my ultimate food guide to melbourne pt 1

a food-forward list of must-do's in melbourne this summer. see you there.

I am an absolute slut for a good, natural oyster with a squeeze of lemon; a chilled glass of red wine; a mini lobster roll; or a shared bowl of rich pasta. for this reason, I am qualified to tell everyone who will listen where they should go to eat, sip, and relax while they’re in melbourne.

let’s start on chapel st, windsor, and visit one of my old favourite - ines wine bar. this place is unreal but it is also $$$. go on a nice sunny day that’s not too hot and sit on the street in the sun under their umbrellas; enjoy a small snacky and a yummy vino.

if you order food, they always bring you a little treat to start with! this day, we got a piece of melon wrapped in jamon with a drop of balsamic glaze - yum! the caviar on toast here is so good but also like $20 a pop…

hint: they do great weekly deals, including a tuesday pasta night and a wednesday steak night! good bang for your buck.

your first full meal should definitely be at oriental teahouse in south yarra! the chilli salt and pepper octopus is so good, and the duck dumplings come in this delicious plum sauce - the perfect mix of sweet and savoury. they do awesome iced teas here that you can have as is or add a shot of liquor too. highly recommend!

this next one’s a little niche, but gordon’s cafe in southbank make delicious toasted sandwiches on lovely, thick, fresh bread! they also do unreal coffees here that are reminiscent of oldschool pricing. Eat & drink by a body of water on a hot day if you can.

for lunch or dinner, go to my personal favourite restaurant in the city: bounty of the sun in balaclava. this japanese restaurant is a hidden gem that’s beloved by locals. their menu is always changing but always has some absolute amazing dishes - think burnt butter udon; chalupa; kingfish sashimi; and agedashi tofu with mushrooms. my mouth is watering. their cucumber gimlet is a must.

if you want a place that is ALL vibes, head to cam’s kiosk near collingwood children’s farm. this place has an awesome vibe, with hipsters smoking and drinking on the lawns out front, and a fit-out that’s kept its old church feel. they do breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a sick monday pasta night deal with handwritten specials menus.

hint: their homemade butter is one of the best things I’ve ever had in my mouth.

this one’s close to my heart because i’m marrying the hot chef who served this plate up… but albert’s wine bar in armadale is the spot to end up on a late summer evening. a chilled orange wine or a glass of bubbles, a plate of oysters, and their notorious crab toast = perfect in every way. plus, the location is a great spot to fit into a day of window (or real) shopping along armadale’s high st - bring your wallet.