Venture into Melbourne’s hidden spaces and iconic laneways to find an eclectic nightlife, sensational food and wine, a dynamic arts scene and much more. Often considered the culinary capital of the country, Melbourne dishes up everything on the plate from every cuisine imaginable.
As we celebrate 2023 Chef Hat award-winning restaurants around the country and the enormous effort they put in every day to serve sensational produce in memorable dishes, here are five must-visit Melbourne city dining destinations on our list:
What started as a boat trip through Asia to discover hidden food gems has culminated in a craft beer and foodie heaven known as Kekou (13), on Bridge Road in Richmond's trendy dining strip. Rocking a light-filled, chic space inside a 120-year-old building fitted out to preserve its historic charm with polished concrete, rustic brick, splashes of greenery and furniture made from recycled railway sleepers, Kekou is the definitive place to see and be seen.
Rotating craft beer and Eastern offerings are on a menu made for sharing, from small bites of yellowfin tuna kinilaw with toasted brioche, macadamia taojiew and calamansi to mains like braised beef cheek, with coconut gravy, sambal mangga, three pak-chee and jasmine rice.
Bringing harmony, unity and binding people together through food is the aim of Komeyui Japanese Restaurant (13) on Ferrars Street in South Melbourne. Hailing from a fishing village in Hokkaido, Executive Chef and owner Motomu Kumano brought with him discipline and perfection for authentic, handmade Japanese cuisine.
Gather friends and family around the table in sleek and trendy minimalist surrounds of black leather, potted greenery and floral arrangements, to share dishes like Wagyu beef tataki, leek, potato and citrus dressing; moving onto larger plates of grilled miso glacier toothfish or sweet soy glazed chicken thigh with yuzu-takuan yoghurt.
Changing the perception, head to Atta Restaurant (12) on Victoria Avenue in Albert Park for food to stimulate the senses. This Melbourne restaurant offers classic dishes from all corners of India with a modern twist in stylish surrounds of white beamed ceilings and archways, blond wood tables and flowers.
The Chefs at Atta believe from preparation to presentation, food should not only please the palate but also the eye; think entrées like twice-cooked salmon, pickled spiced marination and mustard-tempered coconut chutney, before mains of King prawns, coconut milk, tempered mustard, sun-dried chillies, tomato and onion gravy.
Situated in the heart of Melbourne City, Chef Hat-awarded Kenzan Japanese Restaurant (12) is a destination for authentic Japanese dining. Since opening its doors in 1981, this oriental restaurant takes you away from the rush of Collins Street into a relaxed setting of mood lighting, wooden fixtures and warm neutral colours.
Encompassing a selection of fresh sushi, sashimi and traditional mains, Kenzan's extensive menu highlights a diverse array of large and small options.; choose from entrées like steamed prawn dumplings or deep-fired chicken, before mains such as grilled eel with sweet soya sauce, served on a bed of rice.
From Bangkok to Borneo, Melbourne restaurant Miss Mi (12) takes you on a culinary journey across Asia, exploring traditional ingredients, iconic flavours and enticing aromas. Located in the Mövenpick Hotel on the corner of Godfrey and Bourke Streets, enter an exotic interior of vibrant wall murals, warmly glowing lighting, an open bar and couches for chilling with a Vietnamese Espresso martini.
Miss Mi’s diverse culinary team presents a menu that reimagines Asian cuisine with signature dishes like cured ora King salmon, kampot pepper, pomelo and coconut curry; while from the grill come dishes like kangaroo skewers with mango ensalada, bagoong and lardo, along with Black Angus Scotch fillet, Thai salad and nam jim.
