Attica -- Consider the unparalleled culinary experience presented by Attica's dish, "An Imperfect History of Ripponlea brought to life through Tarts". This gourmet selection uses only the freshest produce exclusively grown in the locale, invoking the flavourful heritage of the region. Each diminutive tart in this innovative dish is a nod to a native tribe, thus scrumptiously reinterpreting regional history.
Remarkably, Attica isn’t just about serving food, it's about storytelling through having uniquely themed dishes. This connection to the land and local tribes shines in every edible morsel, offering not only a fine dining experience, but also a heartfelt tribute to our aboriginal ancestors.
Indeed, Attica's singular approach to gastronomy is what sets it apart in Melbourne's bustling food scene.
Attica: It's signature dish on the tasting menu? Freshly sourced scallops, plucked by hand from the ocean bed.
Attica's chefs are known for their commitment to freshness and authenticity, and source all their ingredients with the utmost care. An exemplar of this principle is their scallops, which are hand-dived to preserve the all-natural gifts of the sea. Another delightful fact is that Attica is not just about serving food but also about telling the story of its ingredients, a trait that has earned it its star status amongst diners.
Market Lane Coffee -- Discover the hidden gem nestled within one of Melbourne's sprawling lanes. Market Lane Coffee, which boasts a clean, minimalist aesthetic and serves top-tier coffee.
Market Lane Coffee
The Renowned Market Lane Coffee: This popular Melbourne spot prides itself on global sensitivity taste buds, procuring its coffee beans from the far reaches of the world - from Brazil's lush plantations, Bolivia's rugged highlands, to Rwanda's rich fields. Afterward, the beans get a local roasting treatment to maintain freshness.
Experience the Unforgettable Flavours of Victoria at Market Lane Coffee
Fun fact: Coffee beans sourced from different regions have their unique flavor profiles, influenced by the local soil, altitude, and climate. The blend prepared at Market Lane captures this diversity for a truly global coffee experience!
Did you know Rwanda's coffee industry has seen a remarkable transformation in the last two decades and is now known for its specialty coffees, thanks in large part to the country's high altitudes and volcanic soils?
Brae Restaurant : A Culinary Experience by the Hillside
Gently seated on an elevation outskirt of Melbourne is Brae, a name synonymous with 'hillside'. Extending over 30-acres, it pairs a guesthouse with a restaurant that goes beyond the ordinary.
Among Melbourne's gastronomical destinations, Brae stands out with its commitment to sustainability. It prides itself in hosting an on-site farm where an array of fresh produces grow, ever ready to garnish your plates. The commitment extends to rearing chickens that provide a constant source of organic poultry. Taking it a notch further, Brae houses its own bees, promising fresh honey that adds a distinctive touch to its culinary creations. After indulging in Brae's culinary offerings, one might seek a place to retire for the night. The Ibis Budget Hotel located within the CBD offers comfortable and affordable accommodation, ideal for food connoisseurs exploring the vibrant food scene of Melbourne.
Book it here - https://ibis-budget-cbd.hotelsinvictoria.net/en/
All these factors make Brae not just a spot for a great meal, but a destination offering a holistic culinary experience.
Brae Restaurant -- This revered eating establishment showcases a quintessentially Australian specialty of Wallaby, scrumptiously cooked with flax, wattle -- a vibrant blooming indigenous Australian tree, and the refreshing tang of lemon myrtle.
Brae
Flower Drum -- Immersed in a rich cultural tradition, the esteemed Flower Drum delivers exquisite Cantonese dishes in a lavish atmosphere reflective of grandeur and elegance.
Renowned for retaining the authenticity of Cantonese flavors, Flower Drum has been named after a conventional Chinese art form. This attribute honors its Chinese roots while providing a modern, luxurious dining experience.
Ides -- Conceptualized and brought to life by the renowned chef Peter Gunn, Ides is the latest addition to Melbourne's culinary landscape. His previous tenure at Attica has distinctly influenced the unique flair of this bustling gastronomic hub.
IDES
With its inception, Ides has invigorated the modern dining scene, pushing the boundaries of gastronomic creativity. Chef Peter Gunn's impeccable craftsmanship creates a unique blend of flavours, well showcasing the authentic essence of Melbourne on a plate.
The Cuisine at Dainty Sichuan -- One must-try Sichuan speciality: fiery fish cloaked in rich chili oil.
The Essence of Delights at Dainty Sichuan
Bar Americano: A brainchild of Matthew Bax, Bar Americano first opened its doors to avid customers in 2011 and has successfully etched its identity as a pinnacle of Melbourne's culinary scene. Its moniker isn't misleading, as it showcases a selection of time-honoured beverages, offers stimulating live jazz performances, and delights caffeine connoisseurs with an exceptional coffee selection to boot.
