PUBLISHED 19 NOVEMBER 2021, 3:00 AM UPDATED 26 NOVEMBER 2021, 1:15 PM From hole-in-the-wall eateries to swanky cocktail bars, there’s a plethora of awesome places to eat and drink in Melbourne’s CBD. Here are our recommendations for 2021. With the easing of restrictions in Melbourne, one thing is for sure: we are ready to eat and drink out again. It may require a little more planning, with the need for bookings and timed entries, but a good dining experience is worth the added effort. We’ve scoured the CBD to put together our favourite eateries and bars for you to consider for your next CBD adventure. Cuisines range from Japanese to modern Australian, with everything in between. There are casual eateries, perfect for a quick bite, as well as more formal establishments for a special occasion. Our list features a mix of old favourites along with some of the newer kids on the block that are quickly making a name for themselves. So, what are you waiting for? Get your taste buds ready for some of Melbourne’s best. Plus, at the end of the article, there’s a guide to navigating the CBD’s many laneways. The CBD restaurant scene: Our current top picks [Image of Hawker Chan] Hawker Chan Michelin-starred street food is not something you would usually associate with Melbourne’s CBD, but here it is. Hawker Chan offers up delicious, no-frills chicken rice and soya sauce chicken for an incredibly reasonable price. [Image of Supernormal] Supernormal Picture: Simon Shiff Supernormal is one of those restaurants that needs no introduction. Consistently voted Melbourne’s best, the modern Australian menu is overseen by culinary director Andrew McConnell and changes seasonally, but one thing is for sure – you can always expect a great meal. [Image of Chin Chin] Chin Chin Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen You can’t have a list of best CBD eateries and not include Chin Chin. After all, it is regularly voted one of the world’s top restaurants. The menu draws inspiration from Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam, resulting in dishes that are big on flavour and perfect for sharing. [Image of MoVida] MoVida Picture: Supplied If you’re looking for great Spanish food in the CBD, look no further than MoVida. The award-winning restaurant has a menu filled with authentic dishes, such as the must-try MoVida potato tortilla. [Image of Il Bacaro] Il Bacaro Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen For a great Italian meal in the CBD, Il Bacaro is the place to go. The focus is on traditional and rustic Venetian cuisine, with a menu that changes seasonally. They’ve recently added a new lunchtime dining option – the Casa & Co menu. [Image of Cumulus Inc] Cumulus Inc Picture: Supplied Another Andrew McConnell restaurant, this time inspired by Melbourne’s iconic Flinders Street. The menu is produce-driven and changes daily, ensuring the freshest seasonal ingredients are used. [Image of Tokyo Tina] Tokyo Tina Picture: Supplied Tokyo Tina gets its culinary inspiration from Tokyo’s vibrant dining scene. The menu features traditional dishes alongside new creations by chef Tina. It’s a great place to go for a casual meal or a more formal degustation in the evening. [Image of The Hardware Société] The Hardware Société Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen The Hardware Société is a CBD institution, loved by locals and tourists alike. The all-day dining menu features breakfast favourites, brunch classics and lunch options. [Image of Hihou] Hihou Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen Hihou is a Melbourne institution. It’s a great place to go for Chinese food at all hours of the day. The menu features traditional dishes as well as contemporary creations by award-winning chef Raymond Capaldi. [Image of Tipo 00] Tipo 00 Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen A Melbourne institution, Tipo 00 is known for its pizzas, which are made with 48-hour fermented dough and authentic Italian ingredients. In addition to pizza, there’s a range of antipasti, pasta and mains to choose from. [Image of Rice Paper Scissors] Rice Paper Scissors Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen Rice Paper Scissors is a Vietnamese street-food restaurant, serving up delicious and authentic dishes in a casual and vibrant setting. It’s a great place to go for a quick and easy meal. [Image of Byrdi] Byrdi Picture: Supplied Byrdi is a modern Australian restaurant with a focus on seasonal and sustainable produce. The menu changes regularly, but you can always expect innovative and flavourful dishes. [Image of Belleville] Belleville Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen For classic French food with a modern twist, head to Belleville. The menu features dishes such as steak frites, escargots and crème brûlée. [Image of Embla] Embla Picture: Supplied Embla has made its mark on the CBD dining scene with its innovative and unique take on Australian cuisine. The menu is produce-driven and changes seasonally. [Image of Nieuw Amsterdam] Nieuw Amsterdam Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen Nieuw Amsterdam is a stylish restaurant and bar serving up modern European cuisine. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always expect dishes that are creative and beautifully presented. [Image of Bar Margaux] Bar Margaux Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen Bar Margaux offers a French-inspired menu in a glamorous setting. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always expect classic dishes executed with precision. [Image of Capitano] Capitano Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen Capitano is a modern Italian restaurant serving up delicious and authentic dishes. The menu features a range of pizzas, pasta and mains, all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. [Image of Gimlet] Gimlet Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen Gimlet is a stylish cocktail bar located in the heart of the CBD. The bar has a great selection of cocktails, wine and beer, as well as a small food menu. [Image of The Everleigh] The Everleigh Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen The Everleigh is a world-renowned cocktail bar that is known for its attention to detail and exceptional service. The bar has a great selection of classic and contemporary cocktails, as well as a small food menu. [Image of Above Board] Above Board Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen Above Board is a rooftop bar located in the heart of the CBD. The bar has great views of the city skyline, as well as a selection of cocktails, wine and beer. [Image of The Croft Institute] The Croft Institute Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen The Croft Institute is a hidden gem located in a laneway off Little Bourke Street. The bar has a great selection of cocktails, wine and beer, as well as a small food menu. [Image of Boilermaker House] Boilermaker House Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen Boilermaker House is a beer bar located in the heart of the CBD. The bar has a great selection of craft beers, as well as a small food menu. A guide to Melbourne’s CBD laneways Melbourne’s CBD is home to a plethora of laneways, each with its own unique character and charm. Here’s a guide to some of our favourites. Degraves Street Picture: City of Melbourne This small laneway is full of cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat or a coffee. Centre Place Picture: City of Melbourne Centre Place is a pedestrianised laneway that is home to a number of boutiques and independent shops. It’s a great place to go for a wander and do some shopping. Hosier Lane Picture: Visit Victoria Hosier Lane is one of Melbourne’s most famous laneways, known for its street art. It’s a great place to go for a stroll and admire the ever-changing artwork. Hardware Lane Picture: City of Melbourne Hardware Lane is a narrow laneway filled with restaurants and bars. It’s a great place to go for a drink or a meal, or just to soak up the atmosphere. Union Lane Picture: City of Melbourne Union Lane is a small laneway that is home to a number of independent shops and galleries. It’s a great place to go for a wander and discover something new. Rutledge Lane Picture: Visit Victoria Rutledge Lane is a laneway that is home to a number of restaurants and bars. It’s a great place to go for a meal or a drink, or just to relax and enjoy the ambience. With so many great places to eat and drink in Melbourne’s CBD, it’s hard to know where to start. But with our guide, you can be sure to find the perfect spot for your next outing. So what are you waiting for? Get exploring! This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction..
ZaoBao Food: Food Crawl: Where to eat and drink in Melbourne’s CBD in 2021
