Melbourne: Where To Eat?

Melbourne knows how to food.

It is true. I don't think they have a specific traditional food I am to talk about, but they make everyone else's better. They have a delicious Korean to European, famous Malaysian, to absolute favorite Chinese. Of course you can argue that eggs benedict does born here in the Australian land, though!

Hereby ten of my favorite meals during the stay worth to try. This is gonna be a long post of food-hauls, better get your stomach ready! ;)

1. Lune

Alias: the croissant that worth the hype. It is even dubbed as the best croissant in the world by international press, and I can see why. They have just a precise amount of taste that define a perfect croissant. I don't know about the best in the world because I don't think I really have tasted that much, but Lune croissant is delicious, period. It is especially true in the plain one, no matter how alluring the other variants look like, since you can taste the batter better. 

You have to be there around 8 in the morning is probably a common knowledge by now. When I arrived at 8.30, the crowd is about 20 people long, and by 8.50 when I got in, one of the variant is already sold out. Yes, it is always like that, and yes, it is worth waking up early for.

LUNE | 119 Rose St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

2. St. Ali

When in Melbourne, drink coffee. St. Ali is especially one place that everyone recommend to me, and it does have a very nice vibe storewide to hang out and discuss. They serve all day brunch menus that taste very nice, and exceptionally good cup of latte. 

St. Ali | 12-18 Yarra Pl, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia

3. Menya Ramen

Menya, which I shamelessly didn't manage to take a picture of, serves the best Gyutandon I've ever tasted and you shouldn't look further. Location is 439 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia, and I strongly advised you to try this one amid of all the photos above and below. 

4. Mabrown

One quail to conquer all! The famous Mabrown's spicy quail is something you really can't miss during your trip in Melbourne. It is so good, almost worth the signature Chinese service ha! I'm not sure why we should call for the quail before visiting (because it takes awhile to cook or because it sells out quickly), but better do so anyway!

Mabrown | Exhibition, 111 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

6. Shanghai Dragon Dumpling House

I have a thing for dumpling, and here in hidden Shanghai Dragon Dumpling House, it tasted ridiculously good. I like my dumpling steamed, because you can really taste the dough that way and that's one of the best part. This steamed pork dumpling is heaven in best combination of excellent dough and juicy filling. The dumplings are generously served in big portion and literally the cheapest dish in this list at $8.8/serving. The restaurant is nothing fancy and always busy, but I guess that's where all the best foods are!

Shanghai Dragon Dumpling House | 163 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

7. Queen Victoria Market + The American Doughnut Kitchen

When I said the dumpling is the cheapest one, foods in the market don't count! I do spend more accumulatively anyway because Victorian Market offers a wide range of foods that is alluring even though you are already full. Nevertheless, I think you just can't miss the food market experience whilst you are in town! Do do do try the classic strawberry filled doughnut by The American Doughnut Kitchen because they are surely amazing, and served in a super cute doughnut truck (shameless blurry photo attached).

Queen Victoria Market | 513 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

7. Jinda Thai

For the love of Thailand food! I think it is fair to declare that Thailand food has now officially surpassed my love for its fast fashion. Jinda Thai has one of the most strong flavour I've ever tasted, maybe that's why their restaurant is always packed. Too bad I didn't manage to try their famous layer cake dessert!

Jinda Thai | 1-7 Ferguson St, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia

8. Topolino's

Topolino's doesn't have LUNE or Mabrown's fame but I found myself to be very fond of this Italian parlor around the St. Kilda area. They have amazing smoked salmon worth to swoon over, and indeed fantastic Italian pizza in a wonderful brick-walled atmosphere. Topolino's are simply amazing food and friendly people--what else can you ask for?

Topolino's | 87 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

9. Miss Marple's Tearoom

Located in Mount Danendong, about one hour drive from the city, Miss Marple's Tearoom is this warm special old fashioned restaurant with all the feelings. They are always packed, as I am notified, but the beautiful area of Danendong could keep you busy whilst waitlisting. Honestly, none of the foods are out of this world, but the place is winning me over. Their famous scone is living up to expectation as the best thing in the house. And yes, it is the same Miss Marple from Agatha Christie's fame. 

Miss Marple's Tearoom | 82 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras VIC 3787, Australia

10. ChangGo Korean BBQ

Look at that pork belly! ChangGo takes us on way another level of Korean BBQ with their nine flavours juicy samgyeopsal in fantastically thick, fatty huge slices. Those are an absolute treat for your tastebud but the other menus are just another Korean dish without any special taste to boast. Still is a popular packed place to dine, regardless.

ChangGo Korean BBQ | 70 Little La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

And here is an honorable mention of: Meletos in Yarra Valley, about an hour and half drive from the city. Yarra Valley is offically the best place I've ever been in my life, with all the picturesque farm and beautiful winery under a perfect blue sky. If you want to catch a slight idea of how much I love the place, I am to dedicate a whole new post to talk about it, and that is that. In the place so pretty, Meletos provides you a delicious European fine dining, which is a little pricey, but worth the scenery. Here is also home for Napoleone Brewery & Ciderhouse, one you should really try if you fancy the beverages!

Meletos | 12 St Huberts Rd, Coldstream VIC 3770, Australia

x, Michelle