French patisserie, ramen that had been painstakingly prepared for over 10 hours or Heston Blumenthal inspired liquid nitrogen ice cream within a tight budget. Here is our guide to Melbourne’s Top 10 Cheap Eats under AUD $10.

Brown Bagels

Brown Bagels is a tiny underrated café with a large variety of bagels to offer. From sourdough rye to poppy seed to sesame, this bagel haven is perfect for the deprived New Yorker. Made fresh daily with a generous amount of ingredients (ham/salmon/beef) as fillings, these lightly toasted yummy bagels are priced under AUD $10 each. Sweet bagels are also available for the sugar addicts.

330 Collins St
Shop 10 Equitable Pl
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Tel: 03 9670 9114

Chuckle Park Bar and Café

Opened from 12PM to 1AM everyday, Chuckle Park is a café by day and a bar by night. Located in one of the mini laneways along Little Collins Street, Chuckle Park is one of Melbourne city’s best hidden gems. Mouthwatering Spanish food is prepared from an old mini caravan and the heavenly slow pulled pork sliders (AUD $9.50) are not to be missed. Chuckle Park is as eccentric as its name – beautiful terrariums that glow in the dark are securely hung on the overhanging wires, the floor is carpeted with artificial grass and a Virgin Mary statue is surrounded by dozens of colourful roses.

322 Little Collins St
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Tel: 03 9650 4494

Cupcake Central Workshop

Cupcake Central bakes its cupcakes fresh daily, which sell out like hotcakes. With a seasonal menu, surprise Friday flavours, vegan & gluten free options and baby cakes for the weight-conscious sweet tooth, Cupcake Central has a long line of loyal customers that keep returning for the goodness. The most popular cupcake is the classic red velvet with cream cheese frosting. Regular cupcakes are priced at AUD $4 each while the bite sized cupcakes are AUD $2 each.

Level 2 Dining Hall, Melbourne Central
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Tel: 03 9077 4542

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Flip Board Café

Opened and designed by architect Martin Heide and interior designer Megg Evans, Flip board has been the talk of the town since day one of its operation. This mini three story split-level café had attracted a large number of presses and is loved by all for its marvelous architecture and excellent coffee (AUD $4). Light refreshments such as fresh yogurt and baguettes are also available for purchase at the counter.

141 La Trobe Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Tel: 03 9639 7259

La Petit Creperie

A little slice of Paris can be found at the corner of Swanston Street and Little Collins Street, where Melbourne’s smallest takeaway crepe stand stands. Founded by French enthusiasts and run by French employees, La Petit Creperie unsurprisingly serves Melbourne’s best French crepes.

A whiff of these fragrant delicacies can be detected even meters away. Freshly made to order the French way, the delicate crepes are stuffed with a sweet filling (homemade salted caramel, nutella with almonds and more) and presented prettily on a cone.

Corner Swanston St And Little Collins St
Melbourne, VIC 3000

Le Petit Gateau

It is not by sheer coincidence that Le Petit Gateau’s cakes are all incredibly delicious. Many netizens have synonymously agreed that Melbourne’s best cakes are the creations of award winning French pastry chef Pierrick Boyer.

The most popular cake is Passion Fruit Brownie; a brownie-based cake with alternating layers of passion fruit custard and chocolate mousse, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. Other favourites include the crunchy Hazelnut millefeuille and sinful Peanut Jelly. Their coffee and cake deal (AUD $10) starts after 2.30PM.

458 Little Collins St
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Tel: 03 9944 8893

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Little Ramen Bar

Little Ramen Bar is extremely kind to offer their Classic Tonkotsu Ramen at an unbelievably affordable price (AUD $9.90). Cooked for over 10 hours to achieve a delectable creamy broth, the tasty ramen is then served with tender pork slices, bamboo shoots, spring onions and topped with seaweed.

It also serves impeccable pan-fried dumplings and other lip-smacking Japanese starters to complement your authentically scrumptious ramen. Ramen can be made without pork upon request and vegetarian options are also available.