Melbourne's best restaurants
Story highlights
Melbourne is hosting the 2017 World's 50 Best Restaurants
Decorated Melbourne-based chef Ben Shewry, of Attica restaurant, shares his favorite restaurants
CNN —
Every foodie worth their amethyst bamboo salt knows that the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony is taking place in Melbourne, Australia, on April 5, 2017.
As the world’s most influential chefs and food cognoscenti descend, they’ll surely be wondering the same thing: “What are Melbourne’s best restaurants?”
For an authentic taste of Melbourne, CNN Travel turns to Ben Shewry – the Kiwi chef-owner of Attica, which came in at No. 33 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurant list in 2016.
Chef Shewry, eminent for integrating native Australian ingredients into high-end cuisine, has earned his fair share of significant awards and recognition over the years. His innovative approach to the culinary arts showcases his love for Australia’s diverse and rich produce.
Through the Good Food Guide Awards of Australia, Shewry's restaurant, Attica, has consistently been awarded the prestigious three "hats" - a top honor - annually since its inception in 2012.
In an interaction with CNN Travel, Shewry shared his experience of relocating to Melbourne in 2002. He expressed how the city astounded him with the quality and variety of ingredients it offered. This has significantly influenced and enriched his cooking style.
Melbourne is a vibrant mishmash of various cultures and their respective cuisines, making it a culinary paradise.
Melbourne, often hailed as the gastronomic epicenter of Australia, offers a myriad of food choices mirroring its multicultural populace. For instance, areas like the Queen Victoria Market and Dandenong Market are noted for their extensive variety of international foods.
After dedicating 285 hours within 15 days towards the overhaul of Attica, Shewry emerged from the construction dust to champion his most-liked dining destinations in this food lover's haven.
The finest brunch at Glovers Station
An esteemed eatery within close range, renowned for an original and cutting-edge contemporary breakfast menu, is Glovers Station in Elsternwick. Savour their specialty, the smoked ox tongue dish for a unique culinary experience.
Visit their website Glovers Station located at 258 Glen Eira Rd, Elsternwick, Melbourne, VIC, Australia or call +61 3 9532 7765 for more information.
Immerse in the aroma at Market Lane Coffee
Located in the labyrinth of Melbourne's charming lanes, Market Lane Coffee has carved a niche for itself with its stunning minimalist interiors and superlative cups of coffee.
A renowned name in the culinary scene of Melbourne, Market Lane Coffee.
"In my view, Market Lane offers the most flavoursome and ethically-sourced coffee across the nation of Australia. The visionaries behind this venture have a deep commitment to values that resonate with me. Be sure to not miss out on their coffee tasting flight.”
Market Lane Coffee, situated at Shop 13, Prahran Market, 163 Commercial Rd, South Yarra, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, can also be reached at +61-3-9804-7434.
As an extra tip, Market Lane Coffee not only serves a wonderful cup of joe, but they also educate their customers about coffee sustainability and the importance of choosing ethically sourced products.
The staff's deep knowledge and enthusiasm for coffee demonstrate the establishment's commitment to quality.
Delve into Tuck Shop Take Away - Lunch Champion
When it comes to serving the finest savory chips in Melbourne, Tuck Shop Take Away indeed takes the crown. The impressive thing about this place is that every item, including the zesty tomato ketchup and all syrup for their fizzy sodas, is handcrafted in their kitchen. Dive into the delight of their 'Minor' burger paired with Melbourne's most talked-about chips, an experience you wouldn't want to miss.
Tuck Shop Take Away; Situated at 273 Hawthorn Rd, in the heart of Caulfield North, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. The phone number for orders and queries is +61 431 406 580.
Flower Drum - Your Go-to for Elegant Dining
Renowned for its unique dishes such as the baked crab shell, Flower Drum forms an integral part of Melbourne's epicurean panorama.
Flower Drum
The kitchen of Flower Drum witnesses, six days a week, the culinary mastery of Anthony Lui, one of the significant and enduring figures in Australia's culinary history. His culinary expertise and vigor that can make young chefs turn green with envy, is manifested best in the 'Neil Perry' noodles, a must-try dish for any gourmand!
Flower Drum situated at 17 Market Lane, Melbourne, VIC, Australia is just a call away at +61 3 9662 3655. Make sure to book your table for a memorable gastronomic experience.
With numerous accolades under its belt, and a history spanning over several decades, the Flower Drum indeed serves as a bedrock of Melbourne's rich dining scene.
