There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of pasta, a glass of Sangiovese, and a heaping spoon of tiramisu to transport you straight to Italy—no passport required. Melbourne is home to some of the country’s most beloved old-school Italian diners, from time-honoured institutions to family-run gems that have stood the test of time.

Tiamo

A Lygon Street institution, Tiamo is a warm, bustling bistro that hasn’t changed much in decades—and that’s exactly why locals love it. Open seven days a week, it’s a go-to for everything from comforting pasta to hearty meat dishes. Highlights include the indulgent four-cheese gnocchi and the char-grilled eye fillet with porcini mushroom ragu. Don’t skip the daily specials on the blackboard, and for those with dietary needs, gluten-free pizza and pasta options are available.

Pellegrini’s

For a slice of Melbourne’s Italian soul, there’s nowhere quite like Pellegrini’s. This legendary spot is a living piece of local history, beloved for its no-fuss charm, heartfelt hospitality, and strong short blacks. Take a seat at the iconic curved bar for a simple bowl of spaghetti, or enjoy the city buzz from the outdoor tables—one of which pays tribute to the late, much-loved co-owner Sisto Malaspina.

Grossi Florentino

Grossi Florentino is a pillar of Italian fine dining in Melbourne. Choose your vibe: the relaxed charm of the Cellar Bar, the classic flavours at the Grill, or the elegant, upstairs Florentino dining room. The latter offers a refined experience where Italian culinary traditions meet contemporary technique, all delivered with warm, attentive service.

La Spaghettata

A family favourite for decades, La Spaghettata is a cornerstone of Lygon Street’s Italian dining scene. The menu is stacked with comforting classics—think chicken cacciatore, veal parmigiana, and steak Diana. Pasta lovers will be spoiled for choice with options like gnocchi bocconcini, penne pesto, tortellini funghi, and a standout spaghetti crab.

Hotpot is having a moment in Melbourne, and it goes far beyond traditional Chinese styles. Whether you’re craving something fiery, meaty, or seafood-rich, here’s your go-to guide to the city’s hottest hotpot experiences this winter.

Korean Hotpot

Korean hotpot takes many forms, but budae jjigae (army stew) and jeongol are the most iconic. Budae jjigae, typically bubbling over an open flame, is rich and hearty. For a build-your-own feast, check out MEATing on Bourke Street. Their all-you-can-eat deals, priced between $35 and $50 per person, let you customise your meal with cult-favourite instant noodles, sausages, kimchi, and an array of meats.

Sichuan Hotpot

Across China, hotpot varies by region—but Sichuan-style is Melbourne’s most popular. Known for its fiery mala broth, this version uses Sichuan chillies for a bold, numbing heat. Butter adds depth to the soup, while sesame oil is the go-to dip to balance the spice. Local legends like Dainty Sichuan Hotpot and Panda Hotpot draw loyal fans for good reason.

Mongolian Hotpot

Chinese hotpot has its roots in Mongolian cooking, where paper-thin lamb slices are the highlight. At Happy Lamb on Exhibition Street, you’ll find a rich, marrow-infused broth simmered for eight hours. Choose from six soup bases, premium lamb cuts, seafood balls, and handmade pastes for a deeply satisfying meal.

Vietnamese Hotpot (Lẩu)

Rooted in Chinese steamboat traditions, Vietnamese lẩu is a flavourful and social experience. Hawker Boys on Hardware Lane brings it to life with rare beef slices, mushrooms, fish cakes, and fresh seasonal vegetables. The vibrant décor—complete with neon signs and bamboo touches—matches the energy of the food. A vegan broth option makes it inclusive for all diners.

A wave of exciting new Thai eateries has hit Melbourne, bringing with them bold flavours, rare regional specialties, and irresistible street food vibes. From wallet-friendly eats to authentic Southern Thai spice, these are the latest must-try spots for Thai food lovers.

Thong Thai

 
Melbourne’s “Little Thailand” just got spicier with the arrival of Thong Thai at 18 Bourke Street. Expect serious wok action—think sizzling noodle stir-fries, giant-pan omelettes, and crunchy rice dishes served hot from the skillet. For something more adventurous, try pork spine soup, savoury porridge, or pad hoi la (stir-fried pipis). Wash it all down with longan milk tea, wine, beer or a cocktail from their compact but punchy drinks list.

Teow Teow, Pick Prik & Heng Thai

A buzzing new multi-venue Thai food hall has taken over Bourke Street, and the growing queues say it all. Each eatery inside this lantern-lit space offers its own twist on Thai flavours. Hit up Pick Prik for bold Isan-style eats like soy-marinated crab with fermented fish dressing. Head to Heng Thai with your crew for a sizzling mookata grill experience—a cross between BBQ and hotpot. And for comforting boat noodles, crispy chicken wings, and deep-fried skewers, Teow Teow is your go-to.

Pa Tong Thai

Hidden away in the CBD, Pa Tong Thai brings a taste of Southern Thailand to Melbourne. Inside its cobalt-blue, retro-style interior, you’ll find intense, fiery dishes like sour yellow curry with lotus stems and barramundi. Don’t leave without trying the crispy fried chicken or the haaw mohk fish cakes served in traditional clay pots.

Thai Baan

Looking for flavour without the price tag? Thai Baan delivers with most dishes under $16. Pull up a stool and dig into comforting bowls of pok pok noodles loaded with BBQ pork, tofu, and meatballs. For something fresh, try the zesty lotus root salad with chilli and lime. Sharing with friends? The tom yum hotpot—packed with tofu, veggies, seafood, and noodles—is a spicy, shareable crowd-pleaser.

Khao Man Gai

This family-run gem on Hardware Lane is all about Thailand’s beloved chicken rice. Choose from eight aromatic versions—steamed or fried—all served with chilli, fermented soybean sauce, and a side of warming broth. Khao Man Gai is the perfect place for a quick, authentic street food fix. Don’t forget a Thai milk tea for the full experience.

Kan Eang

Flinders Lane welcomes Kan Eang, a modern Thai diner run by a passionate family team. Pop in at lunchtime for spicy chicken ribs with rice, or go all-in at dinner with their $50 “feed-me” menu featuring the chef’s top picks. Looking to save? Tuesdays offer 2-for-1 cocktails, while Wednesdays and Thursdays feature bottomless beer happy hour.