This just in; Melbourne has narrowly missed out on top spot in the ‘World’s Most Liveable City List’, coming second to Vienna. Now, this shouldn’t be news. Second best in the entire world’s worth of cities certainly isn’t losing. We only mention it because for eight of the nine previous years, it’s come out on top.
It’s easy to see why. A hugely diverse, cosmopolitan community, with artistic, inclusive vibes down every alleyway and wide open, green spaces to match, Australia’s second city has it all. We’re here today to talk about the food, and there’s no chance you’ll go hungry here. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL foodie things to do in Melbourne.
WELCOME TO THORNBURY
An emerging trend all over the world, not just in Melbourne, is the boom of food trucks, allowing chefs and caterers to reach new audiences in new settings and in highly unique ways. At Welcome to Thornbury, housed between Northcote and Thornbury, you’ll find a rotating cast of the finest meals on wheels. This is, in fact, the only permanent food truck and bar park in Melbourne, and a superb night out rubbing shoulders with the culinary connoisseurs – or simply the culinarily curious – of the city.
EXPLORE QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET
If gourmands are to make one stop in Melbourne on their foodie day out, then it has to be at Queen Victoria Market (Vic Market). The market is built on an old graveyard, so be wary if you’re superstitious or fear burial grounds, but if you’re not, it’s time to go all in with hungry bellies and hands in pockets. There’s spending to be done.
Vic Market is particularly famous for its fresh food items and local produce. Expect kangaroo, durian and the country’s finest rock lobster, to name but a few of the fine items available here. During the warmer months, there’s live music events aplenty hosted here. Rocking sounds and delicious food; what could be better?
ENJOY SPANISH & LATIN AMERICAN CUISINE
In Melbourne, cultures and customs converge in a truly cosmopolitan way, and true to form, you can enjoy some superb Spanish and Latin American cuisine in the heart of the city. One place that never disappoints is Vamos, the highly regarded tapas bar on Little Bourke Street. The vibe here is lively and convivial, and their cherry flan dessert has something of a cult following.
If you’re after some quality Argentinian beef flown in from Buenos Aires, properly dry-aged and cooked over flame, then San Telmo is the ticket. The all Argentinian wine list is excellent too. And if it’s ceviche you’re after, head to Patstuso, the finest Peruvian in the city.
GO FOR A PICNIC IN CARLTON GARDENS
Carlton Gardens, a world heritage site which sits adjacent to the Melbourne Museum, is a wonderful spot for a picnic. The vibe is ornamental and elaborate, with fountains and flower beds offering rare beauty and a great backdrop for a lunchtime feast. The park boasts picnic tables aplenty, and seeing as it’s just a four minute walk from the aforementioned Queen Vic Market, your grazing itinerary writes itself.
TREAT YOURSELF TO PIZZA IN LITTLE ITALY
Little Italy is located on leafy Lygon Street and boasts Italian restaurants, delis and plenty of pizza. Often cited as the ‘birthplace of Melbourne’s cafe culture’, it would be rude not to enjoy an alfresco espresso here and watch the world go by. After that, it’s a spot of shopping for fine charcuterie and cheese at D.O.C Delicatessen and La Latteria. To finish your foodie day, it’s got to be Mercadante, for wood-fired pizza and wine by the carafe. ‘When in Rome’, as they say. Or Melbourne.