Melbourne is often called ‘the food capital of Australia’. Whether you want world-class Thai and Vietnamese street food, hot pot or yum cha, or a pub parma, it's hard to find a bad meal.
But, with so many choices and the rising cost of living, how do you choose not only the best but also the most affordable option? Well, never fear, because we're here to help with our list of trending Melbourne eats (that are actually worth it!)
Looking to save even more? When checking out these trendy spots, make sure to take advantage of Melbourne’s free tram zone in the CBD or, for eligible undergraduate international students, your International Student Travel Pass to save 50% on your public transport!
Soi 38 - CBD
Previously located in an old car park, Soi 38 is one of Melbourne's best-kept secrets. This authentic Thai street food restaurant feels like a little bit of Thailand right in the heart of the Melbourne CBD.
During the night, this restaurant offers all the classic Thai street food staples like papaya salad, larb, and moo ping (grilled pork skewers). But the real secret is their noodle lunch specials. For barely more than ten dollars, you can get yourself a customisable bowl of Thai noodle soup that tastes like it's straight from a Bangkok street vendor.
Hectors Deli - CBD
Over the last few years, Melbourne has had a wave of fantastic sandwich shops open, including faves Saul’s and Hugo’s. But the standout has to be Hector’s Deli. With locations in Richmond, South Melbourne, Fitzroy, and their newest in Little Collins St, Hector’s serves up incredible fresh and toasted deli-style sandwiches.
We personally can’t go past their fried chicken sandwich, special house fries, and Hector’s coffee.
Bowltiful - CBD
There’s nothing better than slurping down a big, hearty bowl of warm noodle soup on a cold Melbourne day, and nowhere better to do it than Bowltiful. Boasting their halal Lanzhou handmade noodle soups, Bowltiful is a must-try for any true noodle lover.
We recommend their stewed beef rib noodle soup. For the more adventurous, they also have a range of exotic specials with the option to add different types of noodles, meats, and levels of spice.
Sonido - Fitzroy
For our next stop, we’re heading over to Fitzroy for some South American fare. Just jump on the 96 tram, and before you know it, you will be at Sonido!
This Colombian cafe serves up Latin beats with a side of coffee, Colombian sweets and arepas that are well worth the trip. For those who haven’t tried them before, arepas are a corn bread pocket filled with your choice of delicious filling and topped with chimichurri, pico de gallo, or melted cheese.
Our recommendation is the pollo (chicken) arepa. If you want something a little more filling, you can get it as a plate or bowl instead.
Wall Two 80 - Balaclava
No list of Melbourne eats would be complete without a café, and a personal favourite of ours would have to be Wall Two 80 in Balaclava.
The café offers not only amazing coffee but also some delicious and affordable brunch meals, such as granola or pides. Make sure to check out their daily specials, especially their winter soups.
If you are heading from the city, take the Sandringham train to Balaclava station in Zone 1.
Don’s - Prahran
Our last spot is a small wine bar just off Chapel Street, in Prahran.
Don’s has a simple philosophy, ‘People and Plates’. The bar only seats around 20 in a cozy, intimate setting, perfect for a date or pre-dinner drinks. Serving up not only a well-curated wine list, Don’s also specialises in delicious small bar plates which change day to day.
Make sure to check out their ‘Pasta on a Spoon’ dishes and their world-class focaccia.