346 Little Bourke St
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Tel: 03 9670 5558

N2 Extreme Gelato

N2 Extreme Gelato is not a typical ice cream shop. Be wowed by the spectacular show as food scientists in their gigantic white cloaks and goggles churn away to produce gelato (AUD $6 per cup) in seconds. The logic behind this magic is food science – upon contact with liquid nitrogen at –196°C, crystallization of the gelato mix takes place instantaneously. The tiniest crystals are created, giving an ultra smooth texture, which cannot be achieved in the traditional methods of ice cream making. The exciting menu changes every Thursday and expect many interesting flavours such as bizarre SPAM canned meat and classic crème brulee.

329 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy, VIC 3065
Tel: 03 1234 5678

Purple Peanuts Japanese Café

There are endless sushi kiosks in Melbourne CBD but one particular store had won the hearts of many. With a quirky name of Purple Peanuts Japanese, cutesy interiors and an interesting modern Japanese menu, the crowd soon stretched from neighbouring office workers to die hard foodies.

The refreshing prawn soba salad (AUD $9.50) is a must order – organic buckwheat noodles tossed in a chili infused sesame mayo sauce, served with large juicy prawns and leafy greens. Other hot items include the nutritious brown rice sushi rolls and onigiris.

620 Collins St
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Tel: 03 9620 9548

The League of Honest Coffee

The League of Honest Coffee is truly in its own league. Coffee is serious business here and you can tell from their vast selection of beans and accessories. Supplied by Padre Coffee (a Melbournian boutique specialty coffee), The League of Honest Coffee uses only the best-curated espresso blends. The espresso blend is rotated every few days, enabling customers to sample a variation of coffee. The café also serves impressive Mexican quesadillas that are complemented with a stimulating avocado-based dip.

8 Exploration Lane
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Tel: 03 9654 0169

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc. She is currently on a break and traveling around the world. Follow her travel adventures on Instagram or The Keepers Map where she shares useful curated travel itineraries.

Dressed up to the nines and ready to splurge on that one special occasion? Be it an anniversary dinner or a birthday lunch, there are 5 fine dining restaurants in Melbourne – located in the CBD, Docklands, Southbank and Eastside of the city – for you to visit, namely Atlantic, Bistro Guillaume, No 35, Zio’s and New Quay. Atlantic has been host to Lady Gaga, Bistro Guillaume has won several chef hat awards over the past few years, No 35 overlooks the skyscrapers of Melbourne CBD, Zio’s chocolate soufflé has been coined as “to die for” and last but not least, New Quay does it buffet style.

Atlantic

Located in Crown Entertainment Complex along the riverside, the Atlantic fine dining restaurant is famous amongst both Melburnians and tourists. Featured on UK’s leading travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller, Singapore Epicure Magazine & over fifty other online and print media, it is no surprise that even Lady Gaga paid a visit to this prestigious restaurant.

The Atlantic has 3 different designated areas for you to patronize – the restaurant, the oyster bar and the private dining room. Their executive chef, Donovan Cooke, is a renowned culinary figure, having won awards and appeared in Master Chef: The Professionals.

Their slogan, Ocean to Plate, perfectly describes their working mechanism – seafood is carefully hand selected from both local and specialist sources, assuring you superbly fresh ingredients throughout the menu. They have several different types of oysters to choose from and each oyster is priced at AUD $4. Even the poultry is as good as the seafood! I managed to try the yummy slow roasted corn fed chicken (AUD $38), which was served with Portobello braised mushrooms and broad beans.

Crown Entertainment Complex
8 Whiteman Street
Southbank VIC 3006 Australia
Tel: +61 3 9698 8888
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm

Bistro Guillaume

The Crown Entertainment Complex houses numerous award-winning restaurants. Bistro Guillaume is just a few restaurants away from The Atlantic (see above) and has been awarded One Chef Hat by The Age Good Food Guide for the past 2 consecutive years.

