Enjoying the Melbourne nightlife and looking for some sustenance to keep the party going? Whether you’re feeling like some American soul food or special Spanish to satisfy your cravings – Siân Edwards finds eight Melbourne venues serving up top nosh into the early hours.
Appreciate the finer things at this luxurious late night institution where you can sip on fine wines or expensive liquors while treating yourself to a meal of freshly shucked oysters, grilled steak or something as fun and fancy as foie gras or a shared plate of party pies (yes for real) until 6am on weekends. No bookings taken. Smart casual attire. Level 1, 161 Spring Street, Melbourne, www.melbournesupperclub.com.au
Enjoy some traditional southern hospitality at this popular New Orleans-themed eatery found off Gipps Street. Pumping out Southern style buttermilk soaked tenders with cracked pepper white gravy and pit smoked chopped brisket with dill pickles until 6am Friday to Saturday, this is the place to go to truly soothe your hungry soul with tasty American soul foods. 51 Gipps St, Collingwood, www.lebonton.com.au
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar is a true Melbourne institution that seems to have come to a standstill in its décor but not in its traditional Italian roots. One of the most iconic Italian restaurants still serving up home-cooked pasta like Nonna makes til 1130pm most nights, you are sure to find your fill at this popular restaurant. Bellissimo! 66 Bourke Street Melbourne www.facebook.com/pages/Pellegrinis-Espresso-Bar/146032138772817
Celebrating its eighth birthday in 2018, Mamasita remains a firm favourite for late night fiestas and feeds in Melbourne. Serving up contemporary Mexican with an authentic flavour, you will be sure to get your fill in pork hock or prawn tacos, three-milk cheese quesadillas with huitlacoche crema or tasty chicken wings with sticky agave chipotle sauce until midnight on weeknights and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. Level 1, 11 Collins Street, Melbourne, www.mamasita.com.au
Late night carnivores can start celebrating with the recent Butcher’s Diner opening its doors wide 24/7 to serve an Americana-inspired menu of burgers, grills and cuts of meat to the midnight (or morning) masses. Don’t miss the Friday special featuring a 9 score wagyu pastrami Reuben sandwich. And for non-meat eaters, they also have you covered with a 24/7 vegan vending machine! Note, cash only. 10 Bourke Street, Melbourne, www.butchersdiner.com
Open til 1am daily with a dedicated French-inspired supper menu for the late night punter, we suggest you check your attire as The Mayfair is a fancy affair with white linen tablecloths and glass decanters at every table. Enter via the inconspicuous door where mood lighting and live jazz transports you to another era where Fred Astaire is dining beside Marilyn Monroe. Try the four-week dry-aged steak tartare or Croque Madame. The Sofitel, 45 Collins Street, Melbourne, www.mayfairrestaurant.com.au
Magic food can be found in the Magic Mountain Saloon. Think fresh and comforting south-east Asian cuisine, like sticky sour pork ribs and braised lamb shoulder red curry pots, this popular Thai eatery has got you covered until 3am for late need feeds before the sun comes up. 62 Little Collins Street, Melbourne www.magicmountainsaloon.com.au
And when all else fails for your early morning munchies, Melbourne has another newcomer made just pho you. Yes, that’s right, the guys behind Hochi Mama have created a round-the-clock shop serving a steady stream of that delicious 12-hour slow cooked broth – Pho, 24/7. Said to be the first of its kind in the country, you can head here any time of the day and night to satisfy your cravings for fresh Vietnamese food. Not to mention, the in-house infused bubble teas on offer. 138 Russell St, Melbourne, www.twentyphoseven.com.au
