Want to find the casual spots you can head to for a bite to eat? We’ve rounded up 10 of the best in Melbourne – all local favourites. Luckily, we’re being rewarded for eating out. That’s right! For an entire month, the city will roll out an exciting line-up of restaurant offers, dining events and eating experiences. And, from May 1 until May 31, 2022, drop by any of the participating partner venues to receive 20% back each time when you use your American Express Card up to $25 back. Remember to save the offer to your eligible Card first. Enrollment is limited. Exclusions, T&C Apply*. *Must save offer to your eligible Card. Limited to 75,000 Cards. Ends May 31, 2022. Exclusions and T&Cs apply. For the full list of venues participating in American Express delicious. Month Out and Food Truck locations, visit amex.com.au/delicious.
A Japanese all-day diner with neon lights and yakitori aplenty is the pulsating spot for lunch or a late-night bite on Collins Street. The team at Yakimono have successfully captured the essence of places like Ginza and Akihabara in Tokyo. Tuck in to the likes of smoked-eel udon, spiced beef tartare with yuzu, crisp chilli and sesame cracker and barbecued octopus with crisp and sweet chilli.
Hosier Lane’s iconic MoVida is an icon of Melbourne’s tapas scene. Along a typical graffiti-scrawled lane, this spot serves up Barcelona-style tapas, ranging from Shark Bay scallop crudo to Pedro Ximenez braised beef cheek, all the while showcasing local Australian produce. Perch at the bar or sit back in the buzzing dining room. Proudly part of Shop Small by American Express.
South East Asian-inspired Chin Chin is a beckoning, salty jewel in Melbourne’s culinary crown. Framing itself as a riotous spot where culture meets good food and contemporary art, this bubbling hub is known for dishes like DIY vegetable spring rolls, chilli salted chicken wings, and pork and Thai basil stir-fry with crispy egg and lettuce cups. File in and fill up.
Like a trusty friend that’s always comforting and open-armed, Marion is the place that remains in your mental orbit whenever you’re considering ‘where to next?’ Beeline for dishes like fior di burrata with black fig, hazelnuts and aged balsamic, mussels with ‘nduja, fried bread and aioli and their signature roast half chicken with baby leek and tarragon. Each dish is a warm hug.
Fresh beers and street food – that’s the name of the game at Windsor’s cavernous and sensory Hawker Hall. As the name suggests, pick your way through moreish golden chicken and potato curry puffs, Nyonya-style fried popcorn chicken, pillowy pork buns, fat prawn and chive dumplings and sticky beef and black bean with rice noodles. Wash it down with a cold amber ale. Proudly part of Shop Small by American Express.
Adding another pan-Asian restaurant to its ribbons, Melbourne’s Supernormal has long been the go-to for energetic canteen-style fare. Tucked away on understated but impressive Flinders Lane, start with sesame flatbread and whipped cod roe, follow with Hunan-style beef tartare, fragrant chilli oil and finish with Skull Island prawns in XO butter.
Polished wooden floors, white walls and dark fittings come together in this warehouse-style fit out on Flinders Lane. Whether you’re there for an on-the-go power bite, work meeting, or polished dinner, this is the one-size-fits-all spot. Try LP’s salami cotto and wagyu bresaola with guindilla peppers, buffalo ricotta ravioli with Jonella Farm baby corn and sheep’s sorrel, or Gippsland grass-fed onglet with mountain pepper sauce.
Part chablis bar, sushi counter, basement restaurant, exclusive private dining room and intimate 12-seat kaiseki, this New York-style Japanese restaurant sets a high bar in Melbourne’s dining scene. For something truly special, put yourself in the hands of the Master Chef and taste the likes of tuna belly sashimi, kingfish topped with Tassie black truffle, and tiger prawns encased in light tempura.
Another must try are the take-home treats such as the now-legendary bread by Rustica. From their sweet and protein packed seeded whole wheat, to their traditional light rye sourdough, cranberry and walnut to olive with fresh basil – Rustica prides themselves on their slow fermentation process of 36-48 hours depending on the variety of loaf. Proudly part of Shop Small by American Express.
The sister of Shane Delia’s award-winning Maha Restaurant, this easy-going restaurant and bar is the port of call for those wanting a more relaxed experience, with the same Maha flair. Enjoy Middle Eastern-inspired dishes like Turkish-style chicken wingettes with black lime and sumac salt or cured and charred kingfish with saffron pickled onions and carrots, and whipped cod roe with dill. Proudly part of Shop Small by American Express. This gallery is brought to you by American Express.