Guillaume is particular about their wines, with half its bottles imported from France and another half sourced from Victorian wineries.

I had a terrific time there even though the French Onion Soup (AUD $16) failed to impress. The Smoked Salmon with dill cream and toasted brioche (AUD $25) was fantastically fresh and tasty. The delicious Caesar Salad (AUD $22) is served main course size with generous portions of tender chicken and crunchy bacon. The other mains, Half Roasted Chicken with Paris Mash (AUD $38) and the Whole Baby Snapper (AUD $36) were such delicacies. They were delightfully flavourful but not over the top.

Crown Entertainment Complex
8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006
Tel: + 61 3 9292 4751
Daily: 12pm – 11pm

No 35

I was on cloud nine while dining at No 35, located at level 35 of Sofitel Hotel. Dining at No 35 allows one to simultaneously tuck into the scrumptious modern cuisine and watch the lovely sunset over the skyline of Melbourne City. The interiors of the restaurant are filled with shades of gold and red, accompanied by contemporary arts, and musicians playing tranquil classics in the background.

No 35’s philosophy is to focus on local organic produces and pure flavours. The waiters are very knowledgeable about their food menu and wine list. Upon explaining my fancy for fruity liqueur, I was recommended local Moscato Rouge East 2009 from Mornington Peninsula and it was indeed love at first taste. The food is however far from cheap as a meal on average costs about AUD $75. Nonetheless, it is definitely worth making a trip up to the restaurant at least once for the wonderful experience.

35/25 Collins Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000
Tel: +61 3 9653 7744
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sun: 5.30pm to 10pm

New Quay

When the two words fine dining come into mind, people usually think of small portion gourmet food served over a few courses in a high-class restaurant setting by formally dressed waiters.

New Quay, however, has an entirely different concept. The fine dining restaurant establishes itself as an international buffet, serving almost everything from Chinese Peking Duck to French Crème Brulees. Most dishes are self-serve, hence leaving you to decide the variety and quantity on your plate. Dinner buffet costs AUD $58 per person on weekdays and AUD $63 per person on weekends. While the quality of the food may not be as excellent as the other highly acclaimed restaurants listed above, this restaurant still won me over with its huge selection of international cuisine.

Fine dining in buffet style? I love it.

4-6 New Quay Promenade
Docklands VIC 3008
+61 3 9670 3889
Closed on Tuesdays
Daily (except Tuesday): 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

Zio’s

Rumour has it that Zio’s restaurant has the best chocolate soufflé (AUD $16.90) in Melbourne. I visited the beautiful Victorian house in East of Melbourne to verify this claim, and. I will not deny that my partner and I actually devoured the sinful dessert within a minute.

Zio has been around for two decades and has won itself a long list of loyal customers with its mouthwatering food. The European dishes are influenced by Asia cooking, making the menu even more interesting. For entrees, I would highly recommend the amazingly fresh glazed Canadian scallops (AUD$23.90) and Australian King Prawns tossed in Lobster Butter ($24.90). The mains were even better. I absolutely love The Duck Plate (AUD $42.90), which consists of 4 differently prepared ducks, featuring a variation of flavours and textures.

14 Lansdowne Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002
+ 61 3 9419 0252
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11.30pm
Sat: 6pm – 11.30pm

About the writer
Hui Jun Ng was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc. She is currently on a break and traveling around the world. Follow her travel adventures on Instagram or The Keepers Map where she shares useful curated travel itineraries.

Words and photographs by Hui Jun Ng

Living in Melbourne city has been an exciting gastronomical experience for me. Being surrounded by endless food and beverages on a daily basis has prompted me to come up with a list of 5 special foodie experiences that are reasonably priced.

Forget about walking along the main roads, it’s time to venture further, turn into laneways and walk up/down dark stairways. These precious gems that I am about to talk about (an open concept roof top bar, a tram stop café, an Italian restaurant managed by a mischievous boss, a floating bar and an underground Japanese restaurant) are located in the city vicinity but often in unnoticeable places. There’s so much Melbourne can offer!

