City Guide – Melbourne

As a former Melbourne resident and someone who loves the city I would like to list some places to visit, eat at or do some shopping in.

They are my personal preferences so if you are in Melbourne visiting or living there permanently, have a look at what I have recommended as I’m sure you’ll enjoy them.

Cheap Eats: Victoria Street is little Vietnam and has many really authentic restaurants that are very well priced and are often B.Y.O. In these tough financial times, you can still enjoy a night out with family or friends on a weekly basis, maybe more often than that.

Amazing Value Dining: Movida Bar de Tapas Y Vino is an amazing dining experience and quickly becoming an institution in Melbourne.

“A true destination restaurant – you may overhear international diners who’ve made it a centrepiece of their visit, or see foodies brandishing copies of the restaurant’s eponymous book for chef Frank Camorra to sign – the place delights those who live to eat.”

The Age Good Food Guide 2009

This is my favourite restaurant in Melbourne and I always try and grab a bite to eat when I’m in town.

Exquisite Fine Dining: It is very hard to go past Shannon Bennett and his Little Collins St restaurant Vue de monde.

“There has never been a restaurant in Australia like Vue de monde. Set within modernised CBD law chambers, chef Shannon Bennett is all about theatre, taking the dining experience to a new (fun) level. Unashamedly pitched at the upper levels of fiscal elasticity, the aim – and they succeed – is to provide something that lingers long after the credit card bill has faded.”

Australian Gourmet Traveller 2009, 3 Stars

With 2 and 3 course lunch menus and a degustation menu that is truly amazing for dinner, this multi award winning business will satisfy anyone lucky enough to eat there.

Breakfast: Mart 130 (Tram backwards) at stop 130 on the 96 tram towards St Kilda is a real treat for breakfast. Set on the platform itself, it is quirky with great atmosphere, great coffee and awesome corn fritters.

Coffee: Pelligrini’s Espresso Bar has been part of Melbourne folklore for longer than I have been alive. The coffee is absolutely perfect, everytime, and the food, real Italian home cooking, is tasty and generously portioned. Make a visit to the kitchen table to really experience Pelligrini’s.

Drink: Rooftop Cinema in Swanston Street is only open during the summer/warmer months but is one of the best kept secrets in the city. Although only on the 6th floor, you really get an amazing feel for what it might be like in some of the bigger cities throughout the world, surrounded by skyscrapers, looking down onto the city streets whilst enjoying a cocktail or a beer or two.

The real attraction is the cinema and the music though but don’t feel like you can’t just jump in the elevator and join the crowd.

Wine: Mornington Peninsula – Stonier Wines make some beautiful Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines that are some of the best in the Mornington Peninsula if not Australia. In Japan, Village Cellars stock their wines and you can order them online.

Gourmet: The Essential Ingredient in Prahran is a must visit for everything gourmet. From Cookware, Books, Cooking Classes and amazing foods like Foie Gras, truffles and exotic spices, if they don’t have it here under one roof then chances are you won’t find it without some really specialist knowledge. It is also right next to the Prahran Market.

Butcher: Nino’s and Joe’s in Brunswick have expanded but are still the best. They have moved into bigger premises just down the street but still have the same principles that have made them a favourite amongst inner city residents and businesses – great service, great variety, great quality and great attitudes to helping you always find what you really want.

Cheese: Richmond Hill Cafe and Larder in Bridge Road is the cheese Bees Knees. They have cheese from all over Australia & Europe, hard or soft, mouldy and from goats, cows, sheep and buffalo plus some small goods as well. If you can’t make it to Richmond, they’re able to deliver Australia wide and have a Cheese Club which has some nice benefits.

Shop: Slow Fashion, the idea that fashion doesn’t last for one season, is the principle idea at Swensk (pronounced Svensk) on the ground floor of the Melbourne City Council Building. Stocking only Swedish labels that, as owners Mats and Jane will attest to, will not go out of fashion, shopping here is like investing for the future.