Foodies and Melbourne is a good partnership. There are just so many good dishes to try here and there are so many places off the beaten track that you may never get to discover. I think food in Melbourne is generally above the average quality worldwide so if you’re bang in the centre e.g. in Federation Square you will not be short of restaurants to try.
Federation Square (or Fed Square as most know it) is a busy hub of culture, art, and events, it’s usually central to Melbourne’s events calendar. It is conveniently sat just across the road from Melbourne’s main Flinders Street Station so it’s an ideal place to start your Melburnian food hunt.
This area is surrounded by some of the best eats the city has to offer, but they’re not always obvious. I think that’s the beauty of it though, not being overrun by tourists. If you’re craving some international flavours or classic Aussie tucker, the restaurants near Federation Square cover so many nationalities so it’ll cater to Aunty Tracey who wants some hearty roast beef, or your friend Emily who fancies some contemporary Asian.
Here are 10 restaurants near Federation Square that will get your tastebuds dancing.
1. Movida
Address: 1 Hosier Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
We can’t make a Melbourne restaurant list without mentioning Movida. If you haven’t experienced the amazing Spanish tapas at Movida, you’re definitely missing out! Tucked away in the famous Hosier Lane, which is practically metres away from Fed Square, this restaurant is a feast for both your eyes and your stomach.
They have some excellent crispy calamari, creamy croquettes, and the juiciest jamón you’ve ever tasted. It’s rustic but cool. The variety of flavours and textures is probably its main strength so if you fancy few plate shares small or large then it’s spot on
2. Chin Chin
Address: 125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Chin Chin is a proper buzz in Melbourne’s dining scene. It comes to life in the evening when the Thai-inspired gem is always packed. That’s always a good sign, right? The flavours are bold, fiery e.g. the zingy kingfish sashimi and the rich, spicy green curry are two examples of very different but memorable dishes.
The atmosphere is electric,it’s not just the food either. In my opinion the cocktails are top-notch, so each visit is an adventure. If you’re wandering in you might need to get in early to snag yourself a table.
3. Cumulus Inc.
Address: 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Cumulus Inc is another Flinders Lane gem. It’s an all-day eatery with a menu boasting all the best fresh, seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re stopping by for a morning croissant or a nice hearty slow-cooked lamb dish, every dish is a work of art, visually and taste-wise. It’s a nice, spacious restaurant so a good place off the busy streets to soak up the Melbourne vibe.
4. Supernormal
Address: 180 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
For a modern take on Asian cuisine, Supernormal is your go-to. This modern but simple minimalist restaurant serves up everything from buttery lobster rolls to tender pork bao, with a Japanese twist. The menu is designed for sharing, so it’s ideal if you’re bringing a few people along as you get to try more. Don’t leave without trying the peanut butter parfait – it’s legendary!
5. Bistro Guiilaume
Address: 8, Riverside, Crown Melbourne, Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006
Ok so it’s a little further away from Fed Square than the others but I have to stick this in here as it’s one of my favourite restaurants in Melbourne. Fancy a little slice of Paris in the heart of Melbourne?
Bistro Guillaume is the place to be. It’s an upmarket, elegant restaurant and it offers the best of French cuisine, from the best buttery Paris mash to decadent crème brûlée. The service is impeccable, the wine list is strong, and the riverside setting lets you take in the Yarra River and the evening flames of the Southbank.
6. Taxi Kitchen
Address: Federation Square, Melbourne VIC 3000
Perched above Fed Square with stunning views of the Yarra River, Taxi Kitchen is a mix of English, Australian and Asian cuisine. Think locally sourced produce and creative flavour combo’s.
It’s practically on Fed Square so it has a lively enough atmosphere too. The crispy skin duck and the chargrilled steak are standout highlights for me. It’s got the views to match and is great for a group setting.
7. Tonka
Address: 20 Duckboard Place, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hidden down one of Melbourne’s notorious hidden laneways, Tonka is another hidden gem. This modern Indian restaurant is all about the spices and stand-out flavours. I enjoyed the tender lamb curry and the tangy chicken tikka. The modern décor adds to the experience, making it a must-visit spot.
8. Makan
360 Collins St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia
Another one of my favourites in value for money. Makan is an Indonesian restaurant in the heart of Melbourne CBD by Tasia & Gracia Seger, the winner of television cooking show My Kitchen Rules 2016! I always like to bring a group here. See below.
Here it’s all about the colourful ingredients and intensely flavoured dishes, the Wagyu beef rendang and the fried duck are amazing. Yes it’s hidden down another somewhat difficult-to-find laneway (aren’t they all?) but it’s a more intimate retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD.
9. Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar
Address: 23 Oliver Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Lucy Liu is where the party’s at! Loved by many Melburnians, this Asian restaurant is all about fun, exciting flavours, and brilliant cocktails. The menu is a mash-up of Asian influences, with dishes like sticky pork bao, fresh sashimi, and spicy Korean fried chicken.
The music here is loud and lively so if you’re looking for a quiet meal it might not be your thing but if you’re looking for a tasty start to a night out then I think it’s ideal.
10. Rare Steakhouse Uptown
61 Little Collins St Shop 6, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
This steakhouse is very high quality but very reasonably priced too. It’s committed to serving premium quality produce in a welcoming environment, it is graded by Meat Standards of Australia for its cut and quality all grilled to perfection. So if you love a good steak then this is the place for you and you can do it without breaking the bank.
11. Il Solito Posto
Address: 113 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
For a calmer, more traditional Italian experience, Il Solito Posto is your go-to. This charming restaurant feels like a home away from home, with warm, rustic décor and a menu full of the regular Italian classics. From handmade pasta to rich risottos and perfectly cooked steaks, even if you’re not into Italian, you can be turned in here.
Tasty wrap-up
There we go! Hopefully, that sorts you out with plenty of food options while roaming around Fed Square. 11 incredible restaurants near Federation Square that are just waiting to be visited.
Whether you’re in the mood for tapas, Thai, or a taste of Italy, this corner of Melbourne has something for every craving. Get stuck in and taste the best of Melbourne’s hidden gems.