Join me in an adventure in Melbourne!

Roof Top Bar

During summer, this open concept bar is converted to a roof top cinema. Located on the seventh level, this bar boasts a spectacular view of Melbourne city. This place is the perfect place to hang out after dinner since it only closes at 1am. However, take note that there is usually a crowd so finding a spot or getting a drink might require a little struggle.

7/252 Swanston Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Tel: (03) 9654 5394
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 1.00am

Mart 130

Take tram number 96 down towards St Kildas and you will be warmly welcomed by the sweet looking café, MART 130, located at the tram stop itself. This cosy little café serves an array of delectable modern Australian café food. Their signature dish, the renowned corn fritters is a hit with customers (AUD $17.90), served with grilled bacon, tomato relish, sour cream & corianders.

The next hot item on the menu would be their deliciously fluffy stack of pancakes served with blueberries and raspberries. I have tried several other items and they too were amazingly yummy! Most of their items are served in generous amounts so you will definitely be satisfied. MART 130 only accepts cash and closes as early as 4pm.

107 Canterbury Road Middle Park
Melbourne, VIC 3206
Tel: (03) 9690 8831

Mercandte Woodfired Pizzeria

Lygon Street, otherwise known as little Italy, boasts a long list of Italian restaurants and Mercandte Woodfired Pizzeria is one of them. Mercandate Woodfired Pizzeria is not for the faint-hearted as pranks are often played on customers. Depending on your luck, you could have a clown creeping up to you or fake spider flying onto your face. All these free entertainments often occur out of the blue, leaving you slightly taken aback but nevertheless amused. Life is too short to be too serious!

Food is affordable – an entrée portion of pasta is priced at only AUD$14.90 and a main portion of pasta is at AUD$16.90. You can choose your pasta from a wide selection: spaghetti, fettucine, penne, gnocchi, pappardelle, fusilli, tortellini etc. The signature dish here is the Chocolate Pizza; rolled up pizza pieces of nutella, decorated with sliced strawberries, dash of cocoa and slabs of cream. Coined as ‘The Best in Australia’ on its signboard followed by something along those lines ‘according to my kids’. The owner of this store definitely has a wicked sense of humour.

123 Lygon St
Carlton, VIC 3053
Tel: (03) 9347 6974

Izakaya Den

Tucked away in the basements of Melbourne city is Izakaya Den, a charmingly modern restaurant-cum-bar that everyone one should visit. Izakaya Den only serves set lunches in the day so it is recommended that you visit them at night where the ala carte menus are available.

The place is usually packed so do be mentally prepared to wait up till 30 minutes before getting a seat. But trust me, most dishes are so awesome that it is worth the wait! Must-orders include deliciously seared Tuna Tataki with Garlic Soy and Wasabi Cream & fresh Marinated Scallops paired with Fish Roe and Egg Plant Sauce.

It is no wonder that Izakaya Den was awarded ‘The Best New Restaurant’ in The Age’s Good Food Guide in 2011.

114 Russell Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9654 2977

Ponyfish Island Bar

A million dollars view of both the Melbourne CBD and the South Yarra river accompanied by cheap light eats and tasty alcoholic drinks (AUD $20 for a jug) where customers are allowed to drink, eat, smoke and listen to good music. What more can you ask for? Walk through a stairwell from the Yarra Pedestrian Footbridge and you will arrive at this cool floating bar surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. Ponyfish Island is suited for everyone – the early birds and the night owls. For breakfast, order the waffles topped with maple syrup and walnuts. For dinner, order quesadilla and some beer. You cannot go wrong with this place.

Yarra Pedestrian Bridge
Melbourne, VIC 3006
Mon to Sun 08:00 am – 1:00 am
Tel: (03) 2650 1857

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc. She is currently on a break and traveling around the world. Follow her travel adventures on Instagram or The Keepers Map where she shares useful curated travel itineraries.

