29 Chefs Name Melbourne Spots Worth More Attention

There are some adored places to dine in Melbourne that everyone knows. They’re always on people’s lips, splashed across our social feeds and tricky to book. But then there are those that are a bit less obvious – the ones you’re tempted to gatekeep. We asked a bunch of local chefs to shout out the venues they think deserve wider recognition. Kate Reid, Lune I don’t know if it’s necessarily underrated, but I just don’t feel like enough people are talking about how exceptional the

dining experience is at Bistra. Eun Hee An, Moon Mart I really love going to Public Wine Shop. I think the food is delicious, but I also love that I always get to try a super interesting wine. And the staff are all very nice and so passionate. Audrey Shaw, Carnation Canteen and Bar Carnation Kenzan. It’s not underrated but under-frequented. I like to sit at the sushi bar to share a Suntory Premium Malt’s beer and grilled salted kingfish collar. Scott Eddington, Arnold’s and

The Pinnacle I’m always telling people about M Yong Tofu in Flemington. The laksa is exceptional and, controversially, I think it’s the best in Flemington. They also do delicious taro baskets and make their own tofu. Khanh Ong, George on Collins Oriental Teahouse on Chapel Street. It’s always so good, I love the crispy steak and also the mixed vegetables. Dumplings are always fantastic. It’s just a really solid venue. Esca Khoo, Tyga Gai Wong in North Melbourne. The best chicken rice in Australia. Why

go to Singapore or Malaysia when this is right next to you! It’s actually pretty hard to get the right cook on the Hainanese chicken rice, but, man, do they get it right. I get half a chicken, some good ol’ roasted pork and braised eggs. You and your friend are set for the day after that. Sofia Levin, Masterchef judge I know those who visit think it’s great, so when I say “underrated”, I mean I’m surprised it’s not talked about more in the

media – Cordelia in Carlton. The food is fresh, modern and produce-driven. The staff is lovely and the space is humble yet charming. Maybe we shouldn’t tell everyone about it, eh? Gareth Whitton, Tarts Anon Oriental Impression on Victoria Street, Richmond. [My partner] went past it once while running and was drawn in by the enticing smell of the spices. We’ve had some of the most mind-blowing food there. It’s usually packed and hard to get a table, so maybe not that underrated, but you

don’t hear enough about it! Hendri Budiman, Juni Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel. They have a take on Pierre Koffmann’s three-Michelin-star restaurant’s signature dish: pig’s trotter stuffed with sweet bread and chicken, with mash and on-point demi-glace. In a pub? Get out of town! Sarah Chan, Past Port Chaozhou Malaya Bistro Cafe. It’s more of an “if you know, you know” spot. It’s a cafe by day and a restaurant by night, run by a Southeast Asian mother-daughter duo. They’ve built a strong base of regulars,

and the food is authentic, hearty and comforting. Makes you feel at home. Elias Salomonsson, Circl I wouldn’t say it’s underrated, but I feel like Enoteca Boccaccio deserves even more love. It’s my local, and everything about it just works: fantastic food, a wine list you could explore for days, and a team that genuinely cares. More people should experience it. Coşkun Uysal, Tulum Suze in Fitzroy. It’s such an energetic, fun place with great European-style bistro food and wine. I often go there for

Sunday lunch with my partner, and we always start with the pillowy focaccia and house-made bresaola. Sitting upstairs and watching the chefs cook just makes the whole experience even better. Brigitte Hafner, Tedesca Osteria Philippe Mouchel’s restaurant, Philippe. It’s easy for people to forget what a master he is! Jett Alexander, Osteria Ilaria Fratellino Pizzeria. It’s five minutes away from my house. Big lights. Woodfired pizza. What else can I say? My go-to is the piccante. Nornie Bero, Native Ingredients Every Day author Panda Hot

Pot. The food is incredible, and it’s such a fun experience, but I don’t think it gets nearly enough credit for the quality and creativity that goes into what they do. Charlie Duffy, Daybaker If you know me, you’ve heard this before, but A Boy Named Sue in St Andrews is just the best. Delicious pizza, a beautiful location overlooking produce grown in the gardens. On a warm summer evening, there’s nowhere better. Junda Khoo, Ho Jiak Master Noodles in Midcity Centre for the pork

belly and green chilli rice with everything from the free-flowing condiment bar. Frankie Hadid, Arnold’s Not sure if it’s underrated, I just want everyone to go to Pizza Elettrica in Thornbury. I think about the New Haven pie at least once a week. Shannon Martinez, Smith & Daughters and Smith & Deli Hofbrauhaus! I honestly love this place so much. It’s such a fun vibe, the food is delicious, the portions are huge and the beer selection is fantastic. Andy Allen, Masterchef judge Lagoon Dining.

I don’t think it’s underrated, but maybe under-visited. The food is spicy and zingy. Every dish on the menu is a banger. Hyoju Park, Madeleine de Proust Jang Go Mama. They make the best big and fat kimbap: the tuna mayo, spicy squid and the spicy beef kimbap are the ones to order. Albin Lawang, Pecks Road Tom Toon. It’s a Thai restaurant in Abbotsford and an authentic hidden gem with service that’s second to none. Ross Lusted, Marmelo Kakilang Char Koay Teow on Bourke

Street. Penang-style flat rice noodles with the perfect amount of wok hei. And they have Malaysian-style coffee. Diana Desensi, Delmonte I’d have to say Yakamoz on Lygon Street. It’s a Turkish restaurant that’s quietly doing something special. The food is incredibly wholesome and deeply satisfying. You can taste the care and tradition behind every dish and it delivers comfort and quality in a really genuine way. The flavours are honest, and there’s a real sense of hospitality that makes the whole experience feel special. Frankie

Cox, Crop The Local Drop in Collingwood. The wine program is unbelievable. You can drink champagne with no corkage on takeaway prices, and they have some amazing, hard-to-find bottles. Fhred Batalona, Palay Punjabi Curry Cafe in Collingwood. They have the best butter chicken and rogan josh I’ve had in Melbourne. Helly Raichura, Enter Via Laundry People should be queuing up for Keat Lee’s food at Lagoon Dining, a very important place in Melbourne’s culinary scene. The honesty of the food is genius, the detailed house-made

sauces and stocks build perfect bites and make some of the most satisfying eats in Melbourne. My favourite dishes there are chrysanthemum salad with tofu and pine nuts, spicy potato salad, octopus skewers, anything Keat is cooking in the wok (which rotates seasonally) and a delicious glass of wine picked by [co-owner] Chris [Lerch]. Kay-Lene Tan, Yugen and Omnia Sushi Bar Kakizaki on Malvern Road. I don’t often hear people talk about them, but it’s worth a visit. It’s a quaint little omakase sushi bar

that never fails to surprise and delight. I’ve loved the intimate dining experience and fresh selections of sushi every time I’ve gone to visit. Clinton McIver, Amaru and Auterra There’s a little spot in Brighton called Bottarga on Martin Street. The culurgiones [stuffed pasta] are a surprising addition to the menu, but they say so much about the heart and thoughtfulness behind the team.

Melbourne restaurants, underrated restaurants, local chefs, dining, bars, cafes, Bistra, Public Wine Shop, Lagoon Dining, Bottarga