Known for its seamless blend of dishes that balance flavors from Cantonese tradition and modern gastronomy, a visit to Flower Drum is a culinary pilgrimage every food lover should undertake.
Experience Authenticity and Affordability at Kalimera Souvlaki Art
For a delightful and simple meal that will tickle your taste buds, the pork gyros plate at Kalimera Souvlaki Art is highly recommended. This savoury concoction, renowned as one of Melbourne's gourmet gems, is masterfully prepared and features the distinct zing of home-grown oregano that accentuates the taste.
The vibrant and buzzing atmosphere of the place adds an extra layer of authenticity to your dining experience, giving you a considerable bang for your buck.
Find your sumptuous meal experience at Kalimera Souvlaki Art located at 41 Chester St, Oakleigh, VIC, Melbourne, Australia. Should you need further information or wish to reserve a table, contact them at +61 3 9939 3912.
Ides – A Culinary Masterpiece
Launching his very own culinary establishment is a goal that not every aspiring young chef gets to achieve. Peter Gunn, a gifted and dedicated culinary professional, was under my tutelage at Attica for more than half a decade, honing his skill to become an exceptional sous chef. His flair for cooking is awe-inspiring and it's anticipated that he will immensely triumph with his restaurant, Ides. A signature dish to anticipate is the exquisite baby snapper feautured in the set menu - a testament to Gunn's inventive culinary approach.
Ides is an unmissable food destination located at 92 Smith Street, Collingwood, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. For reservations, call +61 3 9939 9542.
Brae Restaurant – Pioneer in Innovative Cuisine
True to its commitment to showcasing locally-sourced and sustainably grown ingredients, Brae's culinary offerings evolve each season under the expert supervision of renowned chef Dan Hunter.
Brae
Thriving in Victoria's rural heartlands, Brae stands tall as one of the finest dining establishments on the planet. Lead by the culinary genius Dan Hunter, the team at Brae consistently impresses with its meticulously crafted dishes inspired by the varying temperate seasons, all made with the freshest ingredients.
Not only is Brae lauded for its exquisite gastronomic creations, but it has also made a name for itself by offering luxurious weekend accommodation. As an added treat for the senses, the delectable dish of prawn delicately ensconced in bright nasturtium leaves is a favorite among many.
For more information, contact the Brae Restaurant at 4285 Cape Otway Rd, Birregurra, VIC, Australia, or dial +61 3 5236 2226.
Dan Hunter, previously of the Michelin-starred Mugaritz, Spain, leads the team and his creative and sustainable cooking style has taken the culinary world by storm. The restaurant also includes a working farm, a vineyard, and a fruit orchard, contributing to the freshness and quality of the dishes served.
Ecoblue: The Supper Spot of Melbourne
Ecobilu, located in the heart of Caulfield North, is just a stone's throw away from my residence, offering spectacular pizzas that are a feast for your senses. It's an under-the-radar gem only recognized by the discerning neighborhood folks. The chorizo pizza, in particular, is a crowd-pleaser that's worth a try.
Visit Ecoblu situated at 346 Orrong Rd, Caulfield North, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. Reach out at +61 3 9527 9599 for reservations or orders.
Dainty Sichuan Food: A Haven of Global Tastes
The vibrant culinary scene of Melbourne is incomplete without visits to standout eateries like Dainty Sichuan Food and Bar Americano. With dishes that thrill taste buds and an ambiance to match, they have firmly established themselves as must-visit destinations.
Dainty Sichuan Food is a master in the art of Szechuan cuisine, teetering quite comfortably between spicy and sublime. With numerous visits under my belt, this fine establishment, located at 176 Toorak Rd, South Yarra, VIC, Australia, continues to excite with its immensely flavorful fare. The extensive a la carte menu is a promised voyage of gustatory delights - my recommendation? The fish fragrant eggplant. However, to bypass their hotpot is a disservice to your senses. Check their Facebook page here for latest updates.
Bar Americano: A Pioneer in Cocktails
On the other end of the spectrum is Bar Americano, an embodiment of Melbourne's unique bar culture. It's an intimate haunt tucked away in a quintessential Melbourne laneway at 20 Presgrave Place, run by industry trailblazer, Matthew Bax. Known for reinventing the cocktail culture scene in Australia, Bax presents his personal favorite, the Whisky Fix, you can't afford to miss. Visit their website here for more info.
These two establishments add their distinct flair to Melbourne's eclectic food and drink scene, leaving patrons yearning for more. They are certainly more than just eateries; they are an embodiment of Melbourne's multiculturalism and the city's love for good food and drink.