If you did not know, Melbourne is known as the coffee central of the world. I verified this fact personally during a trip to the coffee heaven this winter. I admit, I am a coffee lover and yes, if you are one too, you have to go on a café spree when you visit this city.

So come on, follow me on my café-hopping journey. Here are 5 cafes in Melbourne that you should totally drop by.

Cafe, coffee, conversation, book, brunch…

Market Lane Coffee

I guess the world works in the most magical ways. As usual, it was morning and I was craving for my daily dose of caffeine. To my surprise, we chanced upon Market Lane Coffee on the way out of Queen Victoria Market! I was so delighted and yes, I got myself a cup of hot latte. It has a hint of bitterness to it, which is a perfect way to enjoy a cup of coffee. The coffee here got to be one of the best in Melbourne. I was not surprise when I realised that it is the winner for Best Coffee on CHEAP Eats 2012.

Victoria Market 109-111 Therry Street
Melbourne 3000
Tel: (03) 9804 7434

Brother Baba Budan

This one is fun. It is a busy tiny little coffee house along Little Bourke Street. I reckon this would be my favourite coffee place in Melbourne. Stepping inside, I was excited to see that there were loads of wooden chairs hanging down from the ceiling.

Of course the highlight here is the coffee. Ordered my café latte, took a sip and oh my, I’m at peace. The foam was so smooth and silky. You can just taste the sweetness of the coffee beans without sugar. Another fun fact for you, Brother Baba Budan also carries coffee beans from Seven Seeds, which is another pretty popular café in Melbourne.

359 Little Bourke Street
Melbourne 3000
Tel: (03) 9606 0449

Manchester Press

For all you latte art lovers out there, this one is for you. Manchester Press is located in a small lane just round the corner of Brother Baba Budan. They have excellent bagels, such as, smoked salmon with cream cheese on a freshly toasted bagel.

They are also known for their coffee, which brings a little surprise too. Its latte art is one that you will be looking forward to. If you are wondering what kind of latte art, think explicit!

8 Rankins Lane, Melbourne
Tel: (03) 9600 4054

The Workshop Bar

If you have visited Melbourne, actually in fact any part of Australia, you will realise that most cafes and shops would be closed by 5pm. The Workshop Bar, on the other hand, operates into the wee hours. Do drop by this café bar if you want some good coffee after the usual hours. Get absorbed into the graffiti and paintings hanging around the café. Allow yourself to relax and enjoy the cup of freshly brewed fragrant coffee in a hidden artsy spot found right in the middle of the bustling city.

Level 1, 413 Elizabeth Street
Melbourne 3000
Tel: (03) 9326 4365

The Commercial Bakery

What is your favourite meal to have coffee with? Brunch for me! The Commercial Bakery is the perfect spot for a great cup of coffee accompanied by really amazing brunch food (when I said amazing, you are really in for a treat!).

When we walked in on a Wednesday morning, the place was pretty much filled up with people and the scent of fresh coffee. The café latte was so smooth with a bitter-sweet touch. It gave me this warm fuzzy feeling as I drank it. Apart from coffee, I was so impressed by how amazing the food was. The eggs Benedict was perfect (yes, I know perfect is a strong word, but really it’s the best I ever had), the hollandaise sauce was so tasty and covered the perfectly poached egg which sat nicely on buns that were crispy on the outside but really moist and soft on the inside.

Can you imagine where I am coming from now?! I hope you do. This is the place to be for a great cup of coffee and amazing brunch food.

Gills Alley 360 Little Collins Street
Melbourne
Tel: (03) 8631 5900

About the writer:
Just like that foodie friend of yours, Natalie is one who hunts down all the yummy food places and will want to order every single dish on the menu! Especially if it comes to dessert! With a strong passion for food and writing, she started a little writing space on Tumblr and her journey begins. You can read about Natalie’s adventures in Sydney here.