Mentioned by A Taste of Travel
6 Fun Melbourne Restaurants
"The scene: Inspired by unusual flavour combinations that surprise and charm the palate, Ezard has been serving Australian freestyle cuisine for over 17 years, tucked away in the basement of the Adelphi Hotel, along one of the city’s most eclectic streets. The whitewashed walls, crisp linen tablecloths and courteous staff all point to a fine dining restaurant, but the cuisine is a lot more exciting and fun than you might expect from such an elegant dining venue. Using only the finest local and seasonal produce, Teage Ezard creates a selection of tantalising menus from weekday express lunches and pre-theatre dinners to sophisticated a la carte offerings and an eight-course tasting menu with complementary wines to match."
"Opened in 2006 by restaurateur Teage Ezard, Gingerboy is the younger, sprightlier sibling to the Australian freestyle restaurant EZARD in Flinders Lane. Steering towards hawker-style street food with a modern-Australian twist, Gingerboy delivers seasonal menus that pack a punch. Must-try meals include the son-in-law eggs, twice-cooked pork belly with plum and ginger relish and green apple slaw, and the salt and pepper chicken spare rib."
"After more than 20 years, chef Teage Ezard’s eponymous dining room is still among the city’s most acclaimed. His artful fusion of French and Asian cuisines is best experienced with an eight-course degustation (including vegetarian and vegan versions). Only got time or funds for EZARD’s well-priced express lunch or pre-theatre tasting menu?"
"The scene: Set in the heart of Melbourne’s most dynamic culinary precinct, Coda has established itself as a lively and innovative addition to the city’s best fine dining restaurants. Best known for its high-octane energy which billows out the doorway and enticing passers-by to enter, this eatery flaunts a simple, strikingly modern interior, with exposed lightbulbs, wire mesh screens and aluminium-framed windows. The cuisine here is just as contemporary and diverse as the surroundings, with a broad selection of French-Vietnamese plates and a handful of Australian dishes on the menu."
"Explore the galleries before sitting down to lunch at one of the many restaurants on nearby Flinders Lane – Chin Chin and Coda are both standouts. AfternoonMelbourne's city centre is threaded with cobbled laneways, where you could easily lose yourself over a few hours. In these 19th century arcades and alleyways reinvigorated with world-famous street art, you'll find hidden gems at every turn. Enter at Degraves Street, which is lined with cafés and coffee shops, then cross Collins Street to visit the exquisite, 1892-built Block Arcade."
"Style / Ambiance: As international as Melbourne itself, Adam d’Sylva’s smart bistro has an eclectic menu that ranges from rabbit rillettes with sourdough, to tender roast duck in tamarind-scented yellow curry. The bustling bar area serves wines by the glass and shareable small plates. The minimalistic dining room has artfully distressed walls, wire and mesh light fixtures and chic aluminum window treatments designed by Melbourne studio Projects of Imagination."
"This little street kitchen seamlessly churns sensational fodder behind RMIT’s city campus. For those with a fear of meat, think of barbecue pork bao, chicken bao, and even a shiitake and tofu bao. Wonderbao is great for a lunch hit or for a quick cure to your three-thirty-itis cup of homemade soy milk."
"Nothing, especially when the vegetarian options are as good as those for meateaters. Grab one filled with fried silky tofu, coriander and crushed peanuts and your day will be complete. Did we mention they’re also a bargain at less than three bucks a bun."
"The Crown’s resident luxe Chinese restaurant Silks offers some of the best Yum Cha in Melbourne every lunchtime on weekdays. This isn’t your standard eat as much as you can handle feeding frenzy type affair, Silks offers a dignified take on the Yum Cha experience. $50 will get you a choice of three premium dishes – the delicate lobster, ginger & green onion dumpling is a crowd pleaser – plus noodles or congee and a drink."
"Experience the art of Chinese cuisine at renowned Melbourne restaurant Silks, as our expert chefs take you on a journey of discovery based on excellent food, impeccable service, and an elegant atmosphere."
"OKAMI is a great place to eat, combining a cozy atmosphere with fresh-made traditional Japanese food. OKAMI Japanese buffets Melbourne is the best choice of restaurants for both families and singles. The creation of the unique and innovative fine dining atmosphere as well as style will differentiate make it stand apart from the buffet restaurant in Melbourne."
"A destination for those who eat to the beat of their own drum, Melbourne’s Salted Egg on Flinders Lane delivers a dining experience where knowledge and authenticity have a seat at the table."
"An iconic eatery in an unknown laneway tucked behind mysterious neon. Lucy Liu has taken hiding their door to a whole new level. Seek them out to be rewarded by juicy dumplings, top tier sashimi and creamy chocolate pave with peanut butter ice cream."
"It's not as weird as it sounds, and in fact is super-refreshing. The design forces 12 jets of water onto separate muscle groups while a cascade of rain-like shower and steam comes from above. Chuan at the Langham also offers a spacious salt-water jacuzzi with views over Flinders Street Station, a cleansing sauna, and steam room, all designed to create an ambience of tranquillity for both contemplation and inspiration."
"For when life demands the exceptional" is their tagline and they don't disappoint!. From the tranquil sorrounds to the ultimate in private pampering suites, Australia's most exclusive and sophisticated day spa delivers you an indulgent experience that's hard to beat. Treatments are performed by a team of expert professional spa therapists using La Prairie treatments designed to soothe and revitalise body, mind and soul."
"Why: Hoppers are a Sri Lankan pancake made with fermented rice flour and coconut milk. They're bowl-shaped so you can fill them with curry and sambal, tearing off crisp shards and mopping up as you go. The menu jumps around a bit – there's a beetroot hopper with Vegemite and avocado, and another with bacon crumb and baked beans – but there's much to be said for the classic version ($14) with dhal, coconut sambal and spiced onion."