It had been a few years since I had been to Melbourne, but I was so impressed with the city’s vibrancy on this visit . We were there to see the Australian Tennis Open but knew we were in for some fantastic food while there. I did do some research before going and had made a list of places to try out for breakfast/brunch and made some bookings for dinner.

So happy I did, as there are plenty of people waiting outside the good places to get a table.

So here is a list of some great breakfast/brunch places

Hardware Société – we went to both the Hardware Place and Katherine Place cafes. Hardware place was compact, and you sit up on stools to eat. The food was amazing. The butterfly wallpaper on the ceiling was a nice touch. Our food was cooked along a bench behind where you sit. You can feel the heat of the grill as you eat. If you want a bit more room them head to the Katherine Place cafe.

Manchester Press – great for bagels. This place is down a lane that you probably wouldn’t walk down as a tourist but what a great find. The waiting time can be about 15 minutes at busy times, but we were lucky enough to walk straight in.

White Mojo – looks a little like a sandwich shop from the front but inside it is very clean and inviting. Some of the breakfast plates were works of art! My chilli scrambled eggs were great and the best hot chocolate of our trip.

Cumulus Inc – This cafe was a bit of a walk from our hotel but well worth it. Again, another very busy cafe with fantastic food and coffee.

Brother Bada Buden – always queues outside of this coffee cafe but don’t be fooled, it moves very quickly, and the coffee is exceptional.

I would have liked to try High Tea at the Hopetoun Tea Rooms but it was all booked out, so best to plan ahead.

If you are self-catering while in Melbourne, then the Queen Victoria markets is a great place to buy fresh produce.

Here is a list of some great places to go for dinner:

Rice, Paper, Scissors – we booked and had to wait in the queue that was forming outside but all worth the Asian Fusion food.

Kisume-this is amazing Japanese food . You could have the chefs set menu or order off the menu. We ordered off the menu and everything we had tasted fantastic.

Tipo 00– this is a pasta bar. The menu was smaller than most Italian restaurants but everything we tried was great. Only wish we had room fro dessert.

Gazi – Greek street food. In between tennis we walked over to Gazi. The hummus was outstanding, nothing like the hummus you buy in the supermarket.The Souvas were also great. The ceiling of upside down flower pots were quite a show.

Lucy Liu– this was really interesting as you enter via an alley that is light by red lights. At first we weren’t sure what was behind the door but upon entering, it was a light and bright, busy restaurant. The chicken mince lettuce cups were soooo good.  We ate more than we needed to here but it was our last night and we had done a lot of walking.

I was also recommended Chin Chin as a great place to eat but didn’t have a chance to try it out

So, in summary Melbourne is the place to eat well! I am sure there are other great places to go but found all of the above fantastic and not overly pricey.

I can’t wait to return and explore the shops as well.