Cheap Places to Eat in Victoria

"Named after a traditional Chinese dance, Flower Drum was established by Gilbert Lau, who wanted to create a fine-dining experience where Australians could taste true Cantonese cuisine. Originally opened on Little Bourke Street in 1975, Flower Drum now sits on Market Lane and features a sprawling dining room as well as private rooms ideal for functions. The highly distinguished restaurant is now led by Executive Chef Anthony Lui, who skillfully executes the 13-page menu, ensuring that every guest leaves with their palate abuzz."

"The retro-glam decor recalls Flower Drum Restaurant’s pinnacle when expense-account lunches were OTT and posh restaurants were few in Melbourne. Yet this Cantonese restaurant is still among the city’s finest, scoring two hats in the 2020 Good Food Guide. From Peking duck to roast suckling pig, delicate flavours and seasonal produce combine to create a decadent menu that will not disappoint."

"With its perfectly unreconstructed décor and a cohort of staff as polished as the lustrous timber-work, the Drum could be mistaken for something frozen in time. But don’t be fooled. You can set your watch by the quality of its Cantonese classics – superb crisp-skinned chicken, Peking duck served with care and outstanding crab."

"ToorakThe gist: Imagine sexy French waiters in white waistcoats, that passionately open Chenin Blanc while rolling their eyes at you as if you ask for anything but medium-rare. Their wine list is a bound folder, and their menu is A3 and laminated, but underneath the novelty of it all is just good old-fashioned French comfort food, cooked to perfection with many dollops of butter. The food: French bistro comfort food.The cost: You can spend as little or as much as you’d like to at France-Soir."

"When it comes to searching for a juicy Melbourne steak, France Soir should be one of the first names that spring to mind. This South Yarra favourite is the burly elder statesman for Melbourne’s meat lovers – dependable, powerful, and truly a master of the game. There’s plenty to chew on at this eternally busy French institution, from the $22 snails served swimming in garlic butter, to the $26 calamari with chorizo and jalapenos."

"Bars Pubs Carlton. The Green Man’s Arms is an Israeli-influenced and 100 per cent vegan and vegetarian pub on the corner of Lygon and Elgin streets. Food at the Arms comes courtesy of Israeli head chef David Raziel who uses serves up an ethical and seasonal selection of dishes."

"This gaucho steakhouse run by a bunch of Melbourne hospo gringos lays its carnivorous scene at the entrance, where some impressive bits of cow sit dry ageing behind glass. The people have spoken, and the people want meat. They want meat in a lair that’s just like being transported to Buenos Aires, where cowhide in its various forms covers the menus and every other available surface."

"Simple Argentine cooking at San Telmo keeps the restaurant bustling. Follow the neon sign to find a vibrant menu filled with share-style dishes."

"The carts roll hard and fast at the Golf Leaf, dispensing everything from the crowd-pleasing dumpling staples to adventurous experiments dripping in XO sauce that’ll keep you on your toes. A stalwart example of the classic speedy and noisy, hustle and bustle Yum Cha experience, the Gold Leaf is the ideal midweek lunch; crack a few baskets, knock back some tea and back to work you go. Address: 10-11 Star Cres, Docklands VIC 3008Phone: +61 3 9670 1128Hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm & 6pm-10pm, Sat 11:30am-3:30pm & 6pm-10pm, Sun 11am-3pm & 6pm-10pm"

"Have the best Chinese in Melbourne at one of the oldest Asian Restaurants in Melbourne by booking a special Gold Leaf dinner. The banquets featured are excellent for groups 4 to 10 and come with Penfolds Bin 8 Shiraz bottles with a sautéed lobster or mud crab consisting of ginger, shallots, and noodles. These people are clearly aware of their audience."

"Located a short stroll away from Hobsons Bay, Pier 71 Bar e Cucina showcases traditional wood-fired pizzas and housemade pastas in a family-friendly environment. With Altona Pier just minutes away fro... Order OnlineBook Now"

"Albert Park, a suburb located right in the south-central of Melbourne, is home to a lovely little beach featuring a sandy, narrow stretch of coastline with safe, sheltered waters that makes it a great choice of beach destination in Melbourne with kids, especially due to how easy it is to reach from most major accommodation spots in the city. Accessible via public transport within around 20 minutes from the Melbourne CBD and situated next to the tram terminal on Victoria Ave, Albert Park Beach eases gently into the shallow and calm waters of Port Phillip Bay, making for ideal swim conditions for kids. The beach is a popular location for all beach-going purposes; not only swimming but sunbathing, windsurfing, kite boarding and walks along the road pier are all viable options to pass the time on the beach, while there are also many walking and bicycle paths that are popular with those rollerblading or simply going for a stroll."

"The long avenues of trees are gorgeous, and it’s also just a lovely shady spot to hang out with your bridal party. This can be a busy spot in November and March, but that’s for good reason. It’s got lots of open spaces as well as little hideaways where you can get away from the world too."

"Right in the centre of the city, Fitzroy Gardens is perfect for a leisurely family stroll. Tell the kids that they can visit the Fairy Tree and I am sure they will not mind the miles. Not far from there, they can then explore the mini Tudor Village which is simply adorable."

"The Australian Centre for the Moving Image is ‘Australia’s only national museum of film, video games, digital culture and art,’ and features two cinemas, exhibition spaces and the permanent and ever-evolving exhibit Screen Worlds. See Cate Blanchett’s Oscar, props from Baz Lurhmann’s Moulin Rouge and costumes from Kylie Minogue, Dame Edna and Heath Ledger. Visit the Time Slice room, gawk at the Zoetrope and discover the magic behind the moving image and digital culture."

"This is Melbourne's cultural heart, home to cutting-edge art at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and an extensive range of Aboriginal works at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. 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."

"has only been open a few years, but it has become one of the world’s leading moving image centres and is internationally recognised for its commitment to bringing excellence and innovationin world film and digital media. There are various exhibitions that are always worthwhile and screenings of various film. A very active Melbourne museum!"

"Spend the day hopping between eclectic cafes and small shops, and explore iconic places such as the State Parliament buildings, Shrine of Remembrance, Federation Square, Arts Centre, Yarra River, Fitzroy Garden and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Take advantage of the free tram service around the City Circle loop to get around!"

"This is one of those spots which only really works when there is some cloud in the sky to light up. With the sunsetting to the far left, when conditions are right the colours in the sky over Flinders Street Station, St Paul’s Cathedral and high rises beyond can be spectacular."