Winter Foodie Weekend in Melbourne
Friday night
Arrive in Melbourne. You must be hungry after your journey!
If you haven’t already made a reservation for dinner, head to Flinders Lane - between Swanston and Spring Streets - for dozens of great dining experiences. Have a bit of fun walking the three blocks, reading menus and deciding where you’d like to eat. Or perhaps create your own degustation by having some snacks at a few venues. Prefer solid recommendations? Try Lucy Liu for pan-Asian fusion or Cumulus Inc for euro-inspired modern Australian. For the best Italian (you wil neeed to book well inadvance) try Tipo 00
Try an after dinner night cap at one of the great hidden bars in the neighbourhood such as Mill Pace Merchants or Death & Co or The Apollo Inn. Take in some incredible skyline views looking Bourke Street at The Stolen Gem Rooftop Bar
Photo: Lucy Liu
Saturday morning
You’re booked in for a late lunch food tour, so a mid-morning brunch is your best bet. Try Antara 128 at the eastern end of the CBD or the ever popular Higher Ground if you’re closer to Southern Cross/Docklands. For amzing Bagels and Specialsit Melbourne Coffee try Manchester Press near Hardware Lane.
Saturday afternoon
Meet your tour guide in Bourke St Mall for your Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walk. You’ll sample savoury, sweet, food and drink over 3 hours all while exploring Melbourne’s laneways and arcades. You definitely won’t be hungry afterwards!
Saturday night
Make sure your booking for dinner is late, as your food tour only finishes at 4.30pm. Perhaps some light style food, such as sashimi. For a budget-blowing showstopper you will need to venture just a little outside of the CBD, book in at Minamashima. You’ll need to jump on the 48 or 75 tram to Richmond for this one. For something in the CBD, try Kisume. If you’re a bit more adventurous, try Japanese/Italian fusion at Alt. For the ultimate in fine-dining Asian Fusion try CODA.
For an after dark tipple there are more cocktail bars in Melbourne than you could possible try, but Black Kite Commune, Whitehart, Yarra Falls and Caretaker's Cottage all have distinctly different vibes and are all worth a visit.
Queen Victoria Market
Sunday brunch
Coffee, a pastry and a wonder around one of Melbourne’s markets is a fabulous way to spend Sunday morning. At Queen Vic Market (1.5km*) try Publique and at South Melb Market (2km*) try Agathe. If cheese is more your taste, try a toastie from Maker & Monger at Prahran Market (6km*). Expect a queue at all of these places. *Distances from Southern Cross Station. Or stay in CBD and visit Brunetti Oro on Flinders Lane.
Roll away to the airport to take your flight home - at least you’ll be too full to eat the plane